In recent years, Cosmoledo Atoll has become one of the most sought-after saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world. In no small part, this is because the destination is famed for its unbelievable Giant Trevally fishing, so much, so it’s known as the GT capital of the world. Located 1,030 kilometres south-west of Mahé, the largest island in Seychelles, the atoll is situated a stone’s throw away from the world heritage site of Aldabra, which is often referred to as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean.
Cosmoledo Atoll itself comprises of a large, white sand lagoon surrounded by eighteen islands, numerous flats and two main channels. The islands of Menai and Wizard occupy the east and west points of the atoll and are named after the two ships that explored them in the Moresby Expedition in 1822. South Island stands near the main entrance to the inner lagoon, while the second smaller entrance is just south of Menai. The northern islands are interspersed with numerous islets and banks.
This atoll is a diverse nature lover’s paradise of incredible beauty. The ecosystem is pristine and untouched, with humans having had minimal impact on its environment over the years. Daily, the encounters you will witness are proof of just how remote and preserved this magnificent atoll is. Home to some of the most explosive flats fishing anywhere on the globe, just getting there is an adventure in itself.
Cosmoledo’s large white sand flats, lagoon edges, and channels are ruled by the Giant Trevally or the ‘Gangsters Of The Flats’ as there known, and the island is home to the single most significant concentration of GTs in the Indian Ocean. In this untouched ecosystem, these tackle-busting giants reign supreme and are one of the main attractions for the travelling saltwater fly fishing angler. However, it’s not just GT’s that fly fishing Cosmoledo is famed for; there’s a whole host of other species abundant throughout the fishery. Bonefish, milkfish, the Indo-Pacific Permit, and a host of Triggerfish species all call the island home and can be caught throughout the fishing season.
The fly fishing on Cosmoledo Atoll is a mixture of either wading the flats or fishing from the skiff over larger areas. The hard white sand, turtle grass and coral flats of the island make for easy wading, thus separating it from many other destinations in the world. It’s not just flats fishing you can enjoy though, as there’s also a bluewater and offshore fishery on the island. Using conventional tackle or fly fishing, you can target species like Barracuda, Sailfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Dogtooth Tuna. Fly fishing for these species, practising switch and tease methods is ultra exciting. The guides will tease target species to the surface, such as Sailfish and Tuna, before you cast your fly into the action as the teasers are removed.
Each season the fly fishing on Cosmoledo is open to anglers from the beginning of November to the end of April. The fishing dates have traditionally been set from October onwards 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 Cosmoledo Island.
Each day the fishing on Cosmoledo Atoll will see two anglers with one guide, and the fishing is a mixture of either wading the flats or from the skiffs over larger areas. Utilizing the Mahe tender boats, the guides will explore every inch of the fishing grounds, going the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime. All Cosmoledo fishing trips are led by a team of world-class professional fly fishing guides, who have amassed a very considerable amount of hard-earned experience regarding all facets of fly fishing these remote atoll destinations. Each guide is a qualified skipper, has first aid experience, speaks English, and their passion and dedication are infectious.
For fly fishing, as a general rule, when fishing for the smaller, slightly easier species such as Bonefish, Milkfish and Permit, then an 8-weight or 9-weight outfit is sufficient. For the more significant, somewhat more challenging species like Giant Trevally and Triggerfish, then a 10-weight or 12-weight outfit is more suitable. The destination is ideal for anglers of all abilities; however, if you’re an experienced caster, there is a good chance you’ll catch more fish.
The destination isn’t too physically demanding, but to get the best out of it, and if you wish to spend all day fly fishing, you need to have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to walk certain distances each day.
Cosmoledo Eco-lodge is situated on Wizard Island and consists of eight individual guest rooms, all of which are new, recrafted, and air-conditioned “Eco Pods” that perfectly blend in with the natural wilderness of the island. Equipped with modern amenities, the eco-pods are comfortable, clean, air-conditioned, and spacious, made up of custom-designed, upcycled beach cottages. The rooms are tailored in fresh neutral colours accentuating the island and her ocean, drawing in serenity, outdoor adventure and a sense of becoming one with your surroundings. Each cottage can be catered for as a double or twin set up and has all the amenities and modern luxuries one can expect. Each room boasts a front veranda with a seating area and a well-appointed outdoor shower.
