Seychelles offers some of the richest and most diverse fishing grounds in the Indian Ocean. With its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning island backdrops, it is a top destination for deep sea fishing enthusiasts. Whether you are an experienced angler or a passionate beginner, the Seychelles archipelago presents a variety of islands where you can enjoy thrilling fishing adventures. This guide highlights 25 of the best islands across different regions of Seychelles, each offering unique opportunities for catching prized game fish.
Mahé Island Region
Mahé Island
The Mahé Island is the largest island in Seychelles and the main gateway for deep sea fishing adventures. Its close proximity to deep offshore waters allows anglers to reach prime fishing grounds quickly from Victoria, the capital. The surrounding Indian Ocean is rich with pelagic species, making it one of the most productive fishing hubs in the region.
Types of Fish: Yellowfin tuna, sailfish, marlin.
Where to Fish: Offshore Indian Ocean waters just beyond Mahé’s coastline, especially along drop-offs, current lines, and deep blue-water zones.
Where to Stay: Beachfront resorts, luxury hotels, and marina-side accommodations around Victoria and Mahé’s coastal towns.
Sainte Anne Island
The Sainte Anne Island is surrounded by protected marine park waters, creating a healthy and diverse underwater ecosystem. Calm lagoons transition quickly into deeper offshore waters, offering both reef and big-game fishing opportunities.
Types of Fish: Giant trevally, dogtooth tuna.
Where to Fish: Waters around Sainte Anne Marine National Park, including reef edges, drop-offs, and nearby deep channels.
Where to Stay: Eco-resorts and island lodges within the Sainte Anne Marine Park area and nearby Mahé resorts.
Cerf Island
Cerf Island is a quiet, scenic island close to Mahé, offering a more relaxed and less crowded fishing experience. Its surrounding waters provide access to both reef fishing and deeper offshore zones.
Types of Fish: Wahoo, barracuda.
Where to Fish: Offshore waters near Mahé and Cerf Island, especially along reef drop-offs and open-water current zones.
Where to Stay: Small guesthouses, boutique villas, and nearby Mahé-based resorts.
Île aux Cerfs (Seychelles cluster)
Île aux Cerfs is part of a small island group known for its clear waters and rich marine biodiversity. It offers access to both shallow reef environments and deeper offshore fishing grounds.
Types of Fish: Sailfish, dorado, tuna.
Where to Fish: Offshore Indian Ocean waters surrounding the island cluster, including reef edges and deeper pelagic zones.
Where to Stay: Resort accommodations on nearby larger islands, with day-trip fishing charters to the area.
North Island
North Island is a private island offering exclusive access to some of the most pristine fishing waters in Seychelles. Low fishing pressure and luxury-managed waters create excellent conditions for trophy catches.
Types of Fish: Marlin, tuna, wahoo, sailfish.
Where to Fish: Offshore deep waters around North Island, especially along drop-offs, reef edges, and migratory routes.
Where to Stay: Luxury private island lodges with fully guided, custom deep sea fishing experiences.
Praslin & Nearby Islands
Praslin Island
Praslin Island is one of the most scenic islands in Seychelles, known for its white-sand beaches and rich offshore fishing grounds. The surrounding deep waters are highly productive, attracting large pelagic species throughout the year. Its location near other islands also allows for varied fishing routes and conditions. Many charters from Praslin combine deep sea fishing with visits to nearby nature reserves, making it both an adventure and a sightseeing experience.
Types of Fish: Marlin, sailfish, giant trevally.
Where to Fish: Offshore Indian Ocean waters around Praslin, especially along deep drop-offs, reef edges, and open-water current zones.
Where to Stay: Beach resorts, boutique hotels, and coastal villas along Praslin’s main beaches.
Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island is part of a protected marine park, helping preserve a rich and balanced underwater ecosystem. Its surrounding waters are known for strong fish populations supported by healthy coral reefs and mangrove systems. The mix of shallow and deep habitats makes it a productive fishing area just offshore.
