Eden Island: Semi-Submarine Tour in St. Anne Marine Park
Exploring Seychelles’ underwater world has just become a whole lot easier with the Semi-Submarine Tour in St. Anne Marine Park. This experience offers a friendly, accessible way to witness the vibrant marine life of the Indian Ocean’s oldest marine park right from the comfort of a semi-submarine vessel. Whether you’re a snorkeler, a non-swimmer, or traveling with little ones, this tour promises a memorable underwater adventure without requiring you to dip a toe in the water.
What we especially love about this tour is how it combines ease, scenic views, and an authentic marine experience at a reasonable price—just $65 per person. It’s perfect for families, camera enthusiasts, or anyone keen to see Seychelles’ coral reefs and marine creatures up close. That said, it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include hotel pickups or food, so a little planning ahead will maximize your day. Overall, if you’re looking for a safe, informative, and beautiful snapshot of Seychelles’ underwater beauty, this tour could be just the thing.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points:
- Accessible marine viewing for non-swimmers and families
- Guided experience with knowledgeable staff in multiple languages
- Affordable price point offers great value for the marine scenery
- Excellent for photography with panoramic views and underwater vistas
- Ideal for all ages with a safe and comfortable semi-submarine platform
- Limited inclusion of food and drinks, so plan accordingly
What is the Semi-Submarine Tour in Seychelles?
This tour provides a partially submerged boat experience that takes you directly into the heart of Saint Anne Marine National Park. Instead of snorkel gear or a diving suit, you’ll hop aboard a specially designed vessel that allows you to see the underwater world through large, glass-covered observatories. It’s a clever way to enjoy marine life without the hassle of swimming or diving—making it accessible to everyone.
Departing from Eden Island, the tour begins with a scenic cruise where you can snap pictures of Eden Island’s modern skyline and the lush peaks of Mahe mountain range. The boat is covered with a non-slip material and has sturdy safety handrails, instilling confidence in those touring with children or less confident boaters. Your guide, available in English, French, and Arabic, will keep you informed and engaged throughout.
The Itinerary: What to Expect
The journey starts at the Semi-Submarine Seychelles office on Eden Island, where you’ll meet your guide, who’s known for their professionalism and enthusiasm—reviewers highlight guides like Ramona for their helpfulness and friendliness. Once on board, the boat glides out into the marine park, giving you a chance to enjoy the sun and fresh breezes while taking in sweeping views of Mahe’s mountain peaks.
The highlight is the boat’s underwater observatory, which remains cool and spacious, thanks to air conditioning, even in Seychelles’ tropical climate. Once positioned over the reef, you’ll peer into the crystal-clear waters to see corals, seaweed, and schools of colorful fish. Many guests mention the excitement of spotting green turtles and dolphins, which occasionally swim nearby.
The underwater segment lasts around 20-30 minutes, during which the guide helps identify marine species and points out features like granite rocks and sandy plains. Several reviewers note how the underwater scenery is truly stunning—some describe it as a “magical” view of coral formations and the bustling marine life. For those keen on photos, the top deck offers excellent vantage points, and guides often assist with capturing memorable shots.
After the underwater viewing, you’ll return to the surface for some more sightseeing as the boat heads back to Eden Island, with plenty of time to relax, chat, or snap last-minute pictures.
Marine Life and Scenery: What You Might See
The reviews paint a vivid picture of the vibrant underwater ecosystem. Expect to see colorful corals, swaying seaweed, and an abundance of fish like the scissortail sergeant. Green turtles are commonly spotted, and some guests have been lucky enough to see playful dolphins swimming nearby.
One reviewer mentioned that they enjoyed “seeing lots of different fish,” and another was delighted that they could observe marine life without needing to swim—perfect for non-swimmers or those with small children. The underwater landscape of granite rocks and sandy plains offers a diverse environment, making every sighting unique.
Photographers will especially appreciate the panoramic views of Eden Island’s skyline from the water and the opportunity to capture the vibrant marine activity underwater through the vessel’s large glass windows. The experience is described as both “safe” and “super cool,” with guides like Ramona going out of their way to take pictures for guests.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Value and Practicalities
At $65 per person, this tour is quite reasonably priced considering the quality of the views and the guided experience. The inclusion of access fees to St. Anne Marine Park makes it a straightforward, hassle-free option, especially since it doesn’t require additional equipment or diving licenses.
It’s important to note that food and drinks are not included, so bringing snacks or water is advisable, especially if you’re on a full day of sightseeing. The tour departs six days a week, with multiple time slots throughout the day—10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM, and 4:00 PM—offering flexibility for most schedules.
Several reviews highlight the professionalism and warmth of the staff, with guides like Ramona and her team standing out for their enthusiasm and helpfulness. The boat itself is described as new, clean, and well-maintained—adding to the comfort of the experience.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This semi-submarine adventure is a great choice for families, especially with young children or those who are not confident swimmers. It’s equally ideal for travelers looking for a quick, scenic, and educational glimpse into Seychelles’ marine biodiversity without the physical exertion of snorkeling or diving.
If you enjoy taking photos, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to capture underwater scenes from inside the vessel, combined with the stunning views of Eden Island and Mahe’s mountains. It’s also perfect for those traveling with seniors or anyone seeking a safe, relaxed way to experience Seychelles’ marine environment.
The tour’s affordability and inclusiveness make it an excellent addition to your Seychelles itinerary, especially if marine life is a priority but diving isn’t on the cards.
The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?
The Eden Island Semi-Submarine Tour in St. Anne Marine Park offers excellent value for its price, combining scenic cruising with spectacular underwater views. It’s particularly suited for families, non-swimmers, and anyone who wants to experience Seychelles’ marine biodiversity without getting wet. With friendly guides, comfortable boats, and stunning vistas, it’s a safe and enjoyable way to understand why the Seychelles marine environment is so special.
The tour’s popularity is reflected in the positive reviews, many of which emphasize the knowledgeable staff, vibrant marine sightings, and the overall good value for money. It’s a straightforward, stress-free activity that complements any Seychelles holiday—whether you’re after a quick adventure or a relaxed, educational experience.
If marine life fascinates you and you prefer a hassle-free way to see it, this tour is a highly recommended option. Just remember to bring your camera, some water, and a sense of curiosity—you’re in for a treat.
FAQ
Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour starts at the Semi-Submarine Seychelles office on Eden Island, with no hotel pickup or drop-off included.
What languages are guides available in?
Guides are available in English, French, and Arabic, ensuring clear explanations for a diverse range of travelers.
How long does the tour last?
The total experience lasts about an hour, including time on the surface and underwater viewing, with the underwater segment typically lasting 20-30 minutes.
Can children participate?
Yes, this tour is suitable for children, especially since it offers a safe, seated experience to view marine life without swimming.
Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not provided, so plan to bring your own if needed.
What is the best time to book?
Tours depart six days a week at multiple times; booking early and selecting a preferred slot will help secure your spot, as availability is subject to demand.
Is it suitable for non-swimmers?
Absolutely. Since you don’t need to get in the water, even non-swimmers can enjoy the marine views comfortably from inside the vessel.
What about accessibility?
The vessel is equipped for safety with non-slip surfaces and handrails, making it suitable for most travelers, including families with children.
In summary, this semi-submarine tour is a practical, enjoyable, and well-priced way to experience Seychelles’ underwater beauty. With friendly guides, stunning scenery, and marine life sightings, it’s an activity that caters to a wide range of travelers eager to see the ocean’s vibrant world without getting wet.
You can check availability for your dates here: