Sainte Anne Marine Park
A cluster of small islands in a protected bay just off Victoria, and the easiest place in the Seychelles to spend a day on the water. Glass-bottom boats, snorkelling and quiet sand, all a short hop from the capital.
Network of 6 islands with hiking, wildlife viewing & clear-water reefs popular for snorkeling.
A protected bay off the capital
Sainte Anne was the country’s first marine national park, created to protect the reefs and seagrass of the sheltered bay a few kilometres east of Victoria. Six islands rise out of it, among them Sainte Anne, Cerf, Round, Long and Moyenne, and the water between them is shallow, warm and calm, which is exactly why it works so well for an easy day out.
Most people come on an organised boat trip from the Victoria jetty. A typical day mixes snorkelling stops over the coral, a look at the marine life through a glass-bottom boat for those who would rather stay dry, and time ashore on one of the islands for lunch and a swim off the sand.
What the day is really like
The draw is the ease of it. You are barely out of Victoria and yet you are drifting over reef fish, rays and the odd turtle in clear, protected water, with none of the swell of the open coasts. Moyenne in particular carries a good story, a tiny island turned nature reserve with giant tortoises and old pirate-grave legends.
Because it is a national park there is a conservation fee, usually built into the tour price, and the rules ask you to look and not touch. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and an underwater camera, and pick a calm settled day for the clearest water and the gentlest ride out.
Know before you go
| Where | Sheltered bay a few kilometres east of Victoria, off Mahé |
| Getting there | By boat from the Victoria jetty, half or full-day trips |
| Good for | Snorkelling, glass-bottom boats, families, a first sea day |
| Islands | Sainte Anne, Cerf, Round, Long, Moyenne, Île Cachée |
| Fees | Marine-park conservation fee, usually included in the tour |
| Bring | Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, swimwear, underwater camera |
| Best time | A calm settled day, morning for the clearest water |
What visitors say
★ 4.7 · 631 Google reviews★★★★★Stunning! Words can’t describe the beauty of this place!! Must be experienced. One of my best snorkelling experiences ever
Nana Omoarukhe · via Google
★★★★Is one of those places where you can truly slow and enjoy nature at its best. The crystal-clear water, tropical islands, and peaceful atmosphere make every moment feel relaxing and special. What impressed me most was how…
Aleks Kodra · via Google
★★★★★Worth to take a trips with boat around those islands. If possible take a drone with you to get some nice shots. Love the whole experience. Beatiful beaches and great nature scenery
Wojciech Włodarczyk · via Google
★★★★★Beautiful water and lots of fish and coral to see via snorkeling. You have to use a boat to get here. We took a boat tour.
The Yoga Chick · via Google
Sainte Anne is an easy boat day from Victoria, and the trips leave from the main jetty on Mahé. Base yourself near the capital to reach the departure point in minutes.
Tours via Viator, stays via Booking.com. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Beau Vallon · Victoria Clock Tower · Botanical Gardens
Choose a calm day and go early. The bay is protected so it is usually gentle, but morning light gives the clearest water for snorkelling, and the coral colours fade once the afternoon breeze stirs the surface.
