For the adventurous fly fishing enthusiast, Providence Atoll located seven hundred kilometres south-west of Mahe in the remote outer Farquhar Islands of Seychelles, provides one of the finest off-grid fly fishing experiences to be had anywhere on the planet.
Large, uninhabited and full of a huge variety of saltwater species including Giant Trevally, Bumphead Parrotfish, Permit and Triggerfish, this mothership expedition provides access to over three hundred square kilometres of expansive shallow turtle grass flats, lagoon system, channels and reef edges with unlimited offshore opportunities.
Remaining largely untouched over the centuries, this fly fishing wilderness is suited to adventurous experienced fly fishermen with most fishing done each day wading on foot or from the four locally built Mahe panga style boats with a very experienced guide team. With short fishing seasons and high demand, this destination should really be on your bucket list if you are into adventure fly fishing travel.
For all Providence expeditions, the 150ft Mayas Dugong which is an ex-research vessel is utilised, which has been upgraded and modified into a mothership catering for long-range fly fishing expeditions, with a highly experienced crew. The ship can accommodate up to twelve guests in six twin cabins in the middle main or lower deck, all of which have en-suite bathrooms, four guides and a crew of eight.
The ability of the mothership to transport the four fishing pangas used on Providence is critical to its success, with huge back deck area perfect for gear storage and preparation, whilst the air-conditioned dining area and lounge allow guests to enjoy their meals and downtime in comfort. Stepping on-board, guests are instantly aware they are in for a fly fishing adventure of a lifetime.
A huge dining salon and lounge hosts guests in air-conditioned comfort for meals and entertainment and the outdoor leisure deck provides opportunities for al fresco dining and also serves as a comfortable lounge area and place to discuss the days fishing over a cold drink in the evenings. Meals on board the vessel are a mix of local fresh fish and international food prepared by the on-board chef.
There is also plenty of open deck space on-board for sunbathing and relaxing and a spacious bridge and observation deck allow guests to take in the adventure with a captain’s eye view of all the surroundings.
There is no WIFI.
Providence is not for everyone, this is remote adventure fishing and lacks some of the comforts of other Seychelles destinations, however, for the keen saltwater fly fisherman, this is a ‘must-do location’. Most of the fishing is walking and wading and the boats are used to access the shallow flats and occasionally chase down large fish or fish the Bluewater and reef edge.
Providence Atoll is unique for one key reason: the complete lack of any fishing pressure. Most anglers visiting Providence are there to target the large Bonefish and the huge Giant Trevally that patrol this atoll and range from twenty to over one hundred pounds in weight and will test you and your gear to breaking point. Their attacks on the fly are violent and ruthless and as much of this fishing is from the beach or wading you will appreciate the excitement of fishing this location.
Of course, there are many other species to target including the Bump Head Parrotfish that grows to substantial sizes and Providence offers probably the best location anywhere in the world to target this unusual looking fish. The Bonefish, which are some of the largest in Seychelles, have an average size of five to six pounds in weight, with bigger fish out there and occasionally into double figures.
In addition to this, there is a host of other species to target such as Triggerfish, Milkfish, Bluefin Trevally, Indo-Pacific Permit, Barracuda. Providence has two major landmasses namely Cerf Island in the extreme south and North Island at the most northern part of the atoll. The seemingly endless flats not only surround both these islands but also run uninterrupted the entire 40 odd kilometres in between. They are primarily made up of Turtlegrass, with the larger white sand flats being found around the islands. Most of the flats are hard, making them ideal for wading.
Typically, you will be up early and after a quick breakfast head out to the flats to fish the first tide. You will generally stay out on the flats with a packed lunch, especially if the prime tidal movement coincides with the lunch break. There is the option to come back to the mothership for lunch if the tide allows, however it is best arranged with the head guide the evening prior. The following day’s activities and schedule will be planned the night before between the guides and the captain to suit your preferences.
