The Canarreos Archipelago to the south of Cuba’s mainland comprises 350 islets and is almost the same length as the Florida Keys. Within the archipelago sit two of the country’s best known destinations; the Isla de Juventud (Isle of Youth) and Cayo Largo. During the spring season these destinations are fish separately but from July to February each season one mothership will cover the full archipelago under the Canarreos banner. It offers anglers the perfect combination of great fishing for bonefish and tarpon, along with tailing permit, Cubera snapper and other flats species all from a comfortable liveaboard vessel.
The trip is based aboard Jardines Avalon I, a 110 foot vessel which features ten air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms. It is an intimate, comfortable and stylishly designed boat. There is a spacious and comfortable combination lounge, dining room and bar area on the boat deck along with a jacuzzi.
January and February is a great time to visit this part of the Caribbean. And as this year’s autumn season winds down one thing is absolutely clear: the flats have been alive over the last few months. Healthy habitats, thick schools of bonefish, steady permit activity, and aggressive resident tarpon all pointed to what guides and biologists have been hoping for — a fishery in excellent shape heading into winter.
That momentum is carrying directly into January and February, two of the most overlooked (but consistently productive) months in Cuba’s Canarreos Archipelago. With a few prime spaces remaining aboard the Jardines Avalon I (JAF1), now is the time to trade frost and holiday clutter for turtle-grass flats, warm tides, and the kind of fishing that resets the soul. It’s a season defined by options and frequent shots at a Grand Slam, making winter one of the most rewarding times to fish this archipelago.
Canarreos January/February openings 2026
• January 3rd to 10th
• January 31st to February 7th
• February 7th to 14th
• February 21st to 28th
• February 28th to March 7th
Price for full boat with 6 skiffs/guides
US$76,890 (please enquire for rates for single or double anglers)
Includes: 7 nights on JA1, 6 days on full board basis, 6 days fishing, open bar, Havana City to Zapasca port return transfer.
Excludes: International flights, hotels in Havana or other cities, transfers other than those mentioned above, tips and personal spending.
For more information on fishing in Canarreos or in Cuba in general please contact Peter McLeod or Alex Jardine, alternatively please call our office on +44(0)1980 847389.
