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A Complete Travel Diary & Soulful Guide by the Abrahao Kohl Family
Seychelles is a symphony of 115 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean—each with its own story, soul, and rhythm.
While many know the main inner islands like Mahé and Praslin, few get to experience the magic of the outer islands—and within them, the Alphonse Atoll is one of the most pristine and protected.
Alphonse Island belongs to the Alphonse Group, part of Seychelles’ outer island chain, which sits hundreds of kilometers southwest of the main granitic islands. These outer islands are not made of granite like Mahé or Praslin—they’re coral atolls, formed over millions of years as ancient volcanoes eroded beneath the sea, leaving only the coral reef platforms that built up around them. What remains is an otherworldly dreamscape: low-lying, untouched, teeming with marine life, and deeply sacred.
Alphonse Island itself is just 1.7 square miles in size. But within those borders lies a universe of biodiversity, ecological learning, and personal transformation. For us—Gisele, Chris, Giovanna, and Thomas—it was a place where we slowed down, looked deeper, and reconnected to something far bigger than ourselves.
The moment our 15-seat propeller plane began its descent over the atoll, we knew this wasn’t just a trip—it was an arrival into stillness. From the sky, coral reefs shimmered like underwater mandalas, and the lagoon’s turquoise arms seemed to hold the island gently, protectively.
“It looked like the sea was hugging the land,” Gisele wrote. “And in a way, it was.”
We were greeted by the warm and welcoming Blue Safari team, fresh juices in hand, and a pace that immediately invited us to exhale. No cars, no rush. Just bicycles, barefoot paths, and the endless lull of waves.
Our stay was split between two beachside bungalows—Giovanna and Thomas in one, Chris and I in another. Modest in size, but deeply cozy, our rooms opened directly onto soft sand and coconut trees. Tortoises roamed freely outside our doors.
“It was like we had our own little houses,” Thomas said, “and the island was our backyard.”
This small bit of autonomy made a big impact on the kids—giving them a deeper sense of responsibility and presence. It wasn’t just a vacation. It was a shared experience they were fully part of.
Dolphin Dances & Manta Ray Talks
Our first few days were filled with marine discovery. A marine biology talk about manta rays opened our hearts and minds, especially Giovanna’s.
“Mantas are being killed for ‘medicine’ that isn’t even medicine,” she reflected.
“It made me want to protect them even more.”
We joined a manta search expedition, and while rain interrupted the trip, it didn’t stop the dolphins. Spinner dolphins appeared like magic—leaping, twirling, surrounding our boat like they were welcoming us.
Snorkeling & Sea Turtle Moments
One of the most life-changing experiences was snorkeling straight from the island’s floating dock. We saw sea turtles grazing, moray eels weaving through coral, triggerfish and parrotfish painting the reef with movement.
“It was the most incredible snorkeling I’ve ever done,” Thomas said. “We saw more animals in two hours than I’ve seen in my whole life.”
“Alphonse made me fall even more in love with the ocean,” said Gisele. “It made me want to protect every corner of it.”
Island by Bicycle – Slowing Down to See More
With no vehicles, the island experience unfolds at the gentle pace of a bicycle. We rode to every meal, every activity, every corner. Even the kids embraced this rhythm.
“We even rode to dinner!” Giovanna wrote, “And I loved passing tortoises on the way like it was totally normal.”
Kayaking & Coral Exploration
One morning, we kayaked in shallow turquoise water, guided by a great Blue Safari scouter. We saw stingrays gliding like shadows, turtles surfacing beside us, and even small reef sharks patrolling gently.
Later that day, we visited the Eco Center to learn about how coral reefs form, why they’re endangered, and how Alphonse is leading the way in marine conservation. Thomas was especially drawn to this:
“They’re tagging sharks, rays, and GTs to learn how to protect them better,” he said.
“It was very interesting.”
Flats Lunch – A Table in the Sea
One of the most unique and breathtaking experiences was the Flats Lunch—tables set up in the middle of the ocean on a sandbar that only appears at low tide. With grilled fish, fresh salads, tropical drinks, and water lapping at our ankles, we shared a meal suspended in time.
“It was so beautiful,” said Gisele. “There’s nothing like eating barefoot in the middle of the sea with your family, knowing that in two hours, this place will be underwater again.”
Shark Talks & Conservation Realities
One evening, we attended a shark conservation presentation. It was eye-opening, honest, and emotional. We learned that many species are critically endangered, some reduced by 90% due to overfishing and myth-based fears.
