Fishing in Cuba hasn't exactly been a closely guarded ... on the white-sand beaches of Cayo Coco and the adjacent Cayo Guillermo, I was eager to see a bit of Cuba's countryside.

A remote island destination connected to the mainland and the adjacent Cayo Guillermo by a long causeway ... watching and offshore excursions such as fishing, catamaran cruises, snorkel tours ...

deep-sea fishing, or dolphin spotting. What sets Cayo Coco apart from others is its fascinating wildlife. As the island is mostly undeveloped, it is home to Cuba's most vibrant ecosystems.

In some photos, he was joined on deck with his fishing buddy ... another novel set in Cuba, the main character looks across the bay at Cayo Guillermo and asks, "See how green she is and full ...