Jardines de la Reina

Named the Queen's Gardens by Christopher Columbus.

The Jardines de la Reina is major chain of islands off Cuba's Southeastern Coast, which is 125 miles long - very similar in distance and size to the Florida Keys. The area of the JDR that we fish is approximately 2600 square miles, a vast offshore wilderness, where you will never see another angler most days, other than people in your own group. Our live aboard houseboat, Tortuga, takes up to 14 anglers, utilizing 7skiffs. Fishing this huge area, roughly equivalent to the Florida Keys from Key Largo to Key West, a distance of 90 miles, with an average of only 7 skiffs on the water each day! Many of the good flats are fished only once every couple of weeks, and there are areas of the JDR that have still never been fished by sport fishermen! With this much water to fish, the guides are able to spread the fishing pressure around so that the fish remain quite easy to catch in comparison to more heavily fished destinations.

You will talk with your guide the evening before and plan on what you would like to do the following day. This is often dependant on the weather, the tides, and also what fish the anglers prefer to target that day. With such a huge amount of water available, it is easy to spread all the anglers out in the fishing area where everyone will be in superb water. There are no restrictions on where you can go or what you can fish for.

Your fishing day in the Jardines de la Reina is completely flexible. Often the guides will run back to the "mother ship" for a nice lunch and a chance to relax and then go out and fish until close to dark. If you prefer to spend the whole day on the water, you simply set this up the night before with your guide so that a nice "boat lunch" can be prepared for the following day. Our guides are hard working fellows, and often end up fishing from early morning to dusk. A nine hour fishing day is probably average, but some days we'll get up and fish for tarpon at 5:30 AM, come back for breakfast and then take off the rest of the day and fish until dark. The guides are enthusiastic and love to fish long days. Ten and even twelve hour fishing days are not uncommon. Just remember to give your guide a larger tip if you are fishing long hours.

If you would like to do some night fishing, just let your guide know and special arrangements can be made to do this after dinner. If a full day of fishing has not tired you out, you can have some spectacular fishing for tarpon, jacks and other fish at night in the JDR, especially with bait on spinning rods.

The fishing for baby Tarpon (fish in the 15-40 pound class) is spectacular. It's not unusual for clients to catch 10-15 or more in a day. Larger Tarpon, up to 85 pounds and some up to 110 pounds, especially in the late spring and summer months can be found. The most fun though, is catching good numbers of baby Tarpon, perfect fish for a ten weight rod. These fish are found on vast ocean side flats, as well as in the many channels that connect the ocean with the backcountry.

The island system is also teeming with spectacular Bonefish flats, many of which can be waded. Bones average 3-4 pounds but on some flats you will see much larger fish, many in the 6-8 pound class with a few as large as 12 pounds. In some of the more remote areas in the JDR, you will be fishing for Bonefish where very few, IF ANY, anglers have EVER fished for Bones! They are so unafraid, that 4-5 pound Bonefish will cruise right up to within a few feet of the flats skiff!

Permit are very common in the JDR, and these are "Florida sized" Permit, with many fish in the 25-35 pound class. Most of the Permit are found on flats closer to the deep water and the reef, on the ocean side of the island system, but there are many good Permit flats in the backcountry. Also If anglers devotes a few hours, during the best tides, to fishing for Permit, it is not unusual for them to get up to a dozen good shots at Permit, and a lot of these will be singles, doubles and small groups of big fish.

The large variety of flats fish and reef fish available make the JDR the finest destination in the World if you enjoy catching a variety of fish. Not only do you have the big three (Bonefish, Tarpon and Permit) but the JDR is perhaps the last place in the world where you can catch big Mutton Snappers on the flats, like you could in Florida forty years ago!

In addition to Muttons, there are lots of Jacks and some are huge. The largest Jacks are the Jack Crevalle, and it is not unusual to see twenty pound plus Jacks cruising the flats, eating everything in their path! Big Horse Eye Jacks are common - up to 14 pounds. There are Yellow Jacks (great for Sashimi) as well as schools of Bar Jacks and
Yellowtail Snappers.

