Alphonse Island Resort Brochure - Seychelles

ALPHONSE ISLAND RESORT SEYCHELLES

DESTINATION BROCHURE ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014-2015

[ ALPHONSE ISLAND RESORT ]

CONTENTS 6 8 26 32 38 40

DESTINATION DESCRIPTION

THE FISHING

ACCOMMODATIONS

TRAVEL & ITINERARY

WHEN TO GO

RATES

OUR TRAVEL SERVICES ARE FREE OF CHARGE! You the client don’t pay a penny for our travel services! Our destination recommendations, organization, and pre-trip planning services are completely free of charge – and oftentimes less expensive than booking direct with a lodge or outfitter. We can assist with every question, concern, or special request related to your adventure at zero cost!

BOOKING INFORMATION TRAVEL DEPARTMENT

2416 MCKINNEY AVE

DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

DALLAS, TX. 75201

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

(888) 824-5420

ALPHONSE ISLAND RESORT QUICK HITS +

LOCATION & TRAVEL

1000 MILES OF EAST COAST OF KENYA – INDIAN OCEAN Travel to Seychelles is surprisingly easy for North American travelers. Nearly all guests now travel to Victoria, Seychelles (SEZ) via Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with Emirates Airlines. Fares are incredibly affordable and connections are civilized. There are also numerous flight options available via Western Europe including London, Paris and Frankfurt. +

TYPE OF HUNTING & SPECIES

BONEFISH, GIANT TREVALLY, MILKFISH, TRIGGERFISH, PERMIT, BLUEFIN TREVALLY, MUCH MORE. The bonefish literally pour off the white sandy flats, and twenty, thirty, and forty fish sessions are not uncommon. Bonefish fishing is only the beginning... The mainstay-targeted species (other than bonefish) are five species of trevally, triggerfish, permit, barracuda, parrotfish, and the powerful milkfish. The diversity of other non-typical gamefish species is staggering as well. Some clients have reported landing over fifty species a week including yellowfin tuna, surgeonfish, lemon shark, sailfish, grouper, dogtooth tuna, and every kind of reef fish imaginable. 16-17’ Dolphin and Maverick skiffs are used to access the flats – where nearly 100% of all fishing in the lagoon is done wading. Anglers are led by an all star guide team of Seychellois, South African, and Americans, and partake in one of the most capitalized and sophisticated fishing programs anywhere. +

SEASONALITY & WHEN TO GO

The Alphonse Island Resort is open October through early May and closed for the months of late May through September to rest the fishery and avoid the local monsoon season. Fishing during all months the resort is open is optimal. There is really no “best time” to go, however understanding tides is critical when picking your week relative to what species you want to target and the style of fishing you prefer. We will walk you through tidal analysis and pick the best week for you and your group. +

IS ALPHONSE ISLAND RESORT RIGHT FOR YOU

If you like saltwater fly-fishing, the most beautiful flats environment on earth, and have a pulse, the Seychelles is right for you! Alphonse is a bonefish angler’s dream come true, and the diversity of other species is truly unmatched. The travel involved from North America is actually very civilized – so that should not exclude folks normally turned off by long distance destination fishing. Slow paced non-anglers are more than happy with the resort’s amenity – and divers will be blown away by some of the top dive sites worldwide. It is right for dedicated anglers, couples, and families looking for something exotic. +

COST & EXPENSES

$8500 per person inclusive of six days guided fishing, meals, and single occupancy accommodations. Additional expenses include but are not limited to airfare to Seychelles, bar tab, non-angling activities (diving), and gratuities. (See Rates for Details)

[ ALPHONSE ISLAND RESORT ]

ON THE MAP

SEYCHELLES

INDIAN OCEAN

Praslin Is.

Dennis Is.

La Digue Is.

Bird Is.

Victoria Mahé Is.

Amirante Isles

Silhouette Is.

Platte Is. Alphonse Is. Cosmoledo Group Aldabra Islands Assumption Island

Saint François Is. Saint Pierre Is. Astove Is.

Bijoutier Is.

