Robert & KATHRYN
TRAVEL INFORMATION
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GENERAL PRE-TRIP INFO AND NON-FISHER PACKING LIST
The Alphonse Group of Atolls is considered one of the most pristine, untouched Edens of the world, making it a nature lover’s paradise. The magnificent island threesome comprising of Alphonse, St Francois and Bijoutier lies in the very heart of the Indian Ocean as part of the Seychelles Outer Islands.
Beautiful white beaches line the edges of the dense natural forest, interspersed with the remnants of old commercial coconut groves. Here ancient ambling tortoises, scurrying crabs and an interesting array of bird species can be found.
The moment you set foot on Alphonse Island you will experience the exquisite simplicity of a tropical island paradise, leaving behind the impositions of everyday life.
The raw beauty of this untouched natural sanctuary in one of the prime marine environments in the far reaches of the Indian Ocean will be yours to explore and enjoy...
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FISHER PACKING LIST CLICK HERE
GERNERAL PRE-TRIP INFO AND NON-FISHER PACKING LIST
TACKLE & GEAR
Alphonse has a fully stocked tackle and gear shop with an extensive collection of flylines, flies and various other items for sale, should you need extra, run out, or would like to take something home with you. Alphonse also stock Yeti coolers and flasks, shirts and caps, and Thomas & Thomas rods for purchase.
ROD & REEL LOAN
Fly fishing outfits consisting of Thomas and Thomas fly rods and Shilton reels, loaded with 300 yards of Cortland braided backing can be loaned at no charge. Fly lines will need to be purchased from the shop and it is recommended that you pre-order a fly pack for your expedition, which would include all the flies you would need for the various different species on offer. There is a full range of flies that are custom tied for Alphonse destinations on the right hooks and with the correct material. It's important that anglers pre book the rod hire as well as tackle to ensure that the Island has sufficient stock. All tackle sales may be settled at the end of your trip upon check out at Alphonse Island. All rod breakages are for your account and will be billed at US$150 per rod.
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Hotels on Mahe
Blue Safari, who manage Alphonse Island, work with the 3 hotels below:
Eden Bleu - Rooms from €560
L’Escale - Rooms from €520
La Roussette -Rooms from €200
If you would like RIPP Sporting to arrange a reservation at any of the hotels above please let us know, the cost can be added to your onsite bill to be settled when you check out of Alphonse Island.
Other recommended hotels on Mahe:
5-star
Kempinski Resort - Rooms from €500
Four Seasons Resort - Rooms from £2,225
Constance Ephelia Resort - Rooms from €540
Mango LXR.- €545
Story Seychelles - Rooms from €545
4-star
Coral Strand - Rooms from €270
Laila Resort by Marriot - Rooms from €320
Double Tree Allamanda by Hilton - Rooms from €284
3-star
Carana Beach Hotel - Rooms from €520
Valmer Resort - Rooms from €375 (3 night minimum)
Aqua Boutique Hotel - Rooms from €220 (2 night minimum)
NB - Prices above are representative only and are from UK web source. They may vary based on currency and dates. Please enquire directly with your preferred hotels for up to date rates.
Transfers:
Blue Safari also run a transfer service and will be happy to arrange transfers between airports and hotels prior to your visit, please just let Alexandra at RIPP Sporting know if you would like any transfers arranged before you travel. Alternatively, there are plenty of taxis on Mahe, and any hotels you are staying at will be able to arrange transfers for you.
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Pre-trip Information Form
Approximately 6 weeks before the trip to Alphonse a member of RIPP Sporting will contact you to request some pre-travel information. You will be asked to provide:
1) A completed pre-trip leisure or fishing form
2) A copy of your insurance policy/details of your policy
3) Details of your International Flights
Once RIPP Sporting has this information it will be forwarded to Alphonse Island, they will then issue each guest with an accommodation voucher confirming the reservation on Alphonse, and a flight voucher confirming inter-island domestic flights. These will be needed when completing the Travel Authorisation application for entry to the Seychelles.
