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Alphonse Island

Indian Ocean
1,000 miles off coast of Kenya


The Seychelles is still one of the world's best-kept secrets. Over eighty-five of its one hundred fifteen islands are still uninhabited, and approximately fifty percent of the country is designated as national parks or reserves, preserving its natural beauty for those who visit. Ninety percent of the country's population (80,000) lives on the capital island of Mahe, where the international airport is located.

The Seychelles are located one thousand miles off the east coast of Kenya, a few degrees south of the equator, and north of Madagascar in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Formerly a French settlement and a British colony since 1814, the Seychellois achieved independence in 1976 and remain a republic within the British Commonwealth. The little island chain has an enormous diversity in geography and culture. The Seychellois are a mix of French, English, African, and Asian and speak several different languages with French, English, and Creole as the predominant dialects. Geographically, it seems the islands themselves are a combination of the Caribbean and the Pacific. Some islands in the Archipelago are reminiscent of the white, powdery sand of the Bahamas or Yucatan, while others are constructed of solid granite cliffs and rocky bluffs similar to Hawaii. The flora and fauna are equally as bizarre with an abundance of bird life, exotic land creatures such as the giant land tortoise, and of course a collage of all types of marine life.


Alphonse Island Resort resides on the former coconut plantation island of Alphonse at the tip of the Amirantes Group, which is a one-hour charter flight from the international airport on Mahe Island. This tiny island and five star resort is home to anglers for their week of some of the most spectacular and diverse saltwater fishing on earth. A few miles to the north of Alphonse is the infamous St. Francois Lagoon, and arguably the best flats fishing on the planet. St. Francois could easily most aptly be described as a large self-contained aquarium. Around every corner visitors encounter a new type of shark, dolphin, whale, sea turtle, eel, fish, or ray. The diversity of marine life is astounding, most of which is not the least concerned by the infrequent presence of humans.

St. Francois Lagoon was "discovered" by outdoor TV performer Larry Dahlberg in 1996. His tales of enormous bones, huge trevally, triggerfish, sailfish, and a myriad of other species precipitated a few trips aboard the mothership Tam Tam. The mothership operation ensued until the Alphonse Island Resort was established in 2000. We visited the resort on its maiden week back in the spring of 2000, and our most recent hosted trips were with David Leake, in May of 2005 and April of 2006.


Anglers at the Alphonse Island Resort fish a very well defined fishery known as the St. Francois Lagoon; a 4 X 7 mile conglomerate of flats and channels completely surrounded and protected by barrier reef. Each morning the group departs Alphonse Island at 7:00AM aboard a large power yacht called the Tam Tam. The thirty-minute ferry to St. Francois deposits anglers and their guides at the mooring for the flats skiffs and off for an eight hour day of fishing. Only twelve rods a week are allotted by the Seychellois government to fish the St. Francois Lagoon, and all of the fishing is ‘fly-fishing only’, barbless, as well as catch and release. As a result, the fishery has held up remarkably well and remains as reliable as it did back in the late nineties. In fact the bonefishing seems to be inexplicably improving with 20-30 fish morning sessions the norm for experienced anglers!

The majority of the areas fished for bonefish are on hard, white sand with minimal coral and grass growth. Tidal fluctuations in the Seychelles are quite significant, and the day’s itinerary is built around accommodating the ebb and push of water on and off the flat. During a falling or rising tide, anglers typically wade looking for bones feeding their way on or off the flat. One unique aspect to the behavior of the bones in the St. Francois Lagoon is there does not seem to be any huge schools of fish like as often found in the Caribbean. The fish usually feed in individual pods of 2-8 fish and present themselves at predictable and incredibly frequent intervals. The population of bonefish is outstanding, easily rivaling any and all other bonefish destinations in the world. The average fish is a solid four pounds, with seven and eight-pound specimens encountered daily. Double-digit fish are present; however like trophies of any species, do not come to hand easily or often.

