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. 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
