Seychelles is located a thousand miles off the east coast of Kenya, a few degrees south of the equator and north of Madagascar in the heart of the Indian Ocean. Formerly a French settlement and a British colony since 1814, the Seychellois achieved independence in 1976 and remain a republic within the British Commonwealth. The island chain has an enormous diversity in geography and culture. The Seychellois people are a mix of French, English, African and Asian and speak several different languages with French, English, and Creole as the predominant dialects. Geographically, it seems the islands themselves are a combination of the Caribbean and the Pacific. Some islands in the Archipelago are reminiscent of the white, powdery sand of the Bahamas or Yucatan, while others are made of solid granite cliffs and rocky bluffs similar to Hawaii. The flora and fauna are equally as bizarre with an abundance of birdlife, exotic land creatures such as the giant land tortoise, and of course a collage of all types of marine life.
Cosmoledo Atoll is a raised coral atoll that is 17km long and 12.5km wide, situated 560 nautical miles SW of Mahe (a 3-hour flight). In past years, Cosmoledo has become known as the best Giant Trevally fishery in the world and has become the benchmark for fly anglers searching for the ultimate saltwater flats destination full of hungry GTs. The sheer numbers and variety of fish species have amazed the fly fishing world, with anglers from across the globe queuing up to sample the ultimate fishing playground. The guides and staff at Cosmoledo are pioneers and industry leaders – with some of the most experienced saltwater captains on earth. Guests enjoy amazing comforts and high-end service from the new Eco-Lodge located right on Wizard Island in the heart of the fishery. The hardest part about planning a trip to “Cosmo” is getting availability with good dates and tides! Make sure to plan your Cosmoledo trip years in advance.
Location: Seychelles, Indian Ocean, 560 miles SW of Mahe Island
Species: Giant Trevally, Bluefin Trevally, Permit,
Bonefish, Milkfish, Triggerfish, More
Seasonality: November – May
Rates: $16,225 Per Person (based on shared room / skiff)
Reach out to our team in the travel department to learn more about our experiences at Cosmoledo.
Phone: (888) 824-5420 or (214) 219-2500
Email: travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com
Each day the team is split up into groups of two anglers per skiff and guide. The four purpose built Mini-Mahe skiffs are left on anchorage at Cosmoledo atoll and are skippered by the experienced, world class and professional Alphonse Fishing Co guides.
Many anglers are allured halfway around the world to the Seychelles in search of the dozens of species found at Cosmoledo – as well as arguably the best Giant Trevally fishing on earth. The mainstay-targeted species are five species of trevally, bonefish, triggerfish, permit, barracuda, parrotfish, and the powerful milkfish. During certain tides, the bonefish literally pour off the white sandy flats, where ten, twenty and thirty fish sessions are not uncommon. The diversity of other non-typical gamefish species is staggering as well. Some clients have reported landing over fifty species a week including yellowfin tuna, surgeonfish, lemon shark, grouper, dogtooth tuna, and every kind of reef fish imaginable. Other than the optional dredging session during slack tidal periods, nearly 100% of all fishing in the lagoon is done wading.
What was previously only accessible by liveaboard mothership, Cosmoledo has recently completed construction on the new low impact “Eco-Lodge”. Using repurposed shipping containers, the team has created an incredibly imaginative and luxurious accommodation for guests. Cosmoledo Eco Camp has an exceptional dining and entertainment area, consisting of a large tent with bare beach floors which features a dining area, a congenial lounge and a wide selection of drinks on offer.
Eight well appointed and double occupancy “pods” equipped with air conditioning, outdoor showers, in-suite baths, private deck, outdoor loungers, Wi-Fi access, and beautiful ocean views. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are of course included in your package. There is a strong emphasis on the Seychellois Creole heritage of the island and menus often feature fresh fish, complemented by produce from the vegetable garden on Alphonse Island.
THE BEST WAY to travel from the United States to the Seychelles is via Dubai, UAE on Emirates Airlines, but can be accomplished via London, Paris or Frankfurt with Air Seychelles.
After spending an evening in Dubai (guests are encouraged to arrive in Mahe a full day before the charter flight to outer islands), enjoy a fun dinner in town or relaxing at the huge mall-like Dubai airport lounge. Anglers then depart the following morning on Emirates Airlines on a four-hour direct flight to Mahe, Seychelles. Once in Mahe, guests will check in to the Eden Bleu Hotel (special rates available through Alphonse Fishing Co) for the evening. The following morning, anglers transfer by taxi to the IDC hanger for a short layover before catching the 3-hour charter flight to Astove Atoll on board a beautiful twin-engine Beechcraft turboprop with a refuel stop on Alphonse Island en route. After the 3-hour flight to Astove Atoll, guests will be met by the Alphonse Fishing Co crew and transferred by boat over to Comso, situated 18 nautical miles away.
Cosmoledo is open November – May.
The island is closed mid-April through October to rest the fishery and avoid the monsoon season. Fishing is optimal during all months the operation is open. There is really no “best time” to go, however understanding tides is critical when picking your week relative to what species you want to target and the style of fishing you prefer. We will walk you through tidal analysis and pick the best week for you and your group.
Because Seychelles Outer Islands are only seven degrees south of the equator, the quality of the weather and fishing remains consistent throughout the season. Temperatures remain warm year round in the eighties and nineties, even at night. The heat is never unbearable and a nice tropical breeze usually keeps things pleasant. Like all tropical destinations, rainstorms and breezy conditions can pop up at any time, however persistent poor conditions are usually most prevalent during the summer months when the fishing operation is closed.
What was once exclusively a fly fishing only venue is now a legitimate playground for active non-anglers interested in diving and snorkeling and other water based activities. Numerous tours are available as well as bluewater fishing and access to stand up paddleboards and kayaks complimentary for guests. Very few folks have ever dived Cosmoledo’s stunning lagoon – without a doubt one of the most impressive dive sites in the world. A full time masseuse is also on staff to offer massages and other spa therapies.
| Shared Room / Shared Guide | Single Room / Shared Guide | Single Room / Single Guide |
| 7 Nights Lodging | 6 Days Fishing $19,145 |
7 Nights Lodging | 6 Days Fishing $24,185 |
7 Nights Lodging | 6 Days Fishing $28,085 |
Tailwaters Travel must adhere to the cancellation policies of the guides, outfitters and lodges which it represents. Cosmoledo Edo-Lodge’s policy follows: A 50% deposit is required within fourteen days to confirm reservations. Full pre-payment is due 90 days prior to departure for Seychelles. A 10% fee shall be levied if cancellation is made more than 180 days prior to arrival. A 10% fee shall be levied if the reservation is moved to an alternative date within the same season. A fee of 50% shall be levied if cancellation is between 180 and 90 days prior to arrival. A fee of 100% shall be levied if cancellation is 90 days or less prior to arrival. No refund will be made for unused land arrangements included in cost. Any trip booked within ninety days will require full and non-refundable payment to confirm arrangements. Refunds of deposits/payments made on credit cards will be charged a 3.5% service charge to fully compensate Tailwaters Travel for all bank charges incurred. Receipt of deposit and/or final payment is the acknowledgment that registrant has read and accepts the cancellation, refund and responsibility clauses.
Given the strict cancellation and refund policies associated with nearly all fishing packages, we cannot stress enough the importance of obtaining travel insurance to protect your investment. Redpoint Travel Protection / Ripcord offers competitive medical/cancellation/interruption coverage to couple with their industry-leading medical evacuation services. Click here to learn more and contact us to generate a quote.