AlPhONSE ISlANd RESORt - Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co.
AlPhONSE ISlANd RESORt - Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co.
AlPhONSE ISlANd RESORt - Tailwaters Fly Fishing Co.
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Worldwide TRAVEL SERVICES<br />
SEYCHELLES<br />
Alphonse Island Resort<br />
Travel - <strong>Fishing</strong> - Accomodations - How to Get There - When to Go - Rates - Much More<br />
TAILWATERS TRAVEL PUBLICATION<br />
© 2011 <strong>Tailwaters</strong> Travel
table of contents<br />
ALPHONSE ISLAND RESORT<br />
accomodations 30-33<br />
general description<br />
fishing information<br />
4-11<br />
How to Get There<br />
sample itinerary<br />
seasonALITY<br />
When to go<br />
non-angling activities<br />
34-37<br />
38<br />
39-41<br />
tailwaters travel services<br />
Personalized Service<br />
Perhaps our greatest asset is our hands on<br />
dedication to insuring your trip is perfectly &<br />
conveniently planned. We are not your standard<br />
9:00-5:00 travel agency. Our staff is on call to<br />
answer the most trivial of questions, lend a hand in<br />
an emergency, or help gather any last minute gear,<br />
flies, or tackle. Every trip we plan is personalized to<br />
each individuals special needs or requests, specific<br />
itinerary and seasonality. We are a small operation<br />
that succeeds because we offer the best customer<br />
service in the industry.<br />
Outfitting Guides & Pre-trip Organization<br />
When you book a trip with us you will receive one of our destination specific outfitting guides.<br />
These comprehensive packets contain everything from maps to gear & tackle recommendations,<br />
information about commercial travel arrangements, lodge policy, country information, itinerary,<br />
travel insurance and much more. Our outfitting guides have been meticulously prepared to<br />
provide you with the most informative and up to date pre-trip planning reference in the industry.<br />
Although we are always on call at the office, our outfitting guides are the ultimate go-to resource<br />
for questions or concerns about planning your trip.<br />
rates<br />
42<br />
Save Time and Money<br />
You the client dont pay a penny for our services! Our destination recommendations,<br />
organization and pre-trip planning services are completely free of charge. We can assist with<br />
every question, concern, or special request related to your adventure at zero cost!<br />
12-29<br />
terms and conditions<br />
pre-trip planning<br />
43<br />
back<br />
We Have Been There<br />
We do not send our clients to any destination we have not visited ourselves. From the remote<br />
rivers of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the marshes of Southern Louisiana, to the sandy flats of the<br />
Seychelles, we have experienced the travel involved, eaten the food, fished with the guides and<br />
know exactly what gear and tackle is most productive.<br />
ABOUT THE COVER<br />
Trophy Milkfish in<br />
hand... photo by:<br />
David Leake
alphonse island resort<br />
DESTINATION DESCRIPTION<br />
chain has an enormous diversity in geography<br />
and culture. The Seychellois<br />
are a mix of French, English, African<br />
and Asian and speak several different<br />
languages with French, English, and<br />
Creole as the predominant dialects.<br />
Geographically, it seems the islands<br />
themselves are a combination of the<br />
Caribbean and the Pacific. Some<br />
islands in the Archipelago are reminiscent<br />
of the white, powdery sand of<br />
the Bahamas or Yucatan, while others<br />
are constructed of solid granite cliffs<br />
and rocky bluffs similar to Hawaii. The<br />
flora and fauna are equally as bizarre<br />
with an abundance of bird life, exotic<br />
land creatures such as the giant land<br />
tortoise, and of course a collage of all<br />
types of marine life.<br />
seychelles<br />
location<br />
Location<br />
Seychelles<br />
Indian Ocean<br />
1000 Miles off East <strong>Co</strong>ast of Africa<br />
Destination Description:<br />
The Seychelles is still one of the world’s bestkept<br />
secrets. Over eighty-five of its one hundred<br />
fifteen islands are still uninhabited, and<br />
approximately<br />
Photo Caption<br />
fifty percent of the country is<br />
designated as national parks or reserves, preserving<br />
its natural beauty for those who visit.<br />
Ninety percent of the country’s population<br />
(80,000) lives on the capital island of Mahe,<br />
where the international airport is located.<br />
The Seychelles are located one thousand<br />
miles off the east coast of Kenya, a few degrees<br />
south of the equator and north of<br />
Madagascar in the heart of the Indian Ocean.<br />
Formerly a French settlement and a British<br />
colony since 1814, the Seychellois achieved<br />
independence in 1976 and remain a republic<br />
within the British <strong>Co</strong>mmonwealth. The island<br />
val atkinson photo<br />
4<br />
5
alphonse island resort<br />
TOTAL SOLITUDE...<br />
booking a Trip with <strong>Tailwaters</strong><br />
PRE TRIP PLANNING<br />
ALL OF THE BONEFISHING ON ALPHONSE AND ST. FRANCOIS<br />
IS DONE WADING IDYLLIC WHITE SANDY FLATS...
