Zapata – Salinas

THE FISHING

This is one of the most unique and diverse fisheries we’ve ever experienced and there are three principal areas that can be fished: the flats, the river and the Bocas.

The flats – are a wade fisherman’s dream as roughly 80% of the 100,000 acres of fishable water can be waded. The average water depth of the inner flats is between 6 and 18 inches. There is more shallow water bonefish habitat here than any place we know of and it would take a lifetime to fish it all. There are also deeper water flats on the outer edges of the park and this is where we often find permit and even the odd tarpon.

The river -is about an hour drive from the hotel but still located inside the National Park. The river is an excellent juvenile tarpon fishery, with the average tarpon weighing between 5-25 pounds. 60-80 pound tarpon are not uncommon and there is a healthy snook population living in the river as well. Guests will fish the mangroves as well as the wider bays and tributaries for rolling fish.

The Bocas -The Bocas are the outer islands and channels that protect the inner flats of Salinas. The Bocas are approximately a 45 minute boat ride from where the bonefish skiffs are launched each morning, but well worth the trip. These pristine outer islands hold excellent numbers of tarpon, cubera snapper and snook. The water is 4 to 10 feet deep and crystal clear. Time after time our guests marvel at how visually stunning the Bocas are and they almost always come back with stories of epic battles with tarpon and snook. Each guest has his or her own guide for the duration of the week in each of the three fishing areas.

BOATS AND EQUIPMENT

There is a whole fleet of brand new Beavertail Flats skiffs powered by 30 horse powered 4 stroke engines. These skiffs accommodate one angler and one guide. There are also 3 larger flats skiffs that accommodate 2 anglers and 1 guide. Most anglers love having their own guide and skiff for the week but if you’d prefer to fish 2 anglers per skiff, please let us know this at the time of the booking so we can make sure one of the larger skiffs is available for you.

GETTING THERE

Guests will fly into Havana where you will be met by a Slipstream Angling representative as soon as you clear customs. Guests will then depart directly to the Zapata in one of our modern air conditioned vans or buses, depending on group size. The trip takes 2.5 hours and we will usually stop once for refreshments. Las Salinas is the small launch site inside the National Park, where the bonefish skiffs leave from each morning. In order to get down to Salinas, guests have to pass through a Cuban Military check point located at the edge of the park boundary. There is only one road down to Las Salinas and all visitors heading into and out of the park are closely monitored to prevent the poaching of fish and wildlife. The ride from the hotel through the park and down to Salinas takes about 50 minutes, depending on road conditions and there is a full time professional driver who handles all the driving and is with you for the duration of you trip.

If you would like to add a night or two in Havana, on either the front or back end of the trip, just let us know and we’ll take care of it. 

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 for assistance.

RATES for 2025

7/6   $5,100 USD   Single skiff shared room

7/6   $4,550 USD   Double skiff and shared room

$345 USD for a Single room supplement