2 Diverse Destinations in One Trip
Since the early 2000s, our partners in fly fishing Cuba have been operating two distinct destinations in the Canarreos Archipelago. In 2022, they launched a program that combines the best of both the Isla de Juventud and Cayo Largo fisheries, all from a single liveaboard yacht. This new venture is designed to offer anglers a paradise with diverse fishing opportunities that cater to even the most discerning tastes.
The Fishing
In the Cayo Largo area, anglers can target abundant bonefish and permit on expansive white sand and turtle grass flats. To the west, among the cayos of Isla de Juventud, you’ll find a vast mangrove and reef system teeming with tarpon and snook. The ability to move seamlessly between these areas on the liveaboard makes for a very special and unique experience.
After a day of stalking the flats, you can unwind in style and comfort as you watch a stunning sunset in one of the world’s most pristine natural environments. Our partners in Cuba are among the few companies globally that can offer its guests the exclusive opportunity to fish in a completely private marine park, free from commercial fishing, nets, or competing skiffs and yachts.
Imagine the experience of having all of these nautical miles to yourself and your fishing partners, with the freedom to choose your species and fishing locations based on the conditions and your mood for the day. It really can make for an incredibly special fishing experience that is hard to duplicate in the fly fishing travel world.
When fishing in Canarreos, you can expect to encounter species such as Permit, large Bonefish, Tarpon, Jack Crevalle, Barracudas, Mutton Snapper, Snook, and more.
The natural bounty of Canarreos is a well-kept secret and an exciting, diverse fishery. It boasts a pristine coral reef, bordered by mangrove keys and islands that provide unparalleled nursery habitats for a wide variety of fish species. The surrounding keys are home to numerous species of flora and fauna, including iguanas, pelicans, and turtles.
The Canarreos Fishing Program
Permit, Tarpon & Bonefish
Fish Species OF Canarreos
Bonefish
Permit
Tarpon
Best Season For Fly Fishing Canarreos
The Canarreos fishing season generally runs from September to mid-March.
Blue Sanctuary
One of the primary reasons for the continued unspoiled and intact ecosystems found in Cuba is a result of conservation efforts implemented by Blue Sanctuary.
Blue Sanctuary has collaborated with partners in the Canarreos Archipelago for over 27 years to protect one of the Caribbean’s largest no-take marine preserves. In partnership with the Cuban Center for Coastal Ecosystems and the Marine Research Center of Cuba, the project focuses on studying the region’s pristine coral reefs, evaluating their ecological, social, and economic value, and ensuring their long-term protection.
This forward-thinking program advances global understanding of healthy coral reef ecosystems, informs conservation efforts worldwide, and serves as a model for marine protected areas. By employing former fishermen in diving and fly fishing operations, the initiative fosters sustainable livelihoods, educates ecotourists, and inspires future generations to steward this unique marine park.
Canarreos Rates
2025 RATES
2025 Rates
Weekly Fishing Packages
Standard Rates
(7 Nights & 6 Days Guided Fishing)
Hosted Rates — Welcome party Included
(8 Nights, 7 Days w/ 6 Days Guided Fishing)
Welcome Party
Reserved for our hosted trips, with special access available for larger private groups upon request.
2026 RATES
2026 Rates
Weekly Fishing Packages
Standard Rates
(7 Nights & 6 Days Guided Fishing)
Hosted Rates — Welcome party Included
(8 Nights, 7 Days w/ 6 Days Guided Fishing)
Welcome Party
Reserved for our hosted trips, with special access available for larger private groups upon request.
What Is Included?
Included In 7 Night / 6 Day Package
- 7 Nights All Inclusive Aboard the Avalon I in a Double Occupancy Stateroom
- 6 Full Days Fishing w/ Double Occupancy Skiff
- Ground Transfer from Havana Accommodations to Zapesca Port
- Ground Transfer from Zapesca Port to José Martí International Airport (HAV)
- All Meals Daily
- Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Not Included Regardless of Package
- International Flights to/from Havana, Cuba
- $85 Travel Visa
- Guide & Staff Gratuity
- $300 Conservation Fee per angler, per week
- Fishing Equipment & Flies
Additionally included in Welcome Party Package
- 1 Night Lodging in Havana w/ Double Occupancy Room
- Classic Car Tour of Havana
- Walking Tour of Old Havana
- Welcome Party Dinner and Drinks at Authentic Havana Restaurant
- Breakfast Saturday Morning at Havana Accommodations
Not included in Welcome Party Package
- Transportation from José Martí International Airport (HAV) to Havana Accommodations
- Non-Alcoholic & Alcoholic Beverages in Havana Outside of Welcome Party Dinner
- Meals or Snacks in Havana Outside of Welcome Party Dinner & Breakfast
- Gratuities in Havana (Drivers & Service Providers)
How to Get to Canarreos
From our exclusive welcome party to your yacht, we’ve made it as straightforward as possible to begin your journey to this incredible destination. Reaching Canarreos is the first part of your new adventure.
