Accommodations
Season
Species
Ideal for
One of the Most Diverse Fisheries on the Planet
Situated approximately 1,000 miles off the east coast of Africa and 310 nautical miles southwest of Mahe, Alphonse is a tiny, triangular coral island that it is one of three formations in a small and isolated group: Alphonse in the north, Bijoutier in the middle, and St. François in the south. This is, without a doubt, a distant and very exotic destination, with a fishery that may be the most diverse in the entire world of saltwater fly fishing. In the Alphonse and St. François fishing areas, a small number of weekly guests have exclusive access to over 10,000 acres of hard white sand flats, setting the region apart from others in the Indian Ocean. And with consistent, unpressured populations of bonefish, trevally, milkfish, and other species, even novice fly anglers can spot and cast to fish with relative ease. As much as we hate to throw around the phrase “trip of a lifetime,” a week fishing Alphonse is an experience that no doubt qualifies as such.
Accommodation Details
Lodging Details
Accommodations on Alphonse are either in private, stand-alone beach chalets, or in larger one-bedroom beach villas. All accommodations feature en-suite sunken baths, “open-air” outdoor deck showers, air conditioning, and direct access to the beach. There is also the main reception and dining area and a large, freshwater swimming pool. The island has its own reef-created lagoon with amazing white-sand beaches that completely surround the Resort. Accommodations are usually one person to a chalet unless you are traveling as a couple or family, when a larger beach villa may be appropriate. Each chalet has plenty of room to spread out, sort gear and equipment, and to sleep comfortably in large, queen-sized beds. The one-bedroom villas are extremely spacious and discreet, with a large lounge area as well as an additional guest bathroom. Each guest is issued a bicycle for the week, which is the primary (i.e. only) form of transportation on this small island. You ride your bike to the main lodge and restaurant area for meals, and to the fishing center each morning to meet the transfer boat to St. Francois for your day of fishing. You can also use your bike to fish on your own in the late afternoons and early evenings on Alphonse’s home flats.
Food and Beverages
The menu at Alphonse features exceptional European and Creole food served by gracious staff in beautiful beachfront surroundings. After dinner each evening, guests can retire to their air-conditioned accommodations for an early night or sip a cocktail or two in the common area bar, while sitting on the beach, or while relaxing around the pool. The bar at the resort is fully stocked with everything you could want. You can run a bar tab over the course of the week and settle up when you check out.
Typical Length of Stay
The standard Alphonse Island package is seven (7) nights / six (6) fishing days. Arrival and departure days to and from Alphonse are on Saturdays.
Non-Angling Activities and Options
Those wanting to relax can take a swim in the freshwater pool or nap on one of the surrounding loungers, sipping a cocktail or enjoying a snooze in the warmth of the Indian Ocean sunshine. The more energetic visitor can utilize the non-motorized watercraft, snorkel around the Alphonse lagoon, or wander the shoreline. The island is equipped with pedal boats, windsurfers, laser sailboats, and kayaks, allowing you to explore the vast lagoon. Every guest on Alphonse Island will have a bicycle to use as the primary mode of transport during the week. This is the perfect way to explore Alphonse by road and jungle trail. There are many small paths and roads cut between the dense coconut groves allowing access to the most remote places on the island. Ride the edge of the runway, visit the far points of the island or explore the old island cemetery by bike.
Dive and Scuba Options on Alphonse
If you’re planning a dive trip to the Seychelles, then Alphonse Island is hands-down the best option in the entire region. Hailed as one of the most remote and unspoiled outer islands in the Seychelles, Alphonse is the perfect destination for scuba divers of all abilities. Alphonse Island’s on-site PADI dive center has an experienced team of certified professionals dedicated to ensuring the safety of divers and protecting the underwater environment while providing exciting diving adventures. There are 24 unique dive sites surrounding Alphonse Island, all of which are easily reached in under 30 minutes on comfortable purpose-built dive boats. Group sizes are small, with no more than 6 divers per guide. Private dive excursions can also be arranged. The Alphonse dive center provides 5-star service with all equipment prepared on the boat before guests arrive, which means that there is no need to carry heavy dive cylinders on this holiday.
The PADI Certified Dive Centre at Alphonse Island also encourages children to learn to dive. The center offers exclusive dives to families where children from the age of 8 can experience the wonders of scuba diving with their parents. For those who do not wish to dive the depths of the Indian Ocean, Alphonse Island offers guests the opportunity to view the magnificent array of aquatic life with daily snorkeling boat trips.