Providence Is. Cerf Is. Farquihar Group

Coetivy Is.

SEYCHELLES

PRIMARY FLIGHTS

U.S. > DUBAI > MAHE > ALPHONSE ISLAND (BEST WAY TO GO) U.S. > LONDON OR PARIS > MAHE > ALPHONSE ISLAND

THE

| 64 |

DESTINATION

ARGENTINAISLAND ALPHONSE DOVES RESORT UNLIMITED - SEYCHELLES - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA

While the fly fishing community has considered Sey-

chelles the Shangri-La of all saltwater fishing destinations for over a decade, this tiny island nation in the middle of the Indian Ocean is still one of the world’s best-kept secrets. Over eighty-five of its one hundred fifteen islands are still uninhabited, and approximate-

ly fifty percent of the country is designated as national parks or reserves, preserving its natural beauty for those who visit. Ninety percent of the country’s population (80,000) lives on the capital island of Mahe, where the international airport is located.

The Seychelles are located one thousand miles off the east coast of Kenya, a few degrees south of the equator and north of Madagascar in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Formerly a French settlement and a British colony since 1814, the Seychellois achieved independence in 1976 and remain a republic within the British Commonwealth. The island chain has an enormous diversity in geography and culture. The Seychellois people are a mix of French, English, African and Asian and speak several different languages with French, English, and Creole as the predominant dialects. Geographically, it seems the islands themselves are a combination of the Caribbean and the Pacific. Some islands in the Archipelago are reminiscent of the white, powdery sand of the Bahamas or Yucatan, while others are made of solid granite cliffs and rocky bluffs similar to Hawaii. The flora and fauna are equally as bizarre with an abundance of bird life, exotic land creatures such as the giant land tortoise, and of course a collage of all types of marine life.

THE ALPHONSE ISLAND RESORT Alphonse Island Resort resides on the former coconut plantation island of Alphonse at the tip of the Amirantes Group, which is a one-hour charter flight from the international airport on Mahe Island. This tiny island and five star resort is home to anglers for their week of some of the most spectacular and diverse saltwater fishing on earth. A few miles to the north of Alphonse is the infamous St. Francois Lagoon, the main focus of the fishing program. St. Francois could easily most aptly be described as a large self-contained aquarium. Around every corner visitors encounter a new type of shark, dolphin, whale, sea turtle, eel, fish, or ray.

The arrival into Alphonse is always a bit surreal. The island is shaped like an arrowhead with the runway running down the center. When you are on approach you can see the huge surrounding reef systems that protect Alphonse and the neighboring islands of Bijoutier and St. Francois. On the interior of the coral system are the flats that meld with the reef to create the ultimate habitat for the most incredible mix of marine life. You cruise in a golf cart through dense palm and coconut trees, avoiding the occasional coconut or Giant Land Tortoise on your way to the central resort building for orientation. The property has been developed to meet very high standards and is super plush and polished. It is so strange to see such sophisticated infrastructure and accommodation on such a remote tiny little island in the middle of the Indian Ocean… Truly the most impressive fishing operation anywhere.

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

THE

FISHING

We have visited Alphonse several times over the last

ten seasons and can honestly say that the quality of the fishing actually continues to improve each year.

Strict enforcement of the rules governing the fishing program (fly fishing only & barbless hooks as well as no hookless teasers or chum lines for trevally) has dramatically enhanced the long term sustainability of this remarkable fishery. It is without question the world’s greatest all around flats fishing destination – and it is totally worth the long journey to get there.

Anglers at the Alphonse Island Resort fish a very well defined fishery known as the Alphonse Group. The

| 84 |

Alphonse Group is made up of three islands and their respective lagoons; Alphonse, Bijoutier, and St. Francois. While the majority of anglers’ efforts are focused on St. Francois, the whole island group is rich with incredible angling opportunities. The entire system is a giant conglomerate of flats and channels completely surrounded by and protected by barrier reef. All of the fishing is ‘fly-fishing only’, barbless, as well as catch and release. As a result, the fishery has held up remarkably well and remains as reliable as it did back in the late nineties. In fact, the bonefish fishing seems to be inexplicably improving with 20-30 fish morning bonefish sessions the norm for most anglers!

