Experience the enchantment of a safari, but with marine marvels instead
Experience the enchantment of a safari, but with marine marvels instead
Imagine the camaraderie of fellow explorers, expert guides unveiling hidden wonders, and breathtaking landscapes teeming with life. That’s the magic of a traditional safari, but what if you could experience it all at sea?
Welcome to Alphonse Island – home to one of Africa’s first true marine safari experiences.
This 8-day guided exploration of vibrant reefs, pristine beaches, and the vast open ocean mirrors the classic safari experience we’ve come to know and love on land. Just like iconic land-based safaris in Tanzania’s Serengeti or Botswana’s Okavango Delta, expert guides become your window to an underwater world teeming with marvels. It’s perfect for seasoned safari-goers and ocean-lovers alike. Think of your most unforgettable land safari. Now, imagine it seamlessly transitioning into the boundless blue. That’s the essence of an Alphonse Island marine safari – an experience unlike any other.
1 night Eden Bleu Hotel | 7 nights Alphonse Island Lodge
Upon arrival at Seychelles International Airport on Mahé Island, the largest island in the Seychelles, the friendly staff from Eden Bleu Hotel will be waiting to welcome you and transfer you to the hotel, where you’ll spend the night.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Seychelles International Airport for your flight to Alphonse Island. The Blue Safaris team will assist and escort you to the private lounge to relax while waiting for your flight.
Upon arrival on Alphonse Island, a warm welcome awaits you from the Alphonse Island Lodge team. Enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure, exploring the beauty of your own island paradise.
After breakfast, depart Alphonse Island for an unforgettable underwater diving* experience.
Alphonse Island is set at the heart of a coral atoll and natural marine sanctuary. Teeming with vibrant marine life and flourishing coral reefs, the island offers exceptional diving opportunities right at your doorstep. Explore over 30 dive sites, all at your doorstep within a short 5 to 30-minute boat ride, featuring sheer drop-offs, rich currents, and an abundance of sea life. Glide effortlessly among turtles and schools of dazzling fish, immersing yourself in this underwater paradise.
*Diving courses can be booked in advance at an additional cost
After breakfast, head out on a full-day guided fly-fishing adventure, exploring the expansive flats surrounding the Alphonse atolls. Renowned as a fly angler’s dream, this pristine wilderness boasts 10,000 acres of hard white sand flats, perfect for easy wading and world-class sight-fishing.
The Alphonse Island archipelago is a celebrated saltwater fly fishing destination in the Indian Ocean, and with good reason. It’s one of the most prolific bonefish fisheries globally. But the bounty doesn’t stop there. The atolls teem with an incredible variety of species, including triggerfish, barracuda, snapper, grouper, permit, parrotfish, trevally (including the giant trevally), and the mighty milkfish. This diverse ecosystem allows anglers to target a multitude of exciting catches throughout their stay.
To ensure a truly exceptional and sustainable experience, the St. François fishery only welcomes a maximum of only 12 fly anglers at a time.
Today Alphonse Island transforms into your own personal paradise. After breakfast, explore the island at your leisure. Stretch out on endless, secluded beaches, bask in the beauty of lush, colourful forests, and discover the magic of protected coral reefs.
Keep your eyes peeled for the island’s fascinating residents. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a majestic aldabra giant tortoise in its natural habitat or witness the wonder of tiny hatchling turtles making their way to the ocean. With no restrictions, boundaries, or dangerous wildlife, Alphonse Island is yours to explore freely.
Alphonse Island boasts a truly unique location, teeming with an incredible variety of marine life thanks to its remote position. Crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and exceptional visibility create the perfect setting for underwater exploration. After breakfast, today is the perfect day to embark on an unforgettable Blue Safari snorkelling adventure*.
The Blue Safaris knowledgeable team will guide you to the best snorkelling spots around the island, suitable for all ages. Imagine gliding through the lagoon, marvelling at the pirouetting coral formations and encountering a dazzling array of colourful reef fish. With a bit of luck, you might even cross paths with majestic manta rays or gentle turtles, making your snorkelling experience truly unforgettable.
*Some experiences are at an additional cost
Add an optional Blue Safari adventure to your itinerary and experience the thrill of snorkelling* with sailfish, the fastest fish in the ocean. After breakfast, board a custom-built vessel and head out to the deep blue for an unforgettable encounter. The Blue Safaris expert team will deploy responsible lures to attract these magnificent creatures, and once you spot their silvery-grey or blue forms, it’s time to jump in.
Alphonse Island is a pioneer in offering this unique and conservation-forward snorkelling experience, allowing you to swim alongside a swirling group of sailfish.
Another option is to enjoy an ocean cruise after breakfast or end your day with a sunset cruise and swim.
*Some experiences are at an additional cost
Today embark on an optional Blue Safari adventure and snorkel* alongside manta rays. Join the Blue Safaris passionate conservation team in the balmy waters surrounding Alphonse Island for an unforgettable encounter with these majestic ocean giants.
As you snorkel, keep your eyes peeled for these iconic creatures. Photos you capture will be used in collaboration with the manta trust to identify individuals and track their movements, contributing to valuable conservation efforts. The thrill of encountering a manta ray is amplified by the chance to name a newly identified one.
*Some experiences are at an additional cost
Your marine safari adventure has come to an end. It’s now time to bid a fond farewell.
After your last leisurely breakfast at the lodge, wave goodbye to island and the Alphonse Island Lodge team before boarding your flight to Mahé Island.
Upon arrival at Seychelles International Airport, you will be transferred and hosted in a private lounge until your flight back home or onto your next travel destination.
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