We have advanced reserved the Avalon I luxury live aboard for peak dates during the legendary tarpon migration. We took advantage of Avalon's 30 year anniversary special promotion to lock in this week far in advance for the remote Cayo Largo region. Avalon has an exclusive permit for fishing this vast archipelago which is protected as part of a marine sanctuary. The pristine flats environment is nearly the same now as it was hundreds of years ago. Our group will be limited to 12 anglers which means there will only be six skiffs in this massive region filled with small keys and sandy flats.
Our guests will have the opportunity to fly in and head right to the boat, or to arrive early to explore Havana 2 nights prior to the trip departure. Avalon's program incorporates cultural exchange and is eligible for legal travel for US citizens. Once on the boat we will enjoy outstanding accommodations with comfortable private berths, an all-inclusive outdoor bar, and indoor air conditioned gathering and dining areas.
Fishing
Each morning 2 anglers will depart in flats skiffs with their guides. Guides will check with guests each day on what their goals are for the day and then come up with a game plan. So perhaps you want to wade some sand flats for bonefish in the morning and then chase tarpon in the afternoon. Or maybe it is a permit or bust day. The variety of species and fishing grounds ensures that there is something for everyone and that anglers can experience a rich and diverse fishing experience over the course of the week.
Tarpon
We will be in Cuba in the heart of the tarpon migration. At this time of year large tarpon will be on the flats every day providing anglers with sight fishing opportunities to large fish ranging from 40 to over 100lbs. This is one of the top locations in all of the world to chase tarpon and we will be there during peak dates.
Permit
Cayo Largo is the premier location in Cuba for chasing permit and is often referred to as the Permit Capital of Cuba. Sight casting is common and permit haven't received a lot of pressure. When you find a feeding permit and make a good cast there is a high chance for a hookup!
Bonefish
Bonefish are large and plentiful in the Cayo Largo fisheries. The fishing is somewhat reminiscent of the white sand flats of South Andros. There are great opportunities for 4-8lb bonefish with some going even larger. If all that was found on these flats were bonefish it would still be a world class destination!
Jacks
The gangster of the flats are always a hard flighting and aggressive fish to pursue. Jacks will often move onto the flats at high tide and will aggressively attack food source in their path including your fly!
Barracuda
Make sure to have a few needlefish flies on hand as the 'cuda fishing can also be exceptional. These aggressive predators can produce heart stopping takes as they attack a rapidly stripped needlefish pattern.
2025 Hosted Trip Itinerary:
Optional early arrival - if guests would like to extend their stay we can arrive 2 nights early to enjoy Havana before the trip starts (so then arrive April 4th)
April 5th - arrive Havana airport and transfer to Zapesca port, motor to fishing grounds
April 6th- guided fishing
April 7th- guided fishing
April 8th- guided fishing
April 9th- guided fishing
April 10th- guided fishing
April 11th- guided fishing
April 12th - return to Havana and fly home
Rates starting at $10,240/Person/Week
Included: Airport accommodations, all meals and open bar once aboard the JA1 Liveaboard, guided fishing, transfers
Not Included: Tips, fishing tackle, rod rentals (note we will coordinate fly kits for anyone interested at added cost)