Alphonse Island Seychelles: 20 Things To Know Before You Go

My visit to Alphonse Island in the Seychelles was supported by Blue Safari Seychelles for the purposes of writing an article for a UK magazine. I was not required to write this blog post – I’m doing it because I want to! This post was written by me, all the photos are mine, and no AI was used. All opinions are my own, and I don’t write positive reviews in exchange for freebies.

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I’d never been to the Seychelles, and had never heard of Alphonse Island, before I was invited to write about it for a UK magazine.

I spent a week on the island, experiencing everything, trying all the activities, and making a lot of notes! When I got back, I wrote my article, but I also didn’t want to miss the opportunity to share my experiences with you, my lovely reader.

So I’ve written an inside review of the island and resort, which you can find here.

But I soon found I had too much to say! Before I went I had so many questions that needed answering, that my review got too long.

Instead I decided to put all the answers to those questions in a separate post (this one!), so you don’t have to wade through the review to find the facts you’re looking for. 

So here are my top 20 things to know about Alphonse Island Seychelles, before you go.

1/ What is Alphonse Island Seychelles?

Alphonse Island is a tiny tropical island in the Seychelles. It’s everything you’d hope and expect a paradise island would be: remote, exclusive, with sugar-soft sandy white beaches, swaying coconut palms, and warm, turquoise waters teeming with marine life. 

This remote island is home to a single luxury eco-resort, offering nature and adventure getaways focused on conservation and enjoying the island’s pristine beauty.

2/ Where is Alphonse Island located?

Alphonse Island is in the middle of nowhere in the Indian Ocean, in the Outer Islands of the Seychelles archipelago. It’s 250 miles (400 kilometres) southwest of the main island, Mahé, and 7 degrees south of the equator.

Although the Seychelles are in the Indian Ocean, they belong to the continent of Africa.

Alphonse is part of the Alphonse Group, a cluster of three coral islands surrounded by vibrant coral reefs.

The other two islands in the group are called Bijoutier (which means jeweller or jewellery box in French) and St François. Both are uninhabited nature reserves, and both can be visited on day trips from Alphonse Island.

3/ How was Alphonse Island formed?

Alphonse Island is a great example of a coral atoll. These structures form over millions of years when volcanoes erupt under the ocean. Later, when the volcano slowly cools and sinks, coral polyps begin to build reefs around the submerged peak. 

Over time, the coral continues to grow upwards, eventually reaching the surface and forming a ring-shaped island with a central lagoon. Alphonse Island itself is the landmass that emerged from this process, while the surrounding reef and lagoon complete the Alphonse Atoll.

Bijoutier and St François islands were formed in the same way, as part of a separate atoll, called St François atoll.

Being only just above sea level does, however, make these islands extremely vulnerable to sea level rises and extreme weather events. 

4/ How do you get to Alphonse Island?

There are no direct flights from the UK or USA to Alphonse Island. Instead, you’ll need to catch a flight to Mahé Island, which is the Seychelles main island.

Depending on where you’re coming from, you may need to stopover in London and again in the Middle East, possibly in Dubai or Doha depending on your airline. 

I flew from London Heathrow with Emirates. The first leg took about 8 hours and the second leg about 4.5 hours, with a 3-5 hour layover in Dubai.

Once in Mahé you may need to make an overnight stop before catching a morning flight on a small plane from Mahé to Alphonse Island. 

We arrived in the afternoon, so we stayed one night at the Eden Bleu hotel in Mahé before making the last leg of the trip the following morning. 

The entire journey can take a full day or more depending on connection times. It might be worth booking your flights directly through the Alphonse Island Resort for a smoother travel experience – especially since some of their packages have internal flights included.

5/ How long is the flight from Mahé to Alphonse Island?

The flight to Alphonse from Mahé takes roughly an hour on a small propellor plane.

There are flights once a week on Saturdays, and during peak season between November and April there are also flights on Mondays and Thursdays.

6/ Who lives on Alphonse Island Seychelles?

There are no towns, schools, cars or supermarkets on Alphonse. The only development on the island is the Alphonse Island Resort with its accommodation and guest facilities, plus a small staff village, workshops and other island infrastructure.