Types of Fish: Tuna, wahoo.
Where to Fish: Deep waters surrounding Curieuse Island, especially beyond reef systems and along current-rich offshore zones.
Where to Stay: Typically visited as a day trip from Praslin, with nearby island resorts serving as base accommodations.
Cousin Island
Cousin Island is a protected nature reserve focused on conservation and biodiversity. While fishing is carefully managed, surrounding waters remain rich in pelagic species due to strong environmental protections. The island plays an important role in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems in the region.
Types of Fish: Sailfish, yellowfin tuna.
Where to Fish: Offshore waters around the island, outside protected conservation zones, especially along deeper ocean currents.
Where to Stay: Lodging is typically arranged on nearby Praslin Island, with guided day trips to the area.
Cousine Island
Cousine Island is a private nature reserve with strictly controlled access, ensuring low human impact and pristine marine conditions. Its surrounding waters are highly productive, supporting strong populations of pelagic fish. Fishing here is typically arranged through exclusive permits or resort packages.
Types of Fish: Marlin, tuna, wahoo.
Where to Fish: Offshore deep waters around the island, especially along migratory routes and drop-offs in the Indian Ocean.
Where to Stay: Exclusive private island villas with guided, pre-arranged fishing experiences.
Aride Island
Aride Island is one of the northernmost granitic islands and a protected nature reserve with exceptionally clean waters. Its offshore zones are less disturbed, making it a strong location for trophy fish encounters. The island’s isolation helps maintain a thriving marine ecosystem.
Types of Fish: Marlin, sailfish.
Where to Fish: Offshore Indian Ocean waters around deep drop-offs and current channels north of the island.
Where to Stay: Typically accessed as a day trip from Praslin, with accommodations based on nearby islands.
La Digue Region
La Digue Island
La Digue Island is known for its relaxed island lifestyle and some of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles. Beyond its shoreline beauty, the surrounding deep waters offer excellent offshore fishing opportunities. The mix of calm coastal zones and deeper ocean currents creates ideal conditions for pelagic species. Local guides often blend traditional fishing techniques with modern sport fishing charters for a unique experience.
Types of Fish: Dorado, wahoo, tuna.
Where to Fish: Offshore Indian Ocean waters around La Digue, especially along current lines, reef drop-offs, and deeper pelagic zones.
Where to Stay: Boutique hotels, beach villas, and guesthouses across La Digue Island.
Félicité Island
Félicité Island is a remote, rugged island known for its dramatic granite landscape and productive offshore waters. Its isolation helps preserve strong marine ecosystems, making it a rewarding destination for deep sea anglers. The surrounding Indian Ocean is rich with migratory pelagic species throughout the year.
Types of Fish: Sailfish, marlin.
Where to Fish: Offshore deep waters around Félicité Island, especially along drop-offs and open-ocean current corridors.
Where to Stay: Luxury resorts on Félicité Island or nearby La Digue accommodations with charter access.
Marianne Island
Marianne Island offers quiet, less-traveled fishing grounds with strong populations of game fish. Its proximity to La Digue makes it accessible while still feeling remote and untouched. The surrounding waters are influenced by deep ocean currents that attract larger predators.
Types of Fish: Giant trevally, tuna.
Where to Fish: Offshore waters between La Digue and Marianne Island, particularly near deep channels and reef edges.
Where to Stay: Typically accessed from La Digue, with fishing trips organized as day excursions.
Grand Soeur (Big Sister Island)
Grand Soeur Island is a small private island surrounded by deep, clear waters that attract large pelagic fish. Its location near La Digue makes it a prime offshore fishing extension of the region. The quiet environment enhances focus and increases chances of productive fishing.
Types of Fish: Sailfish, marlin, wahoo.
Where to Fish: Offshore Indian Ocean waters around steep drop-offs and current-rich zones near the island.
