Cayo Largo provides some of Cuba’s best fly fishing and at the same time offers plentiful activities for non-angling wives, partners and families.
The island of Cayo Largo is a 40 minutes flight almost due south of Havana, and is part of an archipelago that consists of some 350 small islands and cays. The shallow and wonderfully clear waters are home to an abundance of marine wildlife. The island of Cayo Largo itself covers only 35 square kilometers but boasts a dozen resorts scattered along its coastline. It is deservedly famous for its fine-grained, white, sandy beaches.
Fishing:
The Cuban Government has made the archipelago around Cayo Largo a prestigious national park. The cays of Cayo Largo are uninhabited and apart from those people that you fish with the only others you will see are a few commercial lobster fishermen. Cayo Largo is therefore an ideal habitat for bonefish, tarpon and permit. It is made up a series of cays, mangrove lagoons and flats that run for some 50 kilometres. The flats tend to be white sand interspersed with turtle grass, ideal for those who want to wade. Around the cays are mangroves where fishing is primarily accomplished from skiffs.
Around the flats and cays, you can find deep channels that provide perfect areas for tarpon to feed on the bountiful shoals of sardines but when the tides are right you can see them move onto the flats providing great sport. Likewise on the slightly deeper parts of the flats you will see schools of permit and many times you will feel that the Grand Slam is seemingly moments away.
Although it is possible at the right time of year, outside of the barrier, to hook up with tuna, snapper, shark, cubera, etc, these species are the exception. Instead Cayo Largo is best known for its bonefish, tarpon, permit, jack crevalle and barracuda. Bonefish are large, averaging 6lbs and ranging from 3 to 10 lbs, permit from 5 to 30 lbs, jack crevalle from 8 to 20 lbs, and tarpon from 15 to 120 lbs – there is something for everyone and for just about all abilities.
Accommodation:
There are two hotel based options at Cayo Largo – the Hotel Sol Club and the Hotel Villa Marinera.
The accommodation provided at the 4* Hotel Sol Club, all-inclusive resort is of the highest standard. This is a well established, large hotel, and has an amazing beach, several bars, a variety of restaurants and a breathtaking swimming pool. It is ideal for those anglers wishing to travel with non-angling companions. Twin bedrooms are equipped with en suite facilities, air-conditioning, satellite TV and refrigerator. All meals and drinks (beers, wines, cocktails, etc.) are provided on an all-inclusive basis within the package.
The Hotel Villa Marinera is newer and is designed more for unaccompanied groups of anglers. The Villa Marinera is a small place with highly comfortable wooden cabins of an exclusive design located just a few minutes from the Marina of Cayo Largo. The Villa Marinera has 22 rooms, 11 Standard Cabins & 11 Ocean View Cabins.
Both hotels are a short distance from the Marina.
Programme:
Saturday
Reception at Cayo Largo airport and transfer to Hotel Sol Club
Overnight in Hotel Sol Club or Hotel Villa Marinera
Sunday – Friday
7:00 am Wake-Up call
7:30 am Breakfast
8:00 am Fishing
Return in the afternoon
Appetizer and dinner
Note: Schedule can be changed according to your preferences and your
guide’s suggestions
Saturday
Transfer to Cayo Largo airport
Seasons:
The season begins in December and January, average temperature 23.6 C. Winds may be a bit fresh, but there are plenty of bonefish (particularly big ones) and tarpon. February to June is the peak period, witnessing the arrival of the larger migratory tarpon (80-120lbs), the permit, jacks and snook. The late season of July and August is hotter (average temperature 28.2 C.), but there are large numbers of fish – particularly permit and tarpon. Statistics show that the same number of fish are caught in this period as in the peak season, but with half the number of rods!
Other Activities:
Cayo Largo is a true resort area, so there are there are multiple activities available both within the hotel, and on the island generally. All types of water-sports can be provided including scuba diving, snorkelling and catamaran cruises. Horse back riding and bicycling are popular, as are visits to the turtle farm and neighbouring cays such as the suitably named Cayo Iguana.
Rates – 2020:
Rates for Cayo Largo are:
Based at Hotel Sol Club:
Fishermen: From USD4,900/person (shared room and skiff), depending upon season
Non-Fishing Guest: From USD2,500/person (shared room)
Based at Hotel Villa Marinera:
Fishermen: From USD4,600/person (single room, shared skiff)
NB: There are certain weeks for which we are able to make special offers
Rates Include: Reception at International airport; Domestic return flights between Havana and Cayo Largo; Transfers between Cayo Largo airport and yourt respective Hotel, and betwen the Hotel and the Marina; 7 nights in Cayo Largo full board, open bar (at Sol Club); and 6 full days guided fishing, shared skiff.
Rates do not include: International air fares; Havana hotel accommodation; Cuban visas; USD100 ‘Oceans for Youth’ National Park conservation fee
Conditions:
A 20% trip deposit is required to hold your reservation. 6 months prior to travel a further 40% becomes payable. The final balance is due 60 days prior to travel.
