CubaPlus Travel's Exclusive VIP Anglers Package
73rd Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament
Marina Hemingway, Havana, Cuba
Tournament dates: June 9 – 14, 2025
VIP Anglers package: June 7-15, 2025 – 3 extra days in Cuba!
The 73rd Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament will be held in Havana, Cuba, June 7 – 14, 2025. The tournament was established by American author Ernest Hemingway in 1950, and has been described as the “highlight of Cuba’s fishing year” attracting anglers from as many as 30 countries.
CubaPlus Travel’s Exclusive VIP Anglers Package offers 2 nights in Havana prior to and 1 night after the tournament, with daily VIP excursions, culinary and cultural experiences, in addition to the most exciting fishing in the region, and a chance to participate in a historical event. We will also curate experiences and adventures for friends and family members who aren’t fishing.
Avid sport fisherman and adventurer, Ernest Hemingway won the first three editions of the tournament that he founded. He spent most of the last 20 years of his life in Cuba either writing prize-winning novels or fishing on his beloved boat, Pilar. Hemingway left an enormous legacy in Cuba that has passed down to younger generations of Hemingways. Mina Hemingway, his granddaughter, has twice won the tournament.
In 1960, Fidel Castro won the event. Hemingway’s presentation of the trophy to Castro marked the only time the two ever met. He left Cuba for good in July of that same year but the tournament has lasted an additional 63 years and counting.
Since 1997, The Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament in Cuba has been a catch and release tournament. The event is based out of Marina Hemingway in Santa Fe, 9 miles west of Havana’s city center. The marina can accommodate over 90 vessels with state of the art power pedestals and water. CubaPlus Travel will provide 24/7 concierge service to our VIP Anglers, in addition to exciting and unique experiences and adventures for their friends and families while they are not fishing.
VIP Anglers Package
June 7-15, 2025
8 days & nights in Havana, Cuba Including 4 spectacular days of tournament fishing
GRAN HOTEL
MANZANA KEMPINSKI
SINGLE OCCUPANCY USD $6,940
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY USD $5,905 PER PERSON
Belonging to the Kempinski Group, the oldest hotel group in Europe, The Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana is the most luxurious hotel in Havana, Cuba. It is located in the historic Manzana de Gómez building, an early-20th-century building that was Cuba’s first shopping mall. It is famous for its rooftop poolside terrace and the spectacular panoramic views where their signature daiquiri and a dip in the infinity pool will cool you off after a day of deep sea fishing.
ROYALTON
PASEO DEL PRADO
SINGLE OCCUPANCY USD $5,825
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY USD $5,420 PER PERSON
This European plan city hotel combines modernism and luxury décor with the most spectacular views of the sea. Royalton Habana is the top destination for the most daring and avant-garde luxury travelers. The alluring nights on its terraces and the whimsical breeze from the broad stretch of Malecón will be accomplices to your enjoyment of the city at Royalton Habana. The spectacular rooftop pool is the perfect place to decompress after a day of deep sea fishing.
BOUTIQUE
CASA ITALIA HOTEL
SINGLE OCCUPANCY USD $5,665
DOUBLE OCCUPANCY USD $5,345 PER PERSON
Located on Havana’s iconic Quinta Avenida (Fifth Avenue), considered by many the most beautiful street in Havana, is the Boutique Casa Italia Hotel. An intimate boutique hotel opened in 2019 that offers its guests exquisite cuisine, a 24-hour pool bar and a private and quiet atmosphere to enjoy after a day of deep sea fishing.
The tournament will be governed by the rules of the IGFA, with teams of up to 4 fishermen and the method used will be Trolling in the “catch, mark and release” mode. Only the Captain and a representative of the vessel will attend the captains’ meetings. Each team may only have 4 fishing lines in the water. Fishing lines up to 36 kg (80 lbs) may be used.
VIP ANGLERS ITINERARY
- Arrive to either Juan Gualberto Gomez in Varadero or Jose Marti International Airport in Havana (Panoramic 2hr drive to Varadero along the Via Blanca).
