BLUE SAFARI SEYCHELLES - Classic Portfolio SHEET... · Map of Outer Islands Blue Safari Seychelles Quick Overview Alphonse Island: l Headquarters of Blue Safari Seychelles operations

BLUE SAFARI SEYCHELLES SEYCHELLES: Outer Islands | www.bluesafari.com

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Updated: 15 January 2019 Page: 1 of 6 www.classic-portfolio.com


The stunning island trio of Alphonse, St François and Bijoutier, the beautiful atolls of Cosmoledo, Astove, Poivre, and the resplendent Amirantes Islands are found south of the equator in the heart of the Indian Ocean, with miles of unblemished shorelines, lagoons and sea flats. The sheer remoteness of the outer islands is abundant with extraordinary flora and fauna, culminating in an unparalleled biome of diversity. With 4 pristine atolls, an estimated 320 coral species, 1000 coastal fish species, 25 species of cetaceans, 2 marine turtle species, and 238 bird species, Blue Safari provides privileged access to the remote outer islands of Seychelles while working to conserve these hidden gems.

Location & Access TO/FROM SEYCHELLES: l Johannesburg: 6 flights weekly (Tue – Sun) with Air Seychelles. l Nairobi: 3 flights weekly (Tue, Sat, Sun) with Kenya Airways. l Direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Paris and Frankfurt. TO/FROM THE OUTER ISLANDS: l Mahé/Alphonse: 1-hour flight, every Saturday all year and selected Wednesdays between September & May. l Mahé/Astove: 3-hour flight via Alphonse, Thursdays and Mondays during operating season. l Alphonse/Astove: 2-hour flight, Thursdays and Mondays during operating season. l Astove/Cosmoledo: 1-hour boat transfer, Thursdays and Mondays during operating season. It is recommended for guests to overnight in Mahé before and after their trip as any delays will cause missed flights.

Owners & Managers Blue Safaris Seychelles is owned by Murray Collins, Keith Rose-Innes and Devan van der Merwe.

Alphonse Island Lodge is managed by Scott Mitchell.

Astove Coral House is managed by Kyle and Jessica Reed.

Cosmoledo Eco Camp is managed by Wesley and Anneri Rapson.





Classic Factors l Vast marine playground: 22 thousand hectares of outer islands in 22 million hectares of ocean wilderness.

l Spectacular fauna & flora: fantastic and unique species above and below the surface.

l Stewards of the outer islands: conservation in harmony with ecotourism.

l Adventure for all: kayak, cycle, hike, dive, fish, snorkel, twitch, conserve, stand-up paddle, gaze or laze.

Giving Back

Blue Safari works together with various partners to pioneer conservation in the outer islands. Their philosophy is to promote the biome’s conservation in harmony with low impact human development and ecotourism.

Established in 2007, the Island Conservation Society Centre on Alphonse Island has ensured the key aspects of the eco-system are well maintained and cared for. The Island Conservation Society [ICS] team offers activities upon the island such as Turtle Patrol, Beach Clean ups, Giant Tortoise viewing and feeding, and bird-watching which guests are encouraged to join. Without their sound knowledge, the ecosystem on the atoll would not be how it is today.

Alphonse Island provides support through its membership on the board of the Alphonse Conservation Foundation and hotel guests contribute essential funding to the activities of ICS through the payment of a conservation donation. ICS provides a weekly presentation which provides progress updates and discussion of environmental topics. Books, souvenirs and T-shirts can be purchased from the ICS centre or the Alphonse Boutique, with the proceeds providing further financial support to the conservation efforts.

Native vegetation restoration: restoring native vegetation to its most pristine and natural state. Guests learn about the natural vegetation on the islands, explore the lush forests and plant an indigenous tree.

Aldabra giant tortoise: these are the longest living animals on earth. Alphonse Island now boasts ± 60 tortoises which are constantly monitored and studied for growth, movement and behavior. Guests can meet and feed them or join the ICS team as they track them in the wild.

Sea birds & waders: unique species of sea birds nest on the islands of Seychelles. Some of the islands are important bird areas for Birdlife International. Different monitoring techniques are used to estimate population sizes, breeding successes and foraging grounds identification.