alphonse island resort<br />
DESTINATION DESCRIPTION<br />
seychelles<br />
location<br />
Photo Caption<br />
Alphonse island resort:<br />
The Alphonse Island Resort resides on the<br />
former coconut plantation island of Alphonse<br />
at the tip of the Amirantes Group,<br />
which is a one-hour charter flight from the<br />
international airport on Mahe Island. This<br />
tiny island and five star resort is home to<br />
anglers for their week of some of the most<br />
spectacular and diverse saltwater fishing<br />
Photo on earth. Caption A few miles to the north of<br />
Alphonse is the infamous St. Francois Lagoon,<br />
the focus of the fishing program on<br />
Alphonse. St. Francois could easily most<br />
aptly be described as a large self-contained<br />
aquarium. Around every corner visitors<br />
encounter a new type of shark, dolphin,<br />
whale, sea turtle, eel, fish, or ray.<br />
The arrival into Alphonse is always a bit surreal.<br />
The island is shaped like an arrow head<br />
with the runway running down the center.<br />
When you are on approach you can see the<br />
huge surrounding reef systems that protect<br />
Alphonse and the neighboring islands of<br />
Bijoutier and St. Francois. On the<br />
interior of the coral system are<br />
the flats that meld with the reef to<br />
create the ultimate habitat for the<br />
most incredible mix of marine life.<br />
You cruise in a golf cart through dense<br />
palm and coconut trees, avoiding the occasional<br />
coconut or Giant Land Tortoise<br />
on your way to the central resort building<br />
for orientation. The property has<br />
been developed to meet very high standards<br />
and is super plush and polished. It<br />
is so strange to see such sophisticated<br />
infrastructure and accommodation on<br />
such a remote tiny little island in the middle<br />
of the Indian Ocean… Truly the most<br />
impressive fishing operation anywhere.<br />
8<br />
9
ooking a Trip with <strong>Tailwaters</strong><br />
THE ALPHONSE GROUP...<br />
MOTHERSHIP MOORED IN THE ALPHONSE LAGOON.<br />
BIJOUTIER & ST. FRANCOIS ISLANDS VISIBLE IN THE BACKGROUND.<br />
50+ SQUARE MILES OF THE BEST FLATS FISHING ON THE PLANET!
alphonse island resort<br />
THE FISHING<br />
seychelles<br />
The <strong>Fishing</strong>:<br />
We have visited Alphonse several times<br />
over the last seven seasons and can honestly<br />
say that the quality of the fishing actually<br />
continues to improve each year. Strict<br />
enforcement of the rules governing the<br />
fishing program (fly fishing only & barbless<br />
hooks) have dramatically enhanced the<br />
long term sustainability of this remarkable<br />
fishery. It is without question the world’s<br />
greatest all around flats fishing destination<br />
– and it is totally worth the long journey<br />
to get there.<br />
Anglers at the Alphonse Island Resort fish<br />
a very well defined fishery known as the<br />
Alphonse Group. The Alphonse group is<br />
made up of three islands and their respective<br />
lagoons; Alphonse, Bijoutier, and St.<br />
Francois. While the majority of anglers’<br />
efforts are focused on St. Francois, the<br />
while island group is rich with incredible<br />
angling opportunities. The entire system is<br />
a giant conglomerate of flats and channels<br />
completely surrounded by and protected<br />
by barrier reef. All of the fishing is ‘flyfishing<br />
only’, barbless, as well as catch<br />
and release. As a result, the fishery<br />
has held up remarkably well and remains<br />
as reliable as it did back in the<br />
late nineties. In fact the bonefishing<br />
seems to be inexplicably improving<br />
with 20-30 fish morning bonefish sessions<br />
the norm for most anglers!<br />
The <strong>Fishing</strong> Day<br />
Here is the daily routine: Wake up at<br />
5:30AM… eat breakfast at 6:00AM,<br />
board the mothership, St. Francois, at<br />
7:00AM, and sail 30 minutes to the<br />
skiff moorings inside the St. Francois<br />
Lagoon. The boat ride out to St.<br />
Francois is one of the most memorable<br />
parts of the trip. Everyone is<br />
strapping on gear, rigging equipment,<br />
