Alphonse Island Fishing
World's Best Bonefishing, Giant Trevally, Triggerfish, Trevally, Milkfish....
Epic Fly Fishing
Alphonse Island is in the very heart of the Indian Ocean in the Seychelles' Outer Islands. The Atoll is only a one-hour flight from Mahe, Seychelles.
Alphonse Island Lodge is open year-round for fishing and caters to 12 anglers a week during peak fishing, plus non-angling guests. Here, you’ll have exclusive access to St. Francois Island’s renowned flats—over 10,000 acres of hard white sand flats, world-class blue water fly fishing, and an incredible variety of game fishing—both fly and conventional. This outstanding destination provides comfortable accommodations with the opportunity to fish three different islands. The Lodge is open for year-round fishing.
Alphonse Island
In the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Alphonse group of islands are regarded as some of the most pristine, untouched islands in the world. Alphonse is one of three in the group and sits beside St. François and Bijoutier. The Alphonse group has 10,000 acres of white sand flats, an exceptional bonefish population, and a variety of species.
Coconut Palm-treed Haven with Unblemished Beaches
Alphonse Island has less than 300 residents and miles of unblemished shorelines. The Resort offers 22 Beach Bungalows, five Beach Suites with private pools, and two Beach Villas.
Blue Horizon 20.21 YouTube
by Sport Fishing Television.
Alphonse Fishing Trips
The accommodations are on Alphonse Island, while the fishing is near St. Francois Island, a 40-minute catamaran ride each morning. The Alphonse Atoll in Seychelles is renowned for its expansive flats. Its 10,000 acres of white sand flats provide easy wading and world-class fishing. Alphonse is one of the famed saltwater destinations of the Indian Ocean and perhaps home to the most prolific bonefishery in the world. Abundant bonefish—ranging in size from 3 to 8 pounds.
St Francois Island is approximately seven miles long and four miles wide, consisting of firm white sand bottoms interlaced with channels and cuts. On the Island, anglers target up to sixty species, including three species of triggerfish, seven species of trevally, milkfish, barracuda, sailfish, dogtooth tuna, and yellowfin tuna. St. Francois Lagoon has coral finger flats and coral heads.
Species: Bonefish, GTs, triggerfish, Indo-Pacific permit, barracuda, milkfish, sailfish, wahoo, and tuna are abundant all year-round.
Travel Time: Each morning at 7:00 a.m., you’ll board the 40 ft. catamaran at Alphonse’s floating dock. The sail to St. Francois Lagoon takes 40 minutes. Once you arrive at the lagoon, you’ll head out with your guide and a skiff to fish for the day. Travel time to the best water depends on the targeted species, typically a five to 30-minute ride.
If the weather permits, you may skip the catamaran and take a skiff with your guide from Alphonse, reducing the transfer by ten minutes and allowing you to reach your fishing destination much quicker.
You’re also welcome to fish the Alphonse flats near the Lodge. Sightfishing in the evening can be difficult, but many anglers successfully land bonefish, emperor bream, an occasional GT, permit, or triggerfish.
The Outfitter: Alphonse Fishing Company specializes in elite fly-fishing trips and also operates
• Cosmoledo Atoll
• Farquhar Atoll.
The Lodge is Open Year-Round.
Alphonse Island Seasons: The Lodge is open for year-round fishing. The two Seychelles seasons are distinguished by the winds that blow during each period.
The Northwest Season runs from October through May and is considered peak fishing when there is less wind, calmer seas, and higher rainfall. All fishing spots are easily accessible, particularly offshore areas. Gentler winds make for easier casting. Pleasant, calm days for bluewater fishing. Calmer weather makes it easier to target milkfish.
The Southeast Season runs from June through September is the windy season with a drier climate. It is the best time of the year for yellowfin tuna and Indo-Pacific permit. During the SE Season, casting is more challenging due to wind. The cooler water results in more refusals from GTs. Water conditions are not always suitable for milkfish. Bluewater fishing can be restricted to the lea of Alphonse and St. Francois.
Group Size: 12 anglers during peak season and six during the southeast season.
Guides: English-speaking guides with first-aid experience. Guides are qualified skippers with STCW qualifications. Guiding takes place on a rotational basis, allowing anglers to experience the different characters within the guide team. Two anglers per guide and skiff.
Boats: 16 to 17 ft. custom-built and fully-equipped skiffs with 40 HP engines.
