Fly Fishing Cayo Cruz
Premier Flats Fishery
Cayo Cruz is a small, narrow, barrier cay located on the north shore of the eastern province of Camaguey. The small island borders the open ocean to the east and an an enormous system of flats, lagoons and pristine estuaries to the southwest and inland side. This area is located in Jardines del Rey, where commercial fishing within this designated area is strictly forbidden. The fly fishing only area is 366 square kilometers in size, meaning that on the average day, each skiff has over 5O square kilometers to itself. The fishing area is virtually untouched and represents one of the cleanest and most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Most other destinations in the Caribbean have been heavily overfished for decades.
The Fishing
The Cayo Cruz fly fishing experience epitomizes the qualities of a newly discovered, pristine fly fishing nirvana—abundant fish populations boasting impressive sizes, yet untouched by the presence of flies and leaders. Set against the backdrop of breathtaking cays and crystal-clear waters, this destination promises an unforgettable fishing experience.
The bonefish here average a robust 4 pounds, with guests frequently encountering specimens in the 8 to 10 pounds range throughout the week. Tailing bonefish are a common sight, appearing in singles, pairs, and even schools numbering in the hundreds.
What truly distinguishes Cayo Cruz from other fisheries is the consistent opportunity to encounter and target permit each day. This is truly a world class permit destination and one of the best places anywhere to catch a permit on the fly. Few places offer this perfect combination where you have the chance to pursue sizable bonefish while also enjoying shots at tailing permit reliably. It’s a rarity not to encounter and engage with permit, which can weigh between 8 and 30+ pounds. For the angler seeking the ultimate thrill of catching a permit on the fly, Cayo Cruz stands as one of the premier destinations on the planet.
The flats at Cayo Cruz are a little deeper than those found in other areas of Cuba, which means that the bonefish and permit are found in excellent numbers throughout the year.
There are two locations within Cayo Cruz that offer very good tarpon fishing. Guides tend to save these areas for when an angler has already boated a permit and is looking for a Grand Slam. These fish will range from 30 to 100 pounds. Besides the fishing for permit, bonefish and tarpon, you will also cast for other challenging species like mutton snapper, snook, cubera, jack crevalle, barracuda, etc.
Much of the fishing takes place back towards the mainland, in and around the massive island of Cayo Cruz The average boat run to the fishing areas is about 20 minutes in length and in some areas, you can be into fish within 5 minutes of leaving the boat docks. It just depends on where your guide wants to take you that day and what you are interested in targeting. With 50 square kilometers per boat, the options are just about limitless. The amount of great aspects to this fishery can truly be a sensory overload at times.
Your Guide to Cayo Cruz
From travel logistics to seasonal fishing tips, we’ve curated all the essential details to make planning your Cayo Cruz trip as smooth and exhilarating as the experience on the water.
The Cayo Cruz Fishing Program
The skiffs depart from the marina at Cayo Cruz each morning after you finish a hearty breakfast. There are 7 different sectors that are included in the fishing rotation and depending on the guide rotation that day, you may be heading to any number of them. Stretching from Cayo Paredon Grande in the north to Cayo Guanaja in the south, the region boasts an abundance of islands, lagoons, and bays that offer an endless playground of productive areas to keep anglers happy.
Fishing in Cayo Cruz, Cuba, means quick and easy access to some of the most productive flats in the Caribbean. In just 10 to 20 minutes from the marina, you’ll find yourself surrounded by vast turtlegrass flats, pristine sandbars, and winding mangrove channels—all teeming with life. Whether you’re casting to schools of bonefish, scanning for tailing permit, or targeting tarpon in the channels, the short ride ensures more time fishing and less time traveling. With strict regulations and minimal pressure, the fishery remains untouched and abundant, offering an incredible experience just minutes from where your day begins.
With its pristine flats, abundant fish, and expert guiding just minutes from the marina, Cayo Cruz offers an unforgettable fly fishing adventure.
Fish Species OF Cayo Cruz
Permit, Tarpon & Bonefish
Cayo Cruz is a truly special place offering ideal habitat and excellent angling for all 3 premier flats species. If permit are your passion, it is a world class permit fishery that should be on your short list of destinations. During the tarpon migratory period, trophy tarpon are abundant and you’ll get multiple shots throughout the day at double and triple digit fish. The bonefishing is truly spectacular with very large bonefish found prolifically roaming the flats. Beyond the abundant bonefish, permit, and tarpon , there are a diverse array of other available species present as well including barracuda, snapper, jacks and more.
Bonefish
Permit
Tarpon
Best Seasons For Fly Fishing Cayo Cruz Cuba
Year Round Fishing oportunities
From January to March, in Cayo Cruz, like most destinations, there’s a potential risk of cold fronts sweeping in from the northeast. However, Cayo Cruz benefits and is well protected shielding most of the prime fishing spots. During this period, fishing remains quite good, especially for sizable bonefish, small to medium resident tarpon weighing between 20 to 30 pounds, and the ever present permit.
April to June emerges as the optimal window of weather conditions and the arrival of large migratory tarpon, alongside the consistent presence of bonefish and permit.