and game planning while caffeine and<br />
beautiful ocean wake you up. Often<br />
you will encounter yellowfin tuna or<br />
milkfish feeding, whales, manta rays,<br />
dolphins, or other sea creatures on<br />
the way out past Bijoutier (“Gilligan’s Island”)<br />
and into the lagoon. St. Francois<br />
Lagoon is a labyrinth of flats, reef, coral<br />
heads, channels, etc…. tailor made habitat<br />
for bonefish, permit, trevally, milkfish, triggerfish,<br />
sharks, rays, turtles, etc.<br />
Boat runs are never more than 10-15<br />
minutes, and your fly line will be in the<br />
water by 8:00AM at the latest. Guides<br />
always give a brief orientation and chat up<br />
the day’s game plan relative to what species<br />
you want to target, the expected tide,<br />
and fishing conditions. The game plan may<br />
consist of a morning bonefishing session<br />
followed by a walk to the reef, cruising for<br />
trevally, walking the edges harassing triggers,<br />
or hitting the channels in search of<br />
feeding milkfish. It seems every day is a<br />
different ballgame – but with so many different<br />
species around there is absolutely<br />
never a dull moment. After a full day<br />
of fishing you return to the mothership<br />
at 4:00PM, arrive at Alphonse at 5:00PM,<br />
cocktails at 6:30, dinner at 7:00, and off<br />
to bed at 9-10. This regimented routine<br />
makes the week fly by.<br />
12<br />
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JUMPING MULLET...<br />
booking a Trip with <strong>Tailwaters</strong><br />
PRE TRIP PLANNING<br />
MULLET ESCAPING A HUNGRY CUDA. SIGNATURE VAL ATKINSON PHOTO ON OUR FIRST R&D TRIP TO ALPHONSE - 2004.
alphonse island resort<br />
THE FISHING<br />
seychelles<br />
Bonefish<br />
The majority of the areas fished for bonefish<br />
are on hard, white sand with minimal<br />
coral and grass growth. It is an idyllic setting<br />
for bonefishing with easy visibility and<br />
a nearly endless amount of targets in skinny<br />
water. Tidal fluctuations in the Seychelles<br />
are quite significant, and the day’s itinerary<br />
is built around accommodating the ebb<br />
and push of water on and off the flat. During<br />
a falling or rising tide, anglers typically<br />
wade looking for bones feeding their way<br />
on or off the flat. One unique aspect to the<br />
behavior of the bones in the St. Francois<br />
Lagoon is there does not seem to be any<br />
huge schools of fish like as often found in<br />
the Caribbean. The fish usually feed in individual<br />
pods of 2-8 fish and present themselves<br />
at predictable and incredibly frequent<br />
intervals. The population of bonefish is<br />
outstanding, easily rivaling any and all other<br />
bonefish destinations in the world. The average<br />
fish is a solid four pounds, with seven<br />
and eight-pound specimens encountered<br />
frequently. Double-digit fish are present;<br />
however should definitely be considered a<br />
real bonus trophy.<br />
Giant Trevally<br />
Many anglers are allured half way around the<br />
word to the Seychelles in search of the dozens<br />
of other species found at St. Francois.<br />
Five species of trevally are found in St. Francois<br />
with the golden, bluefin and giant trevally<br />
most prevalent. The giant trevally is about as<br />
crazed and hard fighting as any gamefish on<br />
the planet…you had better come prepared!<br />
Words cannot describe the power of a large<br />
Giant Trevally. The only way to appreciate it<br />
is to get your hands on an Abel Super 12 reel<br />
and crank down the drag to 100% and try<br />
manually to pull of some line. You are lucky<br />
to pull off one foot of line without breaking<br />
a finger. Now, consider that big GTs have<br />
completely spooled anglers with this same<br />
reel cranked down to 100% drag! You fish for<br />
GTs with super heavy gear… 80-100 pound<br />
straight fluorocarbon for your leader, 5/0 –<br />
8/0 gamugatsu hooks, and 50 pound gel spun<br />
backing is the norm. GTs over 50 pounds require<br />
you to be chasing them in a skiff as landing<br />
one of foot is nearly impossible without a<br />
