Alphonse Island: 5 Mar 2008

Alphonse Island, an unspoiled location south of the main island of Mahé, awaits with a turquoise lagoon. Giant sea-fans, majestic rays, green turtles, groupers, sting rays and the wreck of a French coal-steamer invite divers to fall under the charm of this live coral reef sheltering the tine verdant island.

The sandy flats of St Francois, which can be reached from Alphonse within half an hour, are considered to be one of the best spots in the world for fly-fishing. Alternatively, the profusion of marlin, sailfish, wahoo, barracuda, dorados and tuna will delight as well as challenge deep-sea fishermen. Nature lovers who are willing to take a boat ride to Bijoutier Island can observe many species of migrant waders and will set themselves to discover a majestic and mysterious place where the only inhabitants are terns and frigate birds, sea turtles and giant blue mud crab.