Cuba Package
Cuba: A hunting and fishing paradise
Imagine the aroma of freshly harvested coffee beans, the taste of aged rum and fine cigars, and, of course, the colourful rhythms of mambo, merengue and salsa. Combine this with unspoiled hunting areas with huge flights of birds and virgin fishing grounds. The Caribbean's largest island will awaken all your senses! From pristine beaches, to vibrant cities, Cuba will surprise and captivate you.
Hunting
Located in the province of Sancti Spiritus, our hunting lodge is a small resort in a park-like setting with a swimming pool and a small lake, both fed by natural thermal springs. The lodging is new, comes with air-conditioning, and is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen to relax after a hunt. There is an open-air bar and a private dining room reserved exclusively for hunters. Food and service is excellent with wild game, fish, even lobster added to the menu from your game bags.
Hunts are located from fifteen to forty-five minutes from the lodge. Eight hunts are allowed each week, two for ducks and the remaining a combination of quail, doves and snipe. Importing and exporting guns is not a problem.
 Bob White Quail
The wild bobwhite quail hunting over pointers is outstanding and it is not uncommon to flush twelve to fifteen coveys in a three hour hunt. This does not include the singles and doubles flushed after the covey break up. I believe there is no place in the world with as many wild bobwhite as the province of Sancti Spiritus. The walking is very easy as the hunts take place in gently rolling bean fields bordered by groves of trees.
Ducks
Ducks are abundant with several species available and a daily limit of 25. Blue-wing teal are the most plentiful, but there are wood ducks, whistling ducks, Bahamian Pintail, diving ducks, and several more species too numerous to mention. The duck hunting is done in the lagoons bordering the ocean, as well as in freshwater ponds and irrigation reservoirs. The guides and dogs are very knowledgeable and hard working, and they make sure you are situated in the best shooting areas.
 Doves
The dove hunting is great, with 5 to 10 boxes of shells expended in a two-hour hunt. Hunting is in bean fields, as well as along flight lines and near roosting areas. Both whitewing and mourning doves are taken. The guides all use retrieving dogs for doves and there is a dog and guide for every guest.
Snipe
The snipe hunt is something new to most North Americans, but it is a great hunt that tests the marksmanship of even accomplished shooters. The hunt can be conducted as a walk-up or a driven shoot, depending on the physical condition of the participants, (walking in mud is a young man's game), but either way, there is plenty of action. These birds are also a gourmet's delight and make excellent table fare.
Combined Hunting & Fishing Package
Outstanding fishing on the world's fourth largest reef is available for a
wide variety of species such as Snapper, Groupers, Dorado and Barracuda.
This is a fantastic opportunity to experience both hunting and fishing in
Cuba.
Non-hunting Companions
Wives or non-hunting companions are not overlooked; my wife Vicki will host non-hunters at Veradero, Cuba's most famous beach area. They stay at one of the most fantastic resorts in Cuba, the "Melia Las Americas." Vicki can arrange excursions, golfing, entertainment, or cultural tours, but the main attraction is the 20 kilometers of white sand beaches, on a peninsula that stretches into the clam waters of the Atlantic. Veradero is a veritable paradise for beach lovers. The hunters will join their companions for the first and last nights of the package in Varadero. Extra days can be added if you would like to spend more time together at the beach.
We have three cities in Cuba that the hunting package can start and finish from. (1) Havana, with the first and last nights at the Hotel Nacional, Havana's flagship hotel situated in a commanding location overlooking the Malecon, close to all the action and historic sites. (2) Veradero, with the first and last nights spent at the Melia Las Americas, as mentioned before. (3) Cayo Coco airport, where we are within 90 minutes of our hunting area and we can spend all 7 nights at the lodge in Sancti Spiritus province. Vicki can also host non-hunters at Coya Coco, Cuba's second most popular resort area, but second to none in beauty or excitement.
Hunting dates are available from mid-November to mid-February. Our itinerary will be planned from Sunday to Sunday, but with a minimum group of 4, we will handle your group exclusively and adjustments can be made to fit your personal preferences. All meals, transfers, internal hunting license, and accommodations are included in the price of the package. Group size 4 to 6.
Ron and Vicki Thistlethwaite invite you to spend a week in Cuba with us and we will promise you an exciting hunting holiday, the memory of which is sure to last a lifetime. Give us a call now and we will reserve a date for your group.
Fishing
Fishing on Cayo Santa Maria
Saltwater reef fishing on Cayo Santa Maria is spectacular. Light tackle and big fish; Snapper, Dorado, Tarpon, Barracuda, and many other species make this a great destination for the ardent sportsman. Cayo Santa Maria is connected to the mainland by a twenty-five mile causeway completed in 1999. Our choice of two hotels are located right on the world's fourth largest barrier reef and the fishing is practically untouched.
Fishing is done from Pricecraft 16 boats, with 25 HP Yamaha motors. Fishing methods of casting, trolling, or fly fishing are all used, depending on the preference of the guest. There are many coves and sheltered areas, so fishing is good regardless of the weather. The guides are very good and accommodating, and most speak some English. The tackle provided is good, but you are welcome to bring your own. Artificial top water lures, divers, and flys are used. Tarpon are taken year round, but the most incredible Tarpon fishing takes place from August to November.
Two hotels are offered for accommodation. The all-inclusive 5-star Melia Santa Maria is brand new with nightly entertainment, and everything a first class destination hotel provides. It is within 10 miles of the marina, and if you are traveling with family or a non-fishing companions, this is the place to stay. The Hotel Las Brujas is located right at the fishing marina and is designed for the ecological tourist. Exotic birds visit your balcony, and Manta Ray and large ocean fish can be seen from the hotel lookout bar. Both hotels have outstanding beaches, and our packages are American plan at both places.
Our main package includes seven days with five full days of fishing. For those that want to spend more time exploring, or on the beach we have included prices for fishing five half-days. We have prices as well for non-fishing family members or companions.
We have three airports where your package can begin. Cayo Coco, 2.5 hours to your hotel, Havana, 4.5 hours, or Santa Clara, 1.5 hours. All transportation is by modern bus or van, and the drive from any of these locations is a delight. Very little traffic and an exciting countryside to view, provide and excellent way to get to know the country.
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