Out along the reef, there are a huge number of big Snappers, and Grouper, including World Record size Cubera Snapper. Anglers that troll or bait fish along the reef will hook some huge Snappers and Groupers that they will never land. The big Goliath Groupers (Jewfish) up to 5-6 feet long, for 300/400pounds, are common.  The Sharks and Cudas are lots of fun to catch on the flats, and they can be caught easily by fly fishing on a variety of poppers utilizing wire tippets. Silky Sharks in the 3-5 foot range are very common and can also be easily caught while fly fishing.

Your trip begins in Havana, Cuba's capital, providing a great opportunity while visiting this great country to experience all of its history and culture, before moving down to the port of Jukro (Huckers) where you catch a ferry out to our mother ship.

What our customers have to say: "We had a great time and you where spot on with the Bonefish, it was just amazing." Dr T Smith "The fishing and area was just so unspoilt, I know its a trek each morning but everyday was worth it ten times over, we will be back soon. " Darren Hope. "Got my first Bonefish over 10lb, something I will never forget and ever thank you enough for. "Pat & Julie Roy. "Thank you to all the guides for taking good care of us all, I got a Tarpon to stick and stay on in the end. I think i was driving the guides mad but they never showed it. Great fun see you next time." Richard Foster "Caught my first Tarpon on the fly, not massive but a 20lb it was a great way to start, another great memory with you guy's thanks again. " Paul Hatchet. "I just never want to stop, watching Tarpon busting and rolling just under my flies, has to be the best way of fishing in the world, top trip. "Gary Blaine .

For both your first and last night you will be staying in Havana. Note if you wish to extend your tour you can have additional days in Havana to see more of this beautiful country.

Hotel Parque Central Havana Cuba

B/B

As a sign of modernity and distinction raises the Hotel Parque Central in the middle of heart of the legendary and historical center of the city of the Havana, leaving to the light some vestiges of other times, transformed into arcades that didn't want to give to the unshakable step of the time. The Hotel Parque Central occupies the whole block of the street Neptune between the interceptions of Padro and Zulueta, in front of the Parque Central, thanks to its excellent location, the main tourist attractions of the old Havana are very close to this hotel.

Hotel Parque Central Rooms, with fabulous views of Old Havana are very comfortable and roomy with a soft one carpeted, comfortable upholstered seats, double glasses that provide an escape to the high levels of noise, wooden furniture of classic style and a well designed illumination characterize to the rooms of the Hotel Parque Central, almost all have a fabulous view to the Parque Central, the famous Walk of the Grassland and to the buildings with Baroque style and Rococo that surround it.

The Hotel Parque Central has 277 rooms divided in Standard 234 Double Rooms, 13 Superior Rooms, 11 Junior Suite, 12 Suites, 6 Master Suite and 1 Presidential Suite.

The Junior Suites in the Hotel Parque Central follows the same stylistic lines that the rooms standard and the superior rooms, but they have an area of being quite big and two French windows with excellent views of the Walk of the Grassland or of the Parque Central. The area of the bedroom has little privacy regarding the area of being for what these rooms are not ideal for meetings of business. The bathrooms are big with double lavamanos in a marble support.

The Suites Master in the Parque Central is those that can be used for parties, meetings, etc. without the companies or the partners feel that you have invited them to your bedroom. The Suites consist on three separate rooms. An attractive living room very near the door with their bathroom for companies. Then it is the room to have dinner or meetings that it includes a desk in the furniture to take place. To the great bedroom one enters through a separate door and you is luxuriously equipped with a floral green carpet, furniture of classic style and the covered window by curtains. The bathrooms are tiled blank, beige and dark red marble, with the area of the bathroom and of the toilet separated from the double lavamanos and the shower.

