Alphonse Island Fishing
Epic Fly Fishing in the Heart of the Indian Ocean
Alphonse Island, located in the remote Outer Islands of the Seychelles, offers one of the most legendary saltwater fly-fishing experiences in the world. Just a one-hour flight from Mahé, Alphonse places you in the very heart of the Indian Ocean’s most pristine waters.
The Experience
Alphonse Island Lodge offers comfortable accommodations and a well-orchestrated fishing program that caters to just 12 anglers per week during peak season—ensuring a highly personalized and exclusive experience. Non-angling guests are welcome and can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and other island activities.
Fishing is based from a 40-foot mothership catamaran and skiffs, with guided access to the waters around Alphonse, St. Francois, and Bijoutier Islands.
2025 USD Rates start at $13,656.00 per person for 7-nights and 6-days guided fishing.
Alphonse Island 2025 Special
Embark on the ultimate family fishing adventure!
This special offer is perfect for adventurous families looking to combine luxury, nature, and world-class fly fishing.
The Offer:
One full-paying adult enjoys a full-board fly fishing experience.
Children 17 and under stay free—only pay for their fishing package and inter-island flights.
Stay in a beach bungalow, just steps from the water.
Valid Travel Dates: June 1 - October 13, 2025
Terms and conditions apply.
Alphonse Island Adventure
Alphonse Island
Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Alphonse Group of Islands is considered one of the most pristine and untouched island chains in the world. The group consists of three islands: Alphonse, St. François, and Bijoutier.
Together, they offer over 10,000 acres of white sand flats, teeming with life. The area boasts an exceptionally strong bonefish population, along with a remarkable variety of saltwater species—making it a premier destination for fly and flats fishing enthusiasts from around the globe.
Coconut Palm-treed Haven with Unblemished Beaches
With fewer than 300 residents, Alphonse Island is a secluded paradise in the heart of the Indian Ocean, offering miles of unspoiled shorelines and untouched natural beauty.
The Alphonse Island Resort features:
22 Beach Bungalows nestled just steps from the sand
5 Beach Suites, each with a private pool
2 Beach Villas offering premium comfort, privacy, and ocean views
This tranquil, eco-conscious resort provides the perfect base for both anglers and non-angling guests seeking adventure, luxury, and serenity.
Accommodations are located on Alphonse Island, while the daily fishing takes place near St. Francois Island, reached each morning by a 40-minute catamaran ride.
Alphonse is considered one of the premier saltwater fly-fishing destinations in the Indian Ocean—and possibly home to the most prolific bonefishery on the planet. Anglers can expect high numbers of abundant bonefish ranging from 3 to 8 pounds, along with shots at giant trevally, triggerfish, milkfish, and more.
Legendary St. Francois Fishery
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.
Blue Horizon 20.21 YouTube
by Sport Fishing TV.
St. Francois Lagoon is one of the world’s premier destinations for targeting triggerfish on the fly. These notoriously tricky and powerful fish are found tailing across the shallow white sand flats and coral edges of the atoll.
Anglers can expect to encounter two primary species:
•Yellowmargin Triggerfish
•Moustache (Titan) Triggerfish
Both are known for their keen eyesight, skittish behavior, and aggressive fights once hooked—making them a thrilling and rewarding challenge for seasoned fly anglers. Presenting a crab or shrimp pattern with precision and patience is key, and a successful hook-up is a moment you won’t forget.
The Outfitter: Alphonse Fishing Company specializes in elite fly-fishing trips and also operates
• Cosmoledo Atoll
• Farquhar Atoll.
Species: Bonefish, GTs, triggerfish, Indo-Pacific permit, barracuda, milkfish, sailfish, wahoo, and tuna are abundant all year-round.
The Lodge is Open Year-Round.
Bluewater Game Fishing is available for an added fee.
Alphonse Island Seasons: The Lodge is open for fishing throughout the year, yet has two distinct seasons defined by the winds that occur during each period. The northwest season runs from early October to the end of May with 12 rods and the southeast season runs from June to September with 6 rods.
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, which 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 game fishing can be restricted to the lea of Alphonse and St. Francois.
The Fishing Program
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 two fully rigged offshore vessels: The A’Mani, a newly refitted 54 ft. catamaran and The Suli, a 36 ft. Silvercraft powered by twin 250-HP Yamaha outboard engines.
For an added daily fee: Each vessel can be chartered for either a half or full day of fly or conventional fishing.
Equipment: The Lodge offers complimentary fly-fishing rod and reel rentals. The equipment includes top-quality 9-wt, 10-wt, and 12-wt fly rods paired with Shilton SL series reels, each loaded with 300 yards of braided backing. Fly lines must be supplied by the angler or can be purchased at the Lodge. To ensure availability, anglers are required to pre-book rod rentals and tackle in advance.