The only people who live on Alphonse are the resort staff and a small group of workers who maintain the runway, the solar electricity farm, and the sewage and desalination plants needed to keep the resort going. 

In total, this is only around 200 people, with up to 100 guests added when the resort is fully booked. 

7/ What is there to do on Alphonse Island Seychelles?

The focus of Alphonse Island is all about enjoying the incredible natural beauty and wildlife.

Top activities include catch-and-release fly fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, exploring the island, ‘blue safaris’ to spot marine life like manta rays and dolphins, nature and conservation talks, and day trips to the nearby islands Bijoutier and St Francois. 

There are also plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fitness, including a pool with sun loungers, a gym, a spa offering treatments, bike tours to explore the island’s coconut plantation and spot historical remains, lunch on a nearby sand flat, and kayaking.

Read more: Alphonse Island Seychelles: A Review Of My Week In Paradise

8/ Is Alphonse Island a private island?

Alphonse isn’t a private island in the strictest sense, since the land itself belongs to the Seychelles government and it functions under the same rules as the rest of the country. But since it’s a remote island with just a single private lodge, it does function like a private island in many ways.

Most of the island’s facilities and activities are exclusive to resort guests and you can’t come unless you have a reservation.

Due to its remote location, getting to Alphonse requires a specific flight with limited availability. This naturally restricts visitor numbers.

With a small population and focus on luxury eco-tourism, Alphonse caters to a select group seeking a secluded getaway.

So, while Alphonse isn’t technically private property, its remoteness and single resort create a feeling of exclusivity similar to a private island experience.

9/ How much does Alphonse Island resort cost?

A stay at Alphonse Island is on the luxurious side. The cost depends on the season, type of room you choose, and what activities you want to do, but don’t expect it to be budget-friendly!

For example, a seven-night stay in a one-bedroom beach bungalow (the lowest-priced option) costs from US$8345 per person, including meals, some soft drinks, and non-motorised activities.

On top of this, you’ll need to factor in the cost of international flights, plus drinks (cocktails were about $18 each), and any boat, snorkelling, scuba diving or fishing activities you might want to do.

10/ How much do Alphonse Island activities cost?

All non-motorised and on-island activities are included in the price of your stay. This means things like cycle tours, sundowner events, the Flats Lunch, cooking classes, yoga, beach cleans, kayaking, or snorkelling off the beach. Snorkelling gear is included too.

Activities which require a boat, like fishing and scuba diving, cost extra. Here are some prices for just a few of the activities they offer (all prices in US$ and correct at May 2024):

• Guided snorkel (1 hr 30 mins) – $70 per person
• Bijoutier Island visit (3 hours) – $95 per person
• St François nature hike (half day) – $115 per person
• Sundowner cruise (2 hours) – $580 per boat, up to 4 guests
• Manta Ray experience (3 hours) – $110 per person
• Blue safari (3 hours) – $100 per person
• Diving (per tank) – $175
• 5 dive package – $765
• Discover scuba diving course – $275 per person
• Guided fly fishing (half day) – $470 per person

11/ What wildlife can you see on Alphonse Island?

Alphonse is a haven for biodiversity with masses of bird life and marine life, and a total joy for wildlife lovers and photographers like me.

The island itself is home to about 125 giant Aldabra tortoises, plus a variety of crabs and some very cute geckos.

In the air, there are over 100 species of birds, both birds endemic to the Seychelles and migratory birds that stop here on their route south or north. Species you’ll easily spot are grey herons, fairy terns, white-tailed tropicbirds, great frigatebirds and ruddy turnstones.

While under the water, there are too many creatures to count! Green and hawksbill turtles, nurse, reef and lemon sharks, dolphins and whales, manta and stingrays, shoals of brightly-coloured fish and much more.

12/ What is the weather like on Alphonse Island Seychelles?

Since it’s almost on the Equator, Alphonse Island enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, consistently in the high 20s or low to mid 30s, both day and night (28-30°C is 82-86°F).

As I discovered though, this isn’t a dry heat but a very humid one. Prepare to sweat!

Rather than having winter and summer, the island has wet and dry seasons. The dry season is May to October, featuring more sunshine, less humidity, and warm temperatures. Days are usually bright and sunny, but strong winds during this period can mean some ocean-going activities like fishing and diving get cancelled. 