The Presidential room in the Parque Central is magnificent. With their privileged position above the park has a wonderful view of the noble facades of the surroundings, the exquisite brass goddesses that crown the towers of the Great Theater of Havana and the imposing vault of the Capitol. The vast drawing of the room opens up with a series of French windows on its own balcony that opens up toward the right of the center of the building. The library and the office/meeting place have some well equipped booksellers and the room finds out it equips with old furniture and silk curtains and elegant brocades. He/she also has an area to use as wardrobe and a room of enormous bathroom with a Jacuzzi

La Tortuga.

F/B

A large double Decker floating hotel

While you are our guest in Los Jardines de la Reina, accommodations is on our live-aboard boat La Tortuga : - a large, 110 foot long, double decker floating hotel with seven cabins for guests. The newly refurbished Tortuga ( 2007) is an unbelievably solid boat, made of steel and then anchored in a protected channel, so that it never moves about. The threat of getting seasick is non-existent. This boat doesn't move one inch. The Tortuga normally accommodates 14 anglers, two per room. Each cabin has its own shower with hot water, toilet and individually adjustable high tech air-conditioning system. There’s a large air conditioned dining room downstairs with both a foredeck and afterdeck which makes this a very comfortable home away from home. Food on board combines the flair of the best Continental Italian cuisine, some of the best seafood cuisine and traditional Cuban favorites like rice and beans. Beverages available on board include bottled water, Mineral and Tonic water, various soft drinks, beer, rum and excellent wines. Fresh Water is guaranteed by desalinization (4.000Ltrs / day) and we have generators located on a small island close to the lodge which run twenty four hours providing electricity for plenty of 110 and 220 volt outlets. There are plenty of rod racks and facilities for cleaning tackle at the end of the day. Laundry is also available on a daily basis. For a trip to Cuba it is better to travel light and you can leave all your formal clothes at home. And for those who can just not leave work alone or want to e-mail loved ones we have wireless internet connection available onboard all the time.

On board, our guests will find Fly-Fishing shirts (long and short sleeves), hats and short fishing pants at an outlet price. We remind you that credit cards are not accepted and all your expenses will be charged in CUC (Cuban convertible Pesos that you can change at airport at your arrival or in any bank).

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggest itinerary which can be changed if you so wished to suit your requirements personally.

10 - Days / 6 - Days Guided Fishing

Day 1 (Friday)	Flights are available from Virgin, Iberia and Air France Arrive HAVANA (HAV) PM On Arrival you will walk through the terminal building where outside our representive's will be waiting, holding up your name. They will then transfer you to the Parque Central Hotel in Havana. (Note: The transfer is not included and payable locally) Rest of the evening is yours to either relax or explore Havana's many clubs and bars. Overnight: Accommodation Parque Central Hotel in Havana B/B
Day 2 (Saturday)	4.30 am Meet in the Hotel lobby for your transfer to Jardines de la Reina at Jucaro Port. 10.00 am Ferry transfer out to where the Tortuga is moored. After some refreshing drinks and you have unpacked, Its time to leave for a full afternoons fishing. Overnight: Accommodation Tortuga Floating Hotel F/B
Day 3 to 7 (Sunday to Thursday)	7.00 am Wake-Up call 7.30 Breakfast 8.00 Depart with guides for your full days fishing Note: Schedule can be changed according to your preferences and your guides suggestions. Overnight: Accommodation Tortuga Floating Hotel F/B
Day 8 (Friday)	Morning fishing with guide. Lunchtime transfer back to Jucaro Port and then transfer back to Havana. Approximate arrival time back in Havana 8.30 pm. Overnight: Accommodation Parque Central Hotel in Havana B/B
Day 9 (Saturday)	Subject to your flight time arrange a airport transfer with the hotel reception back to Havana airport. Depart HAVANA (HAV)
Day 10 (Sunday)	Arrive London AM

Departure Dates & Prices

Dates	10 days / 6 days fishing
Low season (All year accept the below dates)	From £2,799 pp
High season (1st Feb - 26th June)	From £3,550 pp
Peak season (21st March - 5th June)	From £3,750 pp

Additional Pricing Info:

Note: The above prices are per person and are based on two people sharing accommodation, transfers and fishing. These prices are for guide purposes only. Prices will increase or decrease dependant on number of people sharing accommodation or the fishing.