14 weight. They are truly an incredible fish.<br />
“GTs” or “Jeets” (as the South Africans call<br />
them) are most often found at low tide cruising<br />
the cuts and channels around coral heads<br />
and surrounding the flats in search of unsuspecting<br />
baitfish and other prey. Half of the<br />
time anglers will cruise in the skiff looking for<br />
giant trevally, however, a walk out to a reef can<br />
also be a fruitful way to get a shot at a trevally.<br />
At low tide anglers can stand just inside the<br />
reef and scan the incoming breakers for these<br />
hunting monsters and sight cast to cruising fish<br />
in the surf. On an incoming tide, you can also<br />
find trevally on the flat in very skinny water<br />
crashing bait at warp speed. Although visually<br />
the most impressive form of feeding (huge<br />
bow wakes and rooster tails) trevally in shallow<br />
water can spook easily. No matter where<br />
you encounter the giant trevally, their pure<br />
closing speed and aggressive feeding habits will<br />
intrigue all anglers… There is simply nothing<br />
more jaw-dropping than the eat of a big G.T. –<br />
and if you are lucky you won’t get spooled!<br />
16<br />
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alphonse island resort<br />
THE GIANT TREVALLY<br />
booking a Trip with <strong>Tailwaters</strong><br />
The Giant Trevally (Caranx Ignobilis) is the true bad ass of all game<br />
fish. His round head, monster shoulders, and elaborate fins are built<br />
for speed and power, and he has no predators other than large sharks<br />
and humans. He literally eats everything, and his incredible eye-sight<br />
combines with his quickness to make him a lethal hunter. While<br />
adults spend much of their life in deeper water, fish well over 100<br />
pounds often feed on the flats in skinny water or cruise in riding<br />
the waves on the reef to ambush unsuspecting prey. There<br />
is nothing more impressive than watching through the<br />
face of a wave as a big GT surfs his way inside the<br />
reef. The combination of hurried panic to cast<br />
and huge dosage of adrenalin is very addictive.<br />
There is also no eat more impressive than the<br />
mighty G.T. The deliberate and crushing<br />
speed of the monster when he zeroes<br />
in on your fly is scary to<br />
the point where you almost<br />
don’t want him to eat it!<br />
Once you witness the<br />
spectacle that is the<br />
“GEET”, it gets in<br />
your blood, and<br />
you become<br />
obsessed<br />
with trying<br />
to find one a<br />
bigger than<br />
the<br />
last one.<br />
bit<br />
scott keller photo
GEETS...<br />
I HAVE THE BIGGEST BONER EVER OVER THIS PAGE TURNER
alphonse island resort<br />
THE FISHING<br />
seychelles<br />
Milkfish<br />
Perhaps the most intriguing species encountered<br />
in the Seychelles is the mighty milkfish.<br />
Although found throughout the Pacific<br />
and Indian Oceans, the milkfish that inhabit<br />
St. Francois are some of the largest in the<br />
world, and more importantly the guides have<br />
recently discovered how to catch them!<br />
The milkfish is similar in shape as a bonefish,<br />
only reach up to thirty pounds and possess<br />
a large sickle tale and huge eyes. When the<br />
milkfish are feeding on the surface, anglers<br />
present a grass or algae imitation and hope<br />
that one mistakes the green fly for a meal.<br />
When the fishing for milkfish is “on” success<br />
rates hooking milks are actually quite high<br />
despite the rumors of them being extremely<br />
difficult to hook. Finding them feeding in<br />
the proper fashion on the surface is the<br />
hard part, but once discovered on feeding<br />
properly they can be hooked with regularity.<br />
Over five hundred Milkfish have been caught<br />
and landed by Alphonse guests to date, with<br />
more than twice as many hooked. Some<br />
experienced guides say that at thirty pound<br />
milkfish will give a one hundred pound tarpon<br />
a run for his money, so landing them is<br />
another story!<br />
Triggerfish<br />
Other species encountered daily includes<br />