ARGENTINAISLAND ALPHONSE DOVES RESORT UNLIMITED - SEYCHELLES - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA

THE FISHING DAY

tions. The game plan may consist of a morning bone-

Here is the daily routine: Wake up at 5:30AM… eat

fishing session followed by a walk to the reef, cruising

breakfast at 6:00AM, board the mothership, St. Fran-

for trevally, walking the edges harassing triggers, or

cois, at 7:00AM, and sail 30-40 minutes to the skiff

hitting the channels in search of feeding milkfish. It

moorings inside the St. Francois Lagoon. The boat

seems every day is a different ballgame – but with

ride out to St. Francois is one of the most memorable

so many different species around there is absolutely

parts of the trip. Everyone is strapping on gear, rig-

never a dull moment. After a full day of fishing you re-

ging equipment, and game planning while caffeine

turn to the mothership at 4:00PM, arrive at Alphonse

and beautiful ocean wake you up. Often you will en-

at 5:00PM, cocktails at 6:30, dinner at 7:00, and off to

counter yellowfin tuna or milkfish feeding, whales,

bed at 9-10. This regimented routine makes the week

manta rays, dolphins, or other sea creatures on the

fly by.

way out past Bijoutier (“Gilligan’s Island”) and into the lagoon. St. Francois Lagoon is a labyrinth of flats,

BONEFISH

reef, coral heads, channels, etc…. tailor made habi-

The bonefish fishing here is the best on earth. Peri-

tat for bonefish, permit, trevally, milkfish, triggerfish,

od. Nothing comes close. The majority of the areas

sharks, rays, turtles, etc.

fished for bonefish are on hard, white sand with minimal coral or grass growth. It is an idyllic setting for

Boat runs are never more than 10-15 minutes, and

bonefishing with easy visibility and a nearly endless

your fly line will be in the water by 8:00AM at the lat-

amount of targets in skinny water. Tidal fluctuations

est. Guides always give a brief orientation and chat

in the Seychelles are quite significant, and the day’s

up the day’s game plan relative to what species you

itinerary is built around accommodating the ebb and

want to target, the expected tide, and fishing condi-

push of water on and off the flat. During a falling or

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

rising tide, anglers typically wade looking for bones

species found at St. Francois. Five species of treval-

feeding their way on or off the flat. One unique aspect

ly are found in St. Francois with the golden, bluefin

to the behavior of the bones in the St. Francois La-

and giant trevally most prevalent. The giant trevally is

goon is there does not seem to be any huge schools

about as crazed and hard fighting as any gamefish on

of fish like as often found in the Caribbean. The fish

the planet…you had better come prepared! Words

usually feed in individual pods of 2-8 fish and present

cannot describe the power of a large Giant Trevally.

themselves at predictable and incredibly frequent

The only way to appreciate it is to get your hands on

intervals. The population of bonefish is outstanding,

an Abel Super 12 reel and crank down the drag to

easily rivaling any and all other bonefish destinations

100% and try manually to pull of some line. You are

in the world. The average fish is a solid four pounds,

lucky to pull off one foot of line without breaking a

with seven and eight-pound specimens encountered

finger. Now, consider that big GTs have completely

frequently. Double-digit fish are present; however

spooled anglers with this same reel cranked down to

should definitely be considered a real bonus trophy.