Sea turtles: Seychelles is home to four different species of marine turtles. The Green and Hawksbill turtles breed on the outer islands. Their long-term monitoring aims to estimate the population trends of these creatures. Satellite tags have been deployed to study migration routes and thus better define the line of Marine Protected Areas surrounding these islands.

Coral reefs: coral reef communities are of prime importance for the integrity and long-term future of the islands, particularly in the face of rising sea levels. ICS has set monitoring techniques to enable Blue Safari to respond appropriately, maintaining their health and diversity.

Subsistence fisheries: the fishing in the area is monitored by ICS and records are kept of most of fish caught for consumption. This way they contribute to better management of our fisheries, making them more sustainable.

Recreational catch-and-release: catch-and-release fly-fishing has been established with the Alphonse Fishing Company through best angling practices as well as creating livelihood opportunities for people in the region. Long term monitoring of catches assists the ICS to understand the impact of catch-and-release fishing.

Manta rays: In collaboration with the Manta Trust, ICS has implemented projects to monitor the behavior, movement and population sizes of the manta rays in Seychelles. Guests can contribute to the Citizen Science project through photo-identification while snorkelling.

Bait remote underwater videos: The ICS took part in a large-scale survey effort as part of the Global FinPrint Project. 100 Baited Remote Underwater Videos (BRUW) stations were deployed to capture the presence and movement of sharks, rays, and skates found in the area.

Beach clean-up: Plastic in our ocean is one of the biggest threats to our marine life and ocean wellbeing. The team welcomes guests to join regular beach clean-ups to remove the waste from the ocean and beaches and learn about the impact we have on our oceans and how we can all help to make a difference.

Fish aggregating devices: These artificial fishing devices are deployed by fishing trawlers around the world. Made from plastic or metal and hanging nets, the devices often entangle or damage sharks, rays, turtles and coral reefs. The ICS try their best to monitor these devices in the area. Once detected, the devices are removed and disposed of.





Map of Outer Islands

Blue Safari Seychelles Quick Overview Alphonse Island:

l Headquarters of Blue Safari Seychelles operations.

l Access: 1-hour flight from Mahé.

l Accommodation: Alphonse Island Lodge – 22 Beach Bungalows & 5 Beach Suites, children of all ages, open all year.

l Experiences: Snorkel with mantas and sailfish, turtle hatching and spotting, bird watching, reef flats expedition, conservation experiences, fly-fishing, bluewater fishing, snorkelling and scuba diving, discover the uninhabited islands of Bijoutier and St Francois.

Astove Atoll:

l Access: 2-hour flight from Alphonse / 3-hour flight from Mahé.

l Accommodation: Coral House – 6 rooms, children 6+, open 08 November – 25 April.

l Experiences: Turtle hatching and spotting, bird watching, snorkeling and scuba diving, reef flats expedition, fly-fishing, bluewater fishing, snorkel with sailfish.

Cosmoledo Atoll:

l Access: 1-hour boat from Astove.

l Accommodation: on Wizard Island – 8 Eco Pods, children 6+, open 08 November – 22 April.

l Experiences: Snorkel with sailfish, turtle hatching and spotting, bird watching, scuba diving, reef flats expedition, fly-fishing, bluewater fishing.

Discover the ‘Blue Five’:

1. Snorkel with manta rays or sailfish.

2. Walk the flats with turtles, rays and juvenile sharks.

3. Watch seabirds and spot a “lifer”.

4. Track and encounter turtles hatching or laying eggs.

5. Fly-fish a remote and pristine flat to catch and release a bonefish.





Alphonse Island Lodge Facilities Open all year The Alphonse group of atolls is considered one of the most pristine, untouched Edens of the world, making it a nature lover’s paradise. The magnificent island threesome comprising of Alphonse, St Francois and Bijoutier lies in the very heart of the Indian Ocean as part of the Seychelles outer islands. Beautiful white beaches line the edges of the dense natural forest, interspersed with the remnants of old commercial coconut groves. Here ancient ambling tortoises, scurrying crabs and an interesting array of bird species can be found. Number of rooms 27 22 x Beach Bungalows | 5 x Beach Suites | Nov 2019: 2 x 4-bedroom Beach Villas

