Astove Atoll, Seychelles

Wild, rugged and remote, Astove atoll offers six anglers the exclusive opportunity to fish an outer Seychelles atoll. Activities on Astove are land based with accommodation in the original, renovated Coral House. Leisure guests can relax and enjoy Astove’s snorkelling or make use of the kayaks and paddle boards.

A unique atoll, wild and remote

Astove Atoll has become synonymous with catching the biggest GTs in the Indian Ocean. They don’t come along often but when they do, they can be big. Very big. Astove’s shallow lagoon, with one small entrance surrounded by sheer drop-offs is truly unique. It is a sanctuary for juvenile fish that are often preyed on by the bigger species and it’s this that makes it one of the most extraordinary fly fishing destinations on the planet. Along with big GTs, Astove is also frequented by bonefish, permit, barracuda, milkfish, bluefin trevally, triggerfish, yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, wahoo, sailfish and marlin.

Jacques Cousteau made this amazing place famous in 1956 when he filmed part of “The Silent World” along its edge. It is filled with colour, where the daily dramas of a pristine ecosystem play out in front of your very eyes, a rare privilege and exclusive opportunity to gaze into a world which has changed very little over the passage of time. The “Wall” which runs the entire length of the western side of the atoll drops off to over 1,000m within a few hundred meters of the shore. The atoll is equipped with four skiffs that have been specifically designed for fly fishing Astove and are skippered by its experienced guide team. 

The original Coral House, personal and simple

Formerly a coconut and sisal plantation, Astove was abandoned as a commercial enterprise in the 1980s. Accommodation on Astove is in the original Coral House which was refurbished in 2015. The lodge offers single rooms, air-conditioning and en-suite bathrooms while retaining some of the heart and soul of the original building. Rooms are clean and comfortable offering the angler everything required for a week. While there is no phone signal on the island, there is wi-fi and satellite phone should you need to contact the outside world.

“If you get the chance to fish this atoll you will be blown away by the sheer number of fish but be prepared for the GTs! I hope I have the chance to go back.” D.A. – London 

Adventure awaits

Astove Atoll is situated 570 nautical miles south west of Mahé and is part of the Aldabra group of islands in the Seychelles. Its closest neighbour is Cosmoledo Atoll, some 19 nautical miles away. Guests fly into Mahé Island, Seychelles the night before their fishing starts in order to ensure connection with the island flight which leaves the following morning. A standard package includes the three hour return charter flights between Mahé and Astove. Just getting to Astove is an adventure in itself.