three species of triggerfish found tailing on<br />
the tidal push as well. These colorful speedsters<br />
slowly and lazily cruise feeding mainly<br />
on crabs and other crustaceans on the outside<br />
flats. The presentation to triggerfish<br />
is quite technical, and reminiscent of trout<br />
fishing. A good drift and proper current are<br />
required to “feed” triggerfish. Once they eat<br />
your fly, hold on! Triggers are aptly named<br />
for the trigger like mechanism on their dorsal<br />
which literally locks them into holes and<br />
crevices in the surrounding coral heads. If<br />
you are lucky enough to land one, make sure<br />
to have a camera.<br />
22<br />
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alphonse island resort<br />
booking a Trip with <strong>Tailwaters</strong><br />
PRE TRIP PLANNING<br />
THE MILKFISH<br />
One of the most sought after species on the flats is called the Milkfish (Chanos<br />
chanos). Although we have learned a lot about how to effectively hook and land<br />
these brutes, Milks still have lore about them. There is a common misnomer that<br />
they are herbivores or vegetarians exclusively. They feed on tiny invertebrates such<br />
as plankton as well as algae. They are not filter feeders, but they do skim along with<br />
mouths wide open inhaling their food (kind of like a whale shark). The hardest part<br />
about catching a milkfish is simply being in the right place at the right time for a<br />
predictable, surface feeding event with a large enough school of targets to increase<br />
the odds (which oftentimes won’t happen for weeks on end).<br />
Most often during large spring tides, milkfish will set up almost like trout feeding<br />
into the strong tidal currents flushing food off of the flats. Lucky anglers encounter<br />
them feeding on or near the surface with mouths wide almost mindlessly<br />
vacuuming everything in their path. Although they will certainly move<br />
to avoid your fly, they will definitely not move to eat your<br />
fly. Anglers fish with algae-like deer hair or craft fur<br />
patterns tied on a #2 Gamu hook and long slow<br />
strips through a school of milkfish. If the<br />
planets align, your fly will incidentally get<br />
sucked in and off to the races you go.
alphonse island resort<br />
THE FISHING<br />
seychelles<br />
Guides on Alphonse<br />
The guide staff consists of a mixture<br />
of Seychellois, South African,<br />
and Americans all with extensive<br />
experience in the world of saltwater<br />
fly-fishing and in the St. Francois<br />
Lagoon. Their appearance, enthusiasm,<br />
and knowledge of the fishing<br />
and the area is very impressive and<br />
professional. There are few saltwater<br />
fishing destinations in the world<br />
with such a salty crew of world-class<br />
guides and anglers. Anglers rotate<br />
guides throughout the week and fish<br />
out of comfortable and modern 16-<br />
18 foot Mavericks and Dolphin skiffs<br />
with dry storage, cushioned seating, and<br />
reliable fifty horse Yamaha outboard motors.<br />
Safety is obviously very important in<br />
such a remote location. The guides are very<br />
capable, always wear their kill switches and<br />
ensure anglers a safe experience.<br />
Permit & Other Species<br />
Other flats species that are worth mentioning<br />
found in St. Francois are the Indopacific<br />
permit, or African Pompano (equally<br />
as spooky relative to its Atlantic cousins),<br />
enormous barracudas, all types of jacks,<br />
groupers, snappers, surgeonfish, and the<br />
colorful parrotfish. The record for flycaught<br />
species in one week at St. Francois is<br />
a ridiculous 52 species!<br />
Although Seychelles has not historically<br />
been recognized as a rich permit fishery, we<br />
are encountering and catching more and<br />
more permit each year. What was once a<br />
super bonus a handful of times each season,<br />
targeting permit is now considered part of<br />
the usual program. Bring all your fly rods<br />
because you will never know what species<br />
will present itself.<br />
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GRIP AND GRINS....
alphonse island resort<br />
ACCOMMODATIONS<br />
Accommodations:<br />
The Island of Alphonse was formerly a working<br />
coconut plantation. Active production was<br />
ceased in the mid nineties, and the hotel was<br />
completed in December of 1999. Because the<br />
facility is designed primarily for its non-angling<br />
guests, fishermen enjoy the amenities of a five<br />
star resort. The accommodations and facilities<br />
at the Alphonse Island Resort truly are on par<br />
with some of the finest resorts found anywhere,<br />
and certainly as nice or nicer as any flats fishing<br />
destination. The grounds are perfectly manicured,<br />
the staff is attentive and professional, and<br />
facilities are immaculately clean. Because the<br />
resort is not accommodating many non-anglers<br />
this season (other than companions of fishing<br />
guests), anglers have free reign of their own private<br />
fantasy island when not fishing St. Francois.<br />
seychelles<br />
location<br />
rooms are extremely nice with granite<br />
countertops and twin sinks. The five executive<br />
chalets are similar to the standard<br />
chalets; only offer a king sized bed<br />
and a little more square footage in both<br />
the bedroom and bathroom. <strong>Co</strong>uples<br />
looking for a little more luxurious privacy<br />
usually occupy the executive chalets.<br />
Opposite the resort from the main complex<br />
is the watersports center where anglers<br />
meet guides each morning at the fishing<br />
company office and have a cocktail at the<br />
bar located at the marina following the<br />
fishing day. A modest selection of flies, tippet, leader material, hats, t-shirts, and other fishing accessories<br />
is available at the watersports center office. A bicycle is provided for each guest at the resort for<br />
traversing the island or getting a little exercise. The food and atmosphere at the resort combine a<br />
unique mixture of European, Seychellois,<br />
and African tastes, and meals are one of<br />
The resort consists of a central complex containing<br />
a restaurant, bar, kitchen, lounge area, enjoy choices from two starters, two sal-<br />
the highlights of the experience. Guests<br />
conference room, hard tennis courts, beach, ads, two entrees, and two desserts with<br />
and reception desk. There is also a small gift each dinner. The menu is very expansive<br />
shop located near the reception that has a with seafood being the dominant cuisine.<br />
Breakfast is buffet style, and lunches<br />
few local arts and forgotten necessities such<br />
as sunscreen and batteries. Located alongside are made to order from several different<br />
the main complex are twenty-five, double occupancy<br />
standard chalets and five executive and breads. Lunch is taken on the water<br />
choices of salads, sandwiches, fresh fruit,<br />
chalets – all facing the sea. Standard chalets or in the shade on board the mothership.<br />
have two twin beds. All chalets are extremely The wine and cocktail selection at dinner<br />
comfortable and luxurious with air conditioners,<br />
satellite TV, ceiling fans, mini-bar, direct and impressive.<br />
and at the Bijoutier Bar is quite expansive<br />
dial international telephone, Jacuzzi bathtub,<br />
and outdoor shower. Each chalet is beautifully Capacity:<br />
Photo Caption<br />
decorated and also has an outdoor seating 12 Anglers Maximum (Additional Rooms<br />
area and porch facing the Indian Ocean. Bath- for Non-Angling <strong>Co</strong>mpanions)<br />
30<br />
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ACCOMMODATIONS<br />
NON-ANGLERS RELAX IN COMFORT OF 5-STAR AMENITY...
alphonse island resort<br />
HOW TO GET THERE<br />
seychelles<br />
Alphonse Island Resort operates on a weekly<br />
Saturday – Saturday schedule.<br />
Travel from the United States can be accomplished<br />
via London, Paris, Frankfurt, or<br />
through Dubai, UAE with Emirates Airlines.<br />
Dubai with Emirates Airlines – The Best Way to Go.<br />
Having made the trip to Seychelles several<br />
times, by far the best way to make the trip<br />
is with Emirates Airlines through Dubai.<br />
Emirates Airlines is perhaps the world’s<br />
greatest airline with new and comfortable<br />
aircraft, hospitable flight attendants,<br />
excellent food, spacious seating, incredible<br />
in-flight entertainment and very economical<br />
fares. The last two seasons we have<br />
booked fares with Emirates for less than<br />
$2000US, roundtrip from Houston with a<br />
FREE hotel stay in Dubai compliments of<br />
Emirates Airlines!<br />
After spending the night in Dubai on Friday,<br />
anglers depart with Emirates Airlines on<br />
board a direct 3 ½ -4 hour flight to Mahe,<br />
Seychelles. Once in Victoria, guests<br />
have a short layover before catching<br />
the 50 minute charter flight to<br />
Alphonse Island around 2:30PM. The<br />
island operates a beautiful twin engine<br />
Beechcraft turboprop for the flight<br />
to/from Alphonse.<br />
Sample Itinerary<br />
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Routing<br />
Thursday<br />
Depart U.S. on overnight flight to Dubai with<br />
Emirates Airlines. There are daily direct flights<br />
from Houston and New York. Flight time is<br />
approximately 15 hours.<br />
sisted through customs, and checked in for<br />
charter flight to Alphonse Island. After checking<br />
into the resort and settling into chalets,<br />
anglers are given a brief orientation discussing<br />
the next six full days of angling. Dinner and<br />
overnight at the resort.<br />
Sunday - Friday<br />
Six full days of fishing Alphonse Island and the<br />
St. Francois Lagoon.<br />
Saturday<br />
A mid-morning charter flight returns anglers<br />
to Mahe with ample time for connection with<br />
Emirates Airlines Flight departing around midnight<br />
bound for Dubai.<br />
Sunday<br />
Early morning arrival back in Dubai in time for<br />
easy connection with Emirates Airlines back<br />
to Houston or New York.<br />
Friday<br />
Arrival in Dubai mid evening around 6:00PM.<br />
Spend the night exploring the city and/or<br />
resting in a free hotel room provided by<br />
Emirates Airlines at the Millennium Hotel five<br />
minutes from the airport.<br />
Saturday<br />
Depart on mid morning, 3.5 - 4 hour flight<br />
to Mahe, Seychelles with Emirates Airlines.<br />
Upon arrival in the Seychelles, travelers are<br />
met by a representative from the resort, as-<br />
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GOING HOME...<br />
Turboprop Beechcraft provides direct 45 minute transfer to Alphonse from Mahe’s International Airport.
