Flats Fly FIshing

The uniqueness that sets St Francois apart from many other saltwater destinations is the ability to wade over 10, 000 acres of hard white sand flats in search of the various species on offer. A typical fishing session will involve wading away from the skiff for a few hours. Bonefish
wades will involve either fishing to cruising or tailing fish as they forage for crustaceans. On falling tides it is often the case that huge shoals of bonefish can be targeted when leaving the flats in what has been described as a continuous river of bonefish.

Whether you’re after tailing singles and doubles or shoals, our guides have the ability to make it happen. St Francois is rumoured to have the densest population of bonefish recorded worldwide.

Some flats support larger bonefish specimens than others and a fair lagoon average would be about four pounds. The largest bonefish caught to date was a whopping nine and a half pounds! The average catch returns over the last three years are 12 to 15 bonefish per person per day and depending on the angler’s skill, often many, many more! It is not uncommon for good fly anglers to land 20 to 40 fish in a day’s succession.

In addition to the abundant bonefish flats, the lagoon envelopes coral finger flats and coral heads allowing anglers to catch several of the now 60 species targeted on fly, including three species of triggerfish, seven species of trevally, milkfish, barracuda, sailfish, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna and a plethora of other flats and offshore species. Sight fishing for giant trevally is one of the most exhilarating forms of fly fishing one will ever experience, especially when they grow in excess of 150 lbs!
At certain times of the year, milkfish feed on plankton near the surface and are then enticed to eat flies. Alphonse is where the “milkfish on fly” dream began and these speedy, high flying fish, which have been caught up to 40 pounds, entertain our guests every season.

Big Game Fishing

The unspoilt waters of Alphonse and St Francois Atoll are home to the most incredible variety of bluewater fish species, making it a great destination for offshore fishing. The structure and sheer drop-offs are ideal for attracting a variety of pelagic species that can be caught on fly as well as conventional trawling methods. Fish such as sailfish, wahoo, dogtooth tuna, yellowfin tuna and dorado can be challenged on any given day. Anglers can choose to either spend a half or full day targeting some of the hard fighting fish on offer.

We have four offshore vessels [Y-Knot, A’mani, Predator and Flyer]which can be chartered for either a half or full day excursion.

Our skippers and deck hands are experienced at rigging, teasing and switching to the various bluewater pelagic species, such as sailfish, wahoo, dogtooth and yellowfin tuna.

We practices a strict “no conventional/spin fishing” on or close to the islands, flats and reef to preserve the resident species that use the shallow reef as an access point onto the flats and surrounding areas. Pelagic fish are caught for consumption and guests are invited to bring their catch back to shore and liaise with our chefs to prepare it fresh for dinner.

The main fishing season at Alphonse runs from the second week in October to the first weeks in May. Rain can occur in almost any month. The Seychelles are typically warm, at about 85 degrees but a slight breeze keeps it comfortable. Evenings are also warm except the first few weeks of the season, when there may be a cooling breeze.

The sun rises quickly at 6.15am and sets with equal swiftness at about 6.30pm. It is dark by 7 o'clock. This varies by only minutes throughout the year. This gives nearly full 12 hours of daylight 365 days a year. You are very close to the equator.

Alphonse Island features a single resort comprising of Beach Bungalows, Beach Villas and Beach Retreats built alongside the water’s edge, each with scenic ocean views. Freedom of movement around the island on foot or bicycle permits self-discovery of the wonders of this special
place. The main hotel complex consists of a reception area, bar, restaurant, swimming pool, tennis court, spa, gym, movie theatre and main office. Guests stay in one of 22 privately spaced air conditioned Beach Bungalows, five Beach Villas or two four-bedroom Beach Retreats,
offering every kind of comfort. The bar area, pool and lounge area provide the ideal venue to relax in the evening breeze after a day out in the sun and houses the restaurant which serves freshly caught fish of the highest quality.

Lodge Amenities at a glance..

-Le Lys Bar & Dining Area
-Bijoutier Restaurant
-Smoothie Café in the Veggie Garden
-Entertainment area with Snooker Table & Table Tennis
-Lounge Area / Beach Bar with Wi-Fi
-Beach Bar on North Point
-Swimming Pool
-Fully equipped TechnoGym
-Azure Spa offering calming, tranquil treatments
such as pedicures, manicures and massages
-Tennis Court
-Giant Chess Board
-Boutique
-Extensive Fishing Centre
-Activity Centre & Padi 5-Star Dive Centre with PADI
bubble maker, discover scuba, open water, advanced
and specialty scuba courses
-Fly Shop & Barnacles Bar
-Movie Theatre
-Island Conservation Society Research Centre
-Tortoise Sanctuary
-Tree Nurser

Beach Bungalows

The 22 Beach Bungalows are set amongst lush tropical plantations just metres from the beach. Located on the eastern shoreline of the island, the Beach Bungalows are
decorated in a unique style that emphasises the raw and natural beauty of the island. With a layout that keeps guests’ relaxation foremost in mind, the Beach Bungalows are ideally situated to make the most of the beautiful surroundings. Each Beach Bungalow has its own verandah, overlooking the turquoise waters of
the Indian Ocean. Perfect for watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee or watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand.

