Here's a link to a feature I wrote and photographed on Cuba. This story appeared in Anglers Journal about 6 months ago. Many of the published images do not appear in this digital piece unless you already subscribe. This was based on my first trip to Cuba about two years ago. I was there for my second time this February. I have more work that will appear in upcoming issues.
To read this story click: Anglers Journal
Cuba is a bucket list destination for many at the moment. Chartered flights originating in the US are often booked months in advance. Hotels are limited in supply and are also booked months in advance. This is all in a place where the average taxi drivers using vintage American cars bring home exponentially more income than a doctor or a lawyer.
I sat next to a French civil engineer on a 7 hour bus ride from Júcaro to Havana and he told me of his plans to move with his family to Havana for the next 2 to 4 years. His firm has been hired by the Cuban government to build more high rise hotels in Havana and elsewhere in Cuba.
Change is on the horizon in Cuba. As it is, there is a great deal of demand on a place with a quasi-broken infrastructure. Perhaps it's a race to see Cuba before it "changes." Developers are likely hashing out plans and concepts as we speak.
The only component of change many, including myself, cannot seem to predict is how this influx of Americans and the lift of the longstanding embargo will change the day to day lives of Cubans in Cuba.
Below is a slideshow of images from Havana to the protected marine archipelago, Jardines De La Reina. Jardines is located approxamately 60 nautical miles off of the south central coast of Cuba. As it is, the Cuban government only allows 500 anglers to fish / visit Jardines on an annual basis. It's about 160 kilometers in length and is comprised of nearly a thousand mangrove cays varying in size.
While the fishing could be as good or better in many global saltwater destinations, Jardines is unique and to visit it means an adventure and a glimpse at a relatively intact ecosystem that by and large has not succumbed to the industrial hands of the West.
Tails & Mangroves
Havana
Cuban Pesos
Baseball Debate. Parque Central, Havana.
The Malecón. Havana.
The Spring issue of Anglers Journal has an 8 page feature of mine on Jardines de la Reina, Cuba. I did the photography and the writing. To subscribe to Anglers Journal click HERE.
Nick Anderson jumps a baby tarpon in the mangroves. Jardines de la Reina, Cuba.
I will be hosting a trip along with John Huber whom I work with to Jardines de la Reina, Cuba next February aboard the Avalon II. The Avalon II is a live aboard yacht that acts as a base camp in the middle of Jardines de la Reina, a marine archipelago of over 600 cays and in excess of 160 kilometers long located 60 miles off the south central coast. Other than Avalon guests, there are no other fisherman allowed to fish, including Cubans, in the entire marine protected area other than a couple of lobster fishermen. This is a special place for sure. Email: ndprice@cox.net for inquiries
Jardines de la Reina, Cuba. Bonefish Flat. Nick Anderson puts on the brakes as a bone takes his backing to the mangroves.
I will be hosting a trip along with John Huber whom I work with to Jardines de la Reina, Cuba next February aboard the Avalon II. I just got back from Jardines and can say from the staff to the guides to the Jardines de la Reina Marine Archipelago, this is an incredible trip. I am also very glad I spent an extra day in Havana as there is a lot to see there including taking an old taxi to Hemingway's house, walking Old Havana, listening to Cuban music, etc. Email me with inquiries: ndprice@cox.net
Jardines de la Reina is a protected marine archipelago located about 60 miles off the south coast of Cuba. It encompasses over 860 square miles and is approximately 170 km's long. One of the unique features is the complete lack of fishing pressure. Avalon is the only entity with permission to fish this area other than a few lobster fishermen. Staying on the Avalon II allows quick access to the fishing grounds.
Jardines de la Reina, Cuba after sunset.
Avalon II & Skiffs. Jardines de la Reina, Cuba
One of the first things I noticed about Cuba was how relatively clean it is. With the exception of La Habana Vieja, and a few other neighborhoods in Havana, Cuba really is clean of trash. On my flight to Havana I sat next to a beautiful young Cuban woman who sometimes sang as she listened to music on her Discman and gazed out the window at remote cays somewhere south of Cuba. She told me a lot about Cuba on this short flight but what I will never forget is when she looked at me with a genuine smile and said, "I am very proud of my country." From Havana to Júcaro to the guides and staff aboard the Avalon II where I was a guest for 6 nights, the people of Cuba seemed genuine despite their impoverished conditions and what surprised me the most, their universal sense of pride.
This was the only baseball I saw being played in the streets of Havana. These kids though were super eager to have me photograph them.
Baseball bats are worth their weight in gold on Havana streets.
A Havana Street
I stumbled across these kids and their grandmother one morning in Havana.
The grandmother seemed super pleased I was taking their picture.
Above is a slideshow of Havana and a few images of central Cuba and the south coast town of Júcaro.
Jardines De La Reina Barracuda
Bemba, Keko & Titi. All brothers and great guides as well.
A dreamy Jardines De La Reina bonefish flat
I just got back from a wonderful trip to Havana and Jardines De La Reina, Cuba. I am still sorting and editing images but here's one to start with many more to come...
First Light. Jardines De La Reina, Cuba.