Although quite warm, July and August mirror the productivity of spring and early summer, and from strictly a fishing perspective is the best time of the year. During these summer months there is an increase in permit numbers on the flats, presenting ample opportunities for prime shots at the black tailed devils throughout the day.
September to December marks another great time period, offering great fishing for all species.
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.
This conservation organization has been working with partners in the Jardines del Rey Archipelago for the past 27+ years. This is a massive no take marine preserve in the Caribbean, with a primary conservation goal focusing on research, management and economic issues related to what are considered the most healthy and extensive coral reefs in the Caribbean region.
Blue Sanctuary works closely with the Cuban Center for Coastal Ecosystems and Marine Research Center of Cuba to better study the natural resources of the region while also assessing their economic and social values. Project Blue Sanctuary is a comprehensive, aggressive and forward-looking program to research and protect the unique and pristine ecosystems of the Jardines del Rey Archipelago. This research ensures that these protections will endure in perpetuity, serve as a compelling model for marine protected areas worldwide, dramatically advance human understanding of how healthy coral reef ecosystems function, and yield critical insights to inform management decisions for protecting coral reefs globally.
Furthermore, this ecosystem and educational research model is bringing Americans and Cubans closer together. Former fishermen and their families are now employed in diving and fly fishing operations. Through this they are continually creating human connections by educating visiting ecotourists creating a sustainable way of life; which in turn, is fostering future generations of stewards in this marine park.
Cayo Cruz Rates
2025 RATES
2025 Rates
Weekly Fishing Packages
(8 Nights, 7 Days w/ 6 Days Guided Fishing)
Standard Rates
Low Season
July 13th - Dec 28
High Season
Feb 17th - July 13th
Hosted Rates — Welcome party Included
Low Season
July 13th - Dec 28
High Season
Feb 17th - July 13th
Welcome Party
Reserved for our hosted trips, with special access available for larger private groups upon request.
2026 RATES
2026 Rates
Weekly Fishing Packages
(8 Nights, 7 Days w/ 6 Days Guided Fishing)
Standard Rates
New for 2026 Trip Includes single rooms for all — (previously double occupancy)
Low Season
Jan 3 - Mar 7
JUne 27 - Dec 26
High Season
Mar 7 - Jun 27
Hosted Rates — Welcome party Included
Low Season
Jan 3 - Mar 7
JUne 27 - Dec 26
High Season
Mar 7 - Jun 27
Welcome Party
Reserved for our hosted trips, with special access available for larger private groups upon request.
What Is Included?
**Included**
-
7 Nights All Inclusive in Cayo Cruz w/ *Double Occupancy Room at all inclusive lodge, *double room base, full board
*New for 2026 Trip Includes single rooms for all (2025 is double occupancy) - 1 Day & Night All Inclusive in Camaguey w/ Double Occupancy Room
- 6 Full Days Fishing w/ Double Occupancy Skiff
- Ground Transfer To/From Camagüey Airport
- All Meals Daily
- Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Beverages
**Not Included**
- International Flights to/from Camagüey, Cuba
- Travel Visa
- Guide & Staff Gratuity
- $300 Conservation Fee per angler, per week
- Fishing Equipment & Flies
2026 Rates
New for 2026 Trip Includes single rooms for all (previously double occupancy)
Weekly Fishing Packages
(8 Nights, 7 Days w/ 6 Days Guided Fishing)
Low Season
Jan 3 - Mar 7
JUne 27 - Dec 26
High Season
Mar 7 - Jun 27
How to Get to Cayo Cruz
Getting to Cayo Cruz, Cuba is fairly straightforward starting with your flight to the primary destination of Camagüey, Cuba (CMW). There are daily flights on American Airlines from Miami International Airport (MIA) to CMW typically departing in the middle of the day.
From Camagüey, there is a mere 2-hour drive to reach Cayo Cruz. 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 Camagüey.
Recommended Airports
Guests are advised to fly into Camaguey (CMW).
Note: If necessary, there are alternatives to getting there outside of Camagüey but they involve additional flights and transfers.
Guests are met by a representative at the airport to coordinate the transfer to Cayo Cruz (2 hours).
Cayo Cruz Itinerary
Fishing Trip Itinerary
The fishing program typically runs from Friday to Saturday.
Friday:
Arrive in Miami early Friday morning or Thursday with an overnight in Miami. Flights to Camaguey, Cuba through American Airlines depart Miami around 12:45pm.
After arriving in Camaguey 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 in Camaguey.
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.
Saturday:
After breakfast at our hotel guests are led to do some shopping and some last sightseeing downtown.
Departure to Cayo Cruz is at 12pm which makes for a very relaxing and easy entry into Cuba.
After arriving in Cayo Cruz we settle in and unpack for the week. Lunch will be served shortly after we arrive and guests have all day to enjoy the pools, spa, refreshments and maybe a trip to the beach.
Orientation is around 5pm and dinner is at 7pm.
Sunday:
Breakfast is at 7am and the coffee bar is open 24 hours so we welcome guests to come down as early as they like.