Travel Authorisation for entry to the Seychelles
Every visitor to the Seychelles needs valid Travel Authorisation, and applications can be made within the 30 days prior to your arrival date in the Seychelles.
The entry form can be found here:
When making the application you will need:
• Valid Passport
• Selfie
• Contact Information
• Trip information:
• Airline booking confirmation - you must upload a copy of all airline booking confirmation(s) which clearly show your arrival and departure dates
• Accommodation booking confirmation - you must upload your booking confirmation(s) for each location of your stay in the Seychelles. This must include the name of the hotel/guesthouse and dates of stay.
• Credit or debit card for the application fee
Vaccinations
You do not need any vaccinations prior to entering the Seychelles, however you will be expected to upload your yellow fever vaccination certificate only if you are traveling from a country or region where the disease is endemic. If you are transiting through an airport in a yellow fever endemic region for less than 12 hours, you will not need the yellow fever certificate to travel to Seychelles.
Covid
There are no COVID-19 travel restrictions in place for travel to Seychelles.
For further information, please refer to the Seychelles Immigration website
If you need any assistance when filling out the application please contact Alexandra at RIPP Sporting – amb@rippsporting.com
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Trip Cancellation:
It is strongly advised that all guests take out travel insurance that covers trip cancellation ‘for any reason’.
From scene of accident Medivac insurance:
Guests are required to obtain “From Scene of Accident Medivac Insurance”. Alphonse Island and agents cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this has not been obtained.
Timeframe:
Please note that most travel insurance companies require customers to purchase travel insurance within a particular time frame from the time that the trip is confirmed, so it is vital to check that timeframe of your insurance policy covers the length of the trip.
Insurance Policy submission:
The Reservations Department on Alphonse require RIPP Sporting to provide them with a copy of each guest’s insurance policy prior to the trip, this will be requested by a member of the RIPP Sporting team prior to travel.
Insurance Companies recommended by RIPP Sporting:
For UK guests who don’t already have insurance we would recommend
Our go-to flight partner, Gavin Johnson of Travel Counsellors recommends:
For our US clients we would recommend
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Restrictions for the domestic inter-island flight between Mahe and Alphose:
Check in luggage is strictly limited to 15 kg [33 pounds] per person, and 5 kg [12 pounds] carry-on luggage
This is a strict policy; if you are travelling with extra bags these can be looked after by a Blue Safari representative at the IDC Hangar until you return from Alphonse.
It is advised that light weight soft-shell luggage is used to allow flexibility in the hold.
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Tipping is never mandatory. The below serves as a guideline based on average tips given. Tips are to be left at reception upon departure for equal distribution. Any gratuities will be appreciated by the staff and they thank you for your generosity.
General Hotel Staff: US$300 per person per week or US$50 per day as a guideline.
Fly Fishing Guides: US$700 per angler per week or US$110 per day guideline, which is given to the fishing manager at the end of the week. The Guides work on a rotational basis so your tip will be divided fairly.
Diving Staff: US$25 per dive, divided up by the dive team and skippers.
Activity Centre Team: US$15 per day for the activity team if you have joined any activities.
Currency
You do not need to change your US$ [US Dollars], € [Euros] or £ [Pounds] into the local currency SCR [Seychelles Rupees]. The lodge accepts Rupees, Dollars, Euros and Pounds. Alphonse Island accepts all major debit/credit cards, however it does not accept American Express.
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Alphonse Island
Alphonse Island Resort, P O Box 378, Victoria, Mahe, Republic of Seychelles
+248-4-22-9700 [GMT+04:00]
RIPP Sporting
Alexandra MacKichan-Burke, Office Manager
Peter Rippin, Director
+44 (0) 7900 194580
Seychelles Websites
Seychelles Travel Authorisation
