Explore Jardines de la Reina
The Fishing
Imagine fishing barefoot on wadeable white sand flats, where Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Snook, Jacks, Cudas, and Sharks create lifetimes of unforgettable angling memories. Jardines de la Reina (JDR) combines world-class fishing, unparalleled natural beauty, and the flexibility to tailor every fishing day to your preferences.
Step Back in Time: Fishing in Jardines de la Reina is like traveling back to an era of untouched wilderness and thriving marine ecosystems. Permit populations are as abundant here as they were in the Florida Keys 30 years ago, and the pristine flats offer a glimpse into what the Caribbean once was. The lack of overfishing and light fishing pressure have preserved a rare opportunity to experience fishing in its purest form.
Less Pressure: A unique aspect of JDR’s management is the strategic resting of certain fishing grounds. To maintain its unparalleled fishery, specific areas are periodically closed to fishing, reducing pressure on key species like Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit. This rotational approach ensures that fish populations remain healthy and abundant, allowing anglers to experience exceptional fishing while safeguarding the environment for future generations.
Commitment To Conservation: JDR is a true standout as a premier fishing destination. This protected marine sanctuary offers anglers the rare opportunity to fish in pristine, untouched waters teeming with life. The Cuban government, along with conservation organizations, has ensured that the area remains a no-take marine preserve, allowing no commercial fishing except for Caribbean spiny lobster, which keeps the ecosystem balanced and thriving.
By prioritizing sustainability and limiting fishing pressure, Jardines de la Reina continues to be a model of responsible ecotourism, offering an unmatched fishing experience in one of the world’s most biodiverse marine parks.
Jardines de la Reina is more than just a fishing destination—it’s a pristine ecosystem that offers unparalleled angling opportunities. The region’s expansive flats, mangrove islands, and vibrant coral reefs provide the perfect backdrop for targeting a variety of species, including Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, and Snook. With its remote location and conservation-driven management, every cast feels like an encounter with a thriving and untouched wilderness.
What sets JDR apart is its unique balance of adventure and tranquility. Whether you’re wading barefoot across crystal-clear flats or cruising to new fishing grounds aboard a liveaboard yacht, every moment is tailored to the angler’s experience. Beyond the fishing, the sanctuary’s flourishing biodiversity and awe-inspiring natural beauty cr
Your Guide to Jardines de la Reina
Planning your trip to Jardines de la Reina should be as exciting as the destination itself. With expert insights into fishing, travel, and seasons, we’ve assembled all the details to make your adventure smooth and unforgettable.
The Jardines de la Reina Fishing Program
Guests begin their fishing journey with arrival at one of the recommended airports—Santa Clara, Camaguey, or Cayo Coco—before transferring to the yacht at Jucaro port. Once aboard, anglers explore the diverse and pristine fishing grounds of Jardines de la Reina, targeting iconic species such as Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit. The yacht serves as a comfortable floating base camp, with a flexible itinerary that adapts to weather and fishing conditions to provide the best possible experience.
Anglers can target a variety of species, including Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Snook, Mutton Snapper, Barracuda, and Jacks.
A Week-Long Fishing Adventure in JDR
Daily Schedule: Begin your day with breakfast at 7:00 am, and start fishing by 7:45 am. Most flats are within a short 15-minute ride from your liveaboard yacht, allowing for midday breaks to relax and enjoy lunch before continuing in the afternoon.
Extended Excursions: For anglers seeking more adventure, guides can arrange full-day trips to remote flats and estuaries. Fish late into the evening to take advantage of prime conditions, with no limitations on fuel or distance.
Year-Round Opportunities: This unique fishing program operates year-round, with weekly stays from Saturday to Saturday. The program includes five full days of fishing and a shorter session on the final day before returning to the mainland.
The seemingly endless turtlegrass flats provide an ideal hunting ground for bonefish and permit, while the intricate network of mangroves and winding channels offer prime ambush points for tarpon and snook. Wide-open, unspoiled sand flats stretch toward the horizon, creating perfect conditions for wading and sight-fishing. The fishery’s diversity ensures that every day on the water presents new challenges and rewards. Whether scanning the shallows for tailing fish, casting along the mangrove edges, or drifting through the deeper channels, every moment in JDR offers the possibility of an unforgettable catch. Typically, it takes just about 20 minutes or less by boat to reach the prime fishing spots. The specific destination zone for the day and the targeted species determine the route chosen by your guide.
