Alphonse

Portuguese navigators first charted the island under the name San Francisco. In 1730 the captain of a French ship named it after himself. Thanks to guano left by earlier seabird colonies, the soil was very fertile: between 1925 and 1955, more than a million coconuts were harvested here every year. The first hotel opened in 1999.

Today the lodge works with the Island Conservation Society and the Alphonse Foundation. The conservation centre on the island has been in place since 2007. Guests can take part in turtle monitoring and beach clean-ups, and visit seabird colonies. You can read more under Nature and conservation and Flora and fauna.

You can only reach Alphonse by air. There is no ferry, and neither day visitors nor cruise ships are received. Flights are arranged through the lodge and cannot be booked online. They are sorted out together with your reservation. For other connections to the islands, see Domestic flights and Getting around the Seychelles.

The island is small, so you get around on foot or by bicycle. On arrival, guests are given a bicycle and a map of routes for walking, jogging and cycling. The lodge also runs electric vehicles for guests. Boats take you to the neighbouring islands and lagoons.

White sandy beaches fringe the island, with dense woodland and the remains of old coconut groves behind them. When snorkelling you will often come across turtles, and they also lay their eggs on the beach. For this reason the lodge uses turtle-friendly lighting and leaves the coastal vegetation untouched. Snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards are usually included in the price. For motorised activities and additional excursions you generally pay extra. An overview of the beaches of the Seychelles can be found on the page about dream beaches.

Alphonse is best known for fly fishing on the flats and in open water, always catch and release. Fishing days usually take you to St. François, about 40 minutes by boat. The season runs from October to April, and your chances vary with the tides and the phase of the moon. For general information, see Where and how to fish.

The edge of the atoll and the lagoons are a playground for snorkellers and divers. The lodge organises excursions to see marine life and involves guests in projects such as the tagging of sharks and mantas. General information is under Diving and snorkelling and Dive sites. Hiking in the classic sense does not exist on Alphonse, as the paths on the island are short and flat.

All rooms are just a few metres from the beach. There are thatched-roof Beach Bungalows (A-frame), Beach Villas and the Beach Retreats. A Retreat has four bedrooms, its own kitchen and a private pool, and suits families or groups. Offers and availability are listed under Accommodation on Alphonse. As for restaurants, the only one is in the lodge, see Eating on Alphonse. The lodge relies on its own produce, and the farm is being expanded. A large share of its electricity comes from solar power. If you would like to spend a night on Mahé beforehand, the page on hotel booking can help.

There is no village with shops, so plan to bring everything you need: sun protection, personal medication and a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses. Payments usually go through the lodge, but check in advance whether the conservation fee and extras have to be paid in cash on site (see Money and banks). In a medical emergency, the island is a long way from Mahé. Travel insurance that covers repatriation is advisable, and there is more under Hospitals, clinics and emergency numbers. According to the operator, the lodge offers Wi-Fi. Entry requirements are covered under Entry formalities.

A day trip is not possible. Plan on at least three nights; seven is the usual stay, because flights run only a few times a week. If you are comparing several outer islands, also look at Desroches, Denis and Bird Island. The best time to visit depends on whether you want to fish or swim. You will find guidance under Best time to visit.