St Brandon’s Atoll is one of the most remote and untouched saltwater fly fishing destinations on the planet. Lying northeast of Mauritius, it is a vast system of white-sand flats, coral ridges, and ocean shallows that see almost no fishing pressure. For anglers who like wild water and roaming giants, this is the ultimate frontier.
Bonefish dominate the fishery, not only in numbers but in size. Huge shoals provide near-constant action, while singles and doubles in the 8 to 12lb class patrol the edges. Fish over 15lb are landed here, with genuine chances at trophies topping 20lb. Few places on earth can match these flats for Bonefish of this quality. Indo-Pacific Permit are also a key target, giving anglers multiple shots each day at fish between 5 and 15lb, with larger specimens always in play.
Giant Trevally are less common here than in the Seychelles, but when they appear, they are usually enormous. Each week brings opportunities at fish of serious size. Other Trevally species add to the variety, including Bluefin, Golden, Yellow Dot, and Green Spot, along with a mix of reef predators that keep rods bent and anglers on alert.
Fishing is exclusively on foot. With no motors and no noise, you wade vast flats from dawn to dusk, guided by professionals who understand the tides, the terrain, and the fish. Two anglers per guide ensures every opportunity is maximised.
Your base is Raphael Island, a remote coral cay. Each day begins with a tender ride to new flats, followed by hours of pure sight fishing in silence. Evenings are spent in simple, comfortable quarters with hearty meals, cold drinks, and the open ocean stretching to the horizon.
St Brandon’s is saltwater fly fishing at its purest, combining vast untouched flats with world-class Bonefish and Permit.
The season runs from October to December - April to May.
Season: October to December & April to May
Peak: November & April
Weight: 1lb to 15lb
Average Weight: 7lb
Season: October to December & April to May
Peak: November & April
Weight: 1lb to 18lb
Average Weight: 9lb
Season: October to December & April to May
Peak: November & April
Weight: 10lb to 100lb
Average Weight: 40lb
Season: October to December & April to May
Peak: November & April
Weight: 1lbto 15lb
Average Weight: 7lb
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Plaine Magnien
Depart Any international airport - Arrive Plaine Magnien
Depart: TBA
Arrive: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Travel from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport to your overnight hotel
Travel from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport to your overnight hotel
Once you’ve landed at the airport and cleared customs, you’ll need to take a taxi (not included) to your overnight hotel.
After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at your leisure.
Port Louis Standard Hotel
Overnight Accommodation
Port Louis Standard Hotel in a Twin Room on a Bed & Breakfast basis
Transfer from your overnight hotel to the meeting point at Le Suffren Hotel
Transfer from your overnight hotel to the meeting point at Le Suffren Hotel
At the agreed time, make your way from your overnight hotel to the Le Suffren Hotel in Port Louis, either by foot or taxi (not included). A representative from our partners will be waiting for you in the dining/breakfast area of the hotel.
Travel from Port Louis to Raphael Island
Travel from Port Louis to Raphael Island
The journey to Raphael Island typically takes between 24 to 26 hours, depending on weather conditions. You’ll arrive mid-afternoon, where the guide team will be waiting to welcome you. After a short briefing on the week ahead, you’ll be shown to your rooms to settle in and prepare for your first night on the atoll.
Note: All transport vessels used for this transfer are fully licensed for offshore sailing in Mauritius and come equipped with modern marine navigation and safety systems. Each vessel includes two air-conditioned guest cabins (with three guests sharing each), a bathroom, small galley, indoor seating area, and a spacious, covered back deck for relaxing during daylight hours.
Raphael Island Guesthouse
Overnight Accommodation
Raphael Island Guesthouse in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your first three fishing days, you’ll experience the fantastic saltwater fly fishing at St Brandon’s. The Atoll is one of the planet’s most remote, off-the-grid, untouched flats fishing destinations, incredibly rich in fish stocks, flora and fauna and often described as ‘the next frontier’ in the world of saltwater fly fishing. It’s a destination on the top of many anglers’ bucket lists, home to prolific numbers of Bonefish, monster Trevally and wary Indo-Pacific Permit, to name a few.
