Anse Royale Catamaran Cruise

Planning a day out in Seychelles and looking for a perfect blend of sea, sun, and nature? The Anse Royale Catamaran Cruise offers just that—an exciting full-day adventure on the waters around Mahé. While we haven’t taken this specific tour ourselves, a detailed look at the experience reveals a well-rounded trip ideal for nature lovers, snorkelers, and anyone craving Seychelles’ iconic coastal beauty.

What makes this cruise stand out? First, the scenic coastal cruising along Mahé’s rugged southern shores provides picture-perfect views. Second, the opportunity to snorkel in vibrant waters offers a close encounter with marine life. Third, the visit to Cap Lazare Nature Reserve combines natural exploration with a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery. An important point to consider: this tour is priced at $159 per person, which balances the inclusions of lunch, transfers, and activities. It may not be the cheapest option, but it offers good value for a full day of adventure and comfort.

This tour suits travelers who want a laid-back, scenic experience that mixes marine activities with nature exploration. It’s best for those who enjoy being on the water, exploring natural reserves, and experiencing Seychelles’ untouched beauty. However, it’s not suitable for very young children, pregnant women, or people with mobility issues.

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Key Points

Comfortable Catamaran: A modern vessel providing a smooth, relaxing ride with panoramic views.
Snorkeling & Swimming: Great chance to see marine life up close in Seychelles’ clear waters.
Nature Exploration: Cap Lazare Nature Reserve offers scenic trails and giant tortoises.
Inclusive Pricing: $159 covers lunch, transfers, and activities, making it good value.
Weather Dependency: Weather conditions can influence snorkeling and overall experience.
Flexible Booking: Reserve now, pay later, with full refund options up to 24 hours before.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview of the Experience

The Anse Royale Catamaran Cruise kicks off at the beautiful Anse Royale beach, a popular spot with soft sands and calm waters—ideal for boarding. From there, the boat glides along the southern coast of Mahé, passing some of Seychelles’ most stunning beaches: Anse Parnel, Anse Forbans, Anse Marie Louise, Anse Capucins, Police Bay, and Anse Intendance. As we’ve seen in reviews, the vessel’s large deck and shaded areas provide plenty of space to relax while enjoying the sea breeze and the ever-changing scenery.

The actual sailing time varies depending on the weather, but generally, it’s about a few hours of gentle cruising. The boat’s modern design ensures a comfortable ride, with plenty of space for lounging, socializing, or simply soaking in the views. This part of the trip is perfect for those who appreciate coastlines with rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and lush greenery framing the ocean.

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Snorkeling and Swimming

One of the highlights is the chance to snorkel in Seychelles’ vibrant waters, weather permitting. The tour promises opportunities to discover colorful marine life amid coral reefs and rock formations. Several reviews mention that the snorkeling spots are accessible and rewarding, with some guests noting the impressive visibility and diversity of fish. It’s worth noting that the experience is flexible—if the weather isn’t ideal, you can opt to relax on the boat instead.

Lunch and Cap Lazare Nature Reserve

After a few hours at sea, the cruise disembarks at Baie Lazare for a well-earned lunch. Currently, due to renovations, the food service is on board the vessel, with the reserve’s kitchen expected to reopen by the end of March. The meal typically includes a variety of local and international dishes, served in a relaxed setting with ocean views.

Following lunch, you’ll explore the Cap Lazare Nature Reserve. The grounds are perfect for a gentle walk, where you’ll encounter lush landscapes, native trees, and perhaps some of the reserve’s famous large giant tortoises. The reserve also offers well-maintained nature trails, making it an accessible option for most guests. Some reviews highlight the charm of visiting the tortoise park, where friendly guides often share insights into Seychelles’ conservation efforts.

End of Day and Return

As the tour winds down, a comfortable coach transports you back to your hotel, completing a day filled with scenic vistas, marine adventures, and peaceful nature encounters. The overall experience emphasizes a balanced mix of activity and relaxation, making it suitable for travelers seeking a memorable day without the rush.

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What We Love About This Tour

Stunning Coastal Views: Cruising along Mahé’s southern coast reveals some of the most iconic Seychelles landscapes—you’ll love the sweeping vistas and rugged coastlines.
Marine Encounters: Snorkeling offers a chance to see vibrant reef life; many reviewers appreciated the clarity of the water and the variety of fish and corals.
Combination of Activities: The blend of sailing, snorkeling, and nature exploration ensures there’s never a dull moment.
Comfort and Convenience: The modern catamaran and included transfers make for a hassle-free day, especially considering the scenic stops.
Value for Money: At $159, with lunch and transfers included, it’s an efficient way to explore a lot of Seychelles in a single day.

