Zapata | CUBA

A Fly Fishing Paradise

Years ago, it was unimaginable that the residents of the Zapata Swamp, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve in western Cuba, would one day cease using the forest to produce charcoal, extract precious wood, or hunt crocodiles and deer. Today, this natural treasure has become a haven for fly fishing enthusiasts. The San Lázaro Channel, once used to transport charcoal from the island to the sea, is the very same waterway you’ll travel on to reach your luxurious liveaboard yacht, your floating home during a week of unforgettable fishing.

The Zapata Swamp spans a vast 4,322 square kilometers and is home to just 9,300 people, making it the most sparsely populated municipality in a country of 11.2 million. This area is rich in natural wonders: expansive forests, swamps covering 1,670 square kilometers, and over 165 species of migratory and native wildlife, including the iconic Cuban crocodile (Crocodylus rhombifer).

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Protecting the Zapata Swamp

In 2000, UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization—declared the wetlands occupying the entire Zapata Peninsula and surrounding areas as a biosphere reserve. A year later, the Ramsar Convention recognized it as a wetland of international importance. The Ciénaga de Zapata, located in Matanzas Province, is considered the best-preserved wetland system in the Caribbean islands.

To further protect these wetlands, the Cuban government submitted a proposal to UNESCO in 2003 to have the Ciénaga de Zapata declared a World Heritage Site.

All the waters surrounding this protected area will be your fishing zone for the week. Imagine the pristine environment you’ll be fishing in, and rest assured that we are committed to continuing our efforts to protect this unique marine ecosystem.

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Contact Us Directly

When contacting us please provide as much information as possible on your intended stay with us as;  you can include information such as target species, zones, operations, group size,  experience and your travel dates.

Phone: +1 (305) 764-6203
E-mail: info@flyfishingtherun.com
Address: Manquehue Sur 520 oficina 205, Las Condes, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Chile

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