Sainte Anne Marine National Park - A wonderful view of the blue waters in Saltstraumen, Norway
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Sainte Anne Marine National Park

4.7
·596 reviews·, Seychelles

A protected archipelago of 6 islands offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and the unique charm of giant tortoises.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Dry Season (May-September)

Calm seas, best visibility

CrowdMedium
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Sainte Anne Marine National Park - A wonderful view of the blue waters in Saltstraumen, Norway

Sainte Anne Marine National Park

Best Time

Dry Season (May-September)

Calm seas, best visibility

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A protected archipelago of 6 islands offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and the unique charm of giant tortoises.

4.7
(596 reviews)

"The mesmerizing beauty sea, the delicious lunch provided beside the sea shore under the trees is filled with serenity."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot on popular boat tours, especially for day trips to Sainte Anne Marine National Park.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen is Key

Protect the delicate marine ecosystem and your skin with eco-friendly sunscreen.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moyenne Island Exploration

Moyenne Island Exploration

Moyenne Island

Wander through lush greenery, encounter giant Aldabra tortoises, and discover a charming, untouched island paradise.

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Snorkeling in Crystal Waters

Snorkeling in Crystal Waters

Sainte Anne Marine National Park reefs

Dive into vibrant underwater worlds teeming with colorful fish and marine life. Even from the boat, visibility is often excellent.

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Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Glass Bottom Boat Tours

Departing from Mahé

Explore the park's marine biodiversity without getting wet. Perfect for spotting fish and observing the underwater landscape.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Your Marine Adventure

The Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a protected area, so access is typically via organized boat tours. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure your spot and preferred itinerary. Consider tours departing from Mahé for convenience. TikTokInstagram

Island Hopping Essentials

Pack light for island hopping within the park. Essentials include reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a waterproof bag for your electronics. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring islands like Moyenne. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Dry Season (May-September)
Why
Calm seas, best visibility
Crowd
Medium
When
Mornings
Why
Quieter waters, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The perfect weekend in Anna Maria Island itinerary! If you are looking for a great hidden gem in Florida for a beautiful getaway, Anna Maria Island is it! This island is home to some of the best Florida beaches and the clearesr blue water! A wonderful weekend trip for the whole family! #annamaria #annamariaisland #annamariaislandflorida #weekendgetaway #weekendtrip #familyvacation #floridabeaches ...
@followmeaway
67K likes • 2.2M views

Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot on popular boat tours, especially for day trips to Sainte Anne Marine National Park. TikTokReddit

Reef-Safe Sunscreen is Key

Protect the delicate marine ecosystem and your skin with eco-friendly sunscreen. Instagram

Details!👇🏼 🌴Anna Maria Island has some beautiful beaches, but Bean Point Beach is my personal favorite! Bean point is located at the northern most tip of Anna Maria Island. There is beach access at North Shore Dr. and Gladiolus St. 🚗Parking can be difficult since it’s only street parking, so get there early in the morning and be sure to park completely off the road or else you will get a parking ...
@thefloridaqueenie_
62.3K likes • 1.2M views
Book this tour @seyislandsadventures 🌊 The Marine National Park extends from Mahé’s coast around the five small islands: Sainte Anne, Cerf Island, Long Island, Moyenne Island and Round Island. 🏝️ From the small harbor at Eden Island we take the glass bottom ship towards Sainte Anne Marine Park. Without getting our feet wet, we explore the fascinating and colorful underwater world. An ideal excur...
seyislandsadventures
27 likes • 674 views

Respect Marine Life

Fishing is prohibited in the park. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid touching coral. Reddit

Pack Light for Island Hopping

Bring essentials like swimwear, a hat, and a waterproof bag for your island adventures. Instagram

This week the water in the Ste Anne marine park was Crystal clear, no need for glass bottom boat or snorkeling equipment, we could see all the marine life from the boat 😍 #seychelles #privatecruise #creoleodysseaseychelles #paradise #cruise #boatcharter #mahe #boat #boattour #steannemarinenationalpark #sainteannemarinenationalpark #visitseychellesisland #visitseychelles #seychellescomevisit🇸🇨
creoleodysseaseychelles
64 likes • 25.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Tours in Advance

Secure your spot on popular boat tours, especially for day trips to Sainte Anne Marine National Park. TikTokReddit

Reef-Safe Sunscreen is Key

Protect the delicate marine ecosystem and your skin with eco-friendly sunscreen. Instagram

Respect Marine Life

Fishing is prohibited in the park. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid touching coral. Reddit

Pack Light for Island Hopping

Bring essentials like swimwear, a hat, and a waterproof bag for your island adventures. Instagram

Consider Lunch Options

Many tours include lunch, often a delicious seaside meal. Check inclusions when booking. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(596 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the mesmerizing beauty of the sea, the serene lunch experiences by the shore, and the unique charm of the giant tortoises on Moyenne Island. The park is considered a top spot for snorkeling, with plenty of fish to see, though some note that coral bleaching has impacted reefs. It's highly recommended as a worthwhile day trip from Mahé.