Breakage Fee: If a rod is damaged during use, a replacement fee of $100, $150, or $250 will apply, depending on the brand.
Travel Time & Daily Fishing Logistics
Each morning at 7:00 a.m., anglers board a 40-foot catamaran at Alphonse Island’s floating dock. The scenic sail to St. Francois Lagoon takes approximately 40 minutes. Upon arrival, you’ll transfer to a skiff with your guide and head out to fish the pristine flats, channels, and reef edges.
Travel time from the lagoon to the prime fishing zones varies depending on your target species, typically ranging from 5 to 30 minutes.
When weather conditions permit, guests may bypass the catamaran and take a direct skiff ride from Alphonse Island—shortening the morning commute by about 10 minutes and getting you on the water faster.
While the main action is centered around St. Francois, you may also fish the Alphonse flats near the Lodge. Although evening sight-fishing can be challenging due to lower light, anglers often land bonefish, emperor bream, and the occasional giant trevally, permit, or triggerfish right off the island.
A Typical Fishing Day
Fishing at Alphonse is highly tide-dependent, with daily conditions influencing which species you'll target. Your guide will consider the weather, tide timing, desired species (size vs. quantity), and your experience level to maximize your success. You'll explore a variety of fishing environments, including expansive flats, lagoons, channels, and offshore reefs.
6:00 a.m. – Enjoy breakfast at the Bijoutier Restaurant.
7:00 a.m. – Meet at the fishing office to board either the 40-foot mothership catamaran or your assigned skiff. You’ll head to St. Francois Lagoon.
Fishing Session – Your 8-hour fishing day begins upon arrival at the Lagoon. Skiffs are equipped with cooler boxes containing ice, soft drinks, and desalinated water.
12:00–1:00 p.m. – Enjoy lunch with your guide, either onboard the catamaran on the skiff, depending on your preference.
4:00 p.m. – Lines up then return to the catamaran or skiff.
By 5:00 p.m. – For safety, all anglers must be onboard. Freshwater buckets are provided to rinse reels and gear, which can remain stored on the mothership.
5:45 p.m. – Return to the Lodge.
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 Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles.
(Guests are asked to fly to MahéIsland at least four hours before the weekly charter flight is scheduled to depart.
A hotel night in Mahé is highly recommended and not included in the package.)
3.) From Mahé, you'll fly to Alphonse Island, a one-hour flight. (A 7-night package includes the roundtrip charter flights between Mahé and Alphonse. $1,450 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.
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, five one-bedroom Beach Villas, or two four-bedroom Beach Retreats. The bar area, pool, and lounge area provides the ideal venue after a day out in the sun. The Lodge is completely solar-powered. The restaurant serves freshly caught seafood of the highest quality.
Rates and Packages:
Rates valid January 1 - December 5, 2025:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing:
Two anglers per boat and guide
Upgrade to one angler per skiff Add $3,900.00 per week
Beach Bungalow:
One to two anglers per bungalow $13,656.00 per person
Non-angler companion $11,880.00
Beach Villa:
Double-Occupancy:
$17,856.00 per angler
One angler per Villa:
$25,906.00 per person
Non-angler companion $13,056.00
Rates valid December 6-31, 2025:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing:
Two anglers per boat and guide
Upgrade to one angler per skiff Add $4,500.00 per week
Beach Bungalow:
One to two anglers per bungalow $15,280.00 per person
Non-angler companion $11,880.00
Beach Villa:
Double-Occupancy:
$20,180.00 per angler
One angler per Villa:
$29,830.00 per person
Non-angler companion $16,430.00
All rates are subject to change.
The air-conditioned retreats are ideal for larger families or groups. Each 6,458-square-foot retreat hosts up to eight adults and four children. They have four bedrooms with luxurious ensuite bathrooms, a large open-plan living and dining space, a fully equipped kitchen, a sun deck, a private plunge pool, and outdoor showers. A private chef may be reserved upon request. Each retreat has a golf cart.
Additional adults will be charged at the beach bungalow rate and children at the applicable children's rate.
4-Bedroom Beach Retreat:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing:
Upgrade to one angler per skiff Add $3,900.00 per week
January 1-8, 2025:
Group of 6 guests $80,786.00 per group
January 9 - December 5, 2025:
Group of 4 guests $65,524.00 per group
December 6-31, 2025:
Group of 6 guests $96,200.00 per group
All rates are subject to change.
