JARDINES AVALON IV LIFEABOARD, FLY FISHING IN JARDINES DE LA REINA AVALON FISHING CENTER.

JARDINES AVALON IV, FLY FISHING IN JARDINES DE LA REINA AVALON FISHING CENTER.

Enviroment:

The Gardens of the Queen (jardines de la Reina) in the area completely untouched and exclusively maintained and chartered by Avalon. Species found in this area are: tarpon, bonefish, permit, snook, jack crevalle, snapper, large and aggressive barracuda as well as several other powerful species. Avalon’s goal is to offer another destination to unexplored, virgin waters, as we once did in other areas now well known and protected in Jardines de la Reina. In recent seasons we have visited these waters with guides and clients, with spectacular reviews. The results have been so positive that we are proud to spread the word on how unique and abundant this marine ecosystem is. The rich flora and fauna in this area also make it perfect for diving, as the waters are so clear and the species inhabiting the area, so abundant.

Named the Queen s Gardens by Christopher Columbus, the Jardines de la Reina is a pristine chain of islands, very similar in nature to the Florida Keys in the USA.The island system runs more than one hundred miles back to the northwest, from Cuba’s south-eastern coast. Most of the area we fish is fifty or more miles offshore and has been designated as a Cuban Marine Park in 1996 and now is the biggest Park in all the Caribbean area.As such, there is no commercial fishing in the area, and no other operators allowed. There is no inhabitation of any kind on any of the islands in the Marine Park, where Avalon’s operation is located.This is a huge expanse of saltwater wilderness, perhaps the last place like this left in the world today.With Cuba’s continued protection it should remain a treasure forever.

Jardines Avalon IV

Fly fishing in Cuba is far different from other destinations in the Caribbean. Only in recent years has this flats fishery been developed, and you are fishing waters that have not seen sport fishing for nearly fifty years. Cuba has given these pristine areas protection as Cuban National Marine Parks, where no commercial fishing is allowed other than for lobster. Flats fish like Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Snook, Mutton Snapper, Barracuda, and a variety of Jacks are found in incredible numbers and since the fishing pressure is so light in these areas the fish rarely encounter sport fishermen and are unusually easy to catch.

Think about a place where you can fish more than 100 miles of flats without seeing another fisherman, a place where the flats fishing is so good that you can catch seven species of fish in one day, a place where big bonefish run toward your fly when it hits the water too hard, rather than streaking off the flat in the other direction, a place where you have a legitimate chance for a grand slam every day of the year, a place where big permit are as plentiful as they were in the Florida Keys 30 years ago, a place where you can wade miles of white-sand flats in your bare feet for big bonefish, a place where you’ll find enough big tarpon, jacks, ‘cudas, and sharks on the flats to wear you out!

Our live aboard options are as follows: The Jardines Avalon IV (NT), our spacious floating hotel, (up to 8 skiffs), Jardines Avalon F I (up to 5 skiffs), Jardines Avalon F II (up to 6 skiffs), Jardines Avalon III (up to 8 skiffs) and for smaller groups, we offer La Perola (up to 3 skiffs). We advise that guests fly directly to Santa Clara, Camaguey or Cayo Coco airports. Here you will be met by a representative that will transfer you to the Jucaro port. These transfers are between 2and 3 hours. If guests choose to fly into Havana, they will be transferred to Jucaro port (5 hours) on Saturday of their fishing week. If you are staying aboard Jardines Avalon F I, Jardines Avalon F II, Jardines Avalon III or La Perola you will board your mothership vessel at Jucaro port. Guests that will be on the Jardines Avalon IV for the week must arrive to Camaguey, Santa Clara or Cayo Coco airports in the morning on Saturday for transfer to Jucaro port where they will board the transfer ferry for a quick, three hour transfer to Tortuga that leaves promptly at 2pm. If guests are arriving in the afternoon, they must arrive on Friday. 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. Here you will cast for large Tarpons (perhaps less BIG tarpon than on Isla de la Juventud, but more classic flats fishing for big tarpon and more variety). JDR is full of everything - Tarpon of all sizes, Permit, bones, Jacks, Barracuda - you name it. JDR is the favourite fishery of all destinations for many anglers around the world.

