ALPHONSE ISLAND

Alphonse Island is one of the Indian Ocean's most celebrated saltwater fly fishing destinations, offering an extraordinary combination of pristine flats, remarkable marine life and luxurious island accommodation.

Situated approximately 400 kilometres southwest of Mahé, the Alphonse Group comprises Alphonse Island, St François Atoll and the small island of Bijoutier. These remote islands are surrounded by extensive white sand flats, coral reefs, lagoons and deeper channels, creating an exceptionally rich and varied marine environment.

Alphonse is particularly renowned for its outstanding bonefish populations, but the diversity of species makes it equally appealing to experienced anglers seeking some of saltwater fly fishing's greatest challenges.

The Fishing

The principal fishing grounds are found around St François Atoll, a vast and beautiful lagoon system encompassing thousands of acres of shallow flats, channels and reef edges.

The atoll is reached by a short boat journey from Alphonse Island, with anglers spending their days exploring the extensive fishing grounds alongside experienced specialist guides.

Bonefish are one of the great attractions. The healthy populations and expansive flats provide excellent opportunities for sight-fishing, with fish frequently encountered in schools or feeding individually across the shallows.

St François is also particularly well known for its milkfish, which present one of the most unusual and demanding challenges in saltwater fly fishing. These powerful fish can be encountered feeding close to the surface, often requiring precise presentations and specialist techniques.

Indo-Pacific permit are another highly prized target, while giant trevally, bluefin trevally, triggerfish, barracuda and a remarkable variety of reef species provide further opportunities.

The diversity of fishing environments is exceptional. Anglers may find themselves stalking bonefish across firm white sand flats, searching for permit over turtle grass, or casting to powerful trevally along the edges of deeper water.

Much of the fishing is undertaken on foot, with shallow-draft skiffs used to access different areas of the atoll. The guides carefully plan each day around the tides, weather and movements of the fish.

Fishing pressure is strictly managed, with a limited number of anglers permitted on the flats each day. This approach helps preserve the quality of the fishery and the extraordinary natural environment.

Alphonse Island Lodge

Alphonse Island offers some of the finest accommodation associated with any specialist saltwater fly fishing destination.

Set amongst tropical vegetation and beautiful white sand beaches, the lodge combines a relaxed island atmosphere with excellent facilities and attentive service.

Accommodation includes elegant beach bungalows and spacious beach villas, all designed to make the most of the island's spectacular surroundings. The rooms are comfortably appointed, with air conditioning, private bathrooms and attractive outdoor areas.

The main lodge facilities include a swimming pool, bar and restaurant, where guests can enjoy excellent cuisine inspired by the Seychelles and the wider Indian Ocean.

Fresh local ingredients, seafood and carefully prepared dishes are complemented by a good selection of wines, creating a particularly enjoyable atmosphere after a day on the flats.

The island's beautiful beaches and peaceful surroundings make it an exceptional place to relax, whether fishing or simply enjoying the setting.

An Excellent Destination for Couples and Families

One of Alphonse Island's greatest strengths is its appeal beyond the fishing.

Unlike some of the more remote Seychelles fishing operations, Alphonse offers an extensive range of activities for non-fishing companions.

Snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddleboarding, nature walks and other marine experiences provide wonderful opportunities to explore the island and surrounding waters.

The remarkable abundance of wildlife, including seabirds, turtles and marine life, makes Alphonse particularly attractive to nature lovers.

For couples or families wishing to combine serious saltwater fly fishing with a luxurious Indian Ocean holiday, Alphonse is an outstanding choice.

Fishing Holidays with Go Fishing Worldwide

Alphonse Island offers an exceptional combination of fishing, guiding, accommodation and natural beauty.

Its healthy bonefish populations make it an attractive destination for anglers developing their saltwater fly fishing experience, while the opportunities for milkfish, permit, giant trevally and triggerfish provide challenges for even the most accomplished fishermen.

Go Fishing Worldwide can arrange fishing holidays to Alphonse, including flights, accommodation and guided fishing, and advise on the most suitable times of year according to your preferred species.

Suggested Package: 1 night's accommodation on Mahé with breakfast, return domestic flights to Alphonse Island, 7 nights' full-board accommodation and 6 days' guided saltwater fly fishing.