Rates valid January 1 - December 5, 2026:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing:
Two anglers per boat and guide
Beach Bungalow:
1 to 2 anglers per bungalow $15,280.00 per person
Beach Villa:
Double-Occupancy:
$20,180.00 per angler
One angler per Villa:
$28,930.00 per person
Upgrade to one angler per skiff Add $4,500.00 per week
Four-Bedroom Beach Retreats - Up to 8 adults and 4 children per Retreat.
The retreats are ideal for larger families or groups. Each 6,458-square-foot retreat hosts up to eight adults and four children. They have four bedrooms with luxurious ensuite bathrooms, a large open-plan living and dining space, a fully equipped kitchen, a sun deck, a private plunge pool, and outdoor showers. A private chef may be reserved upon request. Both retreats include their own golf cart.
4-Bedroom Beach Retreat:
7-nights and 6-days guided fishing:
Jan. 9 - Dec 8, 2026:
Group of 6 guests $100,680.00 per group
January 9 - December 5, 2026:
Group of 4 guests $79,720.00 per group
December 9-31, 2026:
Group of 6 guests $110,480.00 per group
All rates are subject to change.
The Fishing Packages Include:
• Roundtrip domestic flights between Mahé and Alphonse
• 7-nights at the Lodge
• All meals at the Lodge
• Alcohol: wine, beer, champagne, and select spirits
• Soft drinks while fishing
• Wi-Fi access at the Lodge
• Daily laundry service
• 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).
The Packages Do Not Include:
• No airfare is included.
• Airfare to and from Dubai
• Airfare Dubai to and from Mahé
• Hotels and meals in Mahé
• Ground transfers in Mahé, if required
• Alphonse Foundation Conservation Fee of $210 p.p.
• $8 p.p. per night Seychelles Government Environmental Sustainability Levy
• Soft drinks except during scheduled activities
• Tackle, fly lines, and flies
• Phone calls - $4 per minute
• Gratuities for guides and staff
• Laundry service
• Optional excursions
• Mandatory Medical Evacuation Coverage
(We recommend Global Rescue.)
• Travel insurance
• Anything not mentioned under inclusions.
Half-day Packages - 7:30 a.m. to noon or 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Full-day Packages - 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Guided Fly Fishing on Alphonse Island: Includes the use of a fly-fishing rod and reel.
Half-day up to 3-anglers per guide - $500.00 p.p.
Full-day - $900.00 p.p.
Guided Fly Fishing on St. Francois: Includes fly fishing rod and reel.
Full-day – 2 anglers per skiff: $900.00 p.p.
Full-day - one angler per skiff: $1,650.00
Bluewater Game Fishing Rates are only for guests on a fly-fishing package.
Each vessel can be chartered for either fly or conventional fishing.
Suli: 36’ Silvercraft
Half-day $2,040 per boat
Full-day $3,600 per boat
A’Mani: 54’ Power Catamaran
Half-day $2,040 per boat
Full-day $3,600 per boat
Includes: Captain, deckhand, fuel, soft drinks, lunch pack (full-day), all tackle; excludes flies.
Request an information packet for full details.
Diving Package
Includes diving equipment and soft drinks.
$190 p.p. per dive.
Five-Dive Package
Includes diving equipment and soft drinks.
$860 p.p.
Snorkeling Lessons:
Includes use of surfboard and soft drinks
Two hours - Alphonse $95 p.p.
Two hours - St. Francois $112 p.p.
Numerous Excursions are Available.
Fishing with Larry Payment Options:
1.) Credit card (a 2.5% convenience fee applies)
2.) Check. Please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to Fishing with Larry P.O. Box 419 Columbus, MT 59019.
3.) Wire Transfer (Send money electronically – typically a $15 to $30 fee for domestic transfers and $45 - $50 for international transfers.)
Please email Toni at toni@fishingwithlarry.com for wire instructions.
ALPHONSE ISLAND Fishing Company Policies:
Mandatory Medical Evacuation Insurance: All guests must obtain Medical Evacuation insurance. Full details will be provided in your confirmation packet. Agents cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this has not been obtained.Required Waiver of Liability Form: Upon your arrival at Alphonse Island Lodge, you’ll be required to sign a Waiver of Liability form. It’s a legal contract that releases their business from liability for accidents.
Deposit Required: A 50% deposit within two weeks of booking confirms your reservation. A final payment is due 90 days prior to your arrival.
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.
Travel Insurance (Strongly Recommended): All guests are strongly encouraged to obtain travel insurance to cover costs related to flight delays, cancellations, or other unexpected disruptions. Fishing with Larry highly recommends Global Rescue and a policy that includes trip cancellation coverage. Visit our webpage for IMG Signature Travel Insurance and Global Rescue options.
Click here for FWL travel insurance page.
Information Packet.
