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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 Farquhar
Transfer from Bandar Udara Farquhar airport to Farquhar Port
On arrival, you will be transferred to Farquhar port to board the mother ship MV Dugong, your accommodation for the duration of your holiday.
Travel from Farquhar Port to Providence
Once you have boarded the mother ship MV Dugong you will be taken out to Providence, which is a journey of around six hours.
Overnight Accommodation: MV Dugong Mother Ship in a twin room on a full board basis
On your first two fishing days, you will get your first taste of the excellent fishing on offer on the flats of Providence. 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, Triggerfish, Bumphead Parrotfish and Milkfish.
Overnight Accommodation: MV Dugong Mother Ship in a twin room on a full board basis
On your third and fourth fishing days, and throughout your fishing week, your days will be planned with the tides to give you the best opportunity to catch your dream fish. If the tide allows, you and your guides will return to the mother ship at midday for lunch and a break from the sun. If not, packed lunches can be taken and enjoyed on the water.
Overnight Accommodation: MV Dugong Mother Ship in a twin 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. Each guide, of which there are four, has amassed a very considerable amount of hard-earned experience regarding all facets of fly fishing in these remote atoll destinations. All are qualified skippers with first aid experience, speak English, and their passion and dedication are infectious.
Overnight Accommodation: MV Dugong Mother Ship in a twin room on a full board basis
Travel from Providence to Farquhar Port
In the very early hours of the morning you will start your journey back to Farquhar, which is a journey of around six hours.
Transfer from Farquhar Port to Bandar Udara Farquhar airport
Once you have docked at Farquhar port and collected your luggage, you will be transferred back to the airport.
Depart Farquhar
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 & October to November.
Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 1lb to 11lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 1lb to 18lb
Average Weight: 4lb
Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 5lb to 120lb
Average Weight: 32lb
Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 1lb to 15lb
Average Weight: 2lb
Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 20lb to 80lb
Average Weight: 37lb
Season: Nov to April & Oct to Nov
Peak: Dec & April
Weight: 12lb to 25lb
Average Weight: 14lb
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26/10/2025 | 05/11/2025 | 11 | £13,692 | Sold Out |
| 02/11/2025 | 12/11/2025 | 11 | £13,692 | Sold Out |
| 09/11/2025 | 19/11/2025 | 11 | £13,692 | Sold Out |
| 16/11/2025 | 26/11/2025 | 11 | £13,692 | Sold Out |
| 23/11/2025 | 03/12/2025 | 11 | £13,692 | Sold Out |
| 30/11/2025 | 10/12/2025 | 11 | £13,692 | Sold Out |
| 07/12/2025 | 17/12/2025 | 11 | £13,692 | Sold Out |
| 14/12/2025 | 24/12/2025 | 11 | £13,692 | Sold Out |
| 21/12/2025 | 31/12/2025 | 11 | £13,692 | Sold Out |
| 01/03/2026 | 11/03/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 08/03/2026 | 18/03/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 15/03/2026 | 25/03/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 22/03/2026 | 01/04/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 29/03/2026 | 08/04/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 05/04/2026 | 15/04/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 12/04/2026 | 22/04/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 19/04/2026 | 29/04/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 26/04/2026 | 06/05/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 03/05/2026 | 13/05/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
| 10/05/2026 | 20/05/2026 | 11 | £14,303 | Sold Out |
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
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.
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.
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!
This fishing epicentre known as Blue Horizon Lodge is renowned for its vast array of expansive pancake flats that teem with marine life, and its fabled waters are some of the best places in the world to fish for tailing Permit in shallow water. For decades, Blue Horizon Lodge has been known as 'THE' destination for hardcore Permit anglers.
Southern Belize’s Copal Tree Lodge is an idyllic high-end jungle hideaway overlooking the Rio Grande River in the ‘Green Heart of Belize’. Its location, setting, beautiful grounds, impeccable food, and service rank it among the finest destinations in the Caribbean, and it’s perfect for couples, families, and anglers alike.
This great resort provides fantastic fly-fishing and provides a great safe, exciting and entertaining destination that you can bring and enjoy with your family. The beachfront location of this resort provides several amenities for your enjoyment, whether it is arranging for a massage in the lodge massage room or a day out on the flats.
Offering quick and easy access to miles and miles of firm, light bottom flats, Crooked & Acklins Trophy Lodge is perfect for classic wade fishing in skinny water. The flats stretch to the horizon, and travelling anglers can wade and fish as far as their legs will take them, for uncountable Bonefish and large Permit.
The sheer amount of Bonefish makes the Bahamas the go to place for any diehard Saltwater fly angler and with virtually un-fished waters right on your doorstep plus some of the biggest Bonefish on the planet. Some of the best and well known flats are located just a stone throw away from your accommodation.