A potential consideration: Weather can affect the snorkeling and overall experience, so it’s worth checking the forecast before booking. Also, the suspension of the reserve’s dining services until late March might influence your lunch experience, but on-board catering helps keep the meal enjoyable.

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In-Depth Breakdown of the Itinerary

Starting Point at Anse Royale

The tour begins at Anse Royale, a beach famed for its calm, shallow waters—ideal for getting on the boat comfortably. The departure is typically in the morning, with the crew offering a safety briefing and overview of the day ahead.

Coastal Cruising

As the catamaran sets sail, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mahé’s coastline. The boat’s design maximizes comfort with shaded areas and space to relax. The route along the southern coast is carefully chosen to showcase Seychelles’ characteristic cliffs, coves, and beaches. Several reviewers mention that the boat provides a good vantage point for photos, especially around sunset or when passing notable landmarks.

Snorkeling Opportunities

Most of the reviews highlight the snorkeling as a highlight, with some guests mentioning vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. The exact snorkeling spots aren’t specified, but the reviews point to the ease of access and the quality of the underwater sights. If the weather cooperates, expect to see schools of colorful fish, coral formations, and maybe even sea turtles.

Lunch at Cap Lazare

Disembarking at Baie Lazare, you’ll indulge in a local-style meal served on the boat. The menu is likely to feature fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and refreshing drinks. After eating, the walk through Cap Lazare Nature Reserve is gentle—designed for all ages and mobility levels. The giant tortoise park is a favorite among visitors, who enjoy seeing these gentle creatures up close and learning about conservation efforts.

Nature Trails and Tortoise Park

The reserve’s well-maintained trails wind through lush greenery, giving you a taste of Seychelles’ native flora. The tortoise pen hosts large, friendly giant tortoises, which are a hit with visitors of all ages. Reviews often mention the friendly guides sharing interesting facts, making the visit both fun and educational.

Return Journey

As the day concludes, the coach transfer returns you to Anse Royale or your hotel, leaving you with fresh memories of Seychelles’ natural splendors. Many find the entire experience to be a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and education.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This cruise is particularly appealing to travelers seeking a relaxed but engaging day on the water, with opportunities for snorkeling and nature exploration. It suits those who enjoy scenic coastlines, marine life, and gentle walks through natural reserves.

It’s ideal for families with children over 2, as long as they’re comfortable with boat trips and outdoor activities. The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments due to walking trails and boat transfers.

While it offers a good value, travelers should be comfortable with the possibility of weather affecting certain parts of the experience. The flexible booking policy, allowing reservation and payment later, helps accommodate changing plans.

Final Thoughts

For anyone eager to see Seychelles from the water and explore its natural beauty in a relaxed setting, the Anse Royale Catamaran Cruise checks many boxes. It offers stunning vistas, engaging marine encounters, and a chance to unwind amidst Seychelles’ lush landscapes—all at a reasonable price considering the inclusions.

The combination of scenic sailing, snorkeling, and a visit to the charming Cap Lazare Nature Reserve makes it a well-rounded day out. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, this tour provides a memorable way to appreciate Seychelles’ coastal charm without feeling rushed.

If you value comfort, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure, this cruise could be your perfect Seychelles experience.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes return transfers, a full day on the catamaran, snorkeling opportunities, and lunch on board the vessel.

How much does the tour cost?
It is priced at $159 per person, offering good value considering the activities, lunch, and transfers.

Is snorkeling available all day?
Snorkeling is weather-dependent, but it is a featured activity during the cruise, with the chance to see vibrant marine life in Seychelles’ waters.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hat, towel, camera, credit card, sunscreen, beachwear, insect repellent, and cash are recommended.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children under 2 years are not suitable, and older children should be comfortable with boat trips and outdoor activities.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Weather can influence snorkeling and the overall experience. The tour can be canceled or rescheduled with full refund if conditions are unsuitable.

What about the lunch?
Lunch is served on the boat, featuring local and international dishes. The reserve’s kitchen is temporarily closed for renovations but is expected to reopen soon.

How long is the tour?
The full day includes cruising, snorkeling, visiting Cap Lazare, and return transfers, typically lasting around 7-8 hours.

Can I book the tour now and pay later?
Yes, reservations are flexible—book now, pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This Anse Royale Catamaran Cruise offers a delightful blend of Seychelles’ scenic coastlines, marine adventures, and natural beauty, making it a rewarding choice for many travelers eager to explore Mahé from the sea.