Maximum guests 86 Le Lys Bar & Dining ü Tennis court ü Beach bar ü Children (all ages) ü Bijoutier Restaurant ü Giant chess board ü Entertainment area ü Alphonse Tribe (extra cost) ü Smoothie Café ü PADI diving centre ü Azure Spa ü Fenced/security/patrolled ü Private dinners ü Fishing centre ü Movie theatre ü Swimming pool ü Credit cards: Visa/Master ü Fly shop & Barnacles Bar ü Island Conservation

Society Research Centre

ü Mobile phone reception û Boutique ü Tortoise sanctuary ü

Wi-Fi: Le Lys Bar ü Electricity (British plugs) 240V Bicycles ü Tree nursery ü

Beach Bungalow Amenities The 22 Beach Bungalows are set amongst lush tropical plantations just metres from the beach. Located on the eastern shoreline of the island, the Beach Bungalows are decorated in a unique style that emphasizes the raw and natural beauty of the island.

Extra bed ü Private pool û In-room safe ü Shaver outlet ü Ceiling fans ü Bath ü Telephone ü Hairdryer ü Air-conditioning ü Indoor shower û Mini bar ü Laundry service ü Mosquito nets: on request ü Outdoor shower ü Nespresso machine ü Disabled access û

Beach Suite Amenities The 5 Beach Suites are nestled among tropical plants, mere steps away from the white sandy beach. These 1-bedroomed suites are spaced for optimum privacy, complete with a private plunge pool, open plan living and bedroom, and large patio overlooking the ocean.

Extra beds ü Private pool ü In-room safe ü Shaver outlet ü Ceiling fans ü Bath ü Telephone ü Hairdryer ü Air-conditioning ü Indoor shower ü Mini bar ü Laundry service ü Mosquito nets: on request ü Outdoor shower ü Nespresso machine ü Disabled access û

Beach Villa Amenities The 2 en suite 4-bedroom Beach Villas are perfect for families and small groups of friends. Encompassing over 600 m2 of total area, these villas can accommodate up to 8 adults and 4 children on extra beds. These stunning new villas have expansive living and dining areas, entertainment areas, decks with private plunge pools, kitchen, and dedicated club car.

Extra beds ü Private pool ü In-room safe ü Shaver outlet ü Ceiling fans ü Bath ü Telephone ü Hairdryer ü Air-conditioning ü Indoor shower ü Mini bar ü Laundry service ü Mosquito nets: on request ü Outdoor shower ü Nespresso machine ü Disabled access û

Activities Guided cycle tour ü Snorkelling ü Bijoutier Island visit ü* Scuba diving ü* Conservation walk ü Beach sundowners ü Guided flats fly-fishing ü* Sunset lagoon cruise ü* Private bicycles ü Flats lunch ü Snorkelling experiences ü* St François nature hike ü* Kayaks & SUP boards ü Reef flats expedition ü Bluewater fishing ü* Blue Safari experience ü*

*Activities at an additional charge





Astove Atoll Situated 1 055 km south-west of Mahé, Astove Atoll spans just 6km from north to south. A dramatic landscape with limestone rock and sand dunes which rise against the horizon, Astove is nothing short of spectacular. Astove’s large lagoon and white sandy beaches are home to a vast array of bird and fish species. The imposing “Astove Wall” boasts an impressive sheer underwater drop-off which makes you feel like you’re staring down the Grand Canyon. A nature lover’s paradise!

Coral House Facilities Open 08 November – 25 April

Number of rooms 6 Electricity (British plugs) 240 V Private dinners ü Activity centre ü

Maximum guests 12 Extra beds û Credit cards (manual) ü Sunset bar ü

Children 6 yrs+ Mobile phone reception û Spa facilities û Entertainment area ü

Childminding û Wi-Fi û Phone room ü Fly shop ü

Coral House Room Amenities Surrounding a central courtyard, the Coral House has 6 charming and comfortable rooms. With en-suite bathrooms, the rooms offer relaxed accommodation in one of the most remote locations in the world.

