accommodation
Either as mentioned there are two accommodation options for fishing on the Isle of Youth, stay at the Hotel Rancho or if you have a full group why not take the exclusive charter of the Perola.
HOTEL RANCHO (3*)
The Hotel Rancho El Tesoro is located on the outskirts of Gerona, the Isle of Youth's largest city of 75,000 people. The Isle of Youth is situated about 100km off the south coast of mainland Cuba, is home to some of Cuba’s most important agricultural farmland and is a key producer of citrus fruits for export. The standard of living is generally higher, largely due to the preponderance of well cultivated arable land which makes the problem of food shortages less pronounced than on the mainland.
Meals are superb, a combination of classic Cuban dishes like smoked pork, chicken, black bean soup, rice and beans but also fresh fish like mutton snapper and grouper. The French fries are out of this world. Salads with fresh tomatoes and other vegetables are served with olive oil and Balsamic Vinegar dressing. Our chef is happy to prepare sashimi from freshly caught fish of the day. Evening meals feature several different entrees, and our chef has often been accused of preparing enough food for twice the number of people we'll have at the table. We can promise you that no one will go hungry on this trip! Anglers staying at Hotel Rancho have their own private dining room, as well as their own private chef and wait staff. The dining room is air-conditioned and used not only for meals but also as a place to relax before dinner with a perfect Mojito and perhaps a classic Cuban Cigar.
The front desk is open on a 24 hour basis. Telephone service is available to anywhere in the world as well as internet capability for hotel guests.
PEROLA LUXURY YACHT (5*)
The Perola is a 75-foot luxury live-aboard yacht that we utilize for weekly trips to the more remote areas of the Canarreos Archipelago. We'll stop off at selected anchorages like Cayo Campo, Cayo Roserio and the Cantiles islands. This is an impressive and wonderful yacht, recently refurbished with highly polished hardwood floors and teak panelling and is perfect for a group of six anglers. Circular stairways take you downstairs to the cabins or upstairs to the dining area on the top deck. The top deck is covered and always remains in the shade but open to the sea breeze, insuring one a very comfortable and insect free environment. Clear plastic side coverings are utilized in harder winds or in inclement weather. Several comfortable rope hammocks are hung from the ceiling structure and can be lowered after lunch or dinner for a delightful nap in the breeze. A full sized, air-conditioned salon on the main deck level can be utilized for a living and dining area in extremely harsh weather. Sinking into one of the plush couches with a good drink is the perfect way to end a long day on the flats and a full size table in the salon is the perfect spot for a couple of anglers to tie flies.
Cuisine on the Perola is superb. Fresh fish of the day are utilized for most meals, either caught by the anglers themselves or harvested by the crew. Lobster and Conch can be had on a daily basis from the surrounding waters. Salads with fresh vegetables and a variety of fruits are available any time. In addition, you'll have wonderful pork and chicken entrees during the week, fresh sashimi for appetizers and some of the finest frozen Daiquiris known to man. Traditional Cuban flan topped off with aged Havana Club Rum is one of the many unique and delicious deserts served. AND – you can have seconds on anything your heart desires!
Anglers arriving in Gerona will stay aboard the Perola that first night, anchored at our private marina on the Jucaro River. Early the following morning anglers will meet their guides, jump in the skiffs, running and fishing their way east, to meet again with the Perola that evening in one of the selected anchorages. On the final fishing day, the anglers will fish their way back to Gerona, re-board the Perola at our marina on the Jurcaro River for showers and to pack up before their evening flight to Havana.
HOTEL RANCHO (3*)
24 hour front desk,
Telephone service,
Internet access,
Dining rooms,
Air-conditioning,
PEROLA LUXURY YACHT (5*)
Rope hammocks,
Air-conditioning,
Living area,
Dining area,
HOTEL RANCHO (3*)
Hotel Rancho offers comfortable accommodations for our anglers with large single rooms for each angler. Each room has excellent beds, good AC, lots of storage space and good showers. Your maids will clean your room each day and will also do laundry for you if you like. (Please leave a suitable tip for these extra services).
PEROLA LUXURY YACHT (5*)
There are five very comfortable air-conditioned cabins below deck, most having their own private bath with good showers and plenty of hot water, and lots of storage space for anglers.
ISLE OF YOUTH FLY FISHING
