Sainte Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island

If you’re dreaming of spending a day on the water with pristine beaches, lively marine life, and plenty of land adventures, the Sainte Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island tour might just be your perfect match. From what we gather through glowing reviews and detailed itineraries, this trip offers a balanced mix of snorkeling, island exploration, and island history – all wrapped in a comfortable, well-organized package.

What we love about this experience is how it combines the best of Seychelles—crystal-clear waters, friendly crew, and vibrant marine ecosystems—all at a reasonable price. The sightseeing stops at Moyenne Island and Cerf Island are especially standout moments, giving travelers a taste of Seychelles’ natural and historical charm.

That said, it’s worth mentioning that the tour is a group experience with some longer stops that might feel a tad crowded or slow for those craving a more private, tailored day. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy social outings, lively boat rides, and snorkeling adventures with good value for money.

Key Points

• Stunning Marine Environment: The tour includes snorkeling in two different spots with plenty of corals and fish.
• Beautiful Islands: Moyenne Island and Cerf Island are full of lush vegetation, history, and playful giant tortoises.
• Expert Guides: The crew, including guides like Janette, are praised for their knowledge and friendly attitude.
• All-Inclusive Value: Price includes transfers, marine park fees, lunch, and land visits, making it good value.
• Group Size & Comfort: The boat is spacious with a trampoline deck for sunbathing, although the group can feel crowded at times.
• Cultural Experience: Enjoy authentic Creole lunch and live music, adding local flavor to the trip.

What’s Included in the Tour & Why It Matters

Starting at 10 am, this full-day cruise is designed for convenience, with complimentary pickup and drop-off from your hotel or Eden Island, which cuts down on planning stress. The cost of around $141.67 per person is quite reasonable considering the inclusions: all marine park and landing fees, a delicious Creole lunch, and guided visits to Moyenne Island.

The tour lasts approximately seven hours, striking a good balance between exploration and relaxation. The use of a spacious, well-maintained catamaran with a trampoline deck means you’ll have plenty of space to lounge, sunbathe, or just soak in the views. Reviews highlight how the boat’s cleanliness and comfort enhance the experience, with some guests mentioning that the vessel is notably new and spacious.

Itinerary Breakdown: From Marine Park to Moyenne Island

Stop 1: Sainte Anne Marine National Park

The adventure kicks off at Sainte Anne Marine Park, comprising six islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters. This marine reserve is a highlight for snorkelers, thanks to its vibrant coral reefs and abundant tropical fish. The park is set against a backdrop of turquoise waters that make snorkeling not just fun but visually stunning.

Expect:

• About an hour exploring the water, with excellent visibility reported in reviews.
• The chance to see lively marine fauna, including colorful fish and corals.
• Educational commentary from your crew, who share stories about the islands’ history, including the fact that Sainte Anne was home to the first French settlement in 1770.
• A chance to observe the lush tropical vegetation and the hill rising to 246 meters on Sainte Anne Island, offering some scenic vistas.

Stop 2: Cerf Island and Surroundings

Next, the boat circles around Cerf Island, a tiny landmass teeming with life both above and below water. This stop is ideal for those who want to combine aquatic exploration with a scenic land view, as the coral reefs here are rejuvenated and promising for more snorkeling.

Highlights:

• Enchanting underwater scenery with reef systems that are frequently praised for their coral and marine diversity.
• Relaxing views of the surrounding waters, which make for fantastic photos and memorable moments.

Stop 3: Moyenne Island

After some time in the marine park, you’ll head to Moyenne Island. This island is a favorite among visitors thanks to its lush vegetation, historical remnants, and the free-roaming land tortoises—over a hundred of them.

Expect:

• Around two hours exploring the island’s trails, old settler homes, pirate graves, and a quaint thatched chapel.
• A chance to walk among the giant tortoises, which visitors find adorable and a rare chance to see animals roaming freely in their natural habitat.
• A delicious Creole lunch served in a charming setting, often accompanied by local live music, creating a lively, authentic atmosphere.