Combine the stunning ecosystem of Jardines de la Reina with the personal touch, exceptional service, and 30 years of expertise our partners bring to every trip, and you are guaranteed an unforgettable fly fishing adventure.
Fish Species Of Jardines de la Reina
Permit, Tarpon & Bonefish
Jardines de la Reina is a dream destination for anglers, offering world-class opportunities to catch Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit. These three marquee species thrive in the shallow flats, with Bonefish averaging 4 to 6 pounds, Tarpon ranging from juveniles to giants over 150 pounds, and Permit often exceeding 25 pounds. This destination is renowned for giving anglers a legitimate chance at achieving a coveted Grand Slam—catching Bonefish, Tarpon, and Permit in a single day.
For those seeking an even greater challenge, the addition of a Snook turns a Grand Slam into the prestigious Super Grand Slam. Jardines de la Reina also offers thrilling encounters with Jack Crevalle, Barracuda, and Mutton Snapper, ensuring a fishing experience as diverse as it is unforgettable. With pristine, protected waters and abundant marine life, this unparalleled fishery delivers a lifetime of angling memories.
Bonefish
Permit
Tarpon
Best Season For Fly Fishing Jardines de la Reina
The Jardines de la Reina fishing runs year-round.
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.
JDR Rates
2025 RATES
2025 Rates Inquiry
What Is Included?
**Included**
- 7 Nights in JDR w/ Double Occupancy Room on Live Aboard Yacht, double room base, full board
- 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 to Jucaro Port
- 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
How to Get to Jardines de la Reina
Reaching Jardines de la Reina is part of the adventure, and we’ve made it as straightforward as possible to begin your journey to this incredible destination.
Recommended Airports
Guests are advised to fly into Santa Clara, Camaguey, or Cayo Coco airports for the most convenient transfers to the Jucaro port. Transfers from Santa Clara, Camaguey, or Cayo Coco airports take approximately 2 to 3 hours.
Note: If arriving at Havana, transfers to Jucaro port are also possible but involve a longer travel time (5 hours).
Guests are met by a representative at the airport to coordinate the transfer to Jucaro port.
Transfers to Jucaro Port & Boarding Logistics
Guests staying aboard Jardines Avalon I, II, III, F I, or F II will board their mothership at Jucaro port.
For guests of Jardines Avalon IV:
- Guests must arrive at the recommended airports in the morning on Saturday.
- A transfer ferry departs promptly at 2:00 pm from Jucaro port for a three-hour journey to Jardines Avalon IV.
- Guests arriving in the afternoon are encouraged to arrive on Friday to avoid timing issues.
JDR Itinerary
JDR 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 Jucaro 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
- Arrive at the designated meeting point before midday for a transfer to the departure point.
- Board the yacht and begin navigation to the first anchorage. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay aboard.
Day 2 – 7 (Sunday to friday): Fishing and Exploration
- Morning meeting with guides to prepare for a full day of fishing in nearby waters.
- Explore prime fishing spots throughout the day.
- The yacht relocates to a new mooring for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 8 (Saturday): Disembarkation and Departure
- Enjoy breakfast before disembarking at the port.
- Transfer back to the original meeting point or airport for departure.
Note: This itinerary is meant to be a sample and your trip schedule may be adjusted without notice due to sea conditions, logistical requirements, or group preferences.
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
Fishing in Jardines de la Reina is unmatched, and so are the accommodations. Liveaboard yachts like the Jardines Avalon I and II are equipped to enhance every aspect of your journey, with features like gear prep stations, quick access to the flats, and spacious lounges to unwind between casts. After hours spent pursuing Tarpon, Bonefish, and Permit, you’ll return to gourmet meals, private cabins, and even a jacuzzi to recharge for another day of adventure.
Jardines Avalon IV
Step aboard the ultimate in luxury with the Jardines Avalon IV, a 180-foot masterpiece permanently moored in Jardines de la Reina.
Jardines Avalon III
This striking 160-foot yacht combines elegance and functionality for a premier fishing adventure.
Jardines Avalon II
A 144-foot steel yacht offering comfort and utility in the heart of Jardines de la Reina.
Jardines Avalon I
A 110-foot yacht offering an intimate and personalized fishing experience.
Jardines Avalon F II
A stylish and spacious yacht designed for comfort and exclusivity.
Jardines Avalon F I
This refined and intimate yacht offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere for anglers.
Perola
The Perola is a beautifully refurbished yacht offering a quiet and exclusive retreat for smaller groups.
Jardines de la Reina Fly Fishing Photo Gallery
