Jardines de la Reina, Cuba
Jardines de la Reina(JDR), gardens of the queen, is a vast marine park, which is bigger in size than the Florida Keys, is ideal for fly fishermen who wish to live and experience fishing from dawn till dusk. Here we offer more fishing hours than any other destination. Jardines de la Reina is for those looking for adventure, absolutely amazing food with fresh seafood every day, and complete comfort. All accommodations are equipped with air conditioning, large dining areas and an exclusive crew. Guests on these programs can enjoy their fishing dreams from the minute they step aboard, and will be able to fish more hours and more species than in any other Caribbean destination.
Hosted Travel Dates
2025 is the year to travel to Jardines de la Reina- We have special rates for 2025 and prices are doubling in 2026.
- November 2nd- 9th, 2024 – Full
- February 1st – 8th, 2025 – 2 Spots Available -Rates below
- October 11th – 18th, 2025 – 6 Spots Available -Rates Below
- November 8th-15th, 2025 –12 Spots Available -Rates Below
Overview
Jardines de la Reina (JDR) is a pristine archipelago on Cuba’s south coast, renowned for its protected and diverse biosphere. It offers a world-class fishing and diving experience, making it a top destination for both novice and experienced anglers.
Fishing Opportunities
- Variety: Beyond the classic trio of bonefish, permit, and tarpon, JDR’s waters teem with an impressive range of species. On any given day, you can expect to catch numerous species, providing an exciting and dynamic fishing experience.
- Grand Slam Potential: For seasoned saltwater anglers, JDR presents one of the best opportunities to achieve a grand slam. If you’re able to hook a permit, catching the other sought-after species is often a near certainty.
Accommodations and Cuisine
- Live-Aboard Mothership: The accommodations are based on a comfortable live-aboard mothership, ensuring you’re as close to the fishing grounds as possible. This setup enhances your fishing experience by minimizing travel time to the flats.
- Dining: Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine with fresh, local seafood featured prominently in each meal. Dinner spreads typically include lobster, fish, ropa vieja, plantains, rice, beans, and homemade soups, offering a true taste of Cuba.
- Staff and Service: JDR boasts expert guides, a friendly staff, and an outstanding operation, contributing to its status as one of our all-time favorite destinations.
For more details and pricing, [click here].
Jardines de la Reina promises an unforgettable adventure with exceptional fishing, top-notch accommodations, and immersive local cuisine.
Accommodation/Cuisine details
Tortuga Live Aboard
The Tortuga offers newly remodeled, intimate, and stylish accommodations designed with your comfort and safety in mind. It perfectly balances prime exploration opportunities with a unique, elegant style, ensuring a pleasant and exclusive base for your adventures in Jardines de la Reina. With deluxe cabins featuring private bathrooms, air conditioning, heat controls, and both 220 and 110-volt electrical plugs, along with ample drawer storage, Tortuga stands out as the premier choice in JDR.
On the boat deck, you’ll find a spacious and comfortable area that combines a lounge, dining room, and bar, perfect for socializing and dining. Enjoy a delightful array of Cuban cuisine throughout your stay, complemented by international wines and local liquors. The setting is laid-back and lively, with plenty of entertainment options including DVDs and music to enhance your experience.
Cuisine
Of all of the operations in Cuba, Jardines de la Reina arguable has the best food program. Each yacht has it’s own team of chefs and dinning staff to create incredible meals. Fresh seafood, traditional Cuba cuisine, homemade pasta, ceviche, sashimi are all dishes you enjoy on a typical week on the boat.
Fishing
Each morning, skiffs depart from the Tortuga Live aboard, with destinations varying based on the guide rotation for the day and desired species you want to chase. You could be heading to numerous areas, from Boca Grande in the west to Las Caballones in the east. The region is rich with islands, channels, and flat that offer abundant fishing opportunities. At the end of the day you return to the Liveaboard with a ice cold beverage awaiting.
Fly fishing Jardines de la Reina offers a unique experience unlike any other Caribbean destination. These pristine flats have been protected as Cuban National Marine Parks, with no commercial fishing allowed except for lobster. The result? You’ll be fishing in waters that haven’t seen sport fishing in nearly fifty years.
Imagine exploring over 100 miles of untouched flats without encountering another angler. Picture a day where you can catch seven different species of fish, and where big bonefish aggressively pursue your fly, even if it lands too hard. Jardines de la Reina is a place where you have a genuine shot at achieving a Grand Slam every day of the year, where large permit are as abundant as they were in the Florida Keys three decades ago, and where you can wade for miles across white-sand flats in search of trophy bonefish.
The remote archipelagos of Cuba have remained pristine despite past commercial fishing pressures. Located 50 to 100 miles off the Cuban coast, these areas are so isolated that even Cuban lobster fishermen seldom visit them. The result is an unparalleled fishing experience with incredible numbers of tarpon, jacks, barracuda, and sharks, ensuring that you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime.
Guides
The guides are exceptional fishermen with extensive knowledge of the local waters. Born and raised on these shores, they are intimately familiar with the ocean and the flats. While their English proficiency may vary, each guide is equipped to assist effectively while fishing. Good communication, a positive attitude, and preparation are key to enhancing your experience on the boat. For additional support, be sure to review our helpful “Saltwater Fly Fishing Tips” packet included in your pre-trip paperwork.
Getting There
Getting There
Guests can fly directly from Miami to Camagüey, Cuba, with American Airlines, which offers one daily flight in the middle of the day. For those traveling from the western U.S., an overnight stay in Miami is typically required on the return journey.
Upon arriving in Camagüey, you’ll be greeted by an Avalon representative who will assist you with your transfer. You’ll then board a private bus for the approximately 3-hour journey to the port city of Jucaro. Once you reach the port, you’ll board JA4 and get settled into your room. Depending on your arrival time the boat will either depart that evening or early the next morning transporting everyone to Jardines de La Reina Archipelago
Paperwork
Our dedicated travel team ensures that all necessary paperwork is prepared well in advance of your trip. We visit Cuba multiple times a year to stay updated on the latest travel documentation requirements. While traveling to Cuba involves some unique procedures, we are committed to making the process as smooth and hassle-free as possible for you.
Rates and Terms
Upcoming Hosted Trips and Pricing
*Our Travel Team works with Lodges to find the best prices in the industry
7 night/ 6 Day package
-November 2nd- 9th, 2024 – Full
-February 1st – 8th, 2025 – Spots Available -Regular price $5,990- Special rate $5,400 per person – with a $500 deposit by Dec 1st 2024
-October 11th – 18th, 2025 – Spots Available Regular price $5,990- Special rate $5,400 per person – with a $500 deposit by Dec 1st 2024
2026 pricing is doubling to almost $11,000, this is the year to visit JDR!
What’s Included
-Lodging
-All meals and beverages at the lodge
-Guided fishing (1 guide for every 2 anglers)
What’s Not Included
-Personal expenses
-Travel outside of the package
-Flights, and hotels
-Personal fishing gear
-Gratuities for staff and guide
-Conservation fee
-Cuba Visa