Many anglers are allured half way around the word to the Seychelles in search of the dozens of other species found at St. Francois. Five species of trevally are found in St. Francois with the golden, bluefin, and giant trevally most prevalent. The giant trevally is about as crazed and hard fighting as any gamefish on the planet…you had better come prepared! “GT” or “Jeets” (as the South Africans call them) are most often found at low tide cruising the cuts and channels around coral heads and surrounding the flats in search of unsuspecting baitfish. For the most physically fit anglers a walk out to a reef can also be a fruitful way to get a shot at a trevally. At low tide, anglers can stand just inside the reef and scan the incoming breakers for these hunting monsters and sight cast to cruising fish. On an incoming tide, you can also find trevally on the flat in very skinny water crashing bait at warp speed. Although visually the most impressive form of feeding (huge bow wakes and rooster tails!) trevally in shallow water can spook easily. No matter where you encounter the giant trevally, their pure closing speed and aggressive feeding habits will intrigue all anglers…assuming your rod doesn’t break!

Other species encountered daily includes three species of triggerfish found tailing on the tidal push as well. These colorful speedsters slowly and lazily cruise feeding mainly on crabs and other crustaceans on the outside flats. The presentation to triggerfish is quite technical, and reminiscent of trout fishing. A good drift and proper current are required to “feed” triggerfish. Once they eat your fly, hold on! Triggers are aptly named for the trigger like mechanism on their dorsal which literally locks them into holes and crevices in the surrounding coral heads. If you are lucky enough to land one, make sure to have a camera.

Perhaps the most intriguing species encountered in the Seychelles is the mighty milkfish. Although found throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the milkfish that inhabit St. Francois are some of the largest in the world, and more importantly the guides have recently discovered how to catch them! The milkfish is similar in shape as a bonefish, only reach up to thirty pounds and possess a large sickle tale and huge eyes. When the milkfish are feeding on the surface, anglers present a grass or algae imitation and hope that one mistakes the green fly for a meal. When the fishing for milkfish is “on” success rates hooking milks are actually quite high despite the rumors of them being extremely difficult to hook. Finding them feeding in the proper fashion on the surface is the hard part, but once discovered on feeding properly they can be hooked with regularity. Over five hundred and fifty Milkfish have been caught and landed by Alphonse guests to date, with more than twice as many hooked. Some experienced guides say that at thirty pound milkfish will give a one hundred pound tarpon a run for his money, so landing them is another story!

Other flats species that are worth mentioning found in St. Francois are the Indo-pacific permit, or African Pompano (equally as spooky relative to it's Atlantic cousins), enormous barracudas, all types of jacks, groupers, snappers, surgeonfish, and the colorful parrotfish. The record for fly-caught species in one week at St. Francois is a ridiculous 52 species! Bring all your fly rods because you will never know what species will present itself. The guide staff consists of a mixture of Seychellois, South African, and Americans all with extensive experience in the world of saltwater fly-fishing and in the St. Francois Lagoon. Their appearance, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the fishing and the area is very impressive and professional. Alphonse Island Fishing Company managers, Vaughn Driessel and Aline Quinard, are amazing hosts and run the fishing program flawlessly. Vaughn and Aline are a delight to spend time with, and ensure that every guest has a wonderful experience fishing the world's most prolific saltwater fishery.

Anglers and guides fish out of comfortable and modern 16-18 foot Mavericks and Dolphin skiffs with dry storage, cushioned seating, and reliable fifty horse Yamaha outboard motors. Safety is obviously very important in such a remote location. The guides are very capable, always wear their kill switches, and ensure that anglers remain out of harms way.

Big Game Fishing: The fully outfitted Bijoutier offshore boat is also available to guests for an additional cost. As mentioned, the waters surrounding the reef offer some of the busiest blue water fishing anywhere. Boat runs are short and all fly and conventional tackle is provided by the Alphonse Island Fishing Company. Yellowfin and dogtooth tuna, sailfish, wahoo, bonita, trevally, and barracuda are regularly found in these waters. The Bijoutier is a ‘no-kill’ boat and can accommodate up to four anglers. Charters operate in both full and half-day sessions. Half-day sessions are from 8:00AM – 12:00PM or from 2:00 – 6:00PM.