Internet / Communications
The Resort does feature Wi-Fi in the main lodge and bar area. The connection is usually strong enough for emails and Skype calls. Each guest chalet has an in-room telephone as well, where calls can be made using standard credit and calling cards.
Travel Details
How To Get There
The primary airport and access hub for the Seychelles is the Mahe International Airport (SEZ). The Seychelles is served by several internationally scheduled flights, including direct services from London (Heathrow) with Air Seychelles, Paris with Air France, Johannesburg with Air Seychelles, and Dubai with Emirates. From the U.S. you will typically fly to Paris, London, or Dubai, and from there fly directly to Mahe (SEZ). Each flight is approximately 10 to 14 hours long. Guests should plan to arrive on Mahe the day before and overnight in order to catch the Saturday morning flight to Alphonse.
Arrival and Departure Details / Times
Guests should plan to arrive on Mahe the day before and overnight! The transfer flight departs Mahe at approximately 9:00 AM and arrives in Alphonse at 10:00 AM. On the following Saturday, you should plan your international flight to depart Mahe (SEZ) no earlier than 6:30 PM, which is not really a problem since most international flights depart between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM.
Documents Required
All U.S. citizens are required to have a valid passport that does not expire within six (6) months of trips dates. Please be sure that your passport has at least two blank, unstamped pages remaining in the back, and that it is not torn, delaminated, or damaged in any way. UK, US, EU, and RSA passport holders do not require a visa for entering the country of the Seychelles for vacation purposes.
PLEASE NOTE: Alphonse will no longer allow clients board the IDC charter flight to Alphonse, Astove or Cosmoledo unless they have already submitted proof of applicable medevac coverage and that all the information regarding their medevac, emergency numbers, and next of kin details are supplied to Yellow Dog and the operators before the trip. If an emergency arises, it is important to have this information ‘at the ready’ so the crew on location may assist in the best possible way.
Travel Arrangements
Yellow Dog provides airline reservations ad ticketing assistance through etcTravel Group, and a full-service airline logistics agent that can help book airline tickets, hotels, rental cars, and more. You can click here to request a quote or contact Yellow Dog for more information at 406-585-8667. etcTravel Group offers dedicated support services for all Yellow Dog clients. Service fees may apply when booking or researching tickets, and etcTravel will discuss this with you before sending quotes.
Luggage Weight Restrictions
The inter-island flight is private charters that are operated by IDC. For all of these transfer flight, the IDC will usually enforce the 15 kilograms (33 pounds) main luggage / 5 kilograms (11 pounds) hand luggage rule for all passengers boarding aircraft to Alphonse Island, Farquhar, Cosmoledo, and Astove Atolls. Passengers that fail to comply with the restrictions may be instructed to unpack their overweight luggage and may have to leave the unpacked goods in Mahe at their expense. Usually, the IDC will not make any exceptions to this rule, as all flights to the outer islands and atolls fly full. Please be aware that there is not an option to pay ‘overweight’ baggage fees, as the aircraft can only carry so much cargo.
Travel Tools
– Airline Ticketing
– Moon Phases
– Rent This Rod
– Trip Insurance and Emergency Evacuation
– Global Rescue Membership
Fishing
General Information
Considered by many anglers to be the finest saltwater fly fishing destination in the world, the flats of St. François and Alphonse collectively offer over 10,000 acres of perfect wading and amazing shallow-water opportunities. When you take into account the number of species in this fishery, the seclusion, the pristine scenery, and the action, this is truly a fishery unlike any other on the planet. Anglers are guided by professional, experienced guides using the latest skiffs and most up-to-date equipment. With a running record of more than 60 different species landed on the fly, Alphonse redefines the concept of angling diversity. Here you will find bonefish in extraordinary numbers as well as several different species of trevally, milkfish, triggerfish, permit, and a host of other reef and flats species.
On your arrival day, once you have settled in and enjoyed a welcome cocktail, you will be able to do an exploratory trip around the island of Alphonse and fish the afternoon on your own. The home flats of Alphonse offer some of the most rewarding bonefishing you will experience all week. Grab an 8 or 9-weight rod and head down to the southwestern point of the island, where schools of two to five-pound bones are found on a regular basis. If the tide is right, tailing fish can be caught late into the evening. If you are keen on catching something other than bones, then standing on the edges of the lagoon and casting small weighted flies will produce numerous different species of snapper, grouper, trevally, and the occasional GT.