The wet season (November-April) features warmer water temperatures perfect for fishing enthusiasts. You’ll still get a lot of sun, but there are more rain showers, though these are usually short, sharp tropical downpours that help release some of the humidity from the air.

Don’t forget that all year round the sun is extremely strong, and the chances of burning are high. Bring plenty of sunscreen and clothes for covering up!

13/ What should I pack for Alphonse Island hotel?

While Alphonse is a luxury holiday destination, the luxury is in the remoteness, the pristine ecosystems, and the adventures. This is not a place for diamonds and high heels, so leave them at home.

There is also a very strict, 15 kg limit for luggage on the small flight to Alphonse, so only bring what you need. This should include:

Clothing

Pack light, breathable clothes like shorts, t-shirts, sundresses, and a light cover-up. The sun is fierce so if you’re pale like me you will want to be covered up most of the time.

Add a couple of smarter shirts or loose-fitting dresses for dinner, but remember that the dress code is mostly casual and it’s very hot and humid, even at night. 

I basically spent my days in a bikini and loose beach cover-up, or shorts and a t-shirt. In the evening I wore light, loose-fitting dresses and flip flops.

Essentials

Pack a hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen (Factor 50 is best!) to shield yourself from the fierce tropical sun. I strongly recommend P20 Factor 50, as it lasts all day and is environmentally-friendly. For my face I also like the Body Shop face sunscreen which is non-greasy.

Bring comfortable sandals for exploring the island. I packed trainers for the gym but mostly ended up barefoot or in flipflops. My current favourites are these ones from Amazon which come in loads of colours.

Beach Gear

Don’t forget comfortable swimwear and a rash vest for sun protection while swimming or snorkelling. Many of the staff remain fully covered in breathable sports leggings and long-sleeved tops all day – a good idea if you’re pale skinned and spending a lot of time on boats.

Add quick-drying water shoes or sandals for beach cleans or wading in the water.

Activities

Depending on your interests, pack essentials like polarised sunglasses for fishing, a Go-Pro or waterproof housing for your phone for underwater adventures, binoculars for birdwatching, or sportswear if you want to use the gym.

Extras

There are no shops on Alphonse, so make sure you pack all the toiletries and medication you need. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Don’t forget a book for some relaxing downtime by the pool, and if you’re visiting in rainy season, you might want to bring a light waterproof or a small umbrella.

14/ Is Alphonse Island suitable for kids?

The island’s remoteness and limited facilities might not be great for very young children, and Alphonse Island hotel did feel to me like more of an adult-friendly space.

However, active kids will love all the ocean adventures on offer, and the resort does have some activities specifically for children, including movies, tortoise feeding, treasure hunts, art projects and picnics.

If you have teenagers who appreciate nature, they will enjoy the nature walks, boat trips, diving and snorkelling. 

15/ How is climate change affecting Alphonse Island?

This is a question that greatly concerned me when I visited Ile Alphonse. The island sits at sea level, and at high tide the water comes right up to the top of the beach. It’s easy to see how just the smallest sea level rises could seriously affect the resort and its eco-tourism business, as well as flooding the nests of turtles and ground-nesting birds. 

In addition, warmer sea temperatures will have a seriously damaging effect on Alphonse’s precious and fragile ecosystems.

When I spoke to staff about this, they were all equally concerned. In recent years they have seen an increase in coral bleaching events caused by warmer sea temperatures, as well as more cases of extreme weather and storms that bring down trees, damage infrastructure and cause coastal erosion. 

Without sugar-coating it – it’s very worrying. If we can’t check global warming and sea level rises, within 50 years Alphonse Island might be underwater, or the coral reefs might all be dead.

That’s why staff from the Alphonse Foundation and Island Conservation Society are doing what they can to protect the island and its wildlife.

But climate change is too big a problem for them to solve alone. We must all do more to help preserve beautiful paradise islands like this one before they disappear.

16/ When is the best time to visit Alphonse Island?

The best time to visit depends on your budget and what you want to do. The island is open 365 days a year, but the best weather is typically in November to December and March to April. 

Fishing Season is from October to May, so if you want to do saltwater fly fishing, that’s when you should visit. This is also generally the more popular and expensive time on the island. 

