Seychelles
Only 12 anglers are allowed on St Francois each day
Season
Year round
Tucked deep in the Indian Ocean, the Alphonse Group stands among the world's most iconic saltwater fly fishing destinations. St Francois Atoll, roughly seven miles long and four miles wide, is a maze of white sand flats, tidal channels, and turquoise lagoons.
Only twelve anglers are allowed on the atoll each day, keeping it wild, quiet, and personal. Just an hour flight from Mahe, Alphonse Island is a tropical sanctuary wrapped in coconut palms and white sand, a place where luxury meets raw nature.
You'll stay in private beach lodges surrounded by the sounds of the ocean and swaying palms, with all the amenities you need to unwind after long fishing days. The island's kitchen draws from its organic farm and the daily ocean catch.
Whether you're chasing giant trevally on the flats, diving the reefs, or simply doing nothing at all, Alphonse Island is one of those places that stays with you long after you've left.
St Francois is a wade angler's dream, more than 10,000 acres of firm sand flats where bonefish cruise in shallow water. It's home to the densest bonefish populations on the planet, with anglers averaging 12 to 15 fish a day and often far more. Trophy bones over nine pounds aren't uncommon.
Beyond bonefish, the atoll holds way too many fly-target species: triggerfish, giant trevally, milkfish, permit, tuna, sailfish, and more. Sight fishing for GTs here is pure adrenaline, while the acrobatic milkfish is so plentiful that over 90% of the world's fly-caught milkfish come from these waters.
You'll fish two anglers per guide in 16-18 ft skiffs powered by single tiller engines. A lot of the fishing here is done wading the flats, which are hard, comfortable, and safe to walk. Bring proper flats boots, standard neoprene booties won't cut it.
Arriving in Mahe the day before the trip is advised as any delay on the day of departure will certainly cause the trip to be missed. Check-in luggage is strictly limited to 20 kg per person, and 5 kg carry-on luggage.
Day 1 - Arrival: Meet at Mahe domestic terminal for the one-hour flight to Alphonse. The Blue Safari team greets you with refreshments and orientation before heading to the fishing center to set up tackle. You can fish unguided that afternoon.
Days 2-6 - Full Fishing Days: Breakfast at 6:00 a.m., departure at 7:00. The mothership heads to St Francois for a full day on the flats. You'll pack lunch at breakfast and return around 4:00 p.m.
Day 7 - Last Casts: One last full day fishing the atoll before returning to Alphonse for a relaxed evening, gear rinse, snacks, and cold drinks under the palms.
Day 8 - Departure: The plan for your departure morning will be confirmed with you at dinner the evening before departure day. The charter flight will depart Alphonse at the indicated time and arrive back on Mahe an hour later.
The 22 Beach Bungalows are set amongst lush tropical plantations just metres from the beach. Located on the eastern shoreline of the island, the air-conditioned Beach Bungalows are decorated in a unique style that emphasises the raw and natural beauty of the island.
With a layout that keeps guests relaxation foremost in mind, each Beach Bungalow has its own verandah overlooking the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Perfect for watching the sunrise with a cup of coffee or watching the sunset with a cocktail in hand.
The five one-bedroom Beach Villas are chic, stylish and contemporary. Nestled amongst tropical vegetation and just steps away from the white sandy beach, the villas are extremely spacious and private, with a large lounge area and bathroom.
An outdoor shower and infinity pool combine with deep palm-leaf style thatched roofs to create a carefully crafted local creole approach to laidback luxury.
The Manta Retreat and the Marlin Retreat each have four bedrooms for the ultimate stay in privacy and seclusion. The spectacular retreats are ideal for multi-generational families and friends, with space for up to eight adults and four children.
Each retreat is 600 square metres with four generously appointed double bedrooms, island-style ensuite bathrooms, a large open-plan living and dining area, kitchen, sun deck, and private plunge pool. A private chef can be arranged upon request.
When heading to Alphonse and St Francois, having the right setup makes all the difference. These waters hold everything from bonefish and triggers to GTs and milkfish, so coming prepared means you'll make the most of every shot.
Basically 3 diferent weights will cover every posible situation during your fishing week.
#8, #10 and #12, all matched with floating lines. High end saltwater reels should carry at least 200 meters of gel spun backing.
High-end loan gear, including Thomas & Thomas rods, Shilton reels, and Cortland backing, is available free with prior booking. Lines can be brought from home or purchased on-site. Rod breakages are billed at US$150 per rod.
Seychelles
Season
Year round
