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Providence Atoll Seychelles World Class Saltwater Fishing

Customer Rating 99%
Tour Code SEY002  

The Largest Fishable Coral Atoll In The Indian Ocean

Providence is the largest fishable coral atoll in the Indian Ocean and the hottest newest destination on the saltwater anglers bucket list. The uninhabited atoll lies 710 kilometres south of Mahé and has remained mostly untouched, with fewer than a thousand visitors in the past century. The atoll measures 55 kilometres long and 14 kilometres wide, offering the saltwater fly fishing angler some 345 square kilometres of pristine sand and turtle grass flats.

Providence Atoll is part of the Farquhar Group, consisting of two islands named Providence North and Cerf. Vast sandbanks, flats and channels surround these islands. They are unique in their construction, featuring a series of interlinking lagoons, meandering rivers and small cascading waterfalls that all flow into the rich blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The sheer size of the atoll and endless fish-holding area’s provide adventurous travelling anglers with limitless flats and offshore fishing opportunities.

While diversity on Providence is every bit as good as any island found in the Seychelles, its overall lack of accessibility and pressure make this fishery genuinely unique. The fishery was closed and un-fished for over six years before opening again in 2015 for a tiny window of only four weeks. When it comes to exploration, adventure, and remote fishing, no destination is more ‘out there’ and wild than the Providence Atoll. It is a true fly fishing wilderness and one of the most exciting and diverse saltwater fly fishing destination on the planet.

What Species Can You Catch On Providence Atoll

Countless other saltwater fly fisheries in the world are easier to access and offer a higher degree of comfort and land-based amenities, but few can rival the explosive fishing action and variety of species that Seychelles and Providence Atoll can offer. The majority of the fish that inhabit these waters have never seen a human, let alone an anglers fly, and the atoll easily ranks as one of the wildest places left on planet Earth.

Hordes of massive Giant Trevally and countless Bluefin Trevally patrol the flats attacking anything that moves, herds of monstrous Bumphead Parrotfish graze the turtle grass amongst the colourful Triggerfish daintily hunting for crabs. Shoals of Milkfish slurp algae off the surface whilst giant Bonefish sneak along the edges of the white sand.

The offshore and bluewater fishing is equally impressive, and the Sailfish, Tuna, Dogtooth Tuna and Wahoo sport can be explosive. However, with the fishery’s remote nature, you can also encounter some stranger monsters of the deep, with colossal Snapper, Grouper, and even Napoleon Wrasse, all regularly making an appearance, happy to hammer an anglers popper, lure or jig. Fishing just off the reef edges, it gives the fly angler a break from the flats fishing, as well as the chance to land a trophy pelagic.

The Best Guides And Boats In The Seychelles

The Dugong mothership, which is home for anglers fishing the Providence Atoll, is equipped with five ‘Mini-Mahe Tender’ boats used to transport fishermen to and from the flats every day. The tenders are stored on the deck of the Dugong and are lifted on and off with a crane. These little boats are skippered by some of the finest saltwater fly fishing guides in the area, who’ll always go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime. For the duration of the anglers stay on the vessel, there are four guides, including one head guide, equating to three anglers per guide. Each guide has amassed a very considerable amount of hard-earned experience regarding all facets of fly fishing these remote atoll destinations. All are qualified skippers with first aid experience, speak English, and their passion and dedication are infectious. 

One of the significant difficulties about fishing Providence Atoll is deciding which rod to carry, a 9-weight or 12-weight. One moment you’re on the hunt for the delightfully coloured Triggerfish, feeding in a foot of water; the next, a colossal Trevally can sneak up behind you in over a metre of water. With such varied fishing grounds and species, we recommend taking them both. 

To find out more about Seychelles and the saltwater fly fishing on Providence Atoll, visit our YouTube channel.

The Best Time For Fishing On Providence Atoll

Each season the fly fishing on Providence is open to anglers from October to mid-November and then again from March through to the end of April. The fishing dates have traditionally been set around these times to avoid the less stable weather patterns that can be experienced outside of this period. Weeks with full or new moons tend to be at a premium as the increase in tidal range and flow of water, in and out of the flats, benefit the GT’s that lie in ambush. Sometimes when fishing for the other flats species, the opposites may apply, as many of them form part of the Giant Trevallys diet.