Recommended Airports & Transfers
Arrive in Havana before 12 PM for a four-hour transfer to Zapesca port on the Bay of Pigs. From there, guests will board the yacht and set sail for Punta Iguanita, a four-hour journey that includes their first dinner and an overnight stay aboard. At dawn the following day, the yacht continues to a passage located midway between Cayo Largo and Isla de la Juventud. After exploring the fishing grounds in the central and western zones, the yacht will relocate to its final anchorage near Cayo Largo.
Travel Notes
Guests are met by a representative at the Havana airport to coordinate the transfer to Zapesca port. Transfers from the airport take approximately 3 to 4 hours.
Canarreos Itinerary
Canarreos Sample Itinerary
The fishing program typically runs from Saturday to Saturday.
Guests return to the mainland on Friday evening, staying overnight aboard the mothership at Zapesca port before departing the following day.
Friday:
Arrive in Miami early Friday morning or Thursday with an overnight in Miami. Flights to Cuba through American Airlines depart Miami around 12:45pm.
After arriving in Cuba you will be greeted by our team with refreshments and cigars as soon as you walk out of the airport. We will then be transported by a fleet of our famed classic cars to our hotel in the heart of downtown.
After settling into our hotel we will head out to see the sights and have lunch.
At 6:30 we will head over to our venue for the Welcome Party. The party will end around 10:00-10:30 and everyone will head back to the hotel for the night. We can arrange for a night on the town with VIP services for those looking to check out the nightlife.
Day 1 (Saturday): Arrival and Embarkation
- We will have the morning in Havana and take the 2 1/2 hour transfer to Zapesca port where we board the Avalon 1 Yacht and head for Cayo Blanco.
- Board the yacht and begin navigation to the first anchorage. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay aboard.
Day 2 (Sunday): First Fishing Day
- At 5 AM (while you are still sleeping) the yacht navigates from Cayo Blanco to Playa Sirena where we have a full day of fishing at the northern sectors 1, 2 and 3 in Cayo Largo.
- The yacht then meets us for dinner and overnight.
Day 3 (Monday): Fishing and Exploration
- Full day of fishing in sectors 4, 5 and 6 in Cayo Largo and the Rosario/Cantiles areas.
- In the morning we will be fishing at Cayo Rosario.
- In the afternoon the fishing is at Cayo Cantiles-Cayo Tablones.
Day 4 (Tuesday): Fishing and Exploration
- Full day of fishing in Isla de La Juventud Cayo Avalos and Cayo Aguardiente.
- Overnight in Cayo Campo.
Day 5 (Wednesday): Fishing and Exploration
- Full day of fishing in Cayo Campo, in the fishing area of Isla de La Juventud.
- Overnight in Cayo Rosario.
Day 6 (Thursday): Fishing and Exploration
- Full day of fishing at the western spot of Cayo Rosario as we travel back through Cayo Largo fishing sectors 6, 5, and 4.
Day 7 (Friday): Fishing and Exploration
- 3/4 day of fishing in Cayo Largo fishing sectors 3,2,1.
Day 8 (Saturday): Disembarkation and Departure
- Breakfast before arrival to Caletade Sabalos where we disembark and transfer back to Havana, with estimated arrival at 11:30 AM
Note: May change due to weather, fishing conditions or other items we are unable to forecast.
Pre Trip & Travel Requirements
Travel Details
Transportation: We take care of all of the travel once you arrive in Cuba, so there is nothing for you to worry about beyond getting to the closest airport.
Travel Requirements: Beyond your passport there are a few documents that need to be prepared prior to your arrival in Cuba. Please use the link below to start the process with our step by step guide.
Accommodations
Avalon I
A 110-foot yacht offering an intimate and personalized fishing experience.
Canarreos Fly Fishing Photo Gallery
The Fly Fishing Guides of Cannarreos
Many of the guides in Canarreos have spent their lives navigating these pristine waters, honing their skills in one of Cuba’s most remote and untouched fishing destinations. With backgrounds as former commercial fishermen, they have an intimate knowledge of the flats, lagoons, and mangrove systems that make this area so productive. Raised in these waters, their deep understanding of the ecosystem and fish behavior allows them to provide an unparalleled angling experience.
Fluent in English and passionate about their craft, our guides take pride in sharing their Cuban heritage and fishing expertise. They are dedicated to ensuring every angler’s success, always going the extra mile to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re targeting bonefish, permit, or tarpon, their skill and enthusiasm will help turn your fishing dreams into reality.
