Victoria: St. Anne Marine Park and Cerf Island with Lunch

Seychelles offers some of the world’s most stunning marine landscapes, and a tour of the St. Anne Marine National Park combined with a visit to Cerf Island promises a day filled with vibrant reefs, island explorations, and delicious Creole cuisine. While we haven’t experienced it firsthand, reviews suggest this trip is a well-rounded escape into Seychelles’ natural beauty, especially suited for those who love snorkeling, island hopping, and a relaxed day in tropical surroundings.

What stands out about this tour is its combination of marine exploration, island encounters, and authentic local food. We love the opportunity to see coral gardens teeming with colorful fish, feed giant tortoises, and enjoy a tasty BBQ in a stunning setting. The only thing to consider is that the boat is on the smaller side, which might not suit travelers seeking more spacious comfort. This experience is perfect for nature lovers, families, or anyone wanting to see Seychelles’ highlights in one day.

Key Points:

• Comprehensive day trip combining snorkeling, island visits, and a BBQ lunch
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with stories and local insight
• Excellent value for money at $92 per person, including transfers and snorkeling gear
• Ideal for active travelers who enjoy marine life, island scenery, and relaxed outdoor meals
• Certain activities like turtle feeding and trail exploration have optional extra costs
• Weather considerations can affect the day’s activities, especially water-based segments

An Overview of the Experience

This tour from Victoria offers a full day of exploring Seychelles’ marine and island treasures. Starting with a glass-bottom boat ride, it provides a gentle introduction to the underwater world of the St. Anne Marine National Park. This area is renowned for its remarkable coral gardens, home to hundreds of coral species that support diverse marine life—perfect for snorkelers and marine enthusiasts alike.

The journey continues with visits to Moyenne Island, famous for its giant tortoises and relaxed walking trails. Reviewers mention the thousands of tortoises roaming freely and the chance to feed and interact with the Aldabra giant tortoise, a highlight for many. For a small fee, you can extend your experience by visiting the island’s trail or taking photos of the scenic coastlines.

Next, the tour takes you to Sand Bank of Long Island and Round Island, where the shallow waters and soft sands create ideal spots for swimming, snorkeling, and simply soaking up the sun. The calm, clear waters are frequently praised for their excellent visibility and abundant fish life, with some reviewers noting the opportunity to hand-feed fish at the surface.

Disembarking on Cerf Island, the day shifts into a more relaxed phase. Here, you’ll sit down to a mouthwatering Creole BBQ lunch, often described as simple but tasty, with grilled chicken and tuna featuring prominently. The lunch area offers a picturesque setting, with some reviewers mentioning the homemade feel of the food and the friendly service.

The afternoon continues with a visit to Giant Tortoises at Moyenne (payable on-site), giving everyone a chance to observe and feed the gentle giants. For those interested, optional activities like canoeing or a trail walk can be arranged, but they often require advance booking and additional fees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect on the Day

The trip kicks off with an organized transfer either from your hotel or Eden Island, depending on your location. The transfer is generally smooth, with some reviews mentioning slight delays but overall punctuality. The boat departs from Eden Island Marina and is equipped with snorkeling gear and fins, although some guests noted the boat’s small size and limited space at the back for gear and lounging.

Once on board, the highlights are the stunning views of the islands and the underwater coral gardens. With the glass-bottom section, you’ll get a glimpse of colorful fish and coral formations even before jumping in with your snorkel gear. For many, this is the best part of the trip—swimming amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters.

The marine park has two main snorkeling spots, both praised for their abundance of fishes and good visibility. Reviewers have described snorkelling here as “beautiful” and “great fun,” with opportunities to hand-feed fish directly from the boat or in designated shallow waters.

During the island visits, you’ll have time to walk around Moyenne Island, with a trail that leads past tortoises and scenic views of the coast. Many reviews mention the friendly giant tortoises and the joy of feeding them—a truly memorable experience.

Lunch on Cerf Island is typically served around midday. The creole BBQ offers grilled chicken, fish, and local flavors that guests find satisfying, if not gourmet. It’s often served in a casual, picnic-style setting, perfect for relaxing after a morning of activity.

In the late afternoon, the tour winds down with more snorkeling or free time on Cerf Island, where you can enjoy the calm waters and scenic beaches. The tour concludes with a return transfer, which some reviews mention could be slightly disorganized, but most agree the overall experience is worth it.

Highlights and Unique Aspects

Coral Gardens: Known for harboring hundreds of coral varieties, this spot offers fantastic underwater scenery. You’ll see plenty of colorful fish species, making it ideal for snorkelers of all levels. Reviewers like Kevin describe the guides as “cool and funny,” which adds to the friendly atmosphere.