100% drag! You fish for GTs with super heavy gear…

80-100 pound straight fluorocarbon for your leader,

GIANT TREVALLY

5/0 – 8/0 hooks, and 80 pound gel spun backing is

The Giant Trevally (Caranx Ignobilis) is the true bad

the norm. GTs over 50 pounds often require you to be

ass of all game fish. His round head, broad shoulders,

chasing them in a skiff as landing one of foot is nearly

and elaborate fins are built for speed and power, and

impossible without a 14 weight and lots of luck. They

he has no predators other than large sharks and hu-

are truly an incredible fish.

mans. He literally eats everything, and his incredible eyesight combines with his quickness to make him a

“GTs” or “Jeets” (as the South Africans and Seychel-

lethal hunter. While adults spend much of their life in

lois call them) are most often found at low tide cruis-

deeper water, fish well over 100 pounds often feed on

ing the cuts and channels around coral heads and

the flats in skinny water or cruise in riding the waves

surrounding the flats in search of baitfish and other

on the reef to ambush unsuspecting prey. There is

prey. Half of the time anglers will cruise in the skiff

nothing more impressive than watching through the

looking for giant trevally, however, a walk out to a reef

face of a wave as a big GT surfs his way inside the

can also be a fruitful way to get a shot at a trevally.

reef. The combination of hurried panic to cast and

At low tide anglers can stand just inside the reef and

huge dosage of adrenalin is very addictive. There is

scan the incoming breakers for these hunting mon-

also no eat more impressive than the mighty G.T. The

sters and sight cast to cruising fish in the surf. On an

deliberate and crushing speed of the monster when

incoming tide, you can also find trevally on the flat

he zeroes in on your fly is scary to the point where you

in very skinny water crashing bait at warp speed. Al-

almost don’t want him to eat it! Once you witness the

though visually the most impressive form of feeding

spectacle that is the “GEET”, it gets in your blood,

(huge bow wakes and rooster tails) trevally in shallow

and you become obsessed with trying to find one a

water can spook easily. No matter where you encoun-

bit bigger than the last one.

ter the giant trevally, their pure closing speed and aggressive feeding habits will intrigue all anglers…

Many anglers are allured half way around the word

There is simply nothing more jaw-dropping than the

to the Seychelles in search of the dozens of other

eat of a big G.T. – and if you are lucky you won’t get spooled!

| 10 4||

ARGENTINAISLAND ALPHONSE DOVES RESORT UNLIMITED - SEYCHELLES - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA

TRIGGERFISH Other species encountered daily includes three species of triggerfish found tailing on the tidal push as well. These colorful speedsters slowly and lazily cruise feeding mainly on crabs and other crustaceans on the outside flats. The presentation to triggerfish is quite technical, and reminiscent of trout fishing. A good drift and proper current are required to “feed� triggerfish. Once they eat your fly, hold on! Triggers are aptly named for the trigger like mechanism on their dorsal which literally locks them into holes and crevices in the surrounding coral heads. If you are lucky enough to land one, make sure to have a camera.

MILKFISH One of the most sought after species on the flats is called the Milkfish (Chanos chanos). Although we have learned a lot about how to effectively hook and land these brutes, Milks still have lore about them.

There is a common misnomer that they are herbivores or vegetarians exclusively. They feed on tiny invertebrates such as plankton as well as algae. They

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

are not filter feeders, but they do skim along with mouths wide open inhaling their food (kind of like a whale shark). The hardest part about catching a milkfish is simply being in the right place at the right time for a predictable, surface feeding event with a large enough school of targets to increase the odds (which oftentimes won’t happen for weeks on end). Most often during large spring tides, milkfish will set up almost like trout feeding into the strong tidal currents flushing food off of the flats. Lucky anglers encounter them feeding on or near the surface with mouths wide almost mindlessly vacuuming everything in their path. Although they will certainly move to avoid your fly, they will definitely not move to eat your fly. Anglers fish with algae-like deer hair or craft fur patterns tied on a #2 Gamu hook and long slow strips through a school of milkfish. If the planets align, your fly will incidentally get sucked in and off to the races you go.

