The Isle of Youth is noted as being one of the best locations in the world for fishing the largest, migratory tarpon.
Isle of Youth (Isla de la Juventud) is part of the same archipelago as Cayo Largo, although it is much larger. It is reported to be the island that featured as the original Treasure Island in the imagination of Robert Louis Stevenson. The island is a huge natural marine park with white sandy beaches and a combination of coral and turtle grass flats. The main town is Nueva Gerona.
The area is huge, with plenty of variety in terms of flats. The configuration of cays offers shelter from all but the most severe weather, so a short run to another spot, possibly through some choppy water, will always take you to new, fishable flats – away from the wind.
The Fishing:
Until recently this area had never been fished, and 2006 was the first year that fishermen had access to this destination.
The maximum capacity of the Isla de la Juventud operation is 20 fishermen, and fishing areas are rotated daily so as to ensure that there is never too much fishing pressure.
Isla de la Juventud is first and foremost a ‘big tarpon’ destination. In the high season particularly, between March and July, there will hardly be a week when at least one tarpon of over 70lbs is not taken by every rod – and many over 100lbs are seen every day. Bonefish are plentiful, and the average size of over 5lbs is superior to many other destinations in the area. Permit are fewer, but are to be found on certain flats from time to time.
The guides are all local, so know the water well, and are all professionally trained to match the standards demanded.
Accommodation:
Avalon Fleet I is an intimate, comfortable and stylishly designed yacht, where each space is created to provide its guests with maximum comfort and safety. The atmosphere was conceived and designed to provide our guests with an experience of a lifetime. There are 8 deluxe king cabins, with 7 private bathrooms, with air conditioning and heat controls, electricity plugs, as well as storage in drawers. Each room has panoramic windows to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Caribbean beaches.
The Programme:
Friday
Flight arrival into Havana airport, greeted by Avalon representative
Saturday
Morning Transfer to Isla de la Juventud
Lunch and accommodation on board
Dinner and overnight in Avalon Fleet I
Sunday- Friday
7:00 am Wake-Up call
7:30 am Breakfast
8:00 am Fishing
Return in the afternoon
Appetizer and dinner
Overnight in Avalon Fleet I
Note: Schedule can be changed according to your preferences and your
guide’s suggestions
Saturday
Transfer Isla de la Juventud / Havana
Other Activities:
Despite the island’s size, the Nueva Gerona offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy ‘Cuban Life’. This is a city with over 30,000 people, 2 restaurants and a disco. Interesting tours are available, such as those to the Crocodile Farm, the Siguanea Nature Reserve, the prison in which Fidel Castro was held captive before the revolution and the verdant Botanical Gardens of La Jungla de Jones. One of the island’s most impressive sights are the Pre-Columbian paintings in the caves of Punta del Este. There are many beautiful beaches, perhaps the most picture-perfect being that at Playa El Francés, where you can enjoy the island’s celebrated dive sites, including underwater caves and a wall of black coral.
Seasons:
The fishing for bonefish, resident tarpon and permit is productive all year round. However, the best season for the large migratory tarpon is March to July
Rates – 2020:
Depending upon the season, the rate for Avalon Fleet 1 is:
From USD52,500 (for a Group of up to 8 people, including 4 skiffs/guides), or
USD4,800/person
RATES INCLUDE:
Reception in Havana airport
Transfer Havana – Isla de la Juventud – Havana by helicopter, or regular flight (subject to availability)
7 nights on Avalon Fleet I, 6 days on full board basis;
6 full days fishing, shared basis
MANDATORY EXTRAS:
– Open bar fee: USD200 per person / week
– ‘Oceans for Youth’ Conservation fee per angler: USD100
RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:
VIP service on arrival in Havana Airport
Havana hotels
Tips, personal expense; and drinks other than stated above.
Transfer on arrival and departure, Airport – Havana Hotel
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.