The Mayas Dugong has four tender boats that ferry one guide and three anglers to the atoll island. There are four guides including one head guide. All the guides are professional and experienced skippers and fishing guides with First-Aid experience. They all understand and know the waters around Providence very well and will go the extra mile to ensure you make the most of your trip to this unique destination.
For those interested in Bluewater fly fishing, very deep water begins very close to shore at most of the anchorages and it is possible to fish these waters from the tenders. Here the most common species encountered are Dogtooth Tuna, Giant Trevally, Barracuda, Wahoo, Yellowfin Tuna, Sailfish, and the occasional Marlin.
We would advise all anglers to take their own gear and fishing equipment – Rods, reels, lines flies, good wading boots Polarized glasses and lots of sunscreen
As per all Fly Odyssey bookings, we will provide a comprehensive & detailed pre-trip fly fishing guide, prior to your departure.
Passport with minimum six months validity. No visas are required.
There are numerous international flight options to the capital, Mahe from Australia, Europe, and Asia. Usually, you will have to overnight before the domestic charter flight the following day to Farquhar Island, which takes 90 minutes by private charter flight. On arrival, you will transfer to the Mothership for the 6-8 hour boat ride to Providence.
Luggage allowance on internal flights is a maximum of 15 kilos.
Please note that this is considered a very remote location and as such, you must bring with you proof of Medevac Insurance cover and all the information regarding Medevac and emergency details.
Let us do the groundwork for you.
Our tailored fly fishing and accommodation itineraries are designed with you in mind to suit your preferences. They are also quoted in your local currency with very favourable exchange rates.
Fly Odyssey has access to the best guiding and lodging rates, suitable tides and updated availability to this destination which can vary throughout the season.
This includes flight bookings, transit accommodation, transfers and a host of non-angling activities and experiences.
We specialise in group stays to the region, and our long involvement with our partners on the ground in Seychelles will ensure you are well looked after both on and off the water. This includes extended stays in South Africa, Dubai, and Doha.
Please enquire for the latest rates and availability, including information on any applicable special offers.
CONTACT OUR AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
CONTACT OUR UK OFFICE
Creating and sharing memorable travel experiences with our clients and friends provides us with genuine satisfaction. All of our trips are bespoke, tailored to your needs, and we always love hearing all about the adventure on your return.
Our knowledge of travel logistics saves you time, and our highly experienced team is here to ensure it’s spent on the water and not at the desk or on a long flight connection that you didn’t require. Since 2006 we have developed a valued client-base that has travelled to all corners of the globe.
We are a fully-accredited travel agency, where all of our flights, accommodation and associated travel bookings are made in-house, which means that you pay less. We have access to a huge range of specials, deals, great volume pricing, and excellent currency exchange rates which allows us to pass these benefits directly onto you.
On the fishing front, our extensive expertise and experience around prime seasons, species, moon-phases, tides and personalised customer service is centred around one principal – preparation. This includes detailed gear and equipment lists, the fly patterns, transfer details, up-to-date fishing reports and some of the finer aspects that can often be overlooked.
We travel extensively and understand that your free-time is important. Just as we all understand from experience, that the key to a successful trip is pre-trip preparation.
Our highly experienced team has fly fished the world for the last 25 years, and we understand the considerations and gear needed to turn a good fly fishing trip into a great one.
Fly fishing and travel is our passion. It’s all we do.
This magical atoll has quickly risen to iconic status in the world of saltwater fly-fishing and for good reason. Big.
Learn MoreIdeal for couples, families and small groups it’s an authentic, pristine island experience in the outer islands of Seychelles.
Learn MoreAstove Island is a well-preserved and very remote atoll in the outer Seychelles with a diverse fishery ane high-quality land-based.
Learn MoreCosmoledo Atoll and Eco-Lodge is a truly remote and diverse nature lover’s paradise of incomprehensible proportions and the Giant Trevally.
Learn MoreFamously known for its large Giant Trevally, Napoleon Wrasse and Bump-head Parrotfish it has a great diversity of fly fishing.
Learn MoreRemaining largely untouched over the centuries, this fly fishing wilderness is suited to adventurous, experienced fly fishermen.
Learn More