Cuba

Cayo Santa Maria

THE FISHING

The Villa Clara coast is brimming with islands and tidal lagoons that hold a wide variety of fish. What really makes this area so special are the large number of big tarpon that migrate to the offshore bays during the late spring and summer months. Tarpon over 100 pounds are common here and we lost several this past June that were pushing 140. The typical sized fish is somewhere in the neighborhood of 60 to 90 pounds with an average number of hook ups at about 7 to 10 per day. A good day will bring as many as 20 hook ups. The big tarpon come to this part of Cuba each year to feed on the abundant shoals of sardines which are found in the main channels and bays in the late spring and summer months. Guests will be sight casting to rolling fish as well as fishing with intermediate sinking lines when the fish are 6-10 feet deep, depending on the conditions. This is primarily a tarpon location and while there are opportunities to fish for large snappers, barracudas and jacks, tarpon will always be the principal game fish to target when at Villa Clara. There is also a large mangrove estuary that holds a good number of juvenile tarpon in the 10-30 pound range. Due to this fishery being on the exposed north shore of Cuba, the area is highly susceptible to winds. As a result of this, we only book here in the late spring and summer, when the winds aren’t generally an issue. Happily, this coincides with the 100 pounders traveling through the area.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

The flats skiffs at Villa Clara are 16 foot flats skiffs powered by 40 horse powered engines.

GETTING THERE

Guests will fly into the Santa Clara Airport where you will be met by a representative of the Garden of the Kings fishery. The drive from the airport to the resort takes about 2 hours and the round trip transfers are included in the price of the tirp. Guests can also come in through Havana and we can easily organize your nights in Havana as well as the round trip transfers that are required from Havana to Cayo Santa Maria. Havana and the associated transfers are not included in the price of the trip.   .

Slipstream Angling is a full service travel company and can handle international airfare, Cuban Visa applications, as well as a host of other services relating to your trip. Please contact us directly at 1 866 644-7703 if you’d like assistance.

RATES FOR 2025

Low Season: January 1 to February 22, 2025

$ 3,640 USD DBL

High Season: February 22 to July 5, 2025

$5,320 USD DBL occupancy

Non Angler: $1980 USD

  • HAV - Havana
  • April 15 to July 30
  • Tarpon, Snook, Cubera Snapper…
  • 8 rods per week guests
  • Wifi: No
  • Language: Spanish/English
  • Physicality: Low
  • CC Payment at Facility : No

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Cuba

Cayo Santa Maria

Tour Location

LOCATION

Villa Clara is located on the North central coast of Cuba, about an hours flying time from Havana.

PRIMARY SPECIES

Tarpon. Snook, Cubera Snapper, Jack Crevelle, and Barracuda are also available.

SEASON OF OPERATION

Year RoundAngling capacity on board the Avalon Fleet II is 10 rods.

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE LOGISTICS

The week begins on Saturday and ends the following Saturday. Guests will need to spend an additional night in Havana on the back end of their trip, unless they have an early evening flight out of Havana.

ACCOMMODATIONS

Situated on the idyllic beachfront of Cayo Las Brujas and surrounded by rich vegetation, th One Gallery Resort is an all-inclusive resort offers a taste of coastal Cuba with modern facilities, charming accommodations and a contemporary design with a tropical flair. Kick off your stay in paradise lounging poolside with a drink from Aquaris Bar or steal away to the beach and enjoy fresh seafood from The Sunset Bar along the stretch of fine white sand. Retire to spacious rooms, some with breathtaking ocean views from your own balcony or terrace, perfect for stargazing, and modern amenities including Wi-Fi, a mini-bar and an LCD TV. This is by far the best hotel at Cayo Santa Maria!

DESTINATION CAPACITY

Angling capacity at Villa Clara is 8 rods.
Cuba

Cayo Santa Maria

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Cuba

Cayo Santa Maria

INCLUDED IN PRICE

  • Being met at the airport in Havana or Santa Clara Airport
  • Round trip taxi service to and from the airport on arrival and departure days
  • 7 nights at Las Brujas (dbl occupancy) full board
  • 6 days of guided fishing (dbl occupancy in boat)
  • All meals
  • Marine Park License

    • NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE

    • Extra beverages and food on International arrival and departure days, other than breakfasts
    • Additional nights on the front or back end in Havana
    • Cuban Visa
    • Alcohol
    • Fishing gear
    • Gratuities
    • $25 CUC airport departure tax
    • $100 Conservation Fee

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    • Guests can fly fish or spin fish at Villa Clara
    • Electricity is both 110 and 220 volt
    • The kitchen will prepare your catch if you land one of the big snappers that are fairly common at this fishery. They do a masterful job with fresh fish!
    • There is a great little bar at the base of the marina where the skiffs are kept that serves cheap, ice cold beer. It’s a must after a long day on the water!!!
    • Mandatory Cuban Medical Insurance Policy as of May 1, 2010

      • TRAVEL DOCUMENTS REQUIRED

      • A valid passport that does not expire for at least 6 months after your departure from Cuba
      • A Cuban Entry Visa.