Although found throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the milkfish that inhabit St. Francois are some of the largest in the world, and more importantly the guides On Alphonse pioneered how to catch them with regularity. The milkfish is similar in shape as a bonefish, only reach up to thirty pounds and possess

| 14 4||

ARGENTINAISLAND ALPHONSE DOVES RESORT UNLIMITED - SEYCHELLES - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA

a large sickle tale and huge eyes. When the milkfish are feeding on the surface, anglers present a grass or algae imitation and hope that one mistakes the green fly for a meal. When the fishing for milkfish is “on” success rates hooking milks are actually quite high despite the rumors of them being extremely difficult to hook. Finding them feeding in the proper fashion on the surface is the hard part, but once discovered on feeding cooperatively and consistently, they can be hooked with regularity. Over one thousand Milkfish have been caught and landed by Alphonse guests to date, with more than twice as many hooked. Some experienced guides say that at thirty pound milkfish will give a one hundred pound tarpon a run for his money, so landing them is another story!

ter fishing destinations in the world with such a salty crew of world-class guides and anglers. Anglers rotate guides throughout the week and fish out of comfortable and modern 16-18 foot Mavericks and Dolphin skiffs with dry storage, cushioned seating, and reliable fifty horse Yamaha outboard motors. Safety

PERMIT & OTHER SPECIES Other flats species that are worth mentioning found in St. Francois are the Indo-pacific permit, or African Pompano (equally as spooky relative to its Atlantic cousins), enormous barracudas, all types of jacks, groupers, snappers, surgeonfish, and the colorful parrotfish. The record for fly-caught species in one week at St. Francois is a ridiculous 52 species!

Although Seychelles has not historically been recognized as a rich permit fishery, we are encountering and catching more and more permit each year. What was once a super bonus a handful of times each season, targeting permit is now considered part of the usual program. Bring all your fly rods because you will never know what species will present itself.

is obviously very important in such a remote location.

The guides are very capable, always wear their kill switches and ensure anglers a safe experience.

BLUEWATER FLY FISHING There are two offshore vessels, which can be chartered for either a half or full day excursion. The Alphonse skippers and deck hands are experienced at rigging, teasing and switching to all the different bluewater pelagic species, such as Sailfish, Wahoo, Dogtooth and Yellowfin Tuna.

CONVENTIONAL GEAR GAMEFISHING There are two fully rigged offshore vessels, which can be chartered for either a half or full day conventional fishing excursion. The Alphonse teams practice a

GUIDE STAFF The guide staff consists of a mixture of Seychellois, South African, and Americans all with extensive experience in the world of saltwater fly-fishing and in the St. Francois Lagoon. Their appearance, enthusiasm, and knowledge of the fishing and the area is very impressive and professional. There are few saltwa-

strict “NO CONVENTIONAL/SPIN FISHING” on or close to the islands, flats and reef. This is to preserve the resident species that use the shallow reef as an access point onto the flats and surrounding areas. Alphonse however relies on fresh fish for its guests so we do offer gamefishing trips to fill this quota.

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

THE

GUIDES

THE

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Island of Alphonse was formerly a working coconut plantation. Active production was ceased in the mid

nineties, and the hotel was completed in December of 1999. Because the facility is designed primarily for its non-angling guests, fishermen enjoy the amenities of a five star resort. The accommodations and facilities at the Alphonse Island Resort truly are on par with some of the finest resorts found anywhere, and certainly as nice or nicer as any flats fishing destination. The grounds are perfectly manicured, the staff is attentive and professional, and facilities are immaculately clean.

The resort consists of a central complex containing a restaurant, bar, kitchen, lounge area, conference room, hard tennis courts, beach, and reception desk. There is also a small gift shop located near the reception that has a few local arts and forgotten necessities such as sunscreen and batteries. Located alongside the main complex are

| 26 4||

ARGENTINAISLAND ALPHONSE DOVES RESORT UNLIMITED - SEYCHELLES - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA

twenty-five, double occupancy standard chalets and five executive chalets – all facing the sea. Standard chalets have two twin beds. All chalets are extremely comfortable and luxurious with air conditioners, satellite TV, ceiling fans, mini-bar, direct dial international telephone, Jacuzzi bathtub, and outdoor shower.

Each chalet is beautifully decorated and also has an outdoor seating area and porch facing the Indian Ocean. Bathrooms are extremely nice with granite countertops and twin sinks. The five executive chalets are similar to the standard chalets; only offer a king sized bed and a little more square footage in both the bedroom and bathroom. Couples looking for a little more luxurious privacy usually occupy the executive chalets.

