The latest wildlife and activity highlights on Alphonse Island demonstrate just how much more there is to this magical spot than fly fishing. Read on for the full update of the latest adventures in paradise:
Wildlife Highlights on Alphonse Island
March brought incredibly serene weather with almost perfect conditions all month long. Sunshine dominated the skies, and while there was a brief spell of light rainfall it didn’t dampen the spirits. Winds remained gentle, averaging only two to five knots, keeping the sea calm and allowing for an array of activities to unfold. This peaceful weather was complemented by the tidal shifts throughout the month. Early on, the spring tides, created dramatic highs and lows, ideal for water-based activities like snorkelling and kayaking. As the tides transitioned into neap tides, conditions remained perfect for diving with exceptional visibility, making this month a prime time for exploring the vibrant marine life beneath the surface.
Marine Life Encounters
March provided some truly remarkable marine life encounters. Guests were fortunate enough to witness dozens of manta rays off the east of St. François Atoll, and a pod of playful spinner dolphins were spotted on the north side of Alphonse Island. Hammerhead sharks and grey reef sharks also made an appearance during several dive trips. Additionally, the waters of the atoll brought sightings of melon-headed whales, with a pod of 20-25 whales making their way across the west side of St François Atoll, offering guests the chance to snorkel alongside these gentle giants. But the highlight of the month came with the rare appearance of two large tiger sharks near Alphonse Cut, offering a thrilling moment for those lucky enough to see these majestic predators in action.
Surfing Adventures
March surf sessions were a huge success, offering perfect conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. The small, glassy waves at the start of the month were ideal for newcomers, while the later weeks saw an increase in swell, allowing for more challenging waves. Notable surfers this month included Pascale, Martin, and Noa, who each made impressive strides in their sessions. Noa stood out as a future surfing talent, catching several waves and riding them all the way through.
Lynette earned the title of “Surfer of the Week” for her incredible performance, which was celebrated during the Bell Ringers event. James also showed fantastic progress, mastering the art of angling down the wave during his two sessions. Robyn had an impressive first surf session, successfully getting to her feet and riding a wave. Sterling, continued to refine his technique, excelling in his pop-up and turning skills. Other participants like Alan, Aliya, Leah, and Tom showed excellent potential, making their sessions enjoyable and full of progress.
Exploring the underwater world
March proved to be an exceptional month for diving and snorkelling. The visibility underwater was nothing short of spectacular, reaching up to 4 metres, which provided guests with breathtaking views of the vibrant marine life. Numerous grey reef sharks, manta rays, and even the elusive hammerhead sharks were spotted during dives. Our guests had an unforgettable experience swimming with the melon-headed whales, while the manta ray snorkelling trips were incredibly successful, offering an up-close look at these graceful giants. The water temperature and visibility were perfect for those looking to explore the rich biodiversity beneath the surface, making it a month that will be remembered by many as one of the best for diving and snorkelling.
March also marked some special achievements and contributions. Jill Davis set a new record by completing an impressive five dives in a single day, becoming the first guest to reach this milestone. Meanwhile, Derek and Lynette made a significant contribution to marine conservation by adopting a lemon shark and supporting the ongoing Shark Tagging Project.
If our latest update on the wildlife and adventure highlights on Alphonse Island has caught your eye and you would like more information on this stunning location please contact Charlotte Chilcott or Peter McLeod or call us on +44 1980 847389. Alternatively click HERE if you would like us to contact you.