Where to Stay: Usually visited via charter from La Digue or Praslin, with no major public accommodations on the island.
Petite Soeur (Little Sister Island)
Petite Soeur Island is even smaller and more secluded than Grand Soeur, offering extremely quiet fishing conditions. Its surrounding waters remain largely undisturbed, allowing fish populations to thrive. Anglers often visit this area for a more exclusive and peaceful offshore experience.
Types of Fish: Sailfish, marlin, wahoo.
Where to Fish: Deep offshore waters around the island, especially along migratory routes and underwater drop-offs.
Where to Stay: Accessed via boat from La Digue or Praslin, with accommodations based on nearby main islands.
Outer Islands (Best for Deep Sea Fishing)
Alphonse Island
Alphonse Island is one of the most famous deep sea fishing destinations in the world, known for its remote location and untouched marine environment. The lack of heavy fishing pressure allows fish populations to thrive, creating consistent opportunities for trophy catches. It is also a well-known host of international fishing tournaments that attract anglers from across the globe.
Types of Fish: Marlin, sailfish, tuna.
Where to Fish: Offshore Indian Ocean waters surrounding Alphonse Island, especially along deep drop-offs, reef edges, and migratory pelagic routes.
Where to Stay: Luxury island lodges and fishing resorts offering guided charter experiences directly from the island.
St. François Atoll
St. François Atoll is a remote fishing gem with deep, nutrient-rich waters and very little fishing pressure. Its isolated location helps maintain strong populations of pelagic species, making it ideal for serious offshore anglers. The surrounding waters are highly productive year-round.
Types of Fish: Sailfish, dorado, giant trevally.
Where to Fish: Deep offshore waters around the atoll, especially along reef edges, drop-offs, and current convergence zones.
Where to Stay: Typically accessed via expedition trips or charter-based fishing stays from larger Seychelles islands.
Bijoutier Island
Bijoutier Island is a small, isolated island offering quiet and productive fishing grounds. Its remote setting ensures minimal human impact, supporting healthy fish populations. The surrounding waters provide excellent offshore opportunities for adventurous anglers.
Types of Fish: Giant trevally, tuna, reef-associated pelagic species.
Where to Fish: Offshore waters around Bijoutier Island, especially near reef drop-offs and deeper ocean channels.
Where to Stay: Accessed through guided fishing expeditions, typically based from nearby islands or liveaboard boats.
Platte Island
Platte Island sits in deeper Indian Ocean waters that attract a wide range of large pelagic species. Its isolation and strong currents create excellent feeding conditions for migratory fish. The island is known for offering consistent offshore action in a remote setting.
Types of Fish: Marlin, sailfish, wahoo.
Where to Fish: Offshore deep waters surrounding Platte Island, particularly along current lines, drop-offs, and open-ocean feeding zones.
Where to Stay: Small island lodges and exclusive fishing accommodations with charter access.
Coëtivy Island
Coëtivy Island is known for its rich marine biodiversity and productive offshore fishing grounds. The island’s surrounding deep waters attract large pelagic species throughout the year. Its remote position enhances the quality of fishing due to low pressure and healthy ecosystems.
Types of Fish: Marlin, sailfish, tuna, wahoo.
Where to Fish: Offshore Indian Ocean waters around Coëtivy Island, especially near deep channels and pelagic migration routes.
Where to Stay: Limited accommodations, typically accessed through charter expeditions or nearby island stays.
Amirantes Group (Ultra Remote Fishing Waters)
Desroches Island
Desroches Island offers some of the most remote and pristine deep sea fishing waters in the Seychelles outer islands. Its isolation means very low fishing pressure, which helps maintain strong populations of large pelagic fish. The surrounding Indian Ocean is deep, clear, and highly productive year-round.
Types of Fish: Marlin, sailfish, giant trevally.
Where to Fish: Offshore waters around Desroches Island, especially along deep drop-offs, reef edges, and open-ocean migratory routes.
