Cayo Romano (previously Cayo Cruz) combines some of the biggest bonefish in Cuba with more permit than most other destinations. Furthermore, it offers plentiful activities for non-angling spouses and families.
Castaway Flyfishing Company is proud to have been the first to promote what has now become one of Cuba’s hottest fly-fishing destinations.
Located on Cuba’s north coast, in the Provinces of Ciego del Avila and Camaguey, lies this vast and – until now – virgin archipelago of islands and cays which provide some of the best and most varied fishing in the whole country. Cayo Cruz is part of the larger archipelgo known as Cayo Romano. Until 2009, the area was under military control, and subsequently strict control of all commercial fishing in the area has ensured that most of what is covered by this operation is truly unspoilt fishing territory.
Also, those concerned by the occasional cold fronts from the north during January to March can be assured that Cayo Romano is privileged in having an extensive string of cays on its northern border which protects it from all but the most violent of weather patterns. On the other hand, being located on the northern side of the island it is fortunate to escape the perennial hurricane activity which normally passes by to the south of Cuba.
The Fishing:
The best fishing at Cayo Romano is that at the eastern end of the chain of islands – at Cayo Cruz in the Province of Camaguey.
Thanks to the prohibition of commercial fishing, there is no doubt that the average size of bonefish, permit and of tarpon at Cayo Cruz – as well as the sheer numbers in which they are to be found under the right conditions – is the envy of most other destinations in the Caribbean.
Cayo Romano demonstrates all the characteristics of a recently discovered, virgin fishing territory – large numbers of fish, good sizes and their evident lack of exposure to flies and leaders. Here you find probably more permit than in any other destination in Cuba, and it is difficult to find a larger average size of bonefish than those that frequent the flats at Cayo Romano. Good numbers of sizeable tarpon are also to be found – particularly from mid-March onwards – not only in the channels but on the flats as well, providing great sight casting opportunties. Add to this the natural beauty of the cays and of the water and you have a truly memorable place to fish.
Accommodation:
This destination now offers 5 star accommodation at the new, all-inclusive, Hotel Marina & Spa at Cayo Cruz. This is a luxury hotel just 50 metres from the fishing dock, where you start the fishing each morning. It is an all-inclusive hotel and spa with swimming pool, bar, lounge, fitness center, etc, and featuring many activities for non fishing guests.
The hotel is 1 hour’s drive from Cayo Coco airport, and 2 hours from Camaguey airport. There is a brand new asphalt road that connects Cayo Cruz to both airports, which makes your transfers easy and smooth.
The Programme:
The fishing Programme at Cayo Romano is for 7 nights, and 6 full days fishing. It is a Saturday to Saturday Programme,as below:
Saturday
Flight arrival in to Camaguey or Cayo Coco airport
Group transfer to Hotel Marina & Spa, Cayo Cruz (Transfers to and from Havana can be arranged at extra cost).
Overnight at Hotel Marina & Spa, Cayo Cruz
Sunday – Friday
7:00 am Wake-Up call
7:30 am Breakfast
8:00 am Fishing
Return in late afternoon
Appetizer and dinner
Overnight in the Hotel Marina & Spa
Note: Schedule can be changed according to your preferences and your
guide’s suggestions
Saturday
Morning transfer to Cayo Coco or Camaguey Airport for your return international flight.
Seasons:
The Low Season period January to mid-February brings with it the risk of cold fronts from the north-east. However, as explained above, Cayo Romano – particularly the eastern section – is well protected by the string of cays that shelter most of the fishing spots. The fishing at this time is good, particularly for good-sized bonefish, small and medium tarpon (20-30 lbs), and from mid-January the permit begin to appear.
The High Season period mid-February to mid-July is perhaps the best time both for weather and, from mid-March onwards, for the appearance of large quantities of huge tarpon – in addition to the bonefish and permit.
Later July and August the fishing is the same, but hotter (and mosquitoes). August to October is recognised as the hurricane period but, as stated above, most of this activity is normally to the south of the island.
September to December is a good period for bonefish and for smaller quantities of large and medium tarpon.
Rates – 2023 and 2024:
The rates for the Fishing Programme at Cayo Romano above, on a shared basis, are:
2023: USD3,790/person, Low season; US$5,990/person, High season
2024: USD3,990/person, Low season; US$6,790/person, High season
Single Supplements are available
NB: There are certain weeks for which we are able to make special offers
Included:
Reception at the Cayo Coco or Camaguey airports and return transfers between the airports and Hotel Marina & Spa
7 nights in Hotel Marina & Spa 5-star hotel, shared room basis
6 full days guided fishing, sharing a skiff
Beverages while fishing on skiff, 4 drinks (beer, water, soft drinks), each fishing day
Full board and drinks at the all-inclusive Hotel Marina & Spa, including packed lunch on the skiffs
Fishing Licences and Marine Conservation Fee
Not Included:
International flights; Tips, personal expenses; Transfers on arrival and departure from airports other than those above; Hotel, Meals and Drinks at Cayo Coco and/or Camaguey; Cuban Visa
Optional Services:
Transfers inside Cuba from Havana airport
Accommodation in Havana or Cayo Coco, on arrival or before departure
Conditions:
A deposit of 20% is required to secure your booking. A further 40% is payable 6 months before departure and the balance of 40% is payable 60 days before commencement of the programme.