Bluewater Boats: The Lodge has three fully rigged offshore vessels: The A’Mani, a newly refitted 54 ft. catamaran; The Predator, a 35 ft. sportfisher powered by twin 440-HP Cat engines; and The Suli, a 36 ft. Silvercraft powered by twin 250-HP Yamaha outboard engines. Each vessel can be chartered for either a half or full day of fly or conventional fishing.
Equipment: Tackle and gear are not included. Upon request, 9, 10, or 12-weight fly outfits are available at no charge–top-quality fly rods and Shilton reels loaded with 300 yards of braided backing. Breakage fees are $150.00 per rod or reel. You’ll supply the fly lines, fly tackle, and flies. The Lodge has a range of fly lines, flies, and other items for sale should you run out. A comprehensive tackle and gear list is included in our confirmation packet.
Typical Fishing Day
6:00 - 6:45: Breakfast at Bijoutier Restaurant
7:00: 40-minute sail to St. Francois Lagoon
7:45: St Francois arrival and transfer to skiff
8:00: Start Fishing
Midday: A packed lunch on skiff or return to the mothership
4:00: Lines up and return to mothership
5:00: 40-minute return sail to Alphonse Island
5:45: Arrive at Alphonse Island
7:00: Pre-dinner drinks in Le Lys Bar
7:30: Dinner at Bijoutier Restaurant
Alphonse - The Indian Ocean's biggest bonefish population
Bonefishing Alphonse Island
World Record Milkfish:
World Record: In October 2013, Greg de Villiers caught and released a 45-pound milkfish (estimated), the largest ever recorded on a fly. After finding a school on daisy-chaining milkfish, Greg made two casts, hooked this giant, and then had to endure a one-hour and 35-minute fight before the fish was finally netted.
More about Milkfishing:
Milkfish: Perhaps the most challenging fish to catch is the fabled milkfish, a turbo-charged algae eater that can grow to over 40 pounds. The first Milkfish ever caught on a fly was at Alphonse Island. It is common to see 20 to 30-pound milkfish cruising and tailing just like a bonefish. Medium to large milkfish usually travel alone or in groups of two to six fish. The guides on Alphonse Island have pioneered techniques to catch these vegetarian and notoriously tricky fish.
Alphonse Island in the Heart of the Indian Ocean
Getting to Alphonse Island:
If you have a United States passport, you need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to travel to the Seychelles. Seychelles also requires Mandatory travel health insurance.
1.) You'll fly to Dubai.
2.) From Dubai, you'll take a 4.5-hour flight to Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles.
(Guests are asked to fly to Mahe Island at least four hours before the weekly charter flight is scheduled to depart.
A hotel night in Mahe is highly recommended and not included in the package.)
3.) From Mahe, you'll fly to Alphonse Island, a one-hour flight. (A 7-night package includes the roundtrip charter flights between Mahe and Alphonse. $1,380.00 value p.p.) There is only one flight per week to Alphonse Island. If you miss it, your only option is to charter a private plane for $12,000.00.
Baggage Weight Limit: For inter-island flights, check-in luggage is strictly limited to 15 kg or 33 pounds per person and 5 kg or 11 pounds of carry-on luggage.
Alphonse Beach Bungalow
Click here for a PDF Map of the Lodge Layout on the Island.
The main hotel complex consists of a reception area, a beach bar, a dining area, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a main office. Guests stay in one
of 22 privately spaced air-conditioned Beach Bungalows or five one-bedroom Beach Villas, offering every kind of comfort. The bar area, pool, and lounge area provides the ideal venue after a day out in the sun and houses the restaurant, which serves freshly caught seafood of the highest quality.
2024 and 2025 Rates:
Rates valid 1/24/24 - 12/24/24.
7-nights at the Lodge and 6-days guided fishing:
Two anglers per boat and guide
Beach Bungalow:
One to two anglers per bungalow $12,665.00 per person
Upgrade to one angler per skiff Add $3,900.00 per week
Non-angler sharing room $8,345.00 per person
Beach Villa:
Double-Occupancy:
$17,095.00 per angler
Non-angler sharing room $11,985.00 per person
One angler per Villa: $24,445.00 per person
Lodging for Children:
Children 1-23 months of age are Free of charge
Children 2-11 years of age $3,765.00 per person
Children 12-17 years in age (with lodging separate from parents) $4,845.00 per person
All rates are subject to change.