Raphael Island Guesthouse
Overnight Accommodation
Raphael Island Guesthouse in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On fishing days four and five and throughout your fishing week, you’ll depart with your professional guides to wet a line around the famous St Brandons Atolls. The boats used daily to access the flats are small 20-foot wooden ‘tenders’ based on the scenery of the Atoll. These are purely used for transportation, as most fishing is done on foot, wading. The hard white sand, turtle grass or coral flats make for easy wading, separating it from other saltwater fly fishing destinations worldwide; however, suitable protective wading boots or other such footwear is necessary.
Raphael Island Guesthouse
Overnight Accommodation
Raphael Island Guesthouse in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Fishing
Fishing
On your last two fishing days, if there’s a species of fish you haven’t caught that you’d like to, chat with your guides, and they will do their best to make it happen. Their passion and dedication are infectious; rest assured, they will go the extra mile searching for your fish of a lifetime. Determined and easy to spend time with, their passion for the Bonefish, Permit and Trevally, which call this incredible Atoll home, make them a team you want to fish with. There are four guides when fishing in St Brandon’s, including one head guide, which allows two anglers per guide.
Raphael Island Guesthouse
Overnight Accommodation
Raphael Island Guesthouse in a Twin Room on a Full board basis
Travel from Raphael Island to Port Louis
Travel from Raphael Island to Port Louis
The transfer vessel will depart Raphael Island early in the morning for your return journey, with breakfast served on board during the passage between Raphael Island and Isle De Sud. Arrival back in Port Louis is expected the following morning. The full journey typically takes between 24 and 26 hours, depending on weather conditions.
Note: All transport vessels are fully licensed in Mauritius for offshore sailing and equipped with the latest marine navigation and safety systems. Each vessel features two air-conditioned guest cabins (with three guests sharing each), a bathroom, a small galley, an indoor seating area, and a spacious covered back deck for relaxing during daylight hours.
Travel from Port Louis to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport
Travel from Port Louis to Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport
Once you have arrived at Port Louis you will need to take a taxi (not included) to the airport, ready for your return flight home.
Depart Plaine Magnien - Arrive Any international airport
Depart Plaine Magnien - Arrive Any international airport
Depart: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
Arrive: TBA
General Note
General Note
Please note: Depending on your chosen international airport, an overnight flight and/or hotel stay may be required, which may affect your departure and return dates. Your itinerary will be finalised once travel arrangements are confirmed.
Independent flight/travel arrangements can be accommodated, though our flight-inclusive packages are recommended to ensure seamless integration into your holiday plans.
Prices are shown per person and are based on twin rooms and two anglers per guide unless stated otherwise. All prices are accurate at the time of publication but may vary slightly depending on factors such as travel dates, booking time, airline pricing, or fuel surcharges set by the operators.
Flights are always priced at the most competitive rates available at the time of enquiry to ensure you receive the best possible value when booking.
Proudly an ATOL bonded company, our trips are complete packages, including all flights, transfers, accommodation, and fantastic fishing and shooting experiences.