Room Highlights:
-Just steps from the ocean
-Own garden, ensuring optimal privacy
-Bath and outdoor shower
-Verandah, perfect for watching the sunrise or sunset

Beach Villas

The five newly renovated one-bedroom Beach Villas are chic, stylish and contemporary. Nestled amongst tropical vegetation and just steps away from a white sandy beach, the villas are extremely spacious and private, with a large lounge area, and additional bathroom, all decorated in a palette of colours that complement the natural surroundings: hues of blues, soft greens, and natural shades. The new villas offer a tranquil interior and exterior landscape in a glorious island setting. An outdoor shower and infinity pool combine with deep, palm-leaf-style thatched roofs
to create a carefully crafted local creole approach to laidback luxury.

Villa Highlights:
-Easy beach access, with the ocean only meters away
-Stunning interiors
-Indoor and outdoor shower
-Additional guest WC
-Private plunge pool and deck with sun loungers

Beach Retreat

The two four-bedroomed Beach Retreats enhance the accommodation offering at Alphonse Island and compliment the 22 Beach Bungalows and five Beach Villas. The spectacular retreats are ideal for multi-generational families, families and friends and each one can sleep up to eight adults and four children.
Offering spectacular panoramic ocean and garden views, each Beach Retreat is 600 square metres in size with four generously appointed double bedrooms, all with luxurious island-style en-suite bathrooms. Large, light-filled open-plan living and dining areas include a fully equipped kitchen and lead to a sun deck and private plunge pool. A private chef can be arranged upon request to create bespoke menus for in-accommodation dining. Both retreats include their own golf buggy.

Retreat Highlights:
-Extremely spacious with four en-suite bedrooms.
-Easy beach access, with the ocean only metres away.
-Large open-plan lounge and dining area.
-Outdoor showers.
-Private plunge pool and deck with sun loungers and relaxation area.

Everyone traveling to Seychelles must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of travel. United Kingdom, United States, European Union, Russia, and Republic of South Africa passport holders do not require a Visa for entering into the Seychelles for vacation purposes.

Alphonse Island is accessed via a private charter from the main island of Mahe. Most US and UK clients access Mahe via Dubai with Emirates Airlines. Dubai can be accessed from many major airports in the US; Emirates Airlines or Delta Airlines are the most popular.

Access to the Seychelles can also be made via Condor Airlines through Frankfurt, Germany and Etihad Airways through Abu Dhabi. Other international flights are from London (Heathrow) with Air Seychelles, Paris with Air France and Johannesburg with Air Seychelles.

It is a good idea to plan on arriving in the Seychelles (Mahe) at least one day prior to departure to guarantee that you are in the islands in time to make the charter flight to Alphonse. Arriving a day early also gives you some time to adjust to the jet lag and climate after the long travel.

There is a weight limit of 15 kilograms (approximately 33 pounds) per person on the charter flight to check in and 5kg (12 pounds) for carry on to Alphonse Island Resort. If you have more luggage, it can be arranged for it to be stored on Mahe.

FLY FISHING RATES 2024

Beach Bungalow: $12,665
Beach Villa: $17,095

Rates Include:
-Seven night Fishing Package with three meals daily
-Domestic Flights and Boat Transfers where applicable
-Return shared transfers to and from the IDC Hangar
-Six days fully guided fishing
(2 anglers per 1 guide & skiff)
-Fly fishing rod and reel rental
-Room amenities, non-motorised and land
based activities
-Soft drinks during activities, water, tea and coffee
-Complimentary scheduled communal excursions
-Snorkelling equipment
(Loss of gear charged per item)
-Watersport equipment
(Stand up paddle boards, kayaks)
-Public Wi-Fi
-VAT

Not Included:
-International flights
-Mahé accommodation and transfers
-Travel and medical insurance
-Conservation donations
-Additional excursions
-Motorised activities
-Alcohol
-Laundry and items of a personal nature
-Telephone charges
-Spa Treatments
(where applicable)
-Boutique and shop purchases
-Tackle and flies
-Babysitting/Child-minding
(where applicable)
-Gratuities
-Private Transfers