On normal fishing days, anglers will gather each morning at the Alphonse Fishing Center before loading the “shuttle” catamaran that will take the group to the flats of St. François – a trip of roughly 40 minutes. Upon entering the St. François lagoon, anglers are then transferred to their skiff for the day. Guiding takes place on a rotational basis, allowing anglers to experience all facets of the fishery and to fish with a different guide each day. Virtually all fishing is done by wading, with both anglers fishing simultaneously. Casting from the boats for trevally and milkfish, however, is productive in certain situations, and the skiffs are often needed for following hooked milkfish or big trevally. Lunch is taken either on the Mothership or on the skiffs, depending on client preference.
Boats and Equipment
Fishing and access to the St. Francois Atoll are via the large transfer boat, St. Francois. Each day you will typically fish two anglers to a boat out of individual skiffs, depending on client preference. Alphonse does offer a full line-up of rods and reels available for client use, although it is recommended that you bring your own equipment. Flies, leaders, terminal tackle, and a variety of shorts, hats, and other soft goods are available for purchase at the fishing center.
Rates and Terms
Package Rates
Remember that Yellow Dog’s services are completely free! When you book a trip with Yellow Dog, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge or outfitter. All prices listed below are per person and quoted in US dollars.
All Alphonse packages are seven (7) nights / six (6) fishing days, based on a Saturday to Saturday stay. For a single angler, the following package price includes single occupancy of the chalet and double occupancy fishing. There are no single supplement charges on accommodations for this trip!
2023 Alphonse Island Resort Rates (Season: January 1-December 31, 2023)
Beach Bungalow Fly Fishing Package (including charter flight: Mahe/Alphonse/Mahe)Total = $12,240.00
Single Skiff Supplement: $3,900.00 per week/$650.00 per day to guarantee and upgrade to a private skiff/guide for all six fishing days.
*ACCOMMODATION UPGRADES: Available upon request for an additional charge. Contact Yellow Dog for details. The larger Beach Suites or a Beach Villa are ideal for couples, families, and non-anglers. The Beach Villa is also an ideal option for families, intact groups, or couples traveling together.
What’s Included:
- Check-in assistance at the terminal in Mahe for IDC flight to Alphonse
- Seven nights of accommodations at Alphonse Island Resort
- Six fully guided days of fishing
- All meals on Alphonse
- Round-trip charter flight from Mahe to Alphonse ($1,300.00 per person) that is automatically added to all packages
- Use of non-motorized watercraft, bicycles, and tennis courts
What’s Not Included:
- International flights to Mahe International Airport (SEZ)
- Alphonse Conservation Levy of $210.00 per person (added to the initial trip invoice for anglers and non-anglers)
- Any overnight hotel, taxi, or other costs in Mahe
- Alcohol and other beverages at Alphonse Island Resort
- Incidentals and fly shop purchases on the island
- Gratuities for guides and staff
- Mandatory travel and medical evacuation insurance (available through Yellow Dog)
TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CANCELLATIONS
NOTE THAT EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 29, 2021, THE FOLLOWING TERMS, CONDITIONS, AND CANCELLATION POLICIES ARE IN PLACE FOR ALL ALPHONSE FISHING COMPANY-RUN DESTINATIONS. PLEASE NOTE THAT TRIP INSURANCE COVERAGE, AS WELL AS MEDICAL EVACUATION COVERAGE, ARE BOTH NOW MANDATORY FOR ALL SEYCHELLES (AFC) BOOKINGS, AS FULL REFUNDS ARE SIMPLY NOT OFFERED IN ANY CASES OF CANCELLATION, REGARDLESS OF THE REASON.
