GARDENS OF THE QUEEN - CUBA
The Travel: It is most convenient to fly into the town of Camaguey, and then travel to the port to meet boats. Some guests will choose to fly through Havana, although drive time to the port is much longer and there is an additional charge.
The Lodgings: Because the Gardens of the Queen archipelago is in a National Park, all guests stay on live-aboard yachts. They vary in size and cost, although all are very comfortable. All rooms have a/c. unlimited fresh water, ensuite bathroom, and electrical plug-ins.
The Fishing: GOQ is the most famous of Cuba’s fishing areas. It has all species of flats fish every day of the year. It is also considered to be one of the best preserved marine habitats left on the planet. It is very popular with scuba divers as well.
Jardines de la Reina is a remote archipelago of islands, lying some 50 miles of the southern coast of the Cuban mainland. This is a protected marine area, with a limited number of catch and release anglers, divers, and eco-tourists allowed to visit yearly. The habitat here is pristine and untouched. As a result, all the species of shallow water flats species flourish, including Bonefish, Permit, Tarpon, Barracuda, Jacks and Snapper. With a total fishing area greater than the Florida Keys, anglers are given a large area per skiff to fish, ensuring that they rarely see other fishermen. In fact, Avalon only allows a maximum of 15 skiffs fishing JDR at any one time. Fishing is consistent throughout the entire year. While Tarpon under 30 pounds are always available, the larger migratory fish arrive in April and stay through the end of June, and sometimes in to July. September is generally a month reserved for boat maintenance and guide vacations due to hurricane season.
Getting to Jardines de la Reina is simpler than it used to be when guests arrived into Havana and had to take a bus nearly 7 hours across the island to the port of Jucaro. With flights now arriving in Camaguey, groups are transported a short 3 hours to the port where they meet their live-aboard boat. The fishing week in JDR includes 5 1/2 days of fishing.
The outfitter has several yachts available for groups ranging in size from 12-20 anglers. Each is similar in that they have long fishing days, great food (relying heavily on fresh seafood of course), first class skiffs, and experienced guides. The yachts are all excellent, although they vary in size, amenities, and of course price. World Fly will help choose the best yacht for you or your group.