Explorer Season is May to September. Blue Safari Seychelles doesn’t sell fishing or diving packages during this time, so the resort is cheaper and less busy, and you can get some great deals, especially in June, July and August.

The weather is typically drier, a bit cooler, but can be windier, so some excursions may get cancelled. You may be able to book day dives when you’re out there, but it’s weather-dependent and not guaranteed.

17/ How much does Alphonse Island resort cost?

Alphonse Island caters to a luxury experience, so it’s not a budget-friendly destination. It’s ideal for a once-in-a-lifetime trip, a honeymoon, or a special anniversary splurge.

Pricing varies depending on the accommodation and season.

A seven-night stay in a Beach Bungalow starts from US$8345 per person (double occupancy). Beach Villas, suitable for families, begin at $11,985 per person. For larger groups, the 4-bedroom Beach Retreats start from $29,370 for a minimum 3-night stay (minimum 4 guests).

All rates include meals, soft drinks during activities, tea, coffee, non-motorized activities, and even your internal flight from Mahé to Alphonse Island. 

Additionally, during the low season (May-September), you can enjoy seven nights for the price of five.

18/ Who is Alphonse Island Lodge for?

Alphonse is a remote luxury eco-resort where the emphasis is on the stunning environment, nature and activities. 

While there are beaches, a pool and a spa, it’s not really a glamour-heavy destination like the five-star resorts you find in Dubai or the south of France. So if you’re someone who cares about opulence and designer labels, it might not be for you. 

Alphonse is for people who value exclusive, remote adventures, where the priority is getting away from the crowds and exploring one of the last few remaining pristine parts of the world. 

If you love ocean activities, messing about on boats, snorkelling and scuba diving, and you don’t mind getting sweaty, salty and sticky, then Alphonse is for you. 

It’s also a very friendly place, so solo travellers will have no trouble making friends, and families with older kids will find plenty to entertain them. 

19/ What is the food like on Alphonse Island?

Most beach resorts across the globe have multiple restaurants serving different international cuisines, plus the option to head into the nearest town if you fancy a change of scenery.

So if you’re committing to a week on Alphonse Island, with a single restaurant and nowhere else to go, you might be worried that you’ll get bored of the food.

But you shouldn’t be. From hand-rolled sushi to juicy rare steak, and from warm pain aux chocolats to home-made coconut ice cream, the food on Alphonse was genuinely one of the highlights of my trip.

As you might expect, fish and seafood feature heavily – and of course with the Indian Ocean all around, the fish is the freshest, most organic, and most sustainable you’ll have ever tasted.

Meanwhile about 65% of the fruit and veg is grown in the island’s own farm, so your meals will not only be healthy and delicious, many will have zero food miles.

Menus change daily, and meals are served in different locations around the island – at the main restaurant, at the beach bar, on the deck of a boat, or you can order to your room – so you won’t get bored.

Vegans, gluten-free folks and all other dietary requirements are of course catered for.

20/ How long should you stay at Alphonse Island Resort?

It’s a bit of a mission to get to Alphonse, so it’s probably not worth traveling all that way just for a few days. We stayed seven nights, and I wasn’t bored at all.

That said, you could stay for three or four days, and combine it with a trip to one or more other Seychelles Islands such as Mahé, Aldabra, Cosmoledo, Astove or Praslin, for a longer Seychelles holiday.

There are only a few flights a week, so your decision would have to fit in with the flight schedules. 

I’d recommend either doing a twin- or triple- destination Seychelles holiday with 3-4 nights on Alphonse and 3-4 nights on one or two other islands, or just making Alphonse your entire holiday destination and staying for a week like we did. 

Or for a truly dream vacation, why not combine a few nights on Alphonse with a safari in Kenya, thanks to this incredible 13-day Kenya and Seychelles safari trip?

How to book your trip to Alphonse Island

Convinced? If this post has made you dream of visiting this amazing paradise island, then get in touch with Blue Safari Seychelles for more information.

Or contact Wayfairer Travel for help planning your bespoke Seychelles adventure.

Want to see more of my photography or travel writing? Have comments or questions? Come follow me on Instagram, Threads or Bluesky and share your thoughts!

Where to next?

If you enjoyed this Alphonse Island Seychelles post, why not try some of my other luxury hotel reviews?

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