The fishing hours are totally at the discretion of the clients. Our regular fishing day usually begins with breakfast at 7:00am, and your guides will be ready to depart for fishing from 7:45 am on. Most of the flats you will fish are within fifteen minutes of the yacht or accommodation, and it is always nice to take a lunch break in the comfort and shade, back on board the boat. Relaxing for an hour or so before fishing the long afternoons, especially during the warm summer season, is always a good idea.

Many of the more remote flats can produce outstanding fishing and your guides will suggest the evening before that you pack a lunch and stay out all day in order to access some of the more distant flats and estuaries. Clients can fish late into the evening if they like, since it is usually only a short run to get back to their mothership yacht. In Jardines, the morning winds often calm down in the afternoons, and fishing in the late afternoon can be superb, especially for bonefish or tarpon. There is never a daily gasoline limitation for our guides, so you can run longer distances to fish remote flats, especially on those days when you opt to stay out all day.

Our season in the Jardines de la Reina is YEAR ROUND. Our weeks on board the yachts run from Saturday to Saturday. Our normal fishing program includes five full days of fishing and one half to three quarter days of fishing on Friday before you return to the mainland for your final night aboard your vessel in Jucaro. On the Jardines Avalon IV (NT), you will stay aboard the vessel Friday evening and return to Jucaro port on Saturday morning for the transfer to your airport of departure.

JARDINES AVALON IV: YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME IN CUBA'S MOST REMOTE ARCHIPIELAGO.

This amazing 180 foot vessel will be permanently moored in Jardines de la Reina and will feature 20 staterooms, a spacious lounge, a modern dining room, and a sun deck to enjoy every aspect of the Gardens of the Queen. Each room will include personalized air conditioning and heating controls, ample storage space, and convertible double beds. The Jardines Avalon IV (NT) will be the perfect base of operations for your week of fly fishing, diving, eco adventuring, and experiencing the pristine nature of Jardines de la Reina through your conservation workshop program. Come join us in Cuba!

THE JARDINES AVALON IV (NT) IS QUITE COMFORTABLE AND SPACIOUS. The helm deck includes four suites with balconies as well as a delightful jacuzzi and sun deck to enjoy the incredible views. The upper deck includes eight double rooms with private bathrooms as well as a lovely dining area and rear patio. The main deck includes another eight double rooms, a comfortable lounge area with large couches and areas to relax. This is the main entrance area to the yacht and features a massive rear deck and platform to keep all of your gear organized and access easy. The lower deck is where the crew resides along with the engine room powering this incredible vessel.

Specifics:

• 180" feetlong. • 30" feetwide. • Engine: 2 Caterpillar 1500 BHP. • 3 genset. • 3 water maker. • 3 AC Chiller. • Watercooler. • 4 dive compressors.

RATES INCLUDE:

• Reception at the Santa Clara / Camaguey or Cayo Coco airport and transfer to Jardines de la Reina.
• 7 nights on Jardines Avalon IV (NT); 6 days on full board basis.
• 6 full days fishing.
• Camaguey or Santa Clara group transfer only.
• Open bar fee: US$ 200 per person, per week.
• Conservation fee: US$ 100 per angler, per week.

RATES DO NOT INCLUDE:

• International flights.
• Camaguey (or Santa Clara) airport / Jucaro transfer: US$50 per person each way (group travel, ask prices if individual/private transfer).
• Habana / Jucaro 1 way: US$ 100 per person (group travel, ask prices if individual/private transfer).
• Tips, personal expense; and drinks other than stated above.

Single supplements:

• Single room: US$ 1000 per person, per week.

Single skiff per week:

• Low Season: US$ 1900.
• High Season: US$ 3900.

Optional supplements (which must be confirmed and paid 60 days before the arrival to Cuba):

• Fishing equipment rental: US$ 350 per rod per week, includes rod, reel and lines.
• Diving equipment rental: US$ 250 for full set of diving gear per week.