alphonse island resort<br />
WHEN TO GO<br />
seychelles<br />
N O N - A N G L I N G AC T I V I T I E S<br />
Although fishing is the predominant activity at the Alphonse Island Resort, there<br />
are a myriad of slow paced alternate activities for non-angling guests to choose<br />
from. Gorgeous beaches perimeter the island and a huge and beautiful freshwater<br />
swimming pool sits in the heart of the resort complex.<br />
sEASONALITY / wHEN TO gO:<br />
The Alphonse Island Resort is open<br />
the months of October – May and<br />
closes down for the rainy season during<br />
the summer months. The rainy season is<br />
well defined, starting abruptly in May and<br />
concluding abruptly in September. Anglers<br />
should not be fearful of poor conditions in<br />
early October and late April.<br />
Because Alphonse Island is only seven degree<br />
south of the equator, the quality of<br />
the weather and fishing remains consistent<br />
throughout the season. The really is no<br />
“perfect time” to visit Alphonse Island while<br />
the resort is open however we always<br />
discuss tide charts for perspective weeks<br />
our clients are considering. While fishing<br />
on Alphonse and St. Francois is always spectacular,<br />
certain tides are more conducive for<br />
targeting certain species.<br />
Temperatures remain warm year round in<br />
the eighties and nineties, even at night. The<br />
heat is never unbearable and a nice tropical<br />
breeze usually keeps things pleasant. Like all<br />
tropical destinations, rainstorms and breezy<br />
conditions can pop up at anytime, however<br />
consistent bad conditions are usually most<br />
prevalent during the summer months when<br />
the fishing operation is closed.<br />
The resort has a lighted tennis court as well as several saltwater kayaks & paddleboats for<br />
those interested in a little exercise. There is an English style billiards table and a very spacious<br />
and equipped conference room/facility for business meetings. The island itself is completely<br />
uninhabited excluding the resort with several miles of well-manicured trails through<br />
the tropical jungle that are great for a jog or bike ride. On the opposite side of the island<br />
there are some remote beaches that are great for a private stroll or a little snorkeling.<br />
SCUBA: Alphonse can also arrange for a<br />
professional PADI certified dive master to<br />
be on hand to explore the lagoons incredible<br />
dive sites. A minimum of 4 divers are<br />
required for the diving program to operate,<br />
and advance notice is required.<br />
SPA SERVICE: We can arrange for a professional<br />
beautician to be on island during the week<br />
for approximately $2000US. This grants everyone<br />
in the party limitless massages as well as facials and<br />
other beauty treatments for women.<br />
NOTE ABOUT NON-ANGLING ACTIVITY<br />
FOR 2011-2012 SEASON:<br />
The resort is currently undergoing plans for<br />
a renovation project and has limited staff<br />
on hand for non-anglers. HOWEVER, as<br />
mentioned above, with some notice we can<br />
arrange for staff to be on hand for the SPA<br />
facility and scuba diving program. - Inquire<br />
for details.<br />
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alphonse island resort<br />
2011-2012 RATES<br />
7 Night / 6 Day <strong>Fishing</strong> package<br />
Standard Chalet/ Single Occupancy/Shared Guide……….......$6,990 per person<br />
Non-Angling Rates ............................................................... $4,450 per person<br />
Non-anglers must accompany another non-angler or fishing guest<br />
What’s Included<br />
Seven Nights single occupancy accommodations at the Alphonse Island Resort; Six Days of<br />
guided fishing w/ shared guide; All meals; Reception Service and Customs Assistance in Mahe;<br />
Round-trip air charter to/from Mahe/Alphonse Island<br />
Terms and <strong>Co</strong>nditions:<br />
<strong>Tailwaters</strong> Travel must adhere to the cancellation<br />
policies of the guides, outfitters and<br />
lodges which it represents. Alphonse Island<br />
Resort’s policy follows: A non-refundable 50%<br />
deposit of is required within fourteen days<br />
to confirm reservations. Full non-refundable<br />
pre-payment is due 90 days prior to departure<br />
for Alphonse Island. If a replacement<br />
client is found, payment is refundable minus a<br />
$750 per person cancellation fee. No refund<br />
