Las Salinas, Cuba is a wonderful immersion into a lifestyle that continues to be stuck in the 1950’s – a refreshing gulp of fresh Caribbean air and old world charm – part of why you should consider travelling to and fishing in Cuba.
Las Salinas is a destination near the small town of Playa Larga on Caletón Beach situated at the southern edge of the Zapata Peninsula, one of Cuba’s most ecologically rich and protected areas. Nestled along the Bahía de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs), this region is known for its expansive flats, winding mangrove channels, and crystal-clear lagoons. As part of the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, commercial fishing is strictly prohibited, preserving a vast and unpressured fishery. The designated fly-fishing zone spans an extensive area, ensuring each skiff has ample water to explore on any given day. The result is a pristine and biologically diverse ecosystem, unlike many other locations in the Caribbean, where overfishing has significantly impacted fish populations.
The Las Salinas fly fishing experience embodies the essence of an unspoiled saltwater paradise – healthy fish populations, impressive sizes, and waters that remain largely untouched by angling pressure. Set against the backdrop of lush mangroves, expansive flats, and the clear waters of the Bay of Pigs, this destination offers an unforgettable fishing adventure.
Las Salinas is one of the few land-based fly fishing lodges in Cuba, and an ideal location for those who don’t want to spend a week on a live aboard ship. The “Lodge” or Fly Fishing Beach Paladar on Caletón Beach, your home base for the week, is simple but private, providing a restful escape after a long day on the water.
Reservations & Rates
Seasons at Las Salinas
From January to March, Las Salinas, like many saltwater destinations, can experience the occasional cold front sweeping in from the northeast. However, the protected waters of the Zapata Peninsula help shield many prime fishing areas, allowing for consistent action. During this time, anglers can expect excellent bonefishing, encounters with small to medium resident tarpon (20 to 30 pounds), and plenty of opportunities to target permit.
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April to June is widely considered the optimal season, with ideal weather conditions and the arrival of large migratory tarpon. This period also offers consistent permit and bonefish activity, making it one of the best times of the year to fish Las Salinas.
Although July and August bring hotter temperatures, the fishing remains exceptionally productive, rivaling the action of spring and early summer. This is arguably the best time of the year from a fishing perspective, with increased permit numbers on the flats, providing more prime opportunities to target these elusive fish throughout the day.
From September to December, the fishing remains strong for all species, making it another excellent time to visit Las Salinas. Fall brings the biggest tides so don’t leave Fall out of your schedule for your favorite flats species. Whether you’re targeting bonefish, permit, or tarpon, this period delivers consistent action and a rewarding experience for anglers.
Getting to Las Salinas
Getting to Las Salinas, Cuba is fairly straightforward, starting with your flight to the primary destination of Santa Clara, Cuba (SNU). There are daily flights on American Airlines from Miami International Airport (MIA) to Santa Clara (SNU) typically departing in the middle of the day.
After arriving in Santa Clara, clearing immigration and customs, you will be greeted by our team with refreshments and cigars as soon as you walk out of the airport. We will then be transported by a fleet of American classic cars to our hotel in the heart of downtown. After settling into our hotel for the night, we will head out to see the sights after a snack and refreshments.
If desired, there are alternative routes for getting there outside of Santa Clara, but they involve additional flights and transfers.
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SATURDAY
Arrive in Miami (MIA) early Saturday morning or Friday with an overnight in Miami. Flights to Santa Clara - Abel Santamaría Airport (SNU) through American Airlines currently depart Miami (MIA) at approximately 9:30 AM on Saturday arriving approximately an hour later in Santa Clara, Cuba.
After arriving in Santa Clara, you will first clear immigrations and customs, then be greeted by our team with refreshments and cigars as soon as you walk out of the airport. You will then be transported by a fleet of American classic cars to our hotel in the heart of downtown. After settling into your room, you will head out to see the sights and have lunch.
At 6:30 PM you will head over to the venue for the Welcome Party. The party will end around 10:00 - 10:30 PM and everyone will head back to the hotel for the night. We can arrange for a night on the town with VIP services for those looking to check out the nightlife.
SUNDAY
In Santa Clara, after breakfast at the hotel, guests will have the opportunity to do some shopping and some sightseeing downtown.
Departure to La Salinas is at 11:00 AM, the drive takes about 2.5 hours to Caletón Beach, which makes for a very relaxing and easy second day of your entry into Cuba.
While on the way to Las Salinas we have to take the opportunity to stop in Cienfuegos for lunch and drinks. Cienfuegos is rich with culture and a must see when in Cuba. Our stop will be short but you will be glad you experienced it.
After arriving in Las Salinas, we will settle into our lodging for the week at our Casa’s on Caletón Beach and unpack for the week. After we arrive, guests have the rest of day to unpack, get organized and enjoy the beach and relax. A snack and orientation are around 5:00 PM, dinner served at 6:30 or 7:00 PM.
MONDAY – SATURDAY
Six Full Fishing Days. Breakfast and coffee are served from 6:00-7:00 AM.
