The Zapata Peninsula, the most sparsely populated municipality in all of Cuba covers an area over 4,000 sq. km encompassing the UNESCO Zapata National Park, a biosphere reserve with vast forests, swamps and prolific wildlife.
Playa Larga, better known as the Bay of Pigs from the failed 1960’s American backed invasion against Fidel Castro’s Cuban revolution, is the access point to the Georgiana mothership which provides terrific access to its very remote waters, and great saltwater fly fishing opportunities.
One of the largest wetlands in the Caribbean, this region provides habitat diversity including sand-flats, channels, turtle grass and nursery areas to a wide range of fish species.
Home to good numbers of Permit, Tarpon, Bonefish, Snook, Barracuda and Cubera it is also is a haven for bird-life and endemic species such as the Cuban Crocodile.
The Georgiana, a large spacious boat we have previously used for fishing the Isle de Juventud, will be the base for a week’s fishing the Zapata Peninsula.
The 100 foot Georgiana can comfortably accommodate eight anglers per week, with plenty of space to relax, including ample seating areas and modern furnishings throughout.
The yacht can be chartered for groups of six or eight anglers on a per-week basis consisting of six twin-cabins all with air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms.
Upstairs, a large dining and lounge area, allows you to discuss the day’s fishing in comfort over a cocktail, Cuban rum or cigar each evening in a sub-tropical setting.
Food is basic and simple with a mix of traditional Cuban dishes, fresh seafood and meats such as chicken and pork and the standard of food is more than adequate with cooked to order breakfast provided each morning. Lunch is generally taken out on the skiffs with the option to return to the boat for lunch and siesta before resuming fishing mid-afternoon.
The boat uses several different moorings throughout the week, with quick access to the fishery each day. Wi-Fi is not available, with no mobile phone access. A satellite phone is available if required.
Fly Fishing the Zapata Peninsula offers anglers the opportunity to fish in one of the most remote fisheries in all of Cuba.
The fishing throughout the Zapata region is quite varied with a mixture of shallow, productive flats and deeper flats areas such as San Lazaro on the western side of the peninsula which is generally a little deeper. As such, a fleet of traditional two angler Dolphin skiffs are utilized on a rotation basis with smaller single angler skiffs to allow better access into the skinny water available.
This allows single skiff occupancy for 3-4 days with twin share skiff arrangements for the rest of the week, on a rotation basis.
Typical fishing grounds in this area are Mangrove islands, sand bars, shallow flats and creeks. This is mainly a Permit and Bonefishing destination although there are other species such as a Tarpon, Jacks and Barracuda also available.
The crystal clear waters which are up to a metre deep in some areas offer great opportunities to spot fish a long way off, and time to get into a good casting position. Whilst many will prefer to fish from skiffs, there are ample opportunities to walk and wade for those who want to, and the bottom is a mix of hard sand and coral.
Bonefish tend to be in the region of two to four pounds in weight, but bigger fish are around and have been seen and caught up to a staggering twelve pounds while Permit are typically in the seven to fifteen pound range.
A typical day starts after breakfast at 07:00 am, leaving with skiffs at 8:00 am. You will return to the boat for lunch and siesta and will fish again from 3:30 pm to dusk when you will return to the Georgiana for aperitifs and cocktail followed by dinner.
We would advise all anglers to bring their own equipment – rods, reels, lines, flies, wading boots, polarized glasses etc. and any spares that you might need. There is no rental or spare gear at this location.
As per all Fly Odyssey bookings, we will provide a comprehensive pre-trip guide prior to your 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.
After spending time in Havana, you will be transferred on the two-hour drive to the port in Playa Larga where you will board the Georgiana.
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 Cuba and throughout the Americas.
Please enquire for the latest rates and availability, including information on any applicable special offers.
CONTACT OUR AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
CONTACT OUR UK OFFICE
Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences with our clients and friends provides us with genuine satisfaction. All of our trips are bespoke, tailored to your needs, and we always love hearing all about the adventure on your return.
Our knowledge of travel logistics saves you time, and our highly experienced team is here to ensure it’s spent on the water and not at the desk or on a long flight connection that you didn’t require. Since 2006 we have developed a valued client-base that has travelled to all corners of the globe.
We are a fully-accredited travel agency, where all of our flights, accommodation and associated travel bookings are made in-house, which means that you pay less. We have access to a huge range of specials, deals, great volume pricing and excellent currency exchange rates which allows us to pass these benefits directly onto you.
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.
We travel extensively and understand that your free-time is important. Just as we all understand from experience, that the key to a successful trip is pre-trip preparation.
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.
Fly fishing and travel is our passion.
Season: All year round
Species: Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit, Barracuda, Snapper and Snook
Remote: Untouched and pristine marine reserve that has seen very few anglers
Ideal For: small groups up to 8 anglers on live-aboard options
Temperature: Tropical with an average temperature of 25°C year-round and hotter in the summer months
Cuba's hidden treasure, Isla de la Juventud or the ‘Isle of Youth’ is approximately 145 km south-west of the mainland..
Learn MoreCayo Cruz located off the north-eastern shore of Cuba is a remote resort location encompassing a vast system of flats.
Learn MoreSituated about 115km off the south-western coast of Cuba, Cayo Largo is a beautiful chain of 350 islands with fantastic.
Learn More