Alphonse Island Resort

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.

Diving into the warm tropical waters of Alphonse Island reveals a vibrant array of coral and fish as far as the eye can see. Forests of giant gorgonian sea fans, sea whips, and black corals can be viewed along the precipitous drop-off and the incredible hard coral formations on the plateau are a magnificent sight to behold. Green and Hawksbill turtles and countless reef fish are abundant with vast schools of fusilier, snapper, and emperor fish always around. The large numbers and sizes of fish are what make diving at Alphonse Island particularly special, giving people the chance to see what a coral reef can look like with limited fishing pressure. Napoleon wrasse, giant sweetlips, and an array of large grouper species are seen on every dive, which gives a good indication of the health of the fish population. The highlights of diving in the waters surrounding Alphonse Island include the chance to see manta rays and squadrons of eagle rays, a ‘Wolf Pack’ of hundreds of bluefin trevally and associates patrolling or even attacking prey on the reef, groups of bumphead parrotfish, schools of batfish numbering in the hundreds as well as interesting animal behavior such as nesting triggerfish. For divers that like to search for the smaller critters on the reef, there are also chances to see a variety of pipefish, shrimps, porcelain crabs, leaf scorpionfish, as well as nudibranchs and flatworms. These unique encounters with marine life make diving at Alphonse Island nothing short of spectacular! The Alphonse Island Dive center offers a full suite of PADI courses from Discover Scuba diving to Divemaster. Prior to arriving at Alphonse Island, beginners can liaise with the expert staff and complete their written assignments and assessments at home using PADIs online learning tools, so there is no written work to undertake once on the island and they can dive straight in!  Advanced divers can develop new skill sets all endorsed by the world’s leading training agency the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI).  These include PADI Underwater Naturalist, PADI Deep Diver, PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy, PADI Digital Underwater Imaging, AWARE Shark Conservation, AWARE Coral Reef Conservation, AWARE Dive Against Debris, AWARE Specialist, and AWARE Fish Identification.

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 and the connection is usually strong enough for emails and WhatsApp/Skype calls. Wi-Fi is accessible in the main lodge, bar area, and all guest accommodations have Wi-Fi along with in-room phones, where calls can be made using standard credit and calling cards.

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 flights are private charters that are operated by IDC. For all flights, the IDC will 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. Excess luggage may be left with a Blue Safari Seychelles representative at the IDC airport terminal. The IDC typically is not able to 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
- Travel Insurance
- Moon Phases
- Airline Ticketing
- Rent This Rod
- Global Rescue Membership

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.

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!

2025 Rates

Beach Bungalow Fly Fishing Package (including charter flight: Mahe/Alphonse/Mahe)Total = $13,656.00

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.

2026 Rates

One (1) fishing package in a single beach bungalow, shared skiff = $15,280.00

Single Skiff upgrade for the week = $4,500.00 (limited to two skiffs per week)

***please note that in 2026, all packages will include a wide range of soft drinks, beer, wine, and spirits.  Select alcoholic beverages are not included in package price.***

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 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)
• Seychelles Conservation and Tourism Levies of $266.00 per person (the amount of which will be added to the invoice)
• 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.

Payment Terms for All Yellow Dog Trip Bookings  
Unless otherwise noted on your invoice, for all trips less than 90 days out, full payment is required after receipt of the confirmation email to secure guides and reservations. For trips outside of 90 days, a 50% deposit is required upon receipt of confirmation email to confirm your reservations.   

Yellow Dog accepts on-line payments via a secure payment portal – a quick and easy way to complete your trip reservation. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com to gain access. 

Yellow Dog Flyfishing Standard Forms of Payment 

• Debit card (fee-free) and credit card (3% convenience fee) - to pay via card please utilize the customer payment portal. If you need assistance, reach out to 406-585-8667 ext. #3 
• Wires - please include name and/or invoice number for reference on your wire. Please reach out to accounting@yellowdogflyfishing.com for wiring instructions. (client is responsible for wiring fees) 
• Physical check - please include your invoice number in the memo. Mail checks to 213 S. Willson Ave. Bozeman, MT, 59715

If you have any questions about alternate payment methods, please contact Yellow Dog at (406) 585-8667 ext. #3. We are available Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM MT. 

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.