At 7:00 AM we will be transported to the Marina with all of our fishing equipment for the week. Your guide will put together all of your rods and rig them for the week.
Fishing hours are roughly 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM every day. After arriving back to the marina, we will load up and head back to the Casa’s on Caletón Beach.
Happy hour drinks and appetizers are from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM.
SATURDAY
Day 6 and your final day of fishing. After fishing your guide will clean all of your equipment with fresh water and help you pack everything in your luggage for travel home the next day.
Happy hour drinks and appetizers are from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Dinner will be served at 7:00 PM. Our final dinner will be a roasted pig right in the beach, a truly authentic goodbye.
After dinner and some closing stories of the week’s events, we have a Cuban themed party with a local band for our final night in Cuba.
SUNDAY
Breakfast from 7:00 AM –9:00 AM
For your departure from Las Salinas, Caletón Beach, you will want to book a flight out of Havana, Cuba (HAV) but not before 3:00 PM, although early flights can be accommodated, but will involve a special and early shuttle.
There are multiple airlines that service Havana and dozens a flight per day allowing for easy connections within the States. The drive to Havana from Caletón Beach takes about 2 to 2.5 hours.
Give yourself plenty of time for your connection in Miami or other U.S. Cities because you will go through immigration and customs on your first point of entry back in the States.
Lodging at Las Salinas
Tucked along the shores of Bahia de Cochinos (Bay of Pigs), the Beach Houses of Caletón Beach serve as the ideal gateway to Cuba’s legendary Zapata Peninsula. Positioned just minutes from the renowned flats of Las Salinas and the pristine waters of the Hatiguanico River, these unpretentious yet comfortable retreats offer anglers unparalleled access to one of the most productive fisheries in the Caribbean.
Accommodations along Caletón Beach are simple and authentic but private, providing a restful escape after a long day on the water. While the town embraces its rustic charm, guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms, a beachfront setting, and the relaxed atmosphere of Cuba’s coastal villages.
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Evenings are spent savoring Cuban cuisine and refreshments at your Casa and for some added enjoyment and culture, nearby paladars—small, family-run restaurants serving up freshly caught seafood and local specialties in a warm, welcoming environment are available to anglers as dinner options throughout the week.
The Caletón Beach offers an effortless transition to the serene wilderness of the Zapata Biosphere Reserve. Whether chasing bonefish on the flats or exploring the region’s rich natural beauty, this hidden gem places you right in the heart of the action.
Caletón Beach Amenities
Caletón Beach offers several casas, depending on your group size, with air-conditioned rooms, each providing a comfortable and private retreat after a day of exploring the Zapata Peninsula. Every room includes a private bath, WiFi , and essential modern comforts, ensuring a restful stay in this remote fishing destination. The patios along the beach serve as a welcoming gathering space where guests can unwind in cozy seating areas, share stories of the day’s adventures, and enjoy refreshing drinks from the fully stocked bar. While the setting embraces a rustic charm, the beach towns atmosphere fosters a perfect balance of relaxation and connectivity.
Complimentary wireless internet is available, allowing guests to stay in touch while embracing the serene surroundings.
You’ll start the morning preparing for another great day on the flats with the invigorating aroma of freshly brewed, strong Cuban coffee. As the sun begins to rise over the lagoon, you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast including a wide variety of egg dishes, meats, cheeses, fruit, juices, cereals and more, awakening your senses and energizing your spirit for the day ahead.
Dinning
For your lunch on the water, a selection of breads, meats, cheeses, vegetables, fruits, snacks, and other dishes are made to order and prepared for you every morning and made to order.
Dinners embrace authentic Cuban cuisine at the hotel and also for some added enjoyment and culture, nearby paladars – small, family-run restaurants serving up freshly caught seafood and local specialties in a warm, welcoming environment.
Fishing at Las Salinas
Las Salinas is a target rich environment. What makes this flats fishery special in the world of saltwater fly fishing is its vast expanse of wadable flats, similar to what we found on Los Roques, Venezuela over 30 years ago. The flats of Las Salinas are characterized by a mix of shallow sand and turtle grass, with 8 slightly deeper channels, known as “Las Bocas”, running through the mangroves. This variety of water creates prime habitat for both bonefish and permit year-round, ensuring excellent numbers of fish regardless of the season.
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The bonefishing here is outstanding, with large, aggressive fish patrolling the flats in excellent numbers. Beyond the renowned bonefish, permit, and tarpon, Las Salinas also offers exciting opportunities to target barracuda, snapper, jack crevalle, snook, and more. The variety of species and lightly pressured waters make this fishery a true paradise for saltwater fly anglers.
Bonefish thrive in this habitat, averaging 3 to 5 pounds, with larger specimens in the 8 to 10-pound range making frequent appearances throughout the week. Tailing bonefish are a common sight, whether in singles, pairs, or large, foraging schools cruising the shallows.