Whats Included & Excluded

Options Business Class Flight Upgrades.

What's Included International return flights Transfers to / from Jucaro Port and to / from Jardines de la Reina . 2 night's accommodation on B/B basis Hotel Parque Central 6 night’s accommodation La Tortuga F/B 5 Full day/s fishing as indicated on itinerary. 2 half day/s fishing as indicated on itinerary. Fishing License’s Packed lunch while fishing 10 beers, 30 water & soft drinks Marine Park License.

What's Excluded Holiday insurance Personal items Local Tips Local Departure Tax

Enquiries & Bookings

Once you have an idea of what destinations and duration of the holiday you would like, contact one of our consultants on 01603 407596 who will be pleased to assist you with any questions and additional literature you may require to help you finalise your holidays itinerary, availability and prices.

When you are ready to book your holiday, our consultants will take down all particulars and take a deposit payment, please make sure that before making any booking that you have read our terms and conditions. At the time of the booking we will ask you to correctly spell the first and last name of each traveling member, as some flights will need to be ticketed at the time of booking and due to airline regulations no name changes can be made, once a ticket has been issued. On receipt of the deposit we will send the lead booker a “Booking Form” and a deposit receipt invoice which becomes the legal contract between Angling Direct Holidays and your party

Tackle Required
Want to talk to our Hardy travel consultant

One Bonefish rod, a 9-foot rod for #7, 8 or 9 weight line.  An 8-weight rod is perfect as many of the bones are in the 3-6 lb. class and there is a lot of wind to contend with.   On this rod you will want a good bonefish reel with enough capacity for the line and 200 yards of 20 lb backing.   You need only a floating line.  Be sure to bring a back up floating line for bonefish.  There is some coral on the Ocean side flats, and many flats have small mangrove roots and shoots that the bonefish run through and around and this can shred a fly line.
 
Bring one back up rod for bonefish in case of breakage.

Two -  9’ #10 Rods – since there are so many species of fish in the JDR, it helps to bring two 10 weight rods.  Then you can set one up specifically for permit, and have another set up for baby tarpon or Barracuda.    Have individual reels for both these rods.   You will want WF-10-F lines for both rods, but it is a good idea to bring one slow sinking line also.   Attach your lines to backing with loop-to-loop connections making it easy to change lines out on the flats.  Your 10 weight reels should have capacity for the line plus 150-200 yd. of 30 lb. backing. 

One -  9 foot #11 or 12 line rod for big tarpon, especially in the months of May through July when larger tarpon are present. 

For reels, pick a good tarpon reel with enough capacity for a 12 line and 150-200 yards of 30 lb. backing.   A strong, smooth drag is necessary.

For tarpon lines on your 11/12 line rod, you will want both a floating line and an intermediate or slow sink.  All should have loop-to-loop connections to your backing.    Less experienced casters will often do better with a floating line.  There are only a few deeper channels where the slow sink line will work better.  