"The mesmerizing beauty sea, the delicious lunch provided beside the sea shore under the trees is filled with serenity.
The tortoise 🐢 added the charm to this place. Everyone who is visiting Seychelles must be at this place. ♥️🇸🇨"

Smriti Priyadarshani Jha

"Top place, our favorite part of mahé...
Looking forward to come back"

Ady Dragos Radis

"Beautiful tiny island, giant turtles, and charming small beach"

Gilead Yehudai

What People Like

Mesmerizing sea beauty
Giant tortoises
Serene lunch spots

What People Dislike

Coral bleaching

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The park is accessible by boat from Mahé, typically from Victoria or Eden Island. Many tours offer pick-up services. Glass-bottom boat tours are a popular way to explore the park. TikTokInstagramReddit

Yes, day trips are very common and highly recommended. Tours usually include boat transport, snorkeling opportunities, and often lunch. Reddit

Boat is the only way to travel between the islands within the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Organized tours provide this transport. Instagram

Public transport doesn't directly reach the islands. You'll need to book a boat tour or charter a private boat from Mahé. TikTok

The boat ride from Mahé to the Sainte Anne Marine National Park is usually quite short, often around 15-30 minutes depending on the departure point and destination island. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the park is typically included in the price of boat tours. You won't usually buy separate park entrance tickets. Reddit

Prices vary, but expect to pay around €100 per person for a day trip including lunch and boat transport. Booking in advance is advised. Reddit

As a marine park, it's accessible during daylight hours when boat tours operate. There are no strict 'opening' or 'closing' times for the park itself. Instagram

While some last-minute bookings might be possible, it's safer to book popular day tours in advance, especially during peak travel times. Reddit

Moyenne Island is free for visitors to explore, though you'll need to arrange transport to get there, usually as part of a park tour. Instagram

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

You can spot a variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures. The coral reefs, though impacted by bleaching, still support abundant life. InstagramReddit

Yes, snorkeling is excellent, with clear waters offering great visibility. You can see plenty of fish and marine life. InstagramReddit

Many boat tours include snorkeling stops and may provide guides or equipment. Check with your tour operator. Instagram

Activities include island hopping, exploring Moyenne Island with its tortoises, relaxing on beaches, and enjoying glass-bottom boat rides. Instagram+1

It's possible to see and swim near turtles in their natural habitat, but always maintain a respectful distance. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Many day tours offer lunch, often a delicious meal served by the sea. Confirm this when booking your tour. Reddit

Some islands, like Moyenne, have limited facilities, but dedicated restaurants are not a primary feature. Lunch is usually part of the tour package. InstagramReddit

Expect fresh, local Creole cuisine, often featuring grilled fish and tropical fruits, served in a scenic beachside setting. Reddit

While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally recommended to enjoy the provided meals or purchase from tour operators to support local services. Reddit

It's best to inquire with your tour operator in advance about dietary restrictions. They can often accommodate special requests. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Moyenne Island offers stunning natural landscapes and the unique opportunity to photograph giant tortoises. The clear waters and vibrant marine life are also great subjects. Instagram+1

Yes, glass-bottom boats are designed for underwater viewing, making it easy to capture photos of marine life without getting wet. Instagram

A waterproof camera or a good smartphone with a waterproof case is ideal for snorkeling and beach activities. A standard camera is fine for island exploration. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed, but always be respectful of wildlife and other visitors. Avoid intrusive photography of people. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide softer light and fewer crowds, leading to more picturesque shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a fantastic destination for families. The glass-bottom boat tours are a hit with children, offering a safe and exciting way to see marine life without getting wet. Instagram Moyenne Island, with its free-roaming giant tortoises, is like a real-life nature documentary for kids. Instagram The calm, clear waters are also great for supervised swimming and playing on the beaches. Many tours include lunch, making it a convenient full-day outing. Reddit

🐠 Eco-Conscious Travelers

For those prioritizing sustainability, Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a must-visit. As a protected marine area, it emphasizes conservation. Opt for tours that use reef-safe sunscreen and practice responsible wildlife viewing. Instagram Fishing is prohibited, and efforts are made to preserve the natural habitat. Reddit Choosing tours that include locally sourced meals also supports the community. Reddit

couples

The Sainte Anne Marine National Park offers a romantic escape with its pristine beaches and serene atmosphere. Enjoy a private boat charter for a more intimate experience, or join a group tour for a lively day of island hopping and snorkeling. Instagram A picnic lunch on a secluded beach or exploring the tranquil Moyenne Island hand-in-hand provides unforgettable moments. Instagram The stunning sunsets over the water add to the magical ambiance. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Moyenne Island: A Nature Lover's Haven

Moyenne Island, a jewel within the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, offers a unique glimpse into a preserved natural habitat. Once abandoned, it was purchased and transformed into a sanctuary by Brendon Grimshaw. Today, it's a haven for diverse flora and fauna, most famously home to a population of Aldabra giant tortoises that roam freely. Visitors can hike the island's trails, enjoying the lush vegetation and the sounds of nature. Instagram+1

The island's charm lies in its untouched beauty and the opportunity to interact with its gentle giant residents. The powdery white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters surrounding Moyenne make it an idyllic spot for relaxation and photography. It's a place where you can truly disconnect and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. Instagram

Access to Moyenne is typically part of a broader Sainte Anne Marine National Park tour. While the island itself is free to explore, the boat transport to get there is usually included in tour packages. This makes it an accessible and unforgettable part of any Seychelles itinerary. Instagram

The Underwater Wonders of Sainte Anne Marine National Park

Established in 1973, Sainte Anne Marine National Park is Seychelles' first marine protected area, safeguarding a rich underwater ecosystem. The park encompasses six islands, including Sainte Anne, Cerf, Long, Moyenne, and Round Islands, all surrounded by vibrant coral reefs. These reefs, despite facing challenges like coral bleaching, continue to support a diverse array of marine life. Instagram

Snorkeling and diving here offer a chance to witness a kaleidoscope of colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and other fascinating sea creatures. Even from a glass-bottom boat, the clarity of the water allows for excellent viewing of the underwater world without needing to get wet. This makes it an accessible activity for all visitors, including families. Instagram+2

Fishing is strictly prohibited within the park boundaries, a measure crucial for preserving the delicate balance of marine life. This protection ensures that visitors can continue to enjoy the park's natural beauty for years to come. Many tours offer guided snorkeling sessions, providing insights into the local marine environment. Reddit

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