Extra beds û Private pool û In-room safe û Shaver outlet û

Ceiling fans ü Bath û Telephone û Hairdryer û

Air-conditioning ü Indoor shower ü Mini bar û Laundry service ü

Mosquito nets ü Outdoor shower û Nespresso machine û Disabled access û

Activities Flats lunch ü Kayaks & SUP boards ü Guided Wall snorkelling ü* Bluewater fishing ü* De-tackling drinks & snacks ü Turtle nesting ü Paulie’s Island snorkelling ü* Guided flats fly-fishing ü*

Beach sundowners ü Snorkelling ü Blue Safari experience ü* Atoll exploration skiff excursion ü*

Reef flats expedition ü Guided scuba diving ü* Lagoon mangrove hike ü* *Activities at an additional charge.

Cosmoledo Atoll The remote location makes Cosmoledo a place of wild, natural splendor. The environment includes sand dunes, expansive flats, mangroves, grassland and a dramatically fluctuating lagoon. This unique combination creates a hotspot of biodiversity. The lagoon and its sandy beaches are favored by large populations of hawksbill and green turtles for nesting. Cosmoledo is known to have the biggest population of giant trevally in the Seychelles.

Eco Camp Facilities Open 08 November – 22 April

Number of Eco Pods 8 Swimming pool û Private dinners ü Entertainment area ü

Maximum guests 16 Extra beds û Restaurant û Spa facilities ü

Children 6 yrs+ Mobile phone reception û Credit cards û Sunset bar ü

Childminding û Wi-Fi û Keep fit û Fly shop ü





Eco Pod Amenities Cosmoledo’s Eco Camp is situated on Wizard Island where nature meets creative, eco-friendly hospitality. The camp consists of eight double/twin en-suite Eco Pods with a central dining and entertainment area. The rooms are custom-designed, and the central area is a large tent with bare sand floors that allow for the preservation of the natural resources of Cosmoledo.

Extra beds û Private pool û In-room safe ü Shaver outlet û

Fans û Bath û Telephone û Hairdryer û

Air-conditioning ü Indoor shower û Nespresso machine û Laundry service ü

Mosquito nets: on request û Outdoor shower ü Cooler ü Disabled access û

Activities Sundowners on the beach ü Flats lunch ü Atoll exploration excursion ü* Bluewater fishing ü*

Detackling drinks & snacks ü Reef flats expedition ü Guided flats fly-fishing ü* Blue Safari experience ü*

Kayaks, SUP & snorkelling ü Wizard Island tour ü Scuba diving ü* Menai mangrove hike ü* *Activities at an additional charge.

Travel Information SEASON

Alphonse Island Lodge is open all year round. Astove Coral House is open from 08 November to 25 April 2020. Cosmoledo Eco Camp is open from 08 November to 22 April 2020.

WEATHER Seychelles is typically hot and somewhat humid with midday temperatures hovering at ±35˚ C (±90˚F). Evenings are invariably warm except for the first and last few weeks of the season, when there maybe a strong, cooling breeze.

WIND The south-east trade winds increase from May to September, resulting in slightly lower temperatures and less humidity. Astove and Cosmoledo Atolls’ season traditionally runs from early November to late April. South-easterly monsoon winds blow from May to October.

TEMPERATURE

JAN - MAR APR - JUN JUL - SEP OCT – DEC

Average day 30°C / 86°F 30°C / 86°F 28°C / 83°F 30°C / 86°F

Average night 24°C / 76°F 24°C / 76°F 24°C / 75°F 24°C / 75°F

GPS COORDINATES

Alphonse Island Astove Atoll Cosmoledo Atoll

Latitude 7.003551°S 10.072494°S 9.735310°S

Longitude 52.730590°E 47.737004°E 47.647582°E

MALARIA Malaria free.

YELLOW FEVER Not required for entry into Seychelles but may be required if you are travelling via a country at risk of YF.

CURRENCY USD, GBP, Euro are all accepted. There is no need to change your currency into Seychelles Rupees.

CREDIT CARDS Visa & Mastercard are accepted. Credit card transactions at Astove and Cosmoledo are done manually.

TRAVEL VISA All foreign nationals visiting Seychelles are granted visa-free access.

Documents

BLUE SAFARI SEYCHELLES - Classic Portfolio SHEET... · Map of Outer Islands Blue Safari Seychelles Quick Overview Alphonse Island: l Headquarters of Blue Safari Seychelles operations