Situated about 115km off the south-western coast of Cuba, the island of Cayo Largo (Long Cay) sits on the eastern edge of the Archipelago De Los Canarreos, in the Caribbean Sea. The archipelago is a beautiful chain of 350 islands, with 27km’s of white secluded beaches and fantastic fly fishing to a range of saltwater species including Tarpon, Permit and Bonefish.
With a very relaxed atmosphere, including minimal infrastructure and crowds, this island resort is a perfect escape for couples or small groups also suitable for non-fishing partners. The Cayo Largo fishing area is a diverse ocean flats ecosystem, made up of large mangrove islands and bays, turtle grass flats and hard-packed sand flats which are excellent for wading. Around the cays are mangroves where fishing is primarily accomplished from skiffs while here is also an abundance of natural wildlife including iguanas and giant sea turtles.
Easily accessible with direct flights from Havana, Cayo Largo has a small variety of accommodation options, with a hotel resort and fishing club accommodation by the marina also where the skiffs leave each day. With big Migratory tarpon between March to June, it’s a wonderful destination to capture a grand slam and fishes very well throughout the year.
Accommodation is at the Hotel Sol Melia which is a comfortable but basic all-inclusive European style resort with all the facilities you need for a relaxing week away, located on the southern side of the Island. With Ocean views, beautiful beaches (clothing optional) and a variety of non-angling activities on offer its located conveniently to the marina and skiffs each day, on an all-inclusive basis.
The hotel has several restaurants, bars, and areas to relax after a long day on the flats, while snorkelling and scuba diving activities are also popular. Buffet style breakfast includes fruits, omelettes, boiled eggs, cooked meats, bread, pastries etc.
Lunches are taken out on the water, and these will be pre-packed and ready. Evening meals are formal but informal and usually in the form of a dinner buffet including a full line-up of seafood, meats, vegetables, breads, fruits, desserts and more. The rooms are basic but adequate, and the resort has a generally quiet atmosphere throughout.
As a second option, there are also some budget villas available by the marina for short stays, while a new liveaboard mothership operation is planning to open during the 2020 season.
Internet is available at Cayo Largo, as is mobile phone reception.
Cayo Largo is quite possibly the best permit fishery in Cuba. Since 2008, the guides have managed the waters around the island and it has developed into a fantastic world-class permit and bonefishing destination. Cayo Largo is an exclusive Marine Park and fish are protected as the area is free of any commercial fishing.
The season runs all year round with good fishing throughout the year. With an excellent baby tarpon fishery, good numbers of Permit and the year-round Bonefish present, this fishery produces large numbers of Grand Slams every year.
Cayo Largo is limited to a maximum of six boats per week and is fished on a ‘rotating beat’ basis to ensure that you experience un-pressured fishing throughout your stay. Bonefish grow to large sizes on the Cayo Largo flats. Clients regularly encounter fish that exceed eight pounds in weight and the chance of double-figure fish is ever-present. Over the past few years, Cayo Largo has proved one of the best places in the Caribbean to land a Grand Slam and the guides have developed fly patterns that prove highly effective on the local permit populations.
The fishing program at Cayo Largo is very well managed and professionally run. After breakfast each morning, you will be transferred to the main marina which is about ten minutes from the hotel. This is where Avalon have their fishing centre and clubhouse and where you can leave your fishing rods and gear for the week, allowing for quick transfers from the hotel each morning and evening. They run Dolphin super skiffs and all boats are clean and engines well maintained.
We would advise all anglers to bring their own equipment rods, reels, lines, flies, wading boots etc. and any spares that you might need. There are some spare rods but if possible, bring all your own gear. There is no rental or spare gear at this location.
As per all Fly Odyssey bookings, we will provide you with a comprehensive and detailed pre-trip fly fishing guide prior to departure.
There are no direct flights to Havana from Australia or New Zealand, however many destinations in the USA, Canada and South America have direct flights daily into the capital.
You can plan to fly to Havana and back via the most direct route possible or chose to extend your travel plans in the Caribbean, South America, the USA or Canada.
Passport with minimum six months validity is required. ALL Foreign Nationals require a Tourist Visa or Tourist Card to enter Cuba, which we can manage on your behalf.
A number of domestic flights operate throughout the week from Havana, direct to Cayo Largo (30 mins).
Let us do the groundwork for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
Fly Odyssey has access to the best guiding and lodging rates, suitable tides and updated availability to this destination which can vary throughout the season.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in group stays to the region, and our long involvement with our partners on the ground in Cuba will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water.
This includes extended stays in Havana, Cancun, Miami or The Bahamas.
Please enquire for the latest rates and availability, including information on any applicable special offers.
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On the fishing front, our extensive expertise and experience around prime seasons, species, moon-phases, tides and personalised customer service is centred around one principal – preparation. This includes detailed gear and equipment lists, the fly patterns, transfer details, up-to-date fishing reports and some of the finer aspects that can often be overlooked.
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Our highly experienced team has fly fished the world for the last 25 years, and we understand the considerations and gear needed to turn a good fly fishing trip into a great one.
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