seychelles<br />
will be made for unused land arrangements<br />
included in cost. Any trip booked within ninety<br />
days will require full and non-refundable<br />
payment to confirm arrangements. Refunds<br />
of deposits/payments made on credit cards<br />
will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully<br />
compensate <strong>Tailwaters</strong> Travel for all bank<br />
charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or<br />
final payment is acknowledgement that registrant<br />
has read and accepts the cancellation,<br />
refund and responsibility clauses.<br />
What’s Not Included<br />
International Airfare to Mahe, Seychelles; All alcoholic beverages and soft drinks; Baggage<br />
Overweight Charges; Meals, Transportation & Accommodations in Mahe (when applicable);<br />
Guide or staff gratuity; Items purchased at the bar (beer and cocktails) or gift area; Flies and<br />
other fishing equipment; $35 <strong>Co</strong>nservation Levy payable at Check-out from Resort (Cash<br />
Only); Other expenses might include tips to baggage handlers in airports; Departure Tax;<br />
Hotel Room and general travel expenses in London or Dubai (when applicable); Items of a<br />
personal nature; Telephone Charges<br />
FREE HOTEL IN DUBAI: Travelers with a 12 hour layover in Dubai are given a free hotel stay at<br />
the Millennium Hotel only five minutes shuttle from the airport.<br />
Photo Credits: <strong>Tailwaters</strong> Travel, Val Atkinson, Robert Sinclair, <strong>Co</strong>dy Bell, Scott Matthews, David Carroum,<br />
John Bartling, John Day, George Toledo, Scott Keller, James Christmas, Vaughn Driessel<br />
T r a v e l i n s u r a n c e !<br />
Given Given the the inherent inherent strict strict refund refund policies policies<br />
associated associated with with nearly nearly all all fishing fishing packages, packages, we we<br />
cannot cannot stress stress the the importance importance of of obtaining obtaining<br />
travel travel insurance insurance to to protect protect your your investment. investment.<br />
Travelers Travelers can can obtain obtain coverage coverage for for pre-existing pre-existing<br />
health health problems problems (related (related to to yourself, yourself, your your family, family,<br />
business business partners, partners, or or your your traveling traveling partners), partners),<br />
emergency emergency evacuation, evacuation, lost lost baggage, baggage, delay, delay,<br />
life life insurance insurance packages; packages; even even “no “no questions questions<br />
asked” asked” or or “for “for work work reasons” reasons” coverage. coverage.<br />
We We will will provide provide you you with with more more detailed detailed<br />
information information about about travel travel insurance insurance from from our our<br />
sponsored sponsored provider, provider, Travel Travel Guard, Guard, when when you you<br />
book book a trip trip with with <strong>Tailwaters</strong> <strong>Tailwaters</strong> Travel. Travel.<br />
We We can can conveniently conveniently process process a very very<br />
comprehensive comprehensive insurance insurance policy policy for for you you inhoushouse<br />
after after asking asking a few few simple simple questions.<br />
in-<br />
questions.<br />
CALL CALL TODAY TODAY TO TO PROTECT PROTECT YOUR YOUR INVESTMENT:<br />
INVESTMENT:<br />
(214) (214) 219-2500 219-2500 or or (888) (888) 824-5420 824-5420<br />
42<br />
43
ooking a Trip with <strong>Tailwaters</strong><br />
PRE TRIP PLANNING<br />
Seriously - the best in the business!<br />
When you book a trip with us you will receive one of our destination specific outfitting guides.<br />
These comprehensive packets contain everything from maps to gear & tackle recommendations,<br />
information about commercial travel arrangements, lodge policy, country information, itinerary,<br />
travel insurance and much more. Our outfitting guides have been meticulously prepared to<br />
provide you with the most informative and up to date pre-trip planning reference in the industry.<br />
Although we are always on call at the office, our outfitting guides are the ultimate go-to resource<br />
for questions or concerns about planning your trip.<br />
<strong>Tailwaters</strong> <strong>Fly</strong> <strong>Fishing</strong> <strong>Co</strong>.<br />
2416 McKinney Ave.<br />
Dallas, Tx. 75201<br />
214.219.2500<br />
888.824-5420<br />
©2010 TAILWATERS TRAVEL