Where to Stay: Luxury island resorts and guided fishing lodges with direct charter access.
African Banks
African Banks is a remote coral atoll known for its challenging offshore fishing conditions and highly rewarding catches. Strong currents and deep surrounding waters create nutrient-rich environments that attract large game fish. Its isolation makes it a true expedition-style destination.
Types of Fish: Marlin, tuna, sailfish, large pelagic species.
Where to Fish: Deep offshore waters around the atoll, particularly along current breaks, reef slopes, and open-ocean drop-offs.
Where to Stay: Typically accessed via liveaboard expeditions or charter-based trips from larger Seychelles islands.
Remire Island
Remire Island is a small, isolated island surrounded by deep, untouched waters. Its remote location helps preserve healthy marine ecosystems, making it an excellent spot for offshore fishing. Anglers often find strong pelagic activity in surrounding waters.
Types of Fish: Tuna, marlin, wahoo.
Where to Fish: Offshore Indian Ocean waters around Remire Island, especially near deep channels and current-rich feeding zones.
Where to Stay: Limited access; typically reached through guided fishing expeditions or nearby island accommodations.
D’Arros Island
D’Arros Island is a private and highly exclusive island offering exceptional fishing in pristine waters. Its protected environment ensures strong fish populations and minimal disturbance. The island is often visited for luxury eco-expeditions and sport fishing charters.
Types of Fish: Marlin, sailfish, giant trevally, tuna.
Where to Fish: Offshore waters around D’Arros Island, especially along reef drop-offs, lagoons, and deep pelagic migration routes.
Where to Stay: Private island lodges and expedition-style luxury accommodations with guided fishing access.
Poivre Atoll
Poivre Atoll is one of the most remote fishing locations in Seychelles, offering deep, nutrient-rich waters with very little human activity. Its isolation makes it a prime destination for serious offshore anglers seeking trophy fish.
Types of Fish: Marlin, sailfish, tuna.
Where to Fish: Deep offshore waters surrounding the atoll, particularly along open-ocean currents and underwater drop-offs.
Where to Stay: Accessed primarily via expedition charters or liveaboard fishing trips from larger Seychelles islands.
Conclusion
The Seychelles is one of the most spectacular deep sea fishing destinations in the world because of its unique geography. With deep ocean waters just a short distance from shore, anglers can quickly reach prime fishing grounds without long offshore travel. From the main islands like Mahé and Praslin to remote atolls like Alphonse and Desroches, every area offers access to rich pelagic fishing zones.
What makes Seychelles truly special is its combination of crystal-clear waters, strong ocean currents, and migratory fish routes. This creates ideal conditions for trophy species like marlin, tuna, and giant trevally all year round. Whether you’re a casual angler or a serious big game fisherman, the islands offer both luxury and raw ocean adventure in one destination.
FAQ: Deep Sea Fishing in Seychelles
1. Is Seychelles good for deep sea fishing?
Yes. Seychelles is considered one of the best deep sea fishing destinations in the Indian Ocean, especially for big game species like marlin and tuna.
2. What fish can you catch in Seychelles?
Common catches include blue marlin, black marlin, yellowfin tuna, sailfish, wahoo, and giant trevally.
3. When is the best time to go fishing in Seychelles?
The best fishing seasons are typically October to April, when sea conditions are calm and pelagic fish are most active.
4. Do you need a fishing guide in Seychelles?
Yes, most deep sea fishing is done through licensed charter boats with experienced local guides who know the offshore hotspots.
5. Is deep sea fishing in Seychelles expensive?
It can be, especially on luxury islands or private charters. However, there are mid-range options available depending on location and season.
6. Can beginners go deep sea fishing in Seychelles?
Yes. Many charter operators offer beginner-friendly trips with all equipment provided, making it accessible even for first-time anglers.
7. How far offshore do you need to go?
In many parts of Seychelles, deep water starts very close to shore—sometimes within 10–20 minutes by boat.
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