6 – Bonefish leaders -12 foot 1X or 14 lb.   
2 - Spools of bonefish tippet, 1X and 01X Fluorocarbon. Most of the time the bonefish are not at all leader shy so it is an advantage to use heavier tippet.  Also, in the JDR it is always possible to see and hook really big bones in the 9-12 lb. class.  The heavier tippets will allow you to land many more fish and handle them more easily when releasing them.
6– Permit Leaders 9-12 foot, 16-20 lb. fluorocarbon tippets.
1 - Spool 02X  (20 lb.) Fluorocarbon tippet for permit
4-6 - Quick Change Tarpon leaders.   These should be tied with 20 lb. shock tippet and 60-70 lb. Fluorocarbon shock tippet.   Use 3 feet of shock tippet so that you can use each leader for several fish or re-tie on several different flies.  Note:  later in the spring and summer when tarpon over 50 lb. are present, 80 lb. Fluorocarbon shock tippet should be used to avoid losing fish to leader abrasion. 1 – 200 yd spool of extra 20 lb. fly line backing
1 – 200 yd. spool of extra 30 lb. fly line backing
1 – tarpon fly stretcher or Zip lock bags for your tarpon flies on
leaders

FLIES:

Bonefish Flies

Bring two to three dozen bonefish flies in various patterns for a week of fishing.   You need a mix of very light flies and medium weight flies (with bead chain eyes) to fish in water depths from six inches to two feet.  You’ll also need at least a half dozen flies with heavy lead eyes for fishing bones in muds where the water can be 3-4 feet deep. Some of the best patterns are the Tan and Pearl  Squimp, Borski Bonefish Slider, the Kwans, and of course the Crazy Charlie style flies. Pearl Gotcha patterns are also very good.    Sizes should be mostly #6’s with a few #4’s and a few smaller #8’s. The bonefish can be selective, so be sure to experiment with various patterns.  Most flies should be darker patterns – tan and brown but you also need some very light or white patterns for white sand flats. 

Permit flies

Bring 6-12 flies for permit; mostly crab patterns in sizes 1/0 down to #4.   The smaller permit crabs are also ideal for big bonefish.    Some of the most effective crab patterns here are the Enrico Puglisi Palometa crabs in Tan and Beige (1/0 and 2) and the Anderson McCrab in size 2.  There are many good crab patterns though, so bring several patterns.   Mantis Shrimp patterns are also quite good, especially when you encounter schools of “floaters”.  These should be tied in size 2-4, and light colors mostly white, light tan and olive.  

Tarpon flies

Keys style patterns in size 2/0 are very good on the flats for tarpon in the 15-50 lb. class. The best patterns are the Orange/Yellow/Grizzly, Brown Cockroach, Black Death and a White/Grizzly Cockroach Deceiver.   Some of the new Enrico Puglisi patterns have proven to be deadly too, especially the Black and Purple “Peanut butter” in both 2/0 and 3/0.   Other good Enrico patterns are his White/Yellow, and the Backcountry brown as well as the brown and orange.   If you are tying your own, tie all these tarpon flies on the Gamakatsu SC-15 hooks, in either 2/0 or 3/0.  

Flies for Other Species

In the JDR there is terrific fishing for a variety of other flats fish like Mutton Snappers, Jack Crevalle, Barracuda and sharks.  Here are the flies you’ll need.    Muttons –tarpon flies and snook flies in size 2/0 and will work best.  Best colors seem to be Brown/Orange, Mullet (green/black gray back and white underside) and the Yellow/Orange/Grizzly tarpon fly. Jack Crevalle – larger tarpon flies are best, but any big crab pattern will work great too.   You often are fishing for other fish and don’t have time to switch, but if you can put on a brown or black/purple Enrico in 3/0.   Also, any popper will murder big Jacks.   The key is to cast close to these fast moving fish and strip the fly as fast as you can.   Cudas – the best patterns are tied with mylar flashabou tubing, with a green thread head to look like a needlefish.  These should be 2/0 and tied 8 inches long with a stinger hook.  Sharks – There are lots of sharks, and some very big ones on the flats in the JDR.  The best flies are poppers like the new Enrico Puglisi Flex Popper in 2/0 or 3/0.  The chartreuse is the best color but red/white is good too.   You’ll need to have these rigged to 40 lb. single strand wire or one of the new multi strand wire braided leaders.   These Silky and Caribbean reef sharks are lots of fun and can run right up to 100 lb.   The take is incredible.

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