The dining and entertainment area is equipped with all the necessary features to make your stay one of comfort-in-style, consisting of a large tent with bare beach floors, great island character, and a fully stocked bar. Nature enthusiasts, divers, anglers, single travellers, and couples dine together for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
A full house buffet breakfast is served in the morning between 7.00 am and 8.00 am, and lunch in the form of packed lunch at the lodge between 12.00 pm and 1.00 pm. Dinner takes place between 7.30 pm and 9.30 pm and is the time everyone at the lodge comes together to share stories about the day’s adventures and the one’s that got away. The resident chef prepares a mix of Creole and international dishes and incorporates fresh fish daily and a combination of fruit and vegetables farmed in the Alphonse gardens.
All Cosmoledo trips are seven nights and include six and a half days of guided fishing. Because the island can only be accessed by a charter flight that runs once a week, all packages are fixed at one week in length.
The reason to make the trip to Cosmoledo is to fish. There is minimal infrastructure on the island; aside from wading the flats, walking the beach or snorkelling, there’s very little for the non-angler to do.
There is no Wi-Fi or cell reception on Cosmoledo. However, the guesthouse is equipped with a satellite phone that can be used by guests if needed.
To find out more about Seychelles and fly fishing Cosmoledo Atoll visit our YouTube channel.
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.
Please note that depending on what international airport you depart from, travel to this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel.
Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Victoria Mahe
Transfer from Mahe airport to your overnight hotel
On arrival in Mahe, once you have collected your bags, you will need to take a taxi (not included) to your overnight hotel.
Overnight Accommodation: Mahe Standard Hotel in a twin room on a bed & breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to Mahe airport
At a prearranged time you will need to take a taxi (not included) from your overnight hotel back to Mahe airport
Depart Mahe
Arrive Astove
Transfer from Astove airport to Astove port
Once you have landed on the landing strip on Astove, a member of the team from our partners will transfer you to Astove port to catch the transfer vessel to Cosmoledo.
Travel from Astove port to Cosmoledo
On arrival at Astove port, you will need to board the vessel for your transfer to Cosmoldeo, a journey time of approximately one hour. During this transfer, the guides will give you an orientation of the week ahead.
Overnight Accommodation: Cosmoledo Atoll Eco Lodge in a single room on a full board basis
On fishing days one and two, you will get your first taste of the excellent fishing on offer on the flats of Cosmoledo. Each day you can wade and sight fish for an impressive variety of species such as Bonefish, various Trevally species including the ferocious trophy-sized Giant Trevally, Permit, Triggerfish, Bumphead Parrotfish and Milkfish.
Overnight Accommodation: Cosmoledo Atoll Eco Lodge in a single room on a full board basis
On your third and fourth fishing days, and throughout your fishing week, you’ll be up early. Breakfast gets served at 7:00am onwards, and you’ll be out on the water from 8.00am. You will stay out on the flats for the whole day, taking packed lunches with you. There is, however, an option to return to the lodge for lunch before heading out later that afternoon for the second fishing session if you’d prefer.
You will arrive back at the lodge by 17:00pm but are free to continue fishing unguided until sunset.
Overnight Accommodation: Cosmoledo Atoll Eco Lodge in a single room on a full board basis
On your last two fishing days, if there is a species of fish you haven’t caught, but would like to, speak with your guides, and they will do their utmost to make it happen. The guiding team at Cosmoledo are world-class and features some of the Indian Ocean’s best. Handpicked locally or from South Africa, each has amassed a very considerable amount of hard-earned experience gained from years and years of fishing the waters in and around the atoll.
Overnight Accommodation: Cosmoledo Atoll Eco Lodge in a single room on a full board basis
Travel from Cosmoledo to Astove port
On departure day you will be transferred from Cosmoledo back to Astove. The transfer takes approximately 1 hour.
Transfer from Astove port to Astove airport
Once the transfer vessel has docked, a member of the team from our partners will transfer you to Astove airport.