- Meet your driver upon exiting airport terminal for transfer to Varadero resort
- Transfer to Grand Aston Varadero Beach Resort for check-in and welcome refreshments
- Meet your Cuba Plus Travel tour manager and guide
- Time at leisure to explore your all-inclusive resort amenities, lay on one of the world’s best beaches, take a coco-taxi or classic 1950’s convertible tour of the town and enjoy your first afternoon in Cuba
- Welcome dinner at Nakamura, created by acclaimed Peruvian-Japanese chef Andrés Nakamura who has meticulously curated the menu and trained the staff at this beautiful Japanese inspired restaurant at your resort
- Pick up at Jose Marti International Airport
- Check in at the 5-star hotel of your choice
- Greeted by a VIP representative & welcome cocktail
- Time on your own to explore nearby area or enjoy hotel amenities
- 8:00 pm – Welcome dinner at Yarini, the spectacular rooftop venue in Old Havana’s San Isidro district owned by Cuba’s premier film actor and his family
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning departure to visit and explore Finca Vigia, Hemingway’s estate and home to his beloved boat, Pilar which is on display at the estate museum
- 1:00 pm – Lunch at Ajiaco Cafe in Cojimar, the fishing town that inspired “The Old Man and the Sea”
- Short tour of the town of Cojimar, Hemingway’s fishing base
- Visit El Morro Lighthouse & Castle, that has guarded the Bay of Havana since the 1600’s, on the way back to Old Havana
- Pub-crawl of Hemingway’s favorite haunts, La Bodeguita del Medio for a mojito, El Floridita for a daiquiri and finally, Sloppy Joe’s for a shot of 12-year old rum to top off the afternoon
- Classic 1950’s convertible driving tour of Modern Havana – Pick-up at Sloppy Joe’s
- Return to Hotel
- 8:00 pm – Dinner at El Cocinero, the old oil factory turned 5-star restaurant that is an example of Havana’s entrepreneurial talent and creativity
- Fabrica de Arte Cubano (FAC) – right next door and a nominee for 2025 World Traveler Awards as one of the top multi-disciplinary arts and entertainment venues in the world
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning at leisure to explore on your own and meet back at hotel at 12:00 pm
- 12:30 pm – Lunch at Santy Pescador in the fishing village of Jaimanitas near Marina Hemingway, belonging to a long-standing fishing family and competitors in the tournament. Don’t be surprised if you spot “Santy” out on the water with you
- 1:30 pm – Marina Hemingway for pre-tournament prep and to meet your Cuban crew (if renting a vessel)
- 3:00 pm – Tournament Registration & Digital Camera Accreditation for each team at Marina Hemingway’s Salón de Capitanes. You will have been pre-registered as part of your package
- 5:00 pm – Captains meeting at Marina Hemingway
- 6:00 pm – Cocktail reception at Marina Hemingway
- 8:00 pm – Dinner at Antojos in Old Havana, for Cuba’s best and most authentic Cuban cuisine set in the UNESCO district, in the 18th century Callejon de Espadas
- 7:00 am – Breakfast at the hotel
- 7:30 am – Depart for Marina Hemingway
- 8:00 am – Clearance by authorities at the dock
- 9:00 am – Starting ceremony to commence first day of fishing
- 5:00 pm – Fishermen return to Marina
- Return to hotel
- 8:00 pm – Dinner and Live Cuban Jazz at Fangio Habana, another fantastic rooftop venue set in one of Havana’s newest boutique hotels
- 7:00 am – Breakfast at the hotel
- 7:30 am – Depart for Marina Hemingway
- 8:00 am – Clearance by authorities at the dock
- 9:00 am – Start fishing!
- 5:00 pm – Fishermen return to Marina
- Return to hotel
- 7:00 pm – Exclusive Rum & Cigar pairing with Maestro Machin, the Habanos Sommelier, at the cigar lounge of the Kempinski Hotel
- Dinner on your own at one of the many fine venues in the area – we will help you plan
- 7:30 am – Breakfast at the hotel for 8:30 am departure to Pinar del Rio Province (2 hrs)
- Visit and private tour of one of Cuba’s top tobacco plantations
- 1:00 pm – Lunch at El Cuajani, Cuba’s best farm to table restaurant in the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Viñales Valley
- After lunch, horseback riding or a nature hike can be arranged while the others explore an underground river, take a siesta in a cozy hammock or enjoy their hand-rolled cigar
- Return to Havana
- Dinner on your own at one of the many fine venues in the area – we will help you plan
- 7:00 am – Breakfast at the hotel
- 7:30 am – Depart for Marina Hemingway
- 8:00 am – Clearance by authorities at the dock
- 9:00 am – Start fishing!
