Alphonse
A
lphonse boasts tranquil expanses of
utopian shorelines, crystal clear lagoons,
immaculate white sandy beaches and
stunning vistas. Head inland and a thrilling mass
of dense jungle forests lie waiting for exploration,
dotted with historic commercial coconut groves.
The ideal forever-summer holidaying weather and
idyllic luxury accommodation on the
island make this a dream-like destination
for relaxing and unwinding. However
it is the creatures that lie within and
surround the island that are the star
attraction for visitors. Shearwater
birds, tortoises, crabs and a plethora of
exotic bird species call Alphonse their
home, as well as the extremely rare
Chiffchaff and Tufted Duck. Alphonse
sings with tropical wildlife, however
it is only when you delve deep into the twinkling
turquoise waters that surround the atoll, that you
discover a whole new world of show-stopping creatures
that attract visitors from all corners of the globe.
Alphonse Atoll is one of the most fabled fly fishing
destinations in the world, often appearing in the bucket
lists of the seasoned angler. The images of the pure whiteKnown as the Alphonse Group, the paradise islands of Alphonse Atoll, Bijoutier and St. Francois Atoll lie
within the Outer Islands Group of the Seychelles. Alphonse itself is a one hour flight south of Mahe and sits
just three kilometres north of St. Francois and a thousand miles east of the African coast. A population of less
than three hundred people surround a central lagoon, with the entire island is eight kilometres squared in size.
Fishing on
Island
sand flats of St Francois that sit as the home screen
wallpaper on computers across the globe serve as
a constant reminder of a “one-day” destination.
There are many tropical flat fishing destinations
all over the world, so what is it about Alphonse
that makes it so special? Situated 400km from the
mainland of Mahe to avoid excessive marine traffic
and major industry, but close enough to
be accessible by plane within an hour,
Alphonse Atoll known as the best saltwater
fly fishing destinations on the planet.
This magnificent island threesome
comprising of Alphonse, St Francois and
Bijoutier fast established a reputation for
holding one of the healthiest populations
of bonefish on the planet. Nearby St
Francois is approximately seven miles
long and four miles wide, consisting of
firm white sand bottoms interlaced with channels
and cuts. The uniqueness that sets St Francois apart
from many of the other Seychelles’ destinations is the
endless white sand flats. 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 a fly in the Seychelles.A whole new
world of show-
stopping
creatures that
attract visitors
from all corners
of the globe.ABSOLUTE