Sainte Anne Marine National Park,Seychelles

Sainte Anne Marine National Park is one of Seychelles' most important marine protected areas, established to conserve coral reefs, seagrass beds and nearshore island ecosystems close to Mahé. The park protects diverse marine life—sea turtles, reef fish, rays and healthy coral gardens—and supports tourism and local fisheries through sustainable use. It also plays a key role in environmental education and marine conservation programs run by the Seychelles National Parks Authority.

Places to visit

  • Sainte Anne Island beaches and coral reefs
  • Snorkel sites with colorful reef fish and corals
  • Glass-bottom boat tours around the islands
  • Moyenne Island nature trails and giant tortoises
  • Nearby islands: Cerf, Round, Long and smaller islets for island-hopping
  • Opportunities to see sea turtles, rays and occasional reef sharks

Unique Aspects

  • Shallow coral gardens easily accessible from beaches
  • Clear, warm waters ideal for snorkeling and beginner dives
  • Protected seagrass beds that are important turtle feeding grounds
  • Scenic bays and sheltered anchorages for day trips
  • Managed conservation programs and educational signage on some islands

Things to do

  • Snorkeling over coral gardens — bring or rent snorkel gear
  • Scuba diving at nearby sites (local dive centers operate from Mahé)
  • Glass-bottom boat and boat tours for non-swimmers
  • Island-hopping day trips from Mahé (short boat rides)
  • Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in calm bays
  • Beach picnics, swimming and sunbathing
  • Guided nature walks on Moyenne Island and wildlife spotting

Best Time to Visit

Dry season (May to October) is typically the most comfortable for clear sea conditions and lower rainfall; however, Seychelles is year-round warm and snorkeling/diving are possible in other months too.

Weather Conditions

Tropical maritime climate: warm year-round (averages 24–30°C / 75–86°F). Trade winds from May–October bring cooler, drier conditions; November–April can be hotter with more showers and occasional storms.

Entry Fees & Permits

There is usually a park entry fee or landing fee for visitors (varies by nationality and island/jetty). Day trips and boat operators commonly include park fees in their prices. Some private islands within the park may charge their own visitor fees or require advance booking. Opening hours depend on operators and islands—day visits typically run during daylight hours only. Check with local tour operators or the Seychelles National Parks Authority for current fees and booking requirements.

Accessibility

Located off the east coast of Mahé; nearest hub is Victoria (capital) and Seychelles International Airport, Mahé. Regular private and shared boat transfers depart from Victoria's jetty, Eden Island or nearby marinas—boat ride times are short (often 10–30 minutes depending on the island). Some islands have jetties or small beaches for landing; accessibility can be weather-dependent. No public bus reaches the islands—access is by boat only.

Recommended Duration

Half-day to full-day for a typical visit; a full day allows relaxed snorkeling, island-hopping and lunch. Stay an extra night on Mahé or at Sainte Anne Island Resort to experience sunsets and quieter early mornings.

Clothing & Gear Tips

Light, quick-dry clothing, sunhat, reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel set (optional but convenient), water shoes or reef boots, lightweight rain jacket if visiting in wetter months, dry bag for valuables.

Local Food & Souvenirs

Try Seychellois Creole seafood dishes (grilled fish, octopus curry, coconut-based salads) available on Mahé and some island restaurants. For souvenirs, look for locally made crafts, spices (vanilla, cinnamon), and responsibly produced artwork—avoid taking shells or coral from beaches to protect the environment.

TourGrids Logo

Your gateway to exceptional travel experiences. Explore, plan, and enjoy every journey effortlessly.

*Caution: Beware of Fake Promotions or Offers.
Please do not trust or engage with any emails, SMS, or web-links asking you to click a link and provide personal details. All official TourGrids communications are sent only from the domain @tourgrids.com or SMS from registered numbers. TourGrids is not responsible for any fraudulent or misleading communications received from unverified sources.