Glassbottom boat & Crystalkayak SteAnneMarinePark Snorkeling

The best part of this full-day outing is the variety. You get two snorkel stops, a sandbank visit, crystal kayaking, a Creole BBQ, and time with giant tortoises, all within Sainte Anne Marine Park. It is not just a boat ride with one quick swim attached.

I especially like the relaxed pace and the mix of water and land activities. The modern motorboat gets you out to the islands quickly, while the lunch stop and tortoise visit break up the time in the sea. Guides including Collin and Yohan have been praised for clear explanations and friendly service.

The main point to check before booking is the boat arrangement. One recent outing used a comfortable motorboat for the transfers, with a separate glass-bottom boat for about 30 minutes. Also budget for the €15 marine park fee and any Moyenne Island entry charge, both extra.

Key points to know before you go

• Two proper snorkeling sessions: You swim at two different sites, with the first after fish feeding and the last stop before returning to Eden Island.
• A comfortable boat transfer: The main boat can carry a small group comfortably and reaches the marine park in about 20 minutes.
• Crystal kayaking at a sandbank: You can request time in a transparent kayak while looking across the sandbank between Round Island and Long Island.
• Creole food on Cerf Island: Lunch is a mixed Creole BBQ buffet with water and juice, served during the island stop.
• Giant tortoises are part of the day: You can visit and feed the tortoises on Cerf Island.
• Weather controls the plan: Rough conditions can change the schedule, and disembarkation at Moyenne Island depends on the sea.

A full day in Sainte Anne Marine Park

This excursion leaves from the Eden Island marine jetty near Mahé. You are asked to arrive at 9:45 am for a 10 am departure, with the day ending back at the marina around 4 pm.

That timing gives you about six hours on the water and islands. The first cruise into Sainte Anne Marine Park takes roughly 20 minutes, so you do not lose half the morning to a long transfer.

The tour is described as a glass-bottom boat experience, but the exact setup deserves attention. The main boat may be a modern motorboat without a glass floor. In that case, you may board a separate glass-bottom boat for around 30 minutes at the marine park.

I would not treat this as a serious problem. A fast, comfortable transfer boat is useful when you are moving between several islands. The glass-bottom section then gives you a focused look below the surface, with explanations about coral and marine life. Still, ask the operator before departure if the glass-bottom boat is important to you.

The outing is offered as a private group, although the boat itself can include other people. One recent trip had nine people on a comfortable motorboat. That is small enough to keep the day from feeling like a crowded ferry ride, but you should not assume the entire experience will be exclusive unless that is confirmed at booking.

Fish feeding and the first look below the surface

The opening activity is fish feeding, followed by photographs and the first snorkeling session. This gets you into the water early rather than saving the main activity for the afternoon.

The fish feeding can make it easier to see fish at close range, especially if you are new to snorkeling. It also gives non-swimmers something to watch from the boat. The glass-bottom viewing adds another angle, letting you see the reef without putting your face in the water.

There is a small environmental point to keep in mind. Fish feeding is part of the advertised program, but you should follow the crew’s instructions and avoid touching coral or chasing marine life. The guides have explained that sightings cannot be guaranteed. Turtles and small sharks may appear, but luck and sea conditions decide what you see.

The water activities are the heart of the day. You receive snorkeling equipment, and the first stop is intended for exploring the marine life around the reefs. Reports from the excursion include colorful fish, sea turtles, and even a small shark, though none of these should be treated as promised sightings.

Bring your own gear only if you prefer a particular mask or snorkel. Equipment is included, so the practical essentials are swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and dry clothes for the boat ride home.

The sandbank between Round Island and Long Island

After the first snorkeling session, the boat heads toward the sandbank between Round Island and Long Island. This is the most peaceful part of the schedule.

The sandbank gives you time to stand, stroll, take photographs, and look across the water without rushing straight into the next activity. Your exact chance to disembark depends on the weather. A calm sea may allow the planned stop, while wind or swell can change it.

Crystal kayaking is available on request. A transparent kayak lets you look through the hull at the water beneath you, which makes it a fun companion to the glass-bottom viewing. Do not expect a long guided kayaking trip. The information describes it as an optional activity during the sandbank stop, so request it early if you want a turn.

This stop is also a useful pause if you are traveling with someone who does not want to snorkel continuously. You can enjoy the scenery, take a break from the sunlit water, and join the group again for lunch.

A Creole BBQ lunch on Cerf Island

Lunch is served on Cerf Island, one of the islands within the marine park. The meal is a Creole mix BBQ buffet, with water and juice included.

That format suits a day on the water. You can eat at your own pace, refill your energy after snorkeling, and avoid the formality of a restaurant meal in wet swimwear. The lunch has been described as good, and it is served in a beach setting with shade.

You should tell the company about special dietary needs in advance. The available information does not give a full menu or promise vegetarian, vegan, halal, or allergy-safe choices.

Bring snacks if you tend to get hungry between meals. The packing advice also includes food and drinks, even though water and juice are part of the lunch service. Cash is sensible for extra charges or small purchases, since the marine park fee and possible island admission are not included.

Meeting the giant tortoises

After lunch, the tour moves inland for the giant tortoise visit. This is a welcome change from the reef stops and gives you one of the Seychelles experiences that does not depend on underwater visibility.

You can see and feed the tortoises on Cerf Island. The tortoise visit is especially useful for anyone who wants some wildlife time but does not feel comfortable snorkeling for long periods.

Keep your expectations realistic about the island named in the booking details. The tour information lists Moyenne Island as the location, while the itinerary places the lunch and tortoise visit on Cerf Island and says that Moyenne Island entry is extra. It also says Moyenne disembarkation depends on weather.

I would confirm two points before paying: which island you will actually leave the boat on, and whether Moyenne Island admission is part of your day. The tour still offers island scenery and tortoises even if the exact landing changes, but the extra ticket and island name matter when you are comparing outings.

The second snorkeling stop

The final major activity is a second and last snorkeling session before the return to Eden Island. This is a good design choice. You are not relying on one reef