| From | To | Days | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04/10/2026 | 17/10/2026 | 14 | £10,856 | Sold Out |
| 11/10/2026 | 24/10/2026 | 14 | £10,856 | Sold Out |
| 18/10/2026 | 31/10/2026 | 14 | £10,856 | Enquire |
| 25/10/2026 | 07/11/2026 | 14 | £10,856 | Enquire |
| 01/11/2026 | 14/11/2026 | 14 | £10,856 | Sold Out |
| 08/11/2026 | 21/11/2026 | 14 | £10,856 | Sold Out |
| 15/11/2026 | 28/11/2026 | 14 | £10,856 | Enquire |
| 04/04/2027 | 17/04/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 11/04/2027 | 24/04/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 18/04/2027 | 01/05/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 25/04/2027 | 08/05/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 02/05/2027 | 15/05/2027 | 14 | £11,200 | Enquire |
| 09/05/2027 | 22/05/2027 | 14 | £11,200 | Enquire |
| 16/05/2027 | 29/05/2027 | 14 | £11,200 | Enquire |
| 23/05/2027 | 05/06/2027 | 14 | £11,200 | Enquire |
| 29/08/2027 | 11/09/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 05/09/2027 | 18/09/2027 | 14 | £11,200 | Enquire |
| 26/09/2027 | 09/10/2027 | 14 | £11,200 | Enquire |
| 03/10/2027 | 16/10/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 10/10/2027 | 23/10/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 17/10/2027 | 30/10/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 24/10/2027 | 06/11/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 31/10/2027 | 13/11/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
| 07/11/2027 | 20/11/2027 | 14 | £11,317 | Enquire |
If your preferred week or travel dates do not appear in the calendar above, please get in touch. Many lodges release availability in stages, and some dates depend on tides, seasons, guide schedules, or short-notice changes. By speaking with us directly, you will receive the most up to date availability and clear guidance on securing the strongest options before popular weeks fill.
Enquire now and we will check live availability for the dates you are considering.
Our ATOL protection, means you have financial security on your booking.
All our destinations are thoroughly researched by our team of experts.
We have worked hard to be able to provide you with the best prices possible.
We offer complete holiday packages, making booking a holiday simple.
"I thought i had seen some fantastic places in my time, but this will take some beating. I managed all my targets including a 10lb Bone all thanks to our Guide who spotted fishing tailing when i couldn't anything. Beautiful place and highly recommend it to any one who wants a Big Bonefish"
"We really thought we had died and gone to heaven. i didnt think there were places like this, the fishing was just out of this world and all thanks to our guides. Hope they are still there next year when we return. Thanks"
"My first fly fishing experience at St Brandon's and and can say the guides at fly cast away are first class. One of the best places we have visited to big bonefish.
Thanks for organizing everything.
Gary"
"Thank you for an amazing trip, well worth all the travel which is an adventure on its own.
We had 4 perfect days and 2.5 with a could front that made spotting fish a little harder, guides did an amazing job."
"The best run fly fishing trip we have ever been on. yes its quite some travel but agree with others it is very well worth the effort.
Have to sell the kids so i can go back as soon as possible, I got very close to a double figure bone just under 10LB so until next time.
Regards Wayne"
"St Brandon's for me was a very special place to fish not only for the excellent variety & size of fishing area but the stunning colours of the ocean. which change constantly with the light.Miles of flats, reefs & Islands to fish.The bonefish are well above average size had my personal best of 9lbs with lots of fish 4 to 7lb caught.Blue Trevally were also in abundance i was lucky to catch the biggest of the season at 24lbs.Also had Golden Trevally to 10lb.Unfortunately never had a GT had 4 good shots but no joy.There was 3 caught for the week in the group.The guides are the best i have ever had the privilege to fish with,thouroughly professional & helpful.Learned so much from this week.The accommodation is very basic (on par with xmas Island) food was also basic but very good & plenty of it.Le Suffren hotel is very good in Mauritius excellent service, when we arrived back from St B at 6.30 in the morning they arranged a room straight away for us.The only negative about the trip is the 24hr boat ride.On the way out the sea was very rough which made it quite brutal.The boat is only 30ft (my 16yrs in the RN put me in good stead) So unless you have good sea legs this may not be for you? it took 30hrs going out.Way back was calm & 24hrs.But having said that the reward is worth the effort in the end, you need to be a bit hardcore for this holiday due to the remote location only 840 anglers in the world have fished there? I was one of them.Very special place.
PS lots of sharks just to keep you on the boil.
"
"Fishing was a bit tougher than my visit here in 2019. But the guides were absolutely first class,best team I have had the pleasure to be with.They certainly go the extra mile to get you fish.This is a special place to fish with so much variable water to fish👏The only down side is the brutal 28hour boat trip to endure,not for everyone.This needs to be highlighted to any client interested in fishing St Brandon’s? Not a problem for me,but the others may find it so.Flycastaway are a thourolly professional outfit & good communication from them pre trip, Would go again.cheers Neil "
Originally, St Brandon’s Island fishing was a mothership-based operation; however, in 2016, with special permission, the Raphael Island Guesthouse was built. A spacious and centrally-located guesthouse, not overly luxurious, but simple, clean and comfortable, it can accommodate a total of six guests and now allows for a land-based operation for travelling anglers.