Additional nearby islands:

• Round Island offers stunning beaches and coves, ideal for swimming or relaxing.
• Long Island, with powder-soft beaches and turquoise seas, provides additional scenic beauty, although it’s just briefly mentioned.

The Experience in Practice: What Travelers Say

Snorkeling seems to be a big highlight, with reviews mentioning two stops—one in the marine park and another at a second location—both offering vibrant coral and diverse marine life. Reviewers like Ryan found the snorkeling to be quite good, especially at the second stop, which boasted a better variety of marine creatures.

Land visits to Moyenne Island draw praise for their charm and history, with visitors noting the giant tortoises in their natural habitat and the island’s lush flora. One reviewer shared that Moyenne is “an out-of-this-world experience,” emphasizing the stunning scenery and the friendly, relaxed vibe.

The crew and guides consistently earn high praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and helpfulness. Janette, in particular, was singled out as a fantastic guide who shared lots of interesting info, making the day both enjoyable and informative.

Food and music are also highlights, with many guests mentioning the Creole lunch as tasty and plentiful, and the live music adding a lively touch to the island visit.

Boat comfort and organization are other points of praise. The vessel’s spacious design and cleanliness make the journey comfortable, and the well-timed stops ensure no one feels rushed. However, some reviews pointed out that the group can feel crowded, especially during the land visit at Moyenne.

Practical Tips for Your Trip

• Book in advance: The tour is popular and often booked around 39 days ahead, so plan early, especially during peak season.
• Arrive on time: The start time is 10 am; punctuality ensures you won’t miss the boat or the initial briefing.
• Dress comfortably: Bring swimwear, towels, and sun protection. The boat’s trampoline deck is perfect for sunbathing, but bring a hat or cap.
• Bring cash for extras: Be prepared to purchase drinks or souvenirs; beverages are available on board and on the islands.
• Consider physical limitations: The tour isn’t recommended for elderly or physically challenged travelers due to some walking and boat transfer requirements.
• Prepare for variable weather: The trip depends on good weather. If canceled due to rough conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded day of marine exploration, island history, and local culture. It’s perfect for those who enjoy social outings, snorkeling, and scenic boat rides, all at a good value. Families with children, groups of friends, or couples looking for a lively, fun-filled day will find plenty to love.

However, if you’re after a more private, relaxing experience or have mobility concerns, this group tour might feel a little crowded or rushed at certain points. For those seeking a more personalized trip, Creole Travel also offers tailored excursions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts about 7 hours, starting at 10 am, including transfers, stops, and lunch.

Are transfers included?
Yes, return coach transfers from designated pickup points are included, making logistics straightforward.

What’s the cost of the tour?
It’s priced at approximately $141.67 per person, including marine park and landing fees, and a Creole lunch.

Is snorkeling suitable for all skill levels?
Most reviews mention good snorkeling spots with vibrant marine life, but a basic level of swimming ability is recommended. Equipment is typically provided.

Can I see large tortoises?
Yes, Moyenne Island hosts over a hundred free-roaming giant tortoises, making it a highlight for animal lovers.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towels, sun protection, and possibly some cash for extras. The boat offers good space for relaxing and sunbathing.

Final Thoughts

The Sainte Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island tour combines the natural beauty of Seychelles’ marine and land environments with the convenience of an all-inclusive, well-organized trip. With friendly guides, scenic stops, and plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife encounters, it offers excellent value—especially for those wanting a taste of everything Seychelles has to offer in a single day.

This experience suits travelers who thrive on socializing, exploring, and discovering new landscapes in comfort. While it’s not a private tour, its well-paced schedule and inclusions make it a popular choice for families, couples, and groups eager to experience the islands’ vibrant marine life and lush scenery without the hassle of planning every detail.

In essence, this tour offers a lively, authentic taste of Seychelles’ underwater wonders, island history, and local culture—delivered in a friendly, fun, and affordable package that leaves most travelers thoroughly satisfied.