A recent trip report from Cuba Fly Fishing Company host Justin Miller
Editor’s Note
The following is a firsthand account from Cuba Fly Fishing Company host Justin Miller, who returned from Cayo Cruz in late January 2026. With plenty of questions circulating about travel to Cuba right now, Justin wanted to share an honest perspective based on his recent experience on the ground.
Good afternoon saltwater fly fishermen,
I’m writing this letter to calm some nerves regarding travel to Cuba at the moment. I just spent the third week of January 2026 in Cayo Cruz, Cuba, chasing permit and bonefish. Despite the current news cycle, the trip was absolutely seamless from start to finish.
Traveling to Cuba was just as easy as traveling to Mexico, Belize, or the Bahamas. We’ve been fielding a lot of calls with concerns about Cuba in recent weeks, but having just returned, at the peak of current tensions and in the wake of the Venezuela incident, I can personally attest to the safety and ease of traveling in and out of Cuba right now.
What follows are my personal observations, directly addressing the concerns I’ve been hearing.
Entering Cuba
Travel was seamless. We had direct American Airlines flights from Miami to Camagüey, no Cuban airlines involved. In the week leading up to travel, you purchase your visa ($85) and complete a form called D’Viajeros. Both are easy to complete online and take about 15 minutes total.
You show these documents to the airline agent in the U.S., and Cuban customs simply scans the D’Viajeros barcode upon arrival. That’s it. No hassle whatsoever.
Our partner Matt had a parallel trip to Las Salinas, flying in and out of Havana, with an identical experience. We compared notes before and after the trip in Miami.
Fuel
Fuel was not an issue at all. As tourists bringing income into the community, we are a priority, we get gas first. Old classic cars and motorcycles were buzzing all over town, and there was no recognizable shortage.
It’s also worth noting that, like many remote destinations in Alaska, Canada, or Bolivia, our Cuban outfitters pre-purchase thousands of liters of fuel before the season begins. Fuel is not an issue.
Power
We never experienced a power outage at any point, either at the hotel in Camagüey or at the resort in Cayo Cruz. The air conditioning was cranking in every guest room as well as the dining room, every moment of the day.
Food
There was definitely no shortage of food. We roasted an entire pig at Boris’s house on our first night in Camagüey and enjoyed a proper feast. At the resort, there was a nightly buffet with multiple options, plus breakfast each morning.
Pro tip: bring hot sauce, salad dressing, and maybe mayo or mustard for lunches—condiments can be hard to find.
Hospitality & Safety
The Cuban people could not have been more warm and welcoming. Every guide told me American groups are their favorite. There is zero concern about anglers being treated poorly, even by strangers.
From a security standpoint, punishment is severe for theft, especially involving tourists, and our hosts are the local jefes. Nobody crosses Boris or his guests. Our outfitter has never had a single theft incident involving staff or anglers.
You are safe.
Positive Impact
This may be the most important part.
Our presence brings meaningful income into the local community. Fly fishing dollars directly support guides, hosts, cooks, bartenders, and their families. That money circulates locally and creates some of the best jobs available.
One bartender at the resort was a doctor by day, she made more money pouring rum and beers for us in the evenings. You will feel the impact of your visit, and you will love these people by the end of the week.
Departing Cuba & Returning Home
Coming home was just as easy. Another American Airlines flight back to Miami. U.S. customs simply said, “Welcome home, Mr. Miller,” after facial recognition on approach. No questions. No issues.
And yes I brought home cigars. A full case of Cohiba shorts.
New Equipment
One surprise highlight: the outfitter had somehow imported brand-new Yamaha 4-strokes for the entire fleet. Ten boats, fully rigged, all running flawlessly. Brand-new Stiffy graphite push poles and lean bars on every skiff. No engine trouble all week.
My favorite lodges in Mexico would be jealous.
The Fishery
Oh yeah, the fishing.
Oh yeah, and I saw some of the best bonefishing I have ever seen. I am a permit guy, but we had some rough weather and the permit fishing was even more challenging than we are used to… but we could still walk ankle-deep flats for tailing bonefish, even in the shade of cloud cover.
Average bones were 3-5 pounds, with 5-6 pounders mixed in everyday. Guys were landing anywhere from a couple of fish up to 15 in a day, in tough conditions.
On the two days we did have sun, we could really get after them, and got some proper shots at permit, too. One of my guys landed a 10-pound bonefish, weighed on the Boga! That is a Hawg… One of the guides told me his PB was a 14-pounder, also weighed on the Boga Grip.
World-class!
It was an epic trip. Don’t let the news feed scare you.
— Justin Miller, CFFC Host