- 5:00 pm – Fishermen return to Marina
- Jury review of catch at Papa’s complex dock at Marina Hemingway
- Return to hotel
- 8:00 pm – Dinner and Live Music at La Guarida, Havana’s most famous restaurant since 1996, and the location for Cuba’s most famous film, Strawberry and Chocolate (Fresa y Chocolate)
- 7:00 am – Breakfast at the hotel
- 7:30 am – Depart for Marina Hemingway
- 8:00 am – Clearance by authorities at the dock
- 9:00 am – Start fishing!
- 2:00 pm – Fishermen return to Marina
- Jury review of catch at Papa’s complex dock at Marina Hemingway
- Return to hotel – lunch or snack on your own
- 7:00 pm – Prizes & Closing Ceremony at Marina Hemingway
- 9:00 pm – Farewell Dinner at Vista Mar, oceanside 5-star venue in Miramar
- Late Night entertainment TBD
- All airport departures will be planned accordingly for each traveler
- Free time before departure can be used for last minute shopping, photo ops or whatever requested by the client.
CubaPlus Travel thanks you for participating in the 73rd Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament in Havana, Cuba, and continuing a tradition that began in 1950.
Stay tuned for the 74th Ernest Hemingway International Billfishing Tournament VIP Anglers Package from CubaPlus Travel.
- Airport transfers
- 8 nights at a 5-star hotel in downtown Havana (see choices attached)
- Tournament registration fee & tournament activities at Marina Hemingway
- 4 days of tournament fishing, tackle & bait included
- Ground transportation for entire program (1 Minivan per every 4 PAX w/ driver & fuel)
- Professional guides & experts
- Classic 1950’s convertible tour of Modern Havana
- Excursion to Hemingway’s home & museum, Finca Vigia
- 2 Live music concerts
- Day trip to the Viñales Valley, with a visit to a tobacco plantation
- Exclusive Rum & Cigar Pairing with Master Habanos Sommelier
- 8 breakfasts at the hotel (included in hotel rate)
- 3 exclusive lunches
- 6 exclusive dinners
- 24/7 concierge services by CubaPlus Travel staff
- Cuban visa
- Airfare from your departure city to Jose Marti International Airport in Havana
- Trip & health insurance (recommend https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com)
- Fuel for private fishing vessels
- Sportfish rental in Cuba (limited number available)
- Agent services for private vessels coming to Cuba
- Bar tab wherever drinks & beverages are not included
- Personal purchases & souvenirs
- Tips for marina, restaurant and hotel personnel
- Tips for guides & drivers
- Anything not listed in “What’s Included”
- Additional days in Cuba before June 7 and after June 15 (can be accommodated)
- Curated excursions and experiences for friends and family who aren’t fishing (priced case by case depending on program)
Vessels with crew are available for rental for the tournament
Contact us immediately to reserve your vessel & local crew
PRICE: USD 3,750 Per boat
maximum of 4 anglers
PRICE INCLUDES
33 ft – 41 ft Sportfish
2 Experienced Cuban crew
Outriggers w 4 fishing lines
Tackle
Local rum, beer, soft drinks, water & a light snack dockage, water, electricity
BOOK YOUR VESSEL NOW!
Agent Services in Cuba for Private Vessels
Maria Romeu, Director of Yacht Agent Services for CubaPlus Travel, is the premier yacht agent in Cuba. With over 9 years of experience in providing 5-star concierge agent services in Cuba, she has assisted over 40 mega yachts & super yachts with their Cuba voyages and land experiences, as well as many smaller vessels, sailing vessels and entire yacht club rallies. Romeu also comes from a family of fishermen, spent most of her life on sportfish vessels and understands the angler better than most.
AGENT SERVICES: USD $1,500 per vessel
Agent services for private vessels participating in the tournament include:
- Assistance with entry and clearance
- Dock reservations and liaison with marina services
- Assisting with contract & payment
- Concierge services as required
- Overseeing all other inclusions in the package that are listed above
There are daily flights to Havana from the US from multiple cities on American Airlines, Southwest, Delta and United.
There are three direct flights weekly from Nassau on BahamasAir on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.