Rates valid 1/24/25 - 12/24/25.
7-nights at the Lodge and 6-days guided fishing:
Two anglers per boat and guide
Beach Bungalow:
One to two anglers per bungalow $13,656.00 per person
Upgrade to one angler per skiff Add $3,900.00 per week
Beach Villa:
Double-Occupancy:
$17,856.00 per angler
One angler per Villa:
$25,906.00 per person
All rates are subject to change.
The Packages Include:
• Roundtrip domestic flights between Mahe and Alphonse
• 7-nights at the Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge
• Soft drinks while fishing
• Wi-Fi at the Lodge
• 6-days guided fishing
• Use of fly-outfit with backing
• Fishing license
• Use of snorkeling and watersport equipment and bicycles
• Complimentary scheduled communal excursions
• VAT (value-added tax)
• Seychelles Environment Sustainability Levy.
The Packages Do Not Include:
• International airfare to Dubai, and return
• Airfare Dubai to Mahe, and return
• Hotels and meals in Mahe
• Ground transfers in Mahe, if required
• Alphonse Foundation Conservation Fee of $210.00 p.p.
• $8.00 p.p. per night Seychelles Government Environmental Sustainability Levy
• Alcoholic beverages
• Soft drinks except during scheduled activities
• Tackle, fly lines, and flies
• Phone calls, $4 per minute
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Laundry service
• Any items of a personal nature
• Mandatory Travel Health Insurance is required for the Seychelles.
(You must have valid travel health insurance that covers potential COVID-19-related costs.)
• Mandatory Medical Evacuation Coverage
(We recommend Global Rescue.)
• Mandatory Travel Insurance that will cover any costs due to flight delays for any reason.
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
Bluewater Game Fishing Rates are for guests on a fly-fishing package.
Each vessel can be chartered for either a half or full-day of fly or conventional fishing.
Suli: 36’ Silvercraft
Half-day $1,820.00 per boat
Full-day $3,240.00 per boat
A’Mani: 54’ Power Catamaran
Half-day $1,820.00 per boat
Full-day $3,240.00 per boat
Predator: 35’ Sportfisher
Half-day $2,775.00 per boat
Full-day $3,585.00 per boat
Includes: captain, deckhand, fuel, soft drinks, lunch pack (full-day), all tackle; excludes flies.
Several boat options are available. Request an information packet for full details.
Diving Package
Includes diving equipment and soft drinks.
$175.00 p.p. per dive.
Five-Dive Package
Includes diving equipment and soft drinks.
$765.00 p.p.
Surcharge for dawn/night dives $25.00
Private Guide $110.00
Nitrox per dive $10.00.
Sundowner 2-hour Cruise
Includes: canapés and a cocktail.
$580.00 per boat for up to four guests.
Guided Snorkeling Trips:
Children under 11 years old are free.
Must be accompanied by one adult per child.
Includes snorkeling equipment and soft drinks. Lost gear will be charged per item.
Alphonse Guided Snorkeling:
Ninety minutes for $70.00 p.p. Minimum of two guests.
Outer Reef Guided Snorkeling:
Two hours for $80.00 p.p. Minimum of four guests.
Numerous Excursions are Available.
ALPHONSE ISLAND Fishing Company Policies:
Deposit Required: A 50% deposit within two weeks of booking confirms your reservation. A final payment is due 90 days prior to your arrival. As of December 10, 2020, Fishing with Larry now adds a 2.5% convenience fee to all credit card transactions.
Cancellation Policy: A 10% fee shall be levied if cancellation is made more than 180 days prior to arrival. A 10% fee shall be levied if the reservation is moved to an alternative date within the same season. A fee of 50% shall be levied if cancellation is between 90 and 60 days prior to arrival. A fee of 100% shall be levied if cancellation is 60 days or less prior to arrival. All cancellations and provisional bookings must be confirmed in writing.
Medical Evacuation Insurance is Required: All guests are required to obtain Medical Evacuation insurance. Details will be provided prior to arrival in our confirmation packet. Agents cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this has not been obtained.
FWL recommends Global Rescue.
Click here for our travel insurance page.
Travel Insurance is Required: All guests are required to obtain travel insurance that will cover any costs incurred due to flight delays for any reason.
Indemnity Form: For all activities, Alphonse Fishing Company requires you to sign an indemnity form once on location.
Information Packet.