With the tides playing a massive role in the fishing, dictating where each species is at which time of the day, it’s possible to have many different ‘sessions’ at various locations within the same day. But the world-class fishing guides on the island know the area and fishery well and will plan and execute each day based on the tides, overall conditions and the species you’d like to target.

Over a typical six days of fishing, you should always experience a wide variety of conditions and scenarios. This variety is one of the significant attractions of fishing in the Indian ocean and the little gem that is Providence Atoll.

Accommodation

The vessel Dugong can accommodate up to twelve fly fishing anglers, four guides and eight crew members, who cater for everyone’s needs. Originally built as a research vessel by the Canadian Government in 1966, the Maya’s Dugong was re-fitted entirely in the early 2000s as a private yacht before being overhauled once again in 2009 to accommodate charters and cabin cruise voyages. It now serves as an oceanographic and expedition cruising vessel throughout the Indian Ocean. As a fly fisherman, it would be not easy to find a better boat from which to operate off of, with the ability to store and transport numerous tender boats and all of the gear required to fish this remote corner of the world. Because of its large size and high fuel storage capacity, the Dugong can cover long distances at good speed and comfort in almost any sea condition. 

Extensive public areas and facilities allow for maximum enjoyment of time onboard Maya’s Dugong. A spacious dining salon and lounge host guests in air-conditioned comfort for meals and entertainment. The outdoor leisure deck provides opportunities for al fresco dining and also serves as a comfortable lounge area. There is also plenty of open deck space onboard for sunbathing and relaxing. 

There are seven cabins available, five twin rooms each with two single beds, plus two additional rooms as singles available for a small supplement. All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, reading lights and a storage cupboard.

Although quite comfortable, it is essential to mention that the Dugong is not a full-service cruise ship and by no means a luxury vessel. Instead, she is a stable, fully functional fishing platform that offers anglers excellent access opportunities and full support while fishing the finest, most productive flats in the world.

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Itinerary

TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAYS

Although the fishing days are fixed, the below itinerary is still flexible should you require additional free days to explore at the beginning or end of your holiday; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.

Day 1:

Depart Any international Airport (See Details)

Day 2:

Arrive Dubai Depart Dubai

Arrive Victoria Mahe

On arrival, you will take a taxi to your hotel.

Overnight Accommodation: Le Relax Hotel (Twin Room) B/B

Day 3:

You will take a taxi back to the IDC Hanger for your flight to Farquhar.

Depart Mahe

Arrive Farquhar

On arrival, you will then be transferred to the luxury mother ship MV Dugong, your accommodation for the stay of your holiday. The transfer to Providence Atoll is 6 hours.

Overnight Accommodation: MV Dugong (Twin Room) F/B

Days 4 to 6: Fishing Days

The fishing day is planned according to the tides in order to give you the best opportunity to catch your dream fish.
If the tide allows, you and your guides return to the mother ship for lunch and a break from the sun during midday.
If you want to target a specific species, please feel free to mention it to the guides.

Overnight Accommodation: MV Dugong (Twin Room) F/B

Days 7 to 9: Fishing Days

Providence is renowned for its large fish populations and mass expanse of wadeable flats offering adventurous anglers a hugely diverse array of fishing opportunities. You can spend your day with your guides looking for and targeting the mighty GT’s on the fly. If you want to target a specific species, please feel free to mention it to the guides.

Overnight Accommodation: MV Dugong (Twin Room) F/B

Day 10:

In the morning fly back to Mahe. On arrival, you will take a taxi to your hotel.

Overnight Accommodation: Le Relax Hotel (Twin Room) B/B

Day 11:

You will take a taxi back to the International Airport for your return flights.

Depart Victoria Mahe

Arrive Dubai Depart Dubai

Arrive Home

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Satisfaction Score 99%

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FISHING Seasons

The season runs from November to April & October to November.

