Farquhar Atoll

Farquhar is the only land-based Blue Safari atoll where Bumphead Parrotfish are a realistic target on the flats. Providence also holds bumpies, but it is fished from a mothership. Farquhar is also known for the range of species anglers can target in a single week, from Giant Trevally and Bonefish to Indo-Pacific Permit and two species of Triggerfish. Because the atoll has its own airstrip, the trip from Mahé is a direct charter flight with no boat crossing, and with a maximum of 10 anglers per week, fishing pressure across the lagoon, flats, and surf stays light.

Yes, but it takes patience and some luck. Farquhar holds large numbers of bumpies, and it is not uncommon to find groups of up to 50 fish tailing together on the turtle grass flats. Guides target them with crab patterns on a 10-weight, and the challenge is getting a solid hook set in a hard, coral-crushing mouth and then stopping a very powerful fish before it reaches the reef. Many hooked fish are lost, so landing a bumphead should be treated as a highlight of the week rather than an expectation.

Farquhar is a respected GT destination, and fish are encountered on the flats, along channel edges, in the surf, and in deeper water around the atoll. The atoll is best known for GTs that hunt young seabirds, behavior most often seen in the opening weeks of the season and famously filmed at Goëlette Island for BBC's Blue Planet II. GT fishing is never automatic, though. Shots depend on tides, light, and wind, some days produce several opportunities while others produce few, and many fish are lost to coral or a slow strip-set. Anglers who keep a 12-weight rigged, cast quickly and accurately, and apply maximum pressure right after the eat give themselves the best chance.

Bonefish are a consistent target, commonly running 6 to 9 pounds and fishing well on both neap and spring tides, in schools as well as singles. Indo-Pacific Permit are found mainly on the large white sand flats on the eastern side of the atoll, and while the population is healthy, they remain one of the most difficult fish in saltwater fly fishing. Moustache Triggerfish, the largest of the triggers caught here, and Yellowmargin Triggerfish tail on the flats and reef edges, while Bluefin Trevally and large, solitary Barracuda round out the flats fishing. Milkfish are not common at Farquhar but are occasionally found in the lagoon or feeding on offshore scum lines. The deep water close to the atoll also holds Sailfish, Wahoo, Dogtooth Tuna, and Yellowfin Tuna, but bluewater fishing is not part of the standard package, so ask us before booking if offshore fishing is a priority.

Blue Safari fishes Farquhar from early October to the end of April, with fishing weeks sold from October to December and from February to April. The opening weeks are when GTs are most often seen hunting seabirds, though the first and last few weeks of the season can bring a strong, cooling breeze. February through April falls in the northwest monsoon, with hotter, more humid days, generally lighter winds, and the chance of passing showers. Farquhar sits near the northern edge of the southwest Indian Ocean cyclone belt, and while direct impacts are rare, a passing system can occasionally bring a few days of rough weather. Because tides shape each week more than the calendar does, we can help match your dates to the conditions that best suit your goals.

Farquhar is best suited to experienced saltwater fly anglers who can cast accurately in wind, handle a 12-weight, and present a fly quickly when a fish appears. Most of each day is spent wading in strong tropical sun and heat, with midday temperatures around 90°F, so good fitness and stamina make a real difference. Newer saltwater anglers can and do catch fish here, but casting practice with heavier rods before the trip will pay off, particularly for GTs and bumpies.

Most of the fishing is done on foot over hard white sand, turtle grass, and coral flats, which makes for comfortable wading by flats standards. The lagoon gives the guides quick skiff access to the flats, channels, and surf zones, and the Baymaster skiffs carry anglers between spots and are used to fish deeper channels and edges when conditions call for it. Proper flats wading boots with thick soles and ankle support are essential, as standard neoprene dive booties do not offer enough protection from coral, stonefish, and cone shells. Shuffling your feet helps avoid stingrays, and the curious sharks often seen on the flats are rarely a problem if you stay calm and stand your ground.

The standard package includes two anglers per guide and Baymaster skiff, with a maximum of 10 anglers per week and six skiffs based at the atoll. Guides rotate through the week, so you will fish with several members of the Blue Safari team, all of whom speak English, are STCW-qualified skippers with first aid training, and carry VHF radios on the water. A private skiff can be added for an additional charge, subject to availability, with a limit of two private skiffs per week. See Rates & Packages for current pricing.

Blue Safari recommends two 9-foot 9-weight rods for Bonefish and Permit, one 9-foot 10-weight for Triggerfish, Bumphead Parrotfish, and Milkfish, and two 9-foot 12-weight rods for GTs, Bluefin Trevally, and Barracuda, so you have a spare in both key weights. Pair each rod with a large-arbor saltwater reel with a smooth, strong drag, backed with 200 to 300 meters of 50 lb braid on the lighter outfits and 300 meters of 80 lb braid on the 12-weights, and use tropical weight-forward floating lines throughout. Pack fluorocarbon tippet from 15 to 30 lb, plus 100 lb mono and 150 lb shock leader for GTs. Recommended flies include Gotchas, Golden Knights, Pillow Talks, and Fleeing Crabs for Bonefish; Alphlexo Crabs, Fishient Crabs, Merkins, and shrimp patterns for Permit, bumpies, and Triggerfish; Milkydreams for Milkfish; and GT Brush Flies, Flaming Lamborghinis, Bucktail Deceivers, and Barrel Poppers for GTs. Loaner Thomas & Thomas rods with Shilton reels are available if reserved in advance, and flies, lines, and tackle can be purchased or pre-ordered at the guest house.

Guests fly internationally to Mahé and should arrive at least one day before the Wednesday charter, which takes about an hour and 45 minutes when it flies direct and lands on Farquhar's own airstrip. Checked luggage on the charter is strictly limited to 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, plus 5 kg (11 lbs) of carry-on, so soft bags and careful packing are essential, and excess luggage can be stored on Mahé. No visa is required for a holiday visit, but every visitor needs an approved Seychelles Travel Authorization, which can be applied for no earlier than 29 days before arrival. A yellow fever certificate is required if you are arriving from an endemic region, and proof of from-scene-of-accident medical evacuation coverage must be provided to Blue Safari before arrival.

The package covers your week on Farquhar, including the charter flight, meals, standard drinks, and guided fishing, but several costs are separate. A mandatory conservation donation and environmental levy is charged per guest, per week and added to the invoice, and you will need to cover international flights, hotels and transfers on Mahé, flies and personal tackle, top-shelf drinks, and satellite phone or email charges. Tipping for the guides and guest house staff is never mandatory. Guide gratuities are given to the fishing manager at the end of the week and shared among the rotating team, and we provide Blue Safari's current gratuity guidelines with your pre-trip information. US dollars, euros, pounds, and major credit and debit cards are accepted on site, but American Express is not.

Medical emergencies and evacuations can happen in remote destinations, which is why we strongly recommend enrolling with Global Rescue before your trip. Global Rescue provides industry-leading medical and security evacuation services, and they also offer comprehensive travel insurance plans serviced through IMG. This all-in-one solution allows anglers to secure both emergency evacuation coverage and travel insurance through a single provider, helping ensure you’re protected if something unexpected occurs before or during your trip.