Trip Overview

The Jardines del Rey (Gardens of the King) Archipelago lies just off the northern coast in the North of Cuba. Some of its cays are larger than some countries of the world, and its intact nature outstands making it one of the most precious spots in the Cuban Caribbean. To the north it is surrounded by a coral wall of about 248 miles long, which is the second largest barrier reef in the world, being the Great Barrier Reef in Australia the first. There are canals among the cays and islets, whose origin dates back to millions of years ago when they used to be ancient riverbeds. After the last big thawing, they were partly flooded when the level of sea water rose. The cays become bigger from the West to the East in Morón, Ciego de Avila Province. In this region Turiguanó Island and Cayo Coco, Guayabal and Sabinal are located, forming a kind of exterior coast in front of the shore, giving shape to the bays Buenavista, Los Perros and Jiguey. Among the formations in the archipelago, we can mention Cayo Coco which is linked to the mainland by a 11 mile causeway, which also links Cayo Guillermo and Cayo Paredón Grande. Other islets to be mentioned are Cayo Romano, Cayo Sabinal, Cayo Santa María, Cayo francés, among others.
This northern area has developed an important nautical infrastructure for tourism. Anglers can stay in a 4-star hotel on the coast, which offers a customized service. Four boats 19 feet long with 60 HP Yamaha engines are provided, as well as well qualify fishing guides. The species that are fished in the area are up to 150-pound tarpon, bonefish, permit, jack crevalle, mouton snapper, cubera, spanish mackarel, barracuda, etc.
There is plenty of tarpon in the area from April through August, which is found in very clearly determined spots. There are many canals through which great numbers of tarpon come and go to the open sea, and where they are relatively easy to catch. There are also wide flat areas, of 3 to 6-feet deep, where they are easy to spot due to the crystal-clear waters.
For bonefish, there are huge areas of flats and mangrove vegetation to be fished on boat or by wading. There are big-size bonefish with an average weight of 4 to 6 pounds, but some over 12 pounds have been caught.
The region abounds in permit too, some of them weighing up to 40 pounds. The average weight ranges from 25 to 30 pounds.

Package

The package includes 2 night accommodation in La Habana (first and last) in the IBEROSTAR Parque Central Hotel or similar; air ticket Havana/Cayo Coco/Havana; reception in Cayo Coco airport; 5 night accommodation in the Melia Cayo Coco all inclusive hotel; 4 fishing days with boat & guide; ice and fishing licence; all transfers in La Habana and Cayo Coco