Opposite the resort from the main complex is the watersports center where anglers meet guides each morning at the fishing company office and have a cocktail at the bar located at the marina following the fishing day. A modest selection of flies, tippet, leader material, hats, t-shirts, and other fishing accessories is available at the watersports center office. A bicycle is provided for each guest at the resort for traversing the island or getting a little exercise.

The food and atmosphere at the resort combine a unique mixture of European, Seychellois, and African

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

tastes, and meals are one of the highlights. Guests enjoy choices from two starters, two salads, two entrees, and two desserts with most dinners – and there is usually more than one buffet night as well. The menu is very expansive with seafood being the dominant cuisine. Breakfast is buffet style, and lunches are made to order from several different choices of salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and breads. Lunch is taken on the water or in the shade on board the mothership. The wine and cocktail selection at dinner and at the Bijoutier Bar is quite expansive and impressive.

CAPACITY 12 Anglers Per Week (based on shared guide / single room accommodations)

TRAVEL & ITINERARY Alphonse Island Resort operates on a weekly Saturday – Saturday schedule Travel from the United States can be accomplished via London, Paris, Frankfurt, or through Dubai, UAE with Emirates Airlines.

DUBAI WITH EMIRATES AIRLINES – THE BEST WAY TO GO. Having made the trip to Seychelles several times, by far the best way to make the trip is with Emirates Airlines through Dubai. Emirates Airlines is perhaps the world’s greatest airline with new and comfortable aircraft, hospitable flight attendants, excellent food, spacious seating, incredible in-flight entertainment and very economical fares. The last several seasons we have booked fares with Emirates for less than $2000US, roundtrip from Texas with a FREE hotel stay in Dubai compliments of Emirates Airlines!

After spending the afternoon and evening in Dubai on Friday, anglers depart with Emirates Airlines on board a direct 4 hour flight to Mahe, Seychelles early morning on Saturday. Once in Victoria, guests have a short layover before catching the 50 minute charter flight to Alphonse Island around 11:00AM. The island operates a beautiful twin engine Beechcraft turboprop for the flight to/from Alphonse.

| 32 4||

ARGENTINAISLAND ALPHONSE DOVES RESORT UNLIMITED - SEYCHELLES - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA

SAMPLE ITINERARY DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ROUTING THURSDAY Depart U.S. on overnight flight to Dubai with Emirates Airlines. There are daily direct flights from Dallas, Houston, san Francisco, and New York. Flight time is approximately 15 hours.

FRIDAY Arrival in Dubai mid afternoon or evening. Spend the evening exploring the city and/or resting in a free hotel room provided by Emirates Airlines at the Millennium Hotel five minutes from the airport.

SATURDAY MORNING (EARLY) Return to the airport at approximately midnight to catch flight to Seychelles departing at 2:30AM and arriving around 7:00AM. Depart on mid morning, 4 hour flight to Mahe, Seychelles with Emirates Airlines. Upon arrival in the Seychelles, travelers are met by a representative from the resort, assisted through customs, and checked in for charter flight to Alphonse Island at approximately 11:00AM. After checking into the resort and settling into chalets, anglers are given a brief orientation discussing the next six full days of angling. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

SUNDAY – FRIDAY Six full days of fishing Alphonse Island and the St. Francois Lagoon.

SATURDAY A mid-day charter flight returns anglers to Mahe with ample time for connection with Emirates Airlines Flight departing around midnight bound for Dubai.

SUNDAY Early morning arrival back in Dubai in time for easy connection with Emirates Airlines back to Dallas, Houston, San Francisco or New York.

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

EUROPEAN ROUTING For anglers traveling through Europe, you must depart on an evening “red-eye” flight (10 hours) with Air Seychelles on Friday night and arrive in Victoria, Mahe Island the following morning (Saturday).

THURSDAY Depart U.S. on overnight flight to London or Paris.