Depart Astove
Arrive Mahe Depart Mahe
Arrive Home
Please note that depending on what international airport you wish to return to, travel from this destination may involve an overnight flight and/or an overnight hotel. Once flights are available, your itinerary will be finalised.
The season runs from November to April.
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 2lb to 9lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 1lb to 17lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 1lb to 20lb
Average Weight: 6lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 5lb to 50lb
Average Weight: 9lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 1lb to 25lb
Average Weight: 7lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 5lb to 120lb
Average Weight: 36lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 1lb to 40lb
Average Weight: 14lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 10lb to 50lb
Average Weight: 25lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 10lb to 100lb
Average Weight: 30lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 10lb to 80lb
Average Weight: 30lb
Season: November to April
Peak: January & February
Weight: 50lb to 100lb
Average Weight: 80lb
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/11/2025 | 14/11/2025 | 11 | £15,982 | Sold Out |
| 11/11/2025 | 21/11/2025 | 11 | £15,982 | Sold Out |
| 18/11/2025 | 28/11/2025 | 11 | £15,982 | Sold Out |
| 02/12/2025 | 12/12/2025 | 11 | £15,982 | Sold Out |
| 09/12/2025 | 19/12/2025 | 11 | £15,982 | Enquire Now |
| 16/12/2025 | 26/12/2025 | 11 | £15,982 | Enquire Now |
| 23/12/2025 | 02/01/2026 | 11 | £15,982 | Enquire Now |
| 30/12/2025 | 09/01/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Enquire Now |
| 06/01/2026 | 16/01/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 13/01/2026 | 23/01/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 20/01/2026 | 30/01/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 27/01/2026 | 06/02/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 03/02/2026 | 13/02/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 10/02/2026 | 20/02/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 17/02/2026 | 27/02/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Enquire Now |
| 24/02/2026 | 06/03/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 03/03/2026 | 13/03/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 10/03/2026 | 20/03/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 17/03/2026 | 27/03/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 24/03/2026 | 03/04/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 31/03/2026 | 10/04/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 07/04/2026 | 17/04/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Enquire Now |
| 14/04/2026 | 24/04/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Enquire Now |
| 21/04/2026 | 01/05/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 03/11/2026 | 13/11/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 10/11/2026 | 20/11/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 17/11/2026 | 27/11/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 24/11/2025 | 04/12/2025 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 01/12/2026 | 11/12/2025 | 11 | £16,663 | Sold Out |
| 08/12/2026 | 18/12/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Enquire Now |
| 15/12/2026 | 25/12/2026 | 11 | £16,663 | Enquire Now |
| 22/12/2026 | 01/01/2027 | 11 | £16,663 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, fishing and accommodation in Mahe and twin accommodation on Cosmoledo (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.
A brilliant, brilliant holiday. The fishing and guides were fantastic and the 'Eco Pod' accommodation was beautiful. Every morning it was surreal waking up in such a location. The destination has left a lasting impression on me and I'm 100% going to rebook again for next year.
I lost count of the number of 4lb+ Bonefish I caught, that's not to mention the different species of Trevally and Triggerfish! Pretty much the only species that eluded me was the Permit, but then that's given me a great excuse to re-visit next year.
The travelling time to reach Cosmoledo is long and drawn out, but that is to be expected for such a remote location. Once there I soon forgot about it though, especially when I got stuck into the fishing. The variety of species on offer was tremendous and on most days I was lucky enough to achieve my targets.
Everything about the holiday was superb.I caught my first Permit that had eluded me for so many years.Two points.The stop off accommodations were superb where cheap accommodation , even for one night can ruin your holiday. Plus plenty of time between flights to Cosmoledo took out the stress of trying to catch a plane.Well done team.
Fantastic Ian, it sounds like you enjoyed a brilliant trip.
Regards Peter.
A short notice cancellation trip which I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ve been to the Seychelles twice before dealing directly with the tour provider. Dealing through Sportquest was just as ,if not even more seamless , given that with Sportquest there is no need to take account of time difference when making queries. Equally after they had secured flights with my preferred airline, I could choose seats and meals directly from the airline app. The transfers were in time and upmarket. Thoroughly recommend.
Thank you for the kind comments William, I'm so glad you had an amazing trip.
Kind regards, Peter.
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