North America
Fishing in
Cuba 2026.
Fishing License & Permit · Fishing Times · Waters & Fish Species · Cost Overview
🌙Fishing Times 2026Best fishing times
·Cuba21.52°, -77.78°
Trip types in Kuba
01
Fishing License & Permit
- License required?
- Yes
- Where to apply?
- Through state-licensed fishing operators (Avalon, Cubancan) or lodges. Direct booking required.
- Cost
- Included in lodge/tour package price. Separate license: approx. 30-50 USD.
- Validity
- For the duration of the booked stay
- Available online?
- No
Fishing in Cuba is only possible through state-licensed operators. The most well-known are Avalon and Cubancan. Free fishing without a guide/operator is not permitted for tourists. The waters are incredibly pristine!
Book fishing tours in Cuba
Guided tours with local experts — recommended by locals
02
Rules & Regulations
- Closed seasons
- No general closed seasons. Individual areas may be seasonally restricted.
- Catch limits
- Catch-and-release is standard for all sport fish. Keeping fish is not permitted.
- Prohibited methods
- Only hook and line fishing allowed. Nets and spearfishing are prohibited for tourists.
- Catch & Release
- MANDATORY for all sport fish! Cuba has one of the strictest C&R regulations in the world.
Cuba's waters are incredibly pristine due to decades of isolation. The catch-and-release mandate effectively protects fish stocks.
03
Waters & Fish Species
Top waters
- —Jardines de la Reina (Koenigin der Gaerten, unberührt!)
- —Isla de la Juventud (Bonefish, Tarpon)
- —Cayo Largo (Flats, Perwith)
- —Zapata-Peninsula (Tarpon, Snook)
- —North Coast (Blue Marlin, Hemingway-Revier)
Freshwater
Reservoirs with Largemouth Bass (little developed for tourists).
Saltwater
Thousands of kilometers of pristine coastline, mangroves and flats. Jardines de la Reina is considered one of the last paradises.
Starting from1,000 USD / day
Best season: Year-round! Flats: November-July. Tarpon: March-September. Big game: May-October.
04
Practical Information
- Equipment
- Lodges provide equipment. Bringing your own is recommended — supplies on Cuba are difficult!
- Fishing guides
- Only through licensed operators. Lodge packages: 500-1,000 USD/day (all-inclusive).
- Transport
- Flight to Havana. Domestic flight or long transfer to fishing areas. Liveaboard options available.
- Safety
- Medical care is limited. Travel insurance is MANDATORY. Sun protection. Do not drink tap water.
- Customs & taking fish home
- Fishing equipment is permitted. US citizens: observe special travel regulations! USD cash is not accepted.
05
Cost Overview
License fees
Included in lodge package price (30-50 USD separately)
Guide prices
Lodge all-inclusive: 500-1,000 USD/day. Liveaboard: 600-900 USD/day.
Daily budget
Only package trips available: 500-1,000 USD/day (all-inclusive).
Read blog article →
Detailed guide: Fishing in Cuba
Equipment
Recommended fishing equipment
View equipment for Cuba →
Flights
Compare and book cheap flights to Cuba with Kiwi.com
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Airport Transfer
Pre-booked transfer from the airport to your hotel or fishing charter
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Mobile Data
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