“It made me sad and inspired at the same time,” Thomas wrote.
“Now I want to do something that helps the ocean.”
Runway Stargazing – The Night We Held the Universe
On our final night, we biked out to the island’s runway after dark. We laid flat on the warm pavement, hand in hand, staring up.
“We named shooting stars,” Giovanna said softly.
“It was the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”
“That night felt eternal,” Chris reflected.
“We weren’t just looking at the stars. We were part of something infinite.”
Fly Fishing Finale
On our last morning, Chris and Thomas went fly-fishing with a guide. They learned how to cast, wait, and read the sea.
“I caught three bonefish and a big bluefin!” Thomas beamed.
“It felt like I was part of the ocean.”
Meanwhile, Giovanna and I went on a final Blue Safari, spotting dolphins, turtles, and even a few baby sharks. The ocean gifted us one last reminder: there’s always more to learn, more to love, more to protect.
If the ocean and wildlife fed our souls, the food at Alphonse fed our hearts and bodies.
Every meal was a moment. The island operates its own organic farm, and the chefs use what the land and sea provide to create vibrant, thoughtful dishes. Meals are served beachside, under trees, or by the breeze of the main open-air restaurant.
We enjoyed:
Dinners often felt like a gathering—a time to slow down, share stories, and taste the care poured into every dish.
It was simply perfect and absolutely delicious. There was no excess here. Just enough. Just right. And deeply nourishing.
Where We Stayed: 
Alphonse Island by Blue Safari – Eco-luxury bungalows with open-air living, fresh local cuisine, and access to world-class conservation programs and guides.
What to Experience: 
Manta Talks & Dolphin Expeditions – For marine magic and mindful learning Snorkeling & Reef Exploration – Unmatched biodiversity, right off the dock
Biking the Island – The most peaceful way to move and see Kayaking & Paddleboarding – Calm, guided, and filled with life Flats Lunch – A once-in-a-lifetime barefoot feast Runway Stargazing – Soulful, simple, and sacred Shark Conservation Talks – Education that becomes motivation Fly Fishing Lessons – Catch, learn, release, connect 
Eco Center Visits – Learn how science and sustainability walk hand in hand
Alphonse Island reminded us that remoteness doesn’t disconnect you—it reawakens you. It strips away the noise and gives you space to listen: to nature, to your family, to your own heart.
“Alphonse is a lesson in stillness,” Gisele wrote. “And in that stillness, you remember what matters most.”
Alphonse taught us that remoteness is not about distance. It’s about returning—to presence, to purpose, to each other.
Alphonse Island wasn’t just a retreat. It was a reset. A chance to reconnect with the planet, with each other, and with our inner rhythm.
We didn’t leave Alphonse with souvenirs—we left with a renewed sense of responsibility, awe, and gratitude. For the ocean. For life. For the possibility of a better future, shaped by conscious choices and presence.
With sea salt in our hair and stars in our hearts,
The Abrahao Kohl Family
Gisele, Chris, Giovanna & Thomas
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How about discovering what a family experience in the Seychelles archipelago is really like?
We’ve created a special page with stories from the Abrahão Kohl family — check it out here!
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Travel Note: Getting to Seychelles with Turkish Airlines & Creole Travel Services
A special thank you to Turkish Airlines for making our journey to Seychelles seamless and comfortable. With smooth, well-connected routes from both North and South America, Turkish Airlines offers one of the most efficient and enjoyable ways to reach this remote paradise.
The layover at Istanbul Airport was a highlight in itself—modern, spacious, and filled with amenities perfect for both short and long connections. Whether you’re exploring the shops and lounges or simply resting between flights, Istanbul is the ideal gateway between continents. Flying with Turkish Airlines was more than just transportation—it was the beginning of our journey, infused with hospitality, ease, and care from the very first boarding gate.
We’re also incredibly grateful to Creole Travel Services, the outstanding local team that made every transfer and land arrangement across Seychelles smooth, safe, and enjoyable. From ferry connections and ground transportation to warm welcomes at every stop, Creole Travel brought efficiency, local insight, and that signature Seychellois hospitality to every step of the journey. Their coordination was essential to making the logistics invisible—so we could focus on simply being present.
Together, Turkish Airlines and Creole Travel Services ensured our experience was effortless from takeoff to island arrival—and every moment in between.
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