RESCHEDULE AND CANCELLATION POLICIES:
> 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 year
> A 10% fee and the rate increase shall be levied if the reservation is moved to an alternative date that is not within the same year
> A fee of 50% shall be levied if cancellation is between 180 and 90 days prior to arrival
> A fee of 100% shall be levied if cancellation is 90 days or less prior to arrival
> All cancellations and provisional bookings must be confirmed in writing
INDEMNITY & INSURANCE:
> All activities require the client to sign an indemnity once on location
> All clients are required to submit “From Scene of Accident Medevac Insurance” prior to arrival
> It is required that guests take out travel insurance that covers part or full cancellation of a trip due to flight delays, health (including infectious diseases), weather, force majeure or any other reason
THE FOLLOWING EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE:
> A ban on travel issued by the departing country stating that citizens may not travel to the Seychelles
> Border closure prohibiting non-residents from travel into the Seychelles
For all Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, L.L.C. (YDFA) Alphonse, Cosmoledo, Astove, Poivre and Farquhar fishing packages, both deposits and final payments are non-refundable. If a cancelled package is resold by either the lodge/operator or by Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures, then a full refund will be sent minus a $100.00 per person cancellation fee charged by Yellow Dog. In the case of cancellation by the client, both deposit and final payment may be transferred to another guest or angler for those same (original) dates if facilitated and arranged by the client. In case of cancellation due to weather, a full or partial credit may be rolled over and credited to a future date, but this is wholly at the discretion of the operator. Yellow Dog reserves the right to charge a minimum handling fee of $100.00 per person for date changes (approved by the lodge) after the initial reservation has been made. At time of quote, all flight charges, island fees and government taxes are correct but nonetheless are subject to change without prior notice. All guests are REQUIRED to purchase a comprehensive medical emergency evacuation insurance policy, and Yellow Dog strongly recommend that anglers and guests purchase travel insurance for your trip. It is the right of the lodge and operators to cancel any booking without refund if the client is not adequately insured. Please be aware that all guests will be required to sign and return the Alphonse Fishing Company Reservation and Indemnity Form prior to the trip, and there will be no exceptions to this. No refunds can be made for unused arrangements or fishing time lost due to inclement weather. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the deposit, cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses for these Seychelles packages.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW YELLOW DOG GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND CANCELLATION POLICIES
Payment Terms For All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings
In order to lock in your trip reservation, we ask that you please remit payment at the time of receipt of invoice. For your convenience, Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a direct and secure ACH platform – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Note that all Yellow Dog invoices include a live link that takes you directly to the Yellow Dog ACH platform for fast and easy payment. For open and existing invoices with a remaining balance, payment reminders also include this easy link to the ACH page.
Other customary forms of payment that are accepted are checks or wire transfers. If you would like to pay in a different way or have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (888) 777-5060 or (406) 585-8667. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Beginning September 1st, 2020, Yellow Dog will apply a 3% convenience fee for all credit card transactions.
Yellow Dog Flyfishing Adventures Standard Forms For Payment
- ACH online payments (for US banking institutions only).
- Traditional checks (sent via mail)
- Electronic wire payments (client is responsible for any wiring fees)
*Please contact us if you prefer or require a different payment option. Convenience fees may apply for other payment methods.
**Please be aware that the ACH platform is only available for US financial institutions and bank accounts. International payments can be made via wire or with a credit card.
African Safari Trip Add-On
Yellow Dog Flyfishing works hand-in-hand with both SafariScapes and Machaba Blue to provide traveling anglers and their companions with unforgettable African safari experiences. There is no better way to top off a trip than with a visit to one of many beautiful African lodges after a week of battling giant trevally in the Seychelles or tigerfish in Tanzania. Whether you are eager for an expedition into the plains to witness the African wilderness firsthand, or looking for a few days of luxury accommodations on the shores of the African coast, we are able to coordinate the idyllic custom itinerary to maximize your experience abroad.
Yellow Dog Client Reviews
“I can’t rave enough about our experiences on Alphonse Island. The fishing was absolutely the best we have ever had, the guides and the entire fishing operation were without peer, and the resort itself from the villas to the food to the friendly and helpful staff were absolutely excellent. My sincere thanks to all the Yellow Dog staff for creating this most memorable fishing experience.” – Lee S.
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“This is as good as it gets for a saltwater trip. Extreme saltwater fly fishing in a remote location with five-star accommodations.” – James H.
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“I really had good fishing. I got my first GT, first yellow margin trigger, first mustache trigger, first grand slam (the same day I caught my first GT and trigger), and the first GT over 1 meter (111 cm). In terms of the overall trip experience, I enjoyed every day of this trip so much include days when I only caught bonefish or caught nothing. The number of turtles, rays, sharks, eels. etc., is amazing and it is truly the most amazing place I have been; I love fishing Mexico, Belize, the Keys but Alphonse is on a whole different level. I was also pleasantly surprised by the quality of the intra-island flight and hotel, I was expecting something barer boned and fishing-focused. Alphonse, though, is luxury from top to bottom.” – Chris H.
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“One of the other guests had been at Alphonse Island 14 times. It’s easy to understand why. This is the best fishing experience imaginable…” – Andrew S.
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“This was my second visit to Alphonse. The guest experience was wonderful and I was impressed that they remembered me. The staff made you feel like a guest in their home. The guides were truly interested in putting you on the fish of your dreams and made every effort to do so.” – Rod W.
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“We are killing it in the Seychelles! Such an incredible place and an incredible overall experience. Thank you Yellow Dog for making it all happen. Thank you, Brenda and Alec, for holding my hand the whole way thru. And thank you Jim for picking the right tides and the right week. We brag about Yellow Dog every chance we get, and we always take the opportunity to tell everyone we fish with that they need to working with you. Your attention to detail is so outstanding.” – Tracy M.
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