The Island of Alphonse was formerly a working coconut plantation. Active production was ceased in the mid nineties, and the hotel was completed in December of 1999. Because the facility is designed primarily for its non-angling guests, fishermen enjoy the amenities of a five star resort. The accommodations and facilities at the Alphonse Island Resort truly are on par with some of the finest resorts found anywhere, and certainly as nice or nicer as any bonefish destination. The grounds are perfectly manicured, the staff is attentive and professional, and facilities are immaculately clean. Because the resort is rarely at half its full occupancy, anglers seem to have free reign of their own private fantasy island when not fishing St. Francois.

The resort consists of a central complex containing a restaurant, bar, kitchen, lounge area, conference room, hard tennis courts, spa, beach, and reception desk. There is also a small gift shop located near the reception that has a few local arts and forgotten necessities such as sunscreen and batteries. Located alongside the main complex are twenty-five, double occupancy standard chalets and five executive chalets all facing the sea. Standard chalets have two twin beds. All chalets are extremely comfortable and luxurious with air conditioners, satellite TV, ceiling fans, mini-bar, direct dial international telephone, Jacuzzi bathtub, and outdoor shower. Each chalet is beautifully decorated and also has an outdoor seating area and porch facing the Indian Ocean. Bathrooms are extremely nice with granite countertops and twin sinks. The five executive chalets are similar to the standard chalets; only offer a king sized bed and a little more square footage in both the bedroom and bathroom. Couples looking for a little more luxurious privacy usually occupy the executive chalets.

Opposite the resort from the main complex is the watersports center where anglers meet guides each morning at the Tam-Tam and have a cocktail at the bar located at the marina following the fishing day. A modest selection of flies, tippet, leader material, hats, t-shirts, and other fishing accessories is available at the watersports center office. A bicycle is provided for each guest at the resort for traversing the island or getting a little exercise.

The food and atmosphere at the resort combine a unique mixture of European, Seychellois, and African tastes, and meals are one of the highlights of the experience. Many of our clients have commented that the food is the best at any bonefishing lodge yet visited. Guests enjoy choices from two starters, two salads, two entrees, and two desserts with each dinner. The menu is very expansive with seafood being the dominant cuisine. Breakfast is buffet style, and lunches are made to order from several different choices of salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and breads. Lunch is taken in the field or in the shade on board the mothership Tam Tam. The wine and cocktail selection at dinner and at the Bijoutier Bar is quite expansive and impressive.


10 Anglers Per Week (based on shared guide / single room accommodations)



Anglers travel to and from Mahe Island to Alphonse Island on Saturdays. Many travelers enjoy parlaying other travels with their week in the Seychelles or in Africa.

Travel from the United States can be accomplished via London, Paris, Frankfurt, or through Dubai, UAE. For anglers traveling through Europe, you must depart on an evening “red-eye” flight with Air Seychelles on Friday night and arrive in Victoria, Mahe Island the following morning (Saturday).

Anglers traveling through Dubai also depart USA on a Thursday evening with a Friday afternoon arrival into Dubai. After spening the night in Dubai on Friday, anglers depart with Emirates Airlines on board a direct 3.5 hour flight to Mahe, Seychelles.

Once in Victoria, guests have a short layover before catching the charter flight to Alphonse Island around 2:30PM.


European Routing

Thursday
Depart U.S. on overnight flight to London or Paris.

Friday
Arrival in London or Paris. Spend the day exploring the city and/or resting in a hotel room. Depart on evening "red-eye" flight to Mahe, Seychelles with Air Seychelles on ten-hour direct flight.

Saturday
Upon morning arrival in the Seychelles, travelers are met by a representative from the Alphonse Island Resort, assisted through customs, and checked in for charter flight to Alphonse Island. After checking into the resort and settling into chalets, anglers are given a brief orientation discussing the next six full days of angling. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

Sunday - Friday
Six full days of fishing the St. Francois Lagoon.

Saturday
A mid-morning charter flight returns anglers to Mahe with ample time for connection with Air Seychelles flight back to London or Paris usually departing around 9:00 - 10:00PM.

Sunday
Early morning arrival back in London or Paris. Travelers can connect on to U.S. and arrive home Sunday afternoon or elect to overnight prior to returning home the following day.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Routing

Thursday
Depart U.S. on overnight flight to Dubai with Emirates Airlines. There are daily direct flights from Houston and New York.

Friday
Arrival in Dubai mid evening. Spend the night exploring the city and/or resting in a free hotel room provided by Emirates Airlines.

Saturday
Depart on mid morning, 3.5 hour flight to Mahe, Seychelles with Emirates Airlines. Upon arrival in the Seychelles, travelers are met by a representative from the Alphonse Island Resort, assisted through customs, and checked in for charter flight to Alphonse Island. After checking into the resort and settling into chalets, anglers are given a brief orientation discussing the next six full days of angling. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

Sunday - Friday
Six full days of fishing the St. Francois Lagoon.

Saturday
A mid-morning charter flight returns anglers to Mahe with ample time for connection with Emirates Airlines Flight departing around midnight bound for Dubai

Sunday
Early morning arrival back in Dubai in time for easy connection with Emirates Airlines back to Houston or New York.

NOTE ABOUT DUBAI OPTION: Emirates Airlines has incredibly inexpensive fares from Houston and London. This route has become the most popular with our Seychelles bound clients. Call for more details.


The Alphonse Island Fishing Company is open the months of September – May and closes down for the rainy season during the summer months. September and May are considered the windy months in the Seychelles. The rainy season is well defined, starting abruptly in May and concluding abruptly in September. Although we recommend not booking your trip to Alphonse during these peripheral months, anglers should not be fearful of poor conditions in early October and late April. The fishing and conditions in late April are as consistent as they are in January.

Because Alphonse Island is only seven degree south of the equator, the quality of the weather and fishing remains consistent throughout the season. The really is no “perfect time” to visit Alphonse Island.

Temperatures remain warm year round in the eighties and nineties, even at night. The heat is never unbearable and a nice tropical breeze usually keeps things pleasant. Like all tropical destinations, rainstorms and breezy conditions can pop up at anytime, however consistent bad conditions are usually most prevalent during the summer months when the fishing operation is closed.


Non-Angling Activities:
Although fishing is the predominant activity at the Alphonse Island Resort, there are a myriad of slow paced alternate activities for non-angling guests to choose from. A huge and beautiful freshwater swimming pool sits in the heart of the complex.

The resort has a lighted tennis court as well as several saltwater canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and windsurfing rigs for those interested in a little exercise. There is an English style billiards table and a very spacious and equipped conference room/facility for business meetings. The island itself is completely uninhabited excluding the resort with several miles of well-manicured trails through the tropical jungle that are great for a jog or bike ride. On the opposite side of the island there are some remote beaches that are great for a private stroll or a little snorkeling.

NOTE ABOUT NON-ANGLING ACTIVITY FOR 2009 SEASON: The resort is currently under a renovation project and has limited staff on hand for non-anglers. The spa facility is not being operated this season. Although the construction does not impact fishing guests in the least, please contact us for details.


2010-2011 RATES

Standard Chalet/ Single Occupancy/Shared Guide……….......$6,890 per person

Non-Angling Rates .......... $4,000 per week



Seven Nights single occupancy accommodations at the Alphonse Island Resort; Six Days of guided fishing w/ shared guide; All meals; Reception Service and Customs Assistance in Mahe; Round-trip air charter to/from Mahe/Alphonse Island


International Airfare to Mahe, Seychelles; All alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; Baggage Overweight Charges; Meals, Transportation & Accommodations in Mahe (when applicable); Guide or staff gratuity; Items purchased at the bar (beer and cocktails) or gift area; Flies and other fishing equipment; $35 Conservation Levy payable at Check-out from Resort (Cash Only); Other expenses might include tips to baggage handlers in airports; Departure Tax; Ground Transportation from Gatwick to Heathrow Airport (when applicable); Hotel Room and general travel expenses in London or Dubai (when applicable); Items of a personal nature; Telephone Charges


Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Alphonse Island Resort’s policy follows: A non-refundable 50% deposit of is required within fourteen days to confirm reservations. Full non-refundable pre-payment is due 90 days prior to departure for Alphonse Island. If a replacement client is found, payment is refundable minus a $750 per person cancellation fee. No refund will be made for unused land arrangements included in cost. Any trip booked within ninety days will require full and non-refundable payment to confirm arrangements. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgement that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.

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