At 7:45 we will head over to the Marina that is a short walk with all of our fishing equipment for the week. Your guide will put together all of your rods and rig them for the week. Your fishing luggage will be stored for the duration as well.
Fishing hours are roughly 8am-4pm every day. After arriving back to the marina after Day 1 you will take your personal items, flies and tackle back to your room. Your rods, reels and line will be cleaned with fresh water each night.
Happy hour drinks and appetizers are from 4pm-6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm.
Monday:
Day 2 of fishing, 8am-4pm. Happy hour drinks and appetizers are from 4pm-6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm.
Bowling is a popular option on Monday night but guests are more than welcome to do whatever they like of course. The boutique hotel is all ours for the week.
Tuesday:
Day 3 of fishing, 8am-4pm. Happy hour drinks and appetizers are from 4pm-6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm.
Cigar Presentation and Pairing with Cuban rum, coffee and chocolate. All cigars during the pairing are included in the package. The presentation is not something to miss and additional cigars are available for purchase.
Wednesday:
Day 4 of fishing, 8am-4pm. Happy hour drinks and appetizers are from 4pm-6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm.
Thursday:
Day 5 of fishing, 8am-4pm. Happy hour drinks and appetizers are from 4pm-6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm.
Friday:
Day 6 and your final day of fishing, 8am-4pm. After fishing your guide will clean all of your equipment with fresh water and help you pack everything in your preferred luggage for travel home the next day.
Happy hour drinks and appetizers are from 4pm-6pm. Dinner will be served at 7pm.
After dinner and some closing stories of the weeks events, we have a Cuban themed party with a local band for our final night in Cuba.
Saturday:
Breakfast from 7am-9am.
Transportation to the Camaguey airport is at 10am. After arriving to the airport you will check in and relax while you await your plane.
Give yourself plenty of time for your connection in Miami because you will go through customs in Miami for the last time before your flight home.
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
Hotel La marina
Nestled in the heart of the island of Cayo Cruz, La Marina & Spa Hotel stands as the perfect base of operations. Situated just across the street from the marina where your guide will pick you up every morning, this exclusive retreat boasts a wealth of amenities including two swimming pools, walk up bar, bowling alley, nightclub and onsite signature restaurants and more.
Just a mere 2-hour journey from Camagüey , the luxury resort promises a comfortable and and effortless escape into the serene beauty of Cayo Cruz Cuba’s fly fishing paradise.
Hotel Rooms
The hotel rooms are spacious and air conditioned, included private bath and all the modern comforts you are used to. In the inviting open-air entryway and lobby, guests enjoy relaxing and recounting the days adventures in cozy chairs with cold drinks and freshly prepared apps served by friendly staff at the fully stocked bar.
This accommodation offers a perfect blend of remoteness and connectivity, fostering a true “lodge atmosphere” for anglers. Unlimited wireless internet access is available in the main lodge, ensuring guests stay connected throughout their stay.
Dining
We start the day preparing for another great day on the flats with the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed, strong Cuban coffee. As the sun begins to rise over the lagoon, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast of a wide variety of egg dishes, meats, cheeses, juices, cereals and more awakening your senses and energizing your spirit for the day ahead.
For your lunch on the water, a selection of breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits and other dishes that you can build your own meal from so that you get exactly what you want.
Dinner is served in three distinct onsite restaurants depending on the night, each offering a diverse array of regional and international dishes. Enjoy freshly caught fish of the day or lobster or traditional Cuban fare, including savory rice and beans, perfectly fried plantains, and tender roasted meats infused with aromatic spices. For diversity and to keep things interesting, two of the restaurants feature a selection of global-inspired cuisine, from Mediterranean delights to Asian fusion creations.
Amenities
The hotel boasts a plethora of amenities designed to make your time off the water relaxing and entertaining. You can cool off in not one, but two sparkling swimming pools, offering the perfect oasis at the end of a long day on the flats. For those seeking ultimate rejuvenation, indulge in a relaxing massage and get those shoulders loosened up for the next day of fishing.
If you’re up for a little friendly competition, the hotel even features bowling alley and pool tables, where laughter and camaraderie flow freely. For connoisseurs of the finer things, the cigar room offers a sanctuary to savor the rich aromas of Cuba’s finest cigars. With an array of amenities to explore, the hotel is an ideal location to rest and relax after your fishing days.
Cayo Cruz Cuba Fly Fishing Photo Gallery
The Fly Fishing Guides of Cayo Cruz
(Alphabetical)
Many of the guides at Cayo Cruz boast extensive experience having guided anglers from all over the world for many years. Their backgrounds include having previously worked as commercial fishermen in the area. Raised amidst the flats, lagoons, and mangroves, they possess an intimate understanding of the ecosystem. This rich history, coupled with professional training, positions them as some of the most skilled guides in both Cuba and the wider Caribbean region.
Fluent in English, our guides are enthusiastic about sharing tales of their Cuban heritage and unique fishing adventures. Committed to client satisfaction, they consistently go above and beyond, driven by a fervent passion for success and dedicated to helping you realize your fishing dreams.
Antonio
Boris
Eddy
Elder
Joandis
Jorge
LEovany
Yilber
