The Indian Ocean has a vast array of species to target and an equally wide mix of atolls and operations for fishermen, as well as their families, to enjoy. Along with the wealth of bonefish, triggerfish, permit, GT, bluefin trevally, sailfish and barracuda, each of the atolls has its own ‘speciality’ species and unique attractions. Here’s the Aardvark McLeod guide to the Seychelles five extraordinary atolls.
Alphonse is a rare jewel amongst fishing lodges; an ideal location for those looking for an unspoilt beach getaway while their partners are out fishing the flats of St Francois. Best known for its large and healthy bonefish population, it is unique amongst these atolls for the sheer number of milkfish who pass through on their north/south migratory route. These algae eating vegetarians are the ultimate challenge for any angler aiming to land one of these mighty, hard fighting fish. Alphonse fishes 12 anglers per week on a shared boat/guide basis (ratio of two anglers to one guide). Accommodation is in very comfortable, air-conditioned beach front chalets or suites. The suites have private plunge pools and for families and groups of friends, there are two stunning four bedroom villas, each with their own central pool.
Latest availability and 2024 prices can be found here, 2025 here.
Farquhar offers simpler accommodation and retains a very genuine fishing lodge appeal from which anglers will find some of the most productive saltwater flats in Seychelles waters. Farquhar’s claim to fame is its good population of coral crunching bumphead parrotfish whose crushing beak is a hazard to any fly taken. Farquhar is also distinctive in that the marauding GTs have identified and target an unusual food source; young sooty terns that they take directly off the beach, charging up into skinny water to strike their unusual prey. Farquhar fishes 10 anglers per week, on a twin share basis and with shared boat/guide (ratio of two anglers to one guide). There are single room and single skiff options but they are limited.
Latest availability and 2024 prices can be found here, 2025 here.
Cosmoledo is the undisputed GT capital of the flats fishing world. Its enjoy the remote, white sand flats and channels that are home to bonefish, permit, triggerfish, GTs, bluefin trevally, milkfish and a whole host of reef species. Its distinctive appeal? The vast numbers of GTs that patrol the waters here make Cosmoledo the place to be to take the edge off GT fever. An ingenious eco-lodge, accommodation is in air-conditioned cabins with en-suite facilities. Bare foot simplicity but with all the comfort and mod-cons that you could wish for. Cosmoledo fishes 12 anglers per week with shared accommodation and shared guide with single room and single guide options. More on GT fever in our blog here.
Latest availability and 2024 prices can be found here, 2025 here.
Astove is a real gem and although relatively small its single lagoon and channel provide the perfect hunting ground for large GTs. Combined with the proximity of the drop off, the potential for metre plus GTs is high and the offshore potential has barely been touched. The rebuilt original coral house offers single air-conditioned rooms with en-suite facilities. Astove fishes only six anglers per week with single, air-conditioned rooms and shared guide (ratio of two anglers to one guide). A single boat option is available.
Latest availability and 2024 prices can be found here, 2025 here.
Providence has to rank as one of the wildest, unexploited atolls in these waters. Although not the most southerly of the fishing atolls, it remains a bit of an enigma and is only accessible from the liveaboard, MV Mayas Dugong. The atoll itself is enormous, roughly three times the size of Cosmoledo and has yet to reveal all of her potential to those intrepid anglers looking to fish these untouched waters. Providence fishes 12 anglers per week with shared cabins and shared guides (ratio of three anglers to one guide). Single cabin and single boat/guide options are available although limited.
Latest availability and 2024 prices can be found here, 2025 here.
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