ALPHONSE ISLAND

Part of experiential travel company, Blue Safari Seychelles and located 400km southwest of the mainland of Mahé, lies the untouched Eden that is Alphonse Island.

Part of the Alphonse Group of Islands, which also comprise St Francois and Bijoutier, this pristine, natural paradise is considered one of the purest natural idylls in the world. Alphonse Island is blessed with one of the world’s healthiest climates and gorgeous, consistent weather. Alphonse offers guests year-round summer days with temperatures seldom dropping below 22°C. Beautiful white beaches line the edges of tropical forests, surrounded by miles of unblemished shorelines, lagoons, sea flats and protected coral reefs, home to the vast array of wildlife that exists in this ecosystem.

Alphonse Island is truly unlike any other island in the Seychelles. Just 7°South of the equator, accommodation is simplified barefoot luxury. With two four-bedroomed Beach Villas, five Beach Suites, and 22 Beach Bungalows, all have been decorated in hues that complement the natural surroundings and all have outdoor showers and are just steps from the beach. With three accommodation choices, there is something for groups of friends, families, multi-generational families, as well as smaller families and couples to enjoy.

Alphonse Island encourages its guests to spend as much of their time as possible discovering all the island offers. Due to its size and remote location, Alphonse Island is free from the influx of tourism that is often present at resorts. Guests can explore the island by bike and encounter the array of wildlife that inhabits the island on land as well as discovering the marine life by scuba diving or snorkelling. The experiences are the true luxury of Alphonse Island and are authentic and cannot be encountered anywhere else in the Seychelles.

Guests of Alphonse Island can experience the fascinating marine environment on a first-hand basis as they swim in the Indian Ocean and encounter shoals of assorted, vibrantly coloured fish of varying species: green and hawksbill turtles, spinner dolphins, and humpback whales, all in their natural environment. Swimming with sailfish and manta rays is an unforgettable experience, like no other. An encounter with these animals in their habitat is an incredible and unforgettable experience, whether seen from a boat, from the shore, or in the Indian Ocean itself. Be amazed as they flash through the crystal waters and witness these craniate animals in their environment. These unique experiences make Alphonse Island nothing short of spectacular.

Alphonse Island Dive Centre offers a full range of PADI courses from Discover Scuba diving to Divemaster. The PADI-certified dive centre caters to children, who can experience their first foray into the underwater world from nine years old by completing a Bubble Maker course. It also offers exclusive dives to families where children from the age of eight can experience the wonders of scuba diving with their parents. 34 dive sites that surround Alphonse Island, all of which are easily reached in under 30 minutes on comfortable purposebuilt dive boats. Manta rays and squadrons of Eagle rays, the ‘Wolf Pack’ of hundreds of Bluefin trevally and associates patrolling or even attacking prey on the reef can be seen. Groups of Bumphead parrotfish, schools of batfish numbering in the hundreds as well as interesting animal behaviour such as nesting triggerfish can be viewed.

Aquatic adventures at Alphonse Island are not limited to below the water. Kayaks are a perfect and non intrusive way to get up close to turtles and rays around the flats. Choose between a guided tour by nature experts who will point out seabirds and spot fishermen’s delights such as bonefish, permit, and triggerfish, or explore the island at your own pace. Kayaks are readily available for guests to use and a picnic basket can be organised to choose a spot for a secluded meal.

Set sail into the Alphonse Lagoon on one of the luxury boats, ready to salute the setting sun with a cocktail or beer from the onboard bar. This is an exceptional way to view the island from a different perspective as the sun sets, providing an incredible backdrop.