Welcome to Alphonse Island
The Seychelles archipelago is scattered across a broad swathe of the western Indian Ocean. Each island has its own unique character, but they can be broadly grouped into two categories: the Inner Islands (made of granite) and the Outer Islands, which are all formed from coral.
One of the best-known of the Outer Islands is Alphonse, which is also one of the most remote of all Seychelles islands. In fact, it’s some 250 miles (or 400 kilometers) from the main island of Mahé. Alphonse may be tiny, but it offers an outsize range of activities.
Remote and untouched
It takes around one hour to fly from the capital, Victoria, to Alphonse, and on arrival, you’ll be greeted by scenes straight out of your tropical island daydreams. Think miles of white sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms and warm, clear, azure waters.
With just 22 bungalows, five suites and two villas in terms of guest accommodation, the property has retained an authentic sense of exclusivity. The resort is designed to be both exotic and simple, with the emphasis very much on comfort and privacy. Whiling away your days between the lounge, the pool and the beach is very easy to do, or you could choose to get involved in the work of the researchers from the Island Conservation Centre.
The poperty is blessed with year-round, consistently wonderful weather – they will tell you that on Alphonse, it is always summer. It’s clear that if you want to relax completely and do as little as possible Alphonse would be an ideal destination.
Make the most of your island time
The property offers many other activities whether you want to stay on the island, ride the waves or plunge beneath them. The diving and snorkeling are unrivaled, and include opportunities to swim with reef fish, dolphins and even manta rays. Boat cruises in search of schools of dolphin are especially popular, as are the relaxed sunset cruises.
More active ways to enjoy the water include sea kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding – how you spend your time really is up to you.
Experience more
Back on land, options include a reef flats expedition on foot in the company of the resident marine biologists – a chance to learn about a unique tropical ecosystem. Birdwatching on Alphonse is deeply rewarding, while in season you can track nesting turtles or their hatchlings. A recent addition to the island is a fleet of electric bikes, so you can pedal as much or as little as you wish as you explore the sandy tracks and lush forests.
Perhaps the ultimate Alphonse experience takes place on the nearby uninhabited island of St François, where you can enjoy a guided walking safari and even a beach picnic or barbecue.
Make a difference
Like many islands in Seychelles, Alphonse offers opportunities to take part in environmental activities. This is your chance to have fun whilst leaving a positive impact that will last long after your footprints have washed away.
Throw in a line
Of course, Alphonse has long been known as a superb location for two kinds of fishing: flyfishing and bluewater fishing. The miles of flats surrounding the island offer an irresistible flyfishing challenge, with the chance to stalk the shallows in pursuit of legendary species such as bonefish, permit, trevally and milkfish.
The experienced fishing guides based at Alphonse Island have the local knowledge needed to give you the best possible chance to land one of these wily creatures. Whether you’re a veteran flyfisher or complete novice, you’ll soon be hooked on the potent blend of cunning, patience and adrenaline that defines saltwater flyfishing on Alphonse.
Into the deep
Alphonse also has several offshore fishing vessels which are fully equipped for bluewater fishing, and you can rent or buy rods and any equipment that you may have forgotten. The ocean fishing offshore from Alphonse is phenomenal, with iconic species such as sailfish, wahoo and tuna regularly being caught.
For a Seychelles island vacation itinerary that doesn’t have to be solely focused on fishing, contact Private Ocean Islands today.