FRIDAY Arrival in London or Paris mid-morning. Spend the day exploring the city and/or resting in a hotel room. Depart on evening “red-eye” flight to Mahe, Seychelles with Air Seychelles on ten-hour direct flight.

SATURDAY Upon morning arrival in the Seychelles, travelers are met by a representative from the resort, assisted through customs, and checked in for charter flight to Alphonse Island. After checking into the resort and settling into chalets, anglers are given a brief orientation discussing the next six full days of angling. Dinner and overnight at the resort.

SUNDAY – FRIDAY Six full days of fishing Alphonse Island and the St. Francois Lagoon.

SATURDAY A mid-day charter flight returns anglers to Mahe with ample time for connection with Air Seychelles flight back to London or Paris usually departing around 10:00PM. SUNDAY Early morning arrival back in London or Paris. Travelers can connect on to U.S. and arrive home Sunday afternoon or elect to overnight prior to returning home the following day.

| 34 |

ALPHONSE ISLAND RESORT - SEYCHELLES

www.tailwatersflyfishing.com WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

WHEN TO GO The Alphonse Island Resort is open the months of

October – May.

Alphonse Island Resort is closed for the rainy season during the summer months. The rainy season is well defined, starting abruptly in May and concluding abruptly in September. Anglers should not be fearful of poor conditions in early October and late April.

Because Alphonse Island is only seven degree south of the equator, the quality of the weather and fishing remains consistent throughout the season. The really is no “perfect time” to visit Alphonse Island while the

| 38 4||

resort is open however we always discuss tide charts for perspective weeks our clients are considering.

While fishing on Alphonse and St. Francois is always spectacular, certain tides are more conducive for targeting certain species.

Temperatures remain warm year round in the eighties and nineties, even at night. The heat is never unbearable and a nice tropical breeze usually keeps things pleasant. Like all tropical destinations, rainstorms and breezy conditions can pop up at anytime, however consistent bad conditions are usually most prevalent during the summer months when the fishing operation is closed.

ARGENTINAISLAND ALPHONSE DOVES RESORT UNLIMITED - SEYCHELLES - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA

Tuna, Grouper, Snapper, Trevally and many more

NON-ANGLING ACTIVITIES Although fishing is the predominant activity at the Alphonse Island Resort, the diving program is back up and running, and there are a myriad of slow paced alternate activities for non-angling guests to choose from. Gorgeous beaches perimeter the island and a huge and beautiful freshwater swimming pool sits in the heart of the resort complex.

make the dives extremely memorable. The thirteen Alphonse dive sites are suitable for all categories of divers, which makes the area an exciting experience for both beginners and advanced who will enjoy the various drift dives on offer. The various sites are easily accessible and vary between ten and thirty minutes from the dive boat mooring site. The dive center also offers scuba kids, discover, NDL diver, advanced and universal diver courses.

The resort has a lighted tennis court as well as several saltwater kayaks & paddleboats for those interested

SNORKELING

in a little exercise. There is an English style billiards

The snorkeling around the pirouetting coral heads

table and a very spacious and equipped conference

within the safety of the lagoon is simply out of this

room/facility for business meetings. The island itself

world. There are snorkeling outfits for hire at the

is completely uninhabited excluding the resort with

fishing center. The resort offers guided snorkeling

several miles of well-manicured trails through the

trips on Alphonse as well as St. Francois and rental

tropical jungle that are great for a jog or bike ride.

gear is available.

On the opposite side of the island there are some remote beaches that are great for a private stroll or

SEA KAYAKS

a little snorkeling.

The kayaking along the edge of the island on a high tide gives guests the opportunity to see the

DIVING

magnificent bounty of turtles, rays, fish, and various

As of November 1, 2014 the diving will be back up

other sea creatures, which call Alphonse their

and running at Alphonse Island. The fully equipped

home.

dive center at Alphonse and professional team of international diving instructors will make your experience at Alphonse resort a personal, safe and unforgettable one. The sheer drop offs, rich currents and abundant sea life that surrounds the Alphonse group of Atolls makes it one of the most exciting and diverse dive destinations in Seychelles.