Moyenne Island: Home to thousands of tortoises, this small island is a highlight. Reviewers like Alexandra praise the smooth organization and the chance to feed the Aldabra giant tortoises—a real bucket-list moment. The trail offers nice photo opportunities and a glimpse into island flora.

Sand Bank & Round Island: These shallow, calm waters are perfect for relaxing swims and snorkeling, with some reviewers mentioning the abundance of fish and rays. The clear water and soft sands create an almost tropical postcard setting.

Cerf Island & Lunch: The creole BBQ is often highlighted as a tasty, authentic experience, with some reviewers calling it the best meal of their trip. The island itself is a flora and fauna reserve, with plenty of tortoises and scenic views for a leisurely exploration.

Additional Activities: For an extra fee, you might visit the Giant Tortoises at Moyenne or Cerf Island or take part in canoeing if pre-booked. Reviews mention the optional extra costs but agree they are worthwhile for animal lovers and adventure seekers.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of This Tour

Timing & Duration: The entire trip is designed as a full-day activity, typically starting early morning and finishing by late afternoon. Guests have praised the well-organized schedule, but some note that waiting times at certain stops could be slightly longer than expected.

What to Bring: Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and water shoes to enjoy the water activities comfortably. Snorkeling gear is provided, but you’re welcome to bring your own. Luggage or large bags are not allowed on the boat, so travel light.

Weather & Conditions: The tour is weather-dependent. While most trips run rain or shine, some reviewers mention that departures can be delayed or canceled if there’s heavy rain or poor sea conditions.

Cost & Value: At $92 per person, the trip offers good value, especially considering the inclusion of transfers, snorkeling gear, and lunch. Extra costs for activities like feeding tortoises or visiting additional trails should be budgeted for, but most find the overall experience well worth the price.

Health & Accessibility: The tour isn’t suited for those with mobility impairments, given the boat size and walking on uneven island terrain. Be prepared for some traffic-free trail walking and water activities.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

This Seychelles tour offers a balanced mix of marine adventure, island charm, and local cuisine at a reasonable price. While the boat size might feel a touch cramped, many guests enjoy the friendly guides, beautiful snorkeling spots, and authentic Creole lunch. It’s particularly suited for those wanting a full day of outdoor activity with plenty of opportunities to see tortoises, colorful fish, and scenic islands.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to explore Seychelles’ marine life and aren’t overly fussed about boat space or optional extras, this tour will deliver a memorable experience. It’s a fantastic choice for families, wildlife enthusiasts, or anyone eager to see the best of Seychelles in one go.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes hotel transfers, a glass-bottom boat ride, snorkeling gear, lunch, and two bottles of water. Drinks and beers are available for purchase, and optional activities like visiting tortoises or trails cost extra.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
Snorkeling equipment is provided, but you may prefer to bring your own mask and fins for a more comfortable fit.

Is the boat comfortable?
Guests mention that the boat is on the smaller side, which means limited space and sitting areas. It’s more suited to those who don’t mind a cozy ride.

Can I feed the tortoises?
Yes, feeding the giant tortoises at Moyenne Island is a popular activity, payable on-site for about Eur15. On Cerf Island, it costs 5 euros.

What about lunch?
The creole BBQ generally features grilled chicken and tuna, served in a relaxed picnic style. Reviewers find it tasty and satisfying, especially after a morning of water activities.

Are there any optional activities?
Yes, you can book canoeing or explore trails on Moyenne and Cerf Islands, but these require advance reservations and additional fees.

What if the weather turns bad?
The operator will reschedule or cancel departures in case of heavy rain or unsafe sea conditions, usually with a full refund if canceled.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most reviews highlight that it’s family-friendly, especially with the opportunity to see tortoises and enjoy gentle snorkel spots. However, the boat’s size may not be ideal for very young children or those with mobility issues.

How long does the tour last?
The trip generally runs for a full day, from early morning pickup to late afternoon, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Can I pay with a credit card?
Yes, most payments can be made via credit card, especially for extra activities or tips.

Final Thoughts

This St. Anne Marine Park and Cerf Island tour is a great way to experience Seychelles’ underwater and island world without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. The guides’ friendliness, combined with the stunning scenery and delicious local food, makes it a memorable day out. While the boat’s size and some optional costs might be minor drawbacks, overall, many find it offers excellent value and a chance to truly enjoy Seychelles’ natural beauty.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker eager to snorkel among vibrant fish or a relaxation lover who enjoys scenic beaches and laid-back island visits, this trip covers it all. Just remember to come prepared with water shoes, sunscreen, and a sense of wonder—you’ll want to soak up every moment in this tropical paradise.

You can check availability for your dates here: