General Information

Isla de la Juventud is part of the same archipelago as Cayo Largo, although it is much larger.  It is reported to be the island that featured as the original Treasure Island in the imagination of Robert Louis Stevenson.  The island is a huge natural marine park with white sandy beaches and a combination of coral and turtle grass flats.  The main town is Nueva Gerona, which is where Hotel El Rancho is located.

The area is huge, with plenty of variety in terms of flats.  The configuration of cays offers shelter from all but the most severe weather, so a short run to another spot, possibly through some choppy water, will always take you to new, fishable flats – away from the wind.

At Isla de la Juventud there is the option of accommodation at the Hotel El Rancho (rooms are all single basis), or on board the yacht, Perola.

The Fishing:

Until recently this area had never been fished, and 2006 was the first year that fishermen had access to this destination. 

The maximum capacity that can be handled is 16 fishermen, 8 accommodated at one end of this vast fishing area on board the yacht, Perola, and 8 at the other end based at the Hotel Rancho.  This arrangement is designed to ensure that there is never too much fishing pressure.

Isla de la Juventud is first and foremost a ‘big tarpon’ destination.  In the high season particularly there will hardly be a week where at least one tarpon of over 70lbs is not taken by every rod – and many over 100lbs are seen every day.  Bonefish are plentiful, and the average size of over 5lbs is superior to many other destinations in the area.  Permit are fewer, but are to be found on certain flats from time to time.

The guides are all local, so know the water well, and are all professionally trained to match the standards demanded.

The Programme:

The Hotel Rancho programme runs from Saturday to Saturday, and the Perola programme from Saturday to Friday.  The flight from Havana is 35 minutes, and the transfer to the Hotel El Rancho is just 10 minutes, and another 10-15 minutes to the Perola.

The Hotel Rancho programme is as follows:

Accommodation:

Accommodation in Havana on the first, and last, nights will be provided at the 5 star Hotel Parque Central.  The Lodge on the island is the comfortable 3 star Hotel Rancho, in Nueva Gerona.  All rooms are for single occupation, with hot water, air-conditioning, and very friendly staff.  The alternative accommodation on Perola offers a superior, luxury environment on board a 75ft yacht.  There are five very comfortable double air-conditioned cabins below deck, most having their own private bath, with good showers and plenty of hot water, and lots of storage space for anglers. Full board is provided at both locations.

Other Activities:

Despite the island’s size, the Nueva Gerona offers plenty of opportunity to enjoy ‘Cuban Life’.  This is a city with over 30,000 people, 2 restaurants and a disco.  Interesting tours are available, such as those to the Crocodile Farm, the Siguanea Nature Reserve, the prison in which Fidel Castro was held captive before the revolution and the verdant Botanical Gardens of La Jungla de Jones.  One of the island’s most impressive sights are the Pre-Columbian paintings in the caves of Punta del Este.  There are many beautiful beaches, perhaps the most picture-perfect being that at Playa El Francés, where you can enjoy the island’s celebrated dive sites, including underwater caves and a wall of black coral.

Seasons:

The fishing for bonefish, resident tarpon and permit is productive all year round.  However, the best season for the large migratory tarpon is March to July

Rates – 2010 / 2011:

Rate per person:  For the full 6 day guided fishing package, as detailed in the Programme above, including domestic airport transfers, with shared guide and skiff, single room in Havana and single room at Hotel Rancho (shared on board Perola), full board:

Hotel Rancho:

Low Season (8 Jan to 1 April):                                        Euro 1,790/person
Low Serason (4 June to 29 July):                                    Euro 2,490/person
High Season (2 April to 3 June):                                       Euro 3,650/person
Peak Season (1 May to 28 May):                                      Euro 3,980/person

3 Day Package
Low Season only (8 Jan to 1 April):                                 Euro 1,000/person

Perola:

Low Season (8 Jan to 25 Feb):                                        Euro 3,560/person
Low Season (4 June to 29 July):                                      Euro 3,560/person
High Season (26 Feb to 5 Jun):                                         Euro 4,960/person
Peak Season (2 April to 28 May)\;                                     Euro 5,260/person

Supplements:  Supplements are available for:  Havana airport VIP reception, single room on board Perola, and/or fishing on a single basis

Conditions:

A 10% trip deposit is required to hold your reservation. 6 months prior to travel a further 40% becomes payable.  The final balance is due 60 days prior to travel.