Bonefish

Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 1lb to 11lb
Average Weight: 4lb

Bluefin Trevally

Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 1lb to 18lb
Average Weight: 4lb

Giant Trevally

Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 5lb to 120lb
Average Weight: 32lb

Triggerfish

Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 1lb to 15lb
Average Weight: 2lb

Bumphead Parrotfish

Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 20lb to 80lb
Average Weight: 37lb

Milkfish

Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 12lb to 25lb
Average Weight: 14lb

Package Details

Prices from
£14,641
per person

Included

  • All international flights
  • All internal flights
  • Landing fees
  • Transfers on Farquhar
  • All accommodation
  • 6 days fishing
  • All meals on the boat
  • Drinking water, Soft drinks and Local beers

Excluded

  • Personal holiday insurance
  • Mandatory emergency medical evacuation insurance
  • Fishing tackle
  • Tips for guides and all camp staff

Optional extras

  • Flight upgrades
  • Additional nights in Mahe

Price Supplements

N/A

View Latest Availability

Dates, Prices & Availability

Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.

From To Duration Price Availability
24/03/2024 03/04/2024 11 £14,641 Enquire Now
31/03/2024 10/04/2024 11 £14,641 Enquire Now
07/04/2024 17/04/2024 11 £14,641 Enquire Now
14/04/2024 24/04/2024 11 £14,641 Enquire Now
27/10/2024 06/11/2024 11 £14,641 Enquire Now
03/11/2024 13/11/2024 11 £14,641 Enquire Now
10/11/2024 20/11/2024 11 £14,641 Enquire Now
17/11/2024 27/11/2024 11 £14,641 Enquire Now
24/11/2024 04/12/2024 11 £14,641 Enquire Now
02/03/2025 12/03/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
09/03/2025 19/03/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
16/03/2025 26/03/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
23/03/2025 02/04/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
30/03/2025 09/04/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
06/04/2025 16/04/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
13/04/2025 23/04/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
05/10/2025 15/10/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
12/10/2025 22/10/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
19/10/2025 29/10/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
26/10/2025 05/11/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
02/11/2025 12/11/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
09/11/2025 19/11/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
16/11/2025 26/11/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
23/11/2025 03/12/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
30/11/2025 10/12/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now
07/12/2025 17/12/2025 11 £15,299 Enquire Now

Price Notes

Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharges

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To speak to an expert or receive more information about when is the best time to travel? What can you expect from your holiday? Who are the tour guides? Will someone be there to meet me? Plus, many more questions. Either call our offices, e-mail us or fill in the form, and we will get back to you asap.
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Hellesdon Park
Norwich
Norfolk
NR6 5DS

Reviews

Marcus

My trip to Providence was simply sensational. I have absolutely no complaints about any of it. The accommodation, guides, staff and fishing were incredible. We all had a fantastic time and would like to thank everyone who made it possible. I know some of us are already looking for return dates next year.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Craig

The array of species on offer and the average size of each was amazing. Some of the flats we fished were absolutely brimming with life and it was lovely to see, as I know in some destinations around the world this isn't the case. Five stars from me in all aspects of my trip.

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

Robert

Big GT's, Bonefish, Triggerfish and even a Parrotfish - all these species I ticked off my list on my trip to Providence. I've visited a few places around the world with my fly rod, but without any doubt this was by far the best and by some considerable margin. Brilliant!

Fishing
Guides
Accommodation
Meals
Staff & Service
Flights
Would use Sportquest again
Would recommend Sportquest

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Canarreos Cuba

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This exciting new hosted popper and jig fishing trip is hosted by our guide Ross Johnson and will give you the opportunity to fish the rich waters off the coastline of Madagascar and Nosy Be, for a vast array of blue water species including Giant Trevally, huge Dogtooth Tuna, Grouper, King Mackerel, Amberjack, Black Marlin, and Sailfish, to mention just a few.

Latest Reports

Providence Atoll End of Season Fishing Report 2024

This week marked the opening of the Providence Atoll season aboard the mothership Quo Vadis. A memorable start to the season with an even more memorable week of long-standing guests. Nick, Neil, Matt, Saif, Edwin, and...

Providence Atoll Fishing Report 22nd June 2023

In what felt like a blink of an eye, the final week of our March – May 2023 season was upon us. Change over day always seems to bring with it bluebird skies and moderate...

Providence Atoll Fishing Report 19th June 2023

We welcomed a full group of guests for the penultimate week of our March – May 2023 fly fishing season. While some of the group were onboard the trusty Maya’s Dugong for their second time,...
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