The pristine sites around both Alphonse and St Francois are famous for warm crystal clear waters, unbleached corals, great visibility and a diverse range of fish species comprising of reef, pelagic and shark species. Daily encounters with Stingrays, Turtles, Moray Eels, Barracuda, Wahoo, Sharks,

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

RATES 2014-2015 SEASON »» Standard Chalet/ Single Occupancy/Shared Guide - $8,500 / person »» Beach Villa/ Single Occupancy/Shared Guide - $10,425 / person WHAT’S INCLUDED Seven Nights single occupancy accommodations at the Alphonse Island Resort; Six Days of guided fishing w/ shared guide; All meals; Reception Service and Customs Assistance in Mahe; Round-trip air charter to/from Mahe/Alphonse Island WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED International Airfare to Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles; All alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; Baggage Overweight Charges; Meals, Transportation & Accommodations in Mahe (when applicable); Guide or staff gratuity; Items purchased at the bar (beer and cocktails) or gift area; Flies and other fishing equipment rentals; guided non-angling activities & gear rentals; Bluewater Fishing in offshore boats for guests not booked on fly fishing packages; Guided SCUBA diving; $175 Conservation Levy payable at Check-out from Resort (Cash Only); Other expenses might include tips to baggage handlers in airports; Departure Tax; Hotel Room and general travel expenses in London or Dubai (when applicable); Items of a personal nature; Telephone Charges NON-ANGLING RATES »» Standard Chalet (Shared Occupancy): $4975 / person »» Standard Chalet (Single Occupancy): $6025 / person »» Beach Villa (Shared Occupancy): $6025 / person »» Beach Villa (Single Occupancy): $7425 / person »» Children (12-17 Years): $3450 »» Children (2-11 Years): 2750 »» Children (1-23 Months): FREE BLUEWATER FLY FISHING RATES (FOR GUESTS ON A FLY FISHING PACKAGE) »» Half Day - $850 »» Full day - $1600 Includes teasing tackle but not fly rod and flies BLUEWATER GAME FISHING RATES (FOR GUESTS NOT ON A FISHING PACKAGE) »» Half Day - $850 »» Full day - $1600 Includes trawling tackle but not jigging - popping rods and tackle

| 40 4||

ARGENTINAISLAND ALPHONSE DOVES RESORT UNLIMITED - SEYCHELLES - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA

DIVING RATES »» 5 Dive Package (per person) - $550.00 »» 10 Dive Package (per person) - $1000.00 *** Certification & Non-Certification Courses Available. Inquire for More Diving Rates & Details TERMS & CONDITIONS Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents.

Alphonse Island Resort’s policy follows: A 50% deposit of is required within fourteen days to confirm reservations.

Full pre-payment is due 90 days prior to departure for Alphonse Island. 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 season. 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. No refund will be made for unused land arrangements included in cost. Any trip booked within ninety days will require full and non-refundable payment to confirm arrangements. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.

TRAVEL INSURANCE! Given the inherent strict refund policies associated

We will provide you with more detailed information about

with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress the

travel insurance from our sponsored provider, Travel

importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your

Guard, when you book a trip with Tailwaters Travel.

investment.

We can conveniently process a very comprehensive insurance policy for you in-house after asking a few simple

Travellers can obtain coverage for pre-existing health

questions.

problems (related to yourself, your family, business partners, or your travelling partners), emergency

CALL TODAY TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT:

evacuation, lost baggage, delay, life insurance packages;

(214) 219-2500 OR (888) 824-5420

even “no questions asked” or

“for work reasons”

coverage.

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

FIND US:

TAILWATERS FLY FISHING CO. | 47 | |4|

TRAVEL DEPARTMENT

2416 MCKINNEY AVE

DAVID@TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

DALLAS, TX. 75201

WWW.TAILWATERSFLYFISHING.COM

(888) 824-5426

Palometa Club - Ascension Bay, Mexico ARGENTINA DOVES UNLIMITED - NORTHWESTERN ARGENTINA ALL CONTENTS © TAILWATERS FLY FISHING 2014