What sets Las Salinas apart is the remarkable opportunity to target resident permit in the lagoon consistently, a dream for dedicated saltwater anglers. When the tides are high you will find more Permit on the interior and Oceanside flats. This fishery provides an ideal combination of good sized bonefish and daily encounters with permit, making it a true hotspot for fly fishing enthusiasts. Permit here range from 8 to 30+ pounds, and the shallow, protected waters of the Zapata Peninsula create the perfect conditions for spotting and presenting flies to these elusive fish. For anglers seeking the ultimate challenge of catching a permit on the fly, Las Salinas stands out as one of the top destinations in the world.
Tarpon fishing in Las Salinas is another major highlight, with juvenile tarpon holding in the mangrove-lined channels and larger migratory fish appearing in greater numbers during peak season. Anglers have a strong chance of targeting tarpon ranging from 30 to over 100 pounds, and guides often save these spots for anglers looking to complete a Grand Slam. In addition to bonefish, permit, and tarpon, other prized species include snook, mutton snapper, jack crevalle, Cubera snapper, barracuda, and more.
The fishing grounds extend throughout the Bay of Pigs and the nearby protected waters of the Zapata Peninsula, offering an incredible range of flats and backcountry fishing. The average boat run to prime fishing areas is about 15 - 25 minutes, though in some cases, fish can be spotted within minutes of leaving the dock. With vast, lightly pressured waters to explore, the experience at Las Salinas is as diverse as it is exhilarating, offering endless opportunities for saltwater anglers.
Las Salinas Typical Fishing Day
• 6:00 AM: Breakfast & Coffee is served
• 7:00 AM Departure to Fishing (45 minute drive through the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park)
• 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Full day of fishing, lunch on the fly
• 4:00 PM Back to the marina
• 4:15 PM Departure to Lodge (45 minute drive through the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park)
• 5:00 – 7:00 PM Happy Hour – cocktails and appetizers available
• 7:00 PM: Dinner is served
The Fly Fishing Guides of Las Salinas
The guides at Las Salinas bring decades of experience to the water, having led anglers from around the world through the flats, lagoons, and mangrove channels of the Zapata Peninsula. Many of them were born and raised in this region, with deep knowledge passed down through generations. Their backgrounds often include work as former commercial fishermen, giving them an intimate understanding of fish behavior, tides, and the complex ecosystem that makes this area so special.
Fluent in English and Spanish, these guides are not only experts in the craft of fly fishing but also passionate ambassadors of Cuban culture and conservation. Their commitment to client success and satisfaction is second to none, and they take pride in sharing the history, stories, and techniques that make this fishery unique. Whether you’re pursuing bonefish, permit, or tarpon, their skill, patience, and dedication will ensure an unforgettable experience on the water.
What Makes This Destination Special and Unique?
● Protected & Private Fishing Waters – The fishing waters of Las Salinas are located in the Ciénaga de Zapata National Park, commercial fishing is strictly prohibited, preserving a vast and unpressured fishery. The designated fly-fishing zone spans an extensive area, ensuring each skiff has ample water to explore on any given day. The result is a pristine and biologically diverse ecosystem, unlike many other locations in the Caribbean, where overfishing has significantly impacted fish populations.
● Land based Authentic Experience – Las Salinas an ideal location for those who don’t want to spend a week on a live aboard ship. The Casa’s of Caletón Beach, your homebase for the week, are simple but private, providing a restful escape after a long day on the water. While the town embraces its rustic charm, guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms, a beachfront setting, and the relaxed atmosphere of Cuba’s coastal villages. This is a very appropriate destination to have your non-angling guest join you on your Cuban fly fishing adventure, they will be well looked after and happy.
● Cuban Culture – One of the many reasons you travel to fish outside of your home waters is to meet new people and experience new cultures. Few destinations offer more cultural stimulation than Cuba. A fly fishing trip to Cuba should include emersion into the country’s incredible history and the culture. The exclusive Welcome Party and extra day in the town of Santa Clara ensures you have this opportunity – a traditional Cuban dinner, band, dancers, a cigar roller, a short presentation about the cigars of Cuba from a Master Sommelier, and a tasting of Cuban Rum, Coffee and American Bourbon paired with cigars, the perfect kick off to your trip!
● Professional Outfitters – Cuba Fly Fishing Company has been hosting and managing anglers in Cuba for many years. They are a partnering representative of The Fly Shop that understands and appreciates all the intricacies of travelling to Cuba, as well as what it takes to make a good trip into a great one. You are in excellent hands with our representatives of Cuba, so let them handle all the details. Your job is to relax, fish hard, and absorb the Cuban experience.
● Multi Species Fishery – Las Salinas is a target rich environment. Anglers will sight cast to bonefish that average an honest four pounds with opportunities for eight pounders. Resident Permit fishery with, deeper water flats that can produce some of the best permit fishing in Cuba, hands down! Resident tarpon (20 – 50 pounds), migratory fish up to 100+ pounds, and foraging species like mutton snapper, snook, Cubera snapper, Jack Crevalle, and barracuda abound. This is definitely Grand Slam and Super Slam Country and more!
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