The guesthouse offers four twin rooms for sharing and two fully functioning bathrooms with showers, toilets and hot running water. Although basic, each room has space to store all your fishing tackle and personal belongings.
There is a central space used for dining and a social area used as a place to relax and share each fishing stories from your day and chat about the ‘one that got away with fellow anglers.
There are also new staff and guide quarters and a ‘saltwater mud room’ area with freshwater facilities located right at the boat ramp. This area provides the ideal location for guests to ‘boot up’ each morning and is the perfect place to rig, store, and clean all gear and equipment each day.
During your stay at St Brandon Island Fishing Lodge, the onsite chef will prepare a mix of Creole cuisine and international foods, including meat, pasta, fresh vegetables, and fresh seafood.
Although a selection of wine and spirits can be pre-ordered and pre-stocked and that all mineral water, soft drinks, and local beers are included, guests are more than welcome to bring their own bottled spirits.
All St Brandon’s Island fishing trips include seven days of guided fishing.
The reason to make the trip to St Brandon’s 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.
Once you depart Mauritius for St. Brandon’s, phone and internet service are non-existent. A satellite phone is needed if you want to call home or if the ability to communicate is a factor. The guesthouse is equipped with an emergency satellite phone which guests can use for an additional cost.
St Brandon’s, also known as Cargados Carajos Shoals, is an Indian Ocean archipelago found about 430 kilometres northeast of Mauritius; it’s a coral Atoll consisting of over 50 small islands, coral ridges, and vast sand flats and stretches for over 50 kilometres from north to south. The Atoll is one of the most remote, off-the-grid, untouched flats fishing destinations on the planet, incredibly rich in fish stocks, flora and fauna and often described as ‘the next frontier’ in the world of saltwater fly fishing. It’s a destination on the top of many anglers bucket lists.
Access to St. Brandon’s can be long and challenging; however, upon arrival, you will find a totally untouched and incredibly pristine ecosystem. When you take your first steps on the flats, it may feel like you’re the first person to do so, and in all likelihood, that’s because you probably are. It’s a true saltwater fly fishing wonderland with scattered islands, vast connecting sandbanks, flats of hard white sand and broken coral, all of which is the perfect habitat for all manner of traditional flats species.
For many years, anglers and tourists were banned from visiting St Brandon’s shores, but thankfully in 2014, this ban was lifted, and a small group of visitors are now permitted each year. Originally anglers were based on a live-aboard mothership, but thanks to a new programme put into fruition in 2016, a land-based guesthouse has been created on Raphael Island.
St Brandon’s Island fishing offers the saltwater fly angler a myriad of angling opportunities; the fish-rich waters of the Indian Ocean around the Atoll are home to prolific numbers of Bonefish, monster Trevally and wary Indo-Pacific Permit, to name a few. This magical Atoll has quickly risen to iconic status in the world of saltwater fly fishing.
St. Brandon’s has one of the most fantastic populations of Bonefish you will find anywhere in the world and can certainly offer some of the most spectacular Bonefishing you will ever encounter. On most tides, you can expect to see vast shoals of these shallow-water speed demons, as well as enormous singles and doubles. The largest Bonefish ever landed on the Atoll was an incredible specimen measuring 87cm, which according to studies, puts the fish in the region of 15lb.
As well as unbelievable Bonefish fishing, the Permit fishing is equally exciting. St Brandon’s is home to an abundant population of Indo-Pacific Permit. Fish ranging between 5lb and 15lb are common, and trophy fish to over 20lb get caught every season. All the Permit fishing takes place on foot and offers the angler the ultimate walk and stalk flats fishing experience; even though the fish are exceptionally wary, anglers can expect multiple hook-up opportunities per day.
The Giant Trevally aren’t what you’d call abundant on the flats of St Brandon’s, but each week you’re almost sure to get a shot at some real monsters. The fish landed each season on the island are of great average size; anglers catch more fish over a metre in length than what they do under a metre. Huge specimens of over 130cm get caught each year. As well as the GT’s there’s also Bluefin Trevally; although of a smaller size, fish between 15-20lb are average, they are a lot more abundant. Notable other Trevally species you can encounter include the Golden, Yellow Dot and Green Spot.
All trips to St Brandon’s Island fishing lodge get led by a team of world-class professional fly fishing guides made up of four young and highly energetic South Africans with over 15 years of experience in their profession. As well as guiding in the Indian Ocean, they have led trips and fished multiple venues across the globe. Each guide is a licensed skipper, qualified in first aid and experienced regarding all facets of fly fishing in the remote saltwater destinations of the Indian Ocean. Their passion and dedication is infectious, and rest assured, they will go the extra mile in search of your fish of a lifetime. Determined and easy to spend time with, their passion for the Bonefish, Permit and Trevally, which call this incredible Atoll home, make them a team you want to fish with. There are four guides when fishing in St Brandon’s, including one head guide, which allows two anglers per guide.
The boats used daily by the guides to access the flats are small 20-foot wooden ‘tenders’, based on the scenery of the Atoll. These are purely used for transportation, as the vast majority of the fishing is done on foot, wading. The hard white sand, turtle grass or coral flats make for easy wading, separating it from some of the other saltwater fly fishing destinations in the world; however, suitable protective wading boots or other such footwear is a must.
To find out more about St Brandon’s Island fishing, visit our YouTube channel.
With St Brandon’s Island fishing being so remote, we suggest that all travelling anglers take a comprehensive range of saltwater fly fishing tackle with them. Rods, reels, extra fly lines, and quality, heavy-duty wading boots are all essential. Single-handed 9-foot rods in 9 to 12-weights, smooth drag reels and a selection of tropical floating lines are all recommended.
However, if you prefer to travel without your tackle, then a quality range of 8, 9, and 12-weight G-Loomis Rods and Shilton Reels are available from the guesthouse if you’d prefer to rent your tackle. The guides also have flies available for purchase at the guesthouse, and pre-organized fly selections can be pre-ordered.
I thought i had seen some fantastic places in my time, but this will take some beating. I managed all my targets including a 10lb Bone all thanks to our Guide who spotted fishing tailing when i couldn't anything. Beautiful place and highly recommend it to any one who wants a Big Bonefish
Mr Knowles, congratulations on such an impressive Bonefish, looking forward to the pictures.
We really thought we had died and gone to heaven. i didnt think there were places like this, the fishing was just out of this world and all thanks to our guides. Hope they are still there next year when we return. Thanks
What an amazing trip you all had, that is going to take some beating so yes I agree probably best to rebook for next year. Thanks again for the feedback.
My first fly fishing experience at St Brandon's and and can say the guides at fly cast away are first class. One of the best places we have visited to big bonefish.
Thanks for organizing everything.
Gary
Gary thank you for reviewing St Brandon's, it sure is famous for the big bones. Send me some of your pictures as I would love to see them
Again thanks Peter
Thank you for an amazing trip, well worth all the travel which is an adventure on its own.
We had 4 perfect days and 2.5 with a could front that made spotting fish a little harder, guides did an amazing job.
Ian thanks for calling me back and the feedback.
shame about a odd few days of cloud, but as we all know thats quite often the case saltwater fly fishing and is always good if you manage a complete clear week.
The guides are first class and how they spot fish on some of the dull days never ceases to amaze me also.
Talk soon Peter
The best run fly fishing trip we have ever been on. yes its quite some travel but agree with others it is very well worth the effort.
Have to sell the kids so i can go back as soon as possible, I got very close to a double figure bone just under 10LB so until next time.
Regards Wayne
Wayne, thanks for the pictures and talking the time for the feedback I know thats not normal your kind of thing, but it is important.
When you are ready lets look at getting you back.
St Brandon's for me was a very special place to fish not only for the excellent variety & size of fishing area but the stunning colours of the ocean. which change constantly with the light.Miles of flats, reefs & Islands to fish.The bonefish are well above average size had my personal best of 9lbs with lots of fish 4 to 7lb caught.Blue Trevally were also in abundance i was lucky to catch the biggest of the season at 24lbs.Also had Golden Trevally to 10lb.Unfortunately never had a GT had 4 good shots but no joy.There was 3 caught for the week in the group.The guides are the best i have ever had the privilege to fish with,thouroughly professional & helpful.Learned so much from this week.The accommodation is very basic (on par with xmas Island) food was also basic but very good & plenty of it.Le Suffren hotel is very good in Mauritius excellent service, when we arrived back from St B at 6.30 in the morning they arranged a room straight away for us.The only negative about the trip is the 24hr boat ride.On the way out the sea was very rough which made it quite brutal.The boat is only 30ft (my 16yrs in the RN put me in good stead) So unless you have good sea legs this may not be for you? it took 30hrs going out.Way back was calm & 24hrs.But having said that the reward is worth the effort in the end, you need to be a bit hardcore for this holiday due to the remote location only 840 anglers in the world have fished there? I was one of them.Very special place.
PS lots of sharks just to keep you on the boil.
Neil, was great to catch up again on the telephone so glad you had such a great time. I thought you would love that place, as you said the travel is quite long but that is the reason the destination is so special. The further it is to travel the less people travel which makes the fishing better. Simple fact less people = more fish every time. Also thanks for all the great pictures we will share some on social media and on our website . Again thanks for your support and custom and I look forward in looking after you again. Tight Lines
Fishing was a bit tougher than my visit here in 2019. But the guides were absolutely first class,best team I have had the pleasure to be with.They certainly go the extra mile to get you fish.This is a special place to fish with so much variable water to fish👏The only down side is the brutal 28hour boat trip to endure,not for everyone.This needs to be highlighted to any client interested in fishing St Brandon’s? Not a problem for me,but the others may find it so.Flycastaway are a thourolly professional outfit & good communication from them pre trip, Would go again.cheers Neil
It was really good to hear from you today and thank you very much for your feedback, i'm glad you had another great trip to St Brandons! I completely understand about the boat trip but by the sounds of it it was definitely worth the sacrifice. Have a great time in the Maldives and hope you catch some more GT's and we will speak to you in the new year. All the best, Benjamin
Thatch Caye is an all-inclusive private island resort in Southern Belize, offering laid-back luxury, overwater accommodation, fresh Belizean cuisine, and a peaceful Caribbean escape for anglers and non-anglers alike. Set in the heart of the South Water Caye Marine Reserve, it provides direct access to world-class flats fishing for Permit, Bonefish, and Tarpon.
Exclusive to Sportquest Holidays, our Solo Traveller weeks to the Andaman Islands offer single anglers the chance to join like-minded adventurers on a no-surcharge, fully guided saltwater experience, where GTs explode on poppers and Dogtooth Tuna tear through jigs in some of the wildest waters on earth. You'll explore legendary reefs during hand-picked peak weeks, for a memorable popper and jigging adventure.
Nubian Flats is home to some of the best saltwater fly fishing available with miles of untouched and unspoilt areas to explore. Previously these waters were inaccessible until now. With our partners, we can now offer two liveaboard fly fishing operations, one in the north and a longer trip in the deep south giving you access to some of the most virginal saltwater fly fishing around.
With only eight anglers allowed to fish the thousands of kilometres of waters in and around Zapata each week, many area's have never seen an angler. From a saltwater fly fishing perspective, the destination is in its infancy and is remarkable and a real jewel in Cuba's ecological crown.
Cayo Paredón is the hottest, newest destination in the portfolio of our partners Fly Fishing the Run. Located in the province of Camaguey, the easternmost, most significant and flattest region in the centre of Cuba, it's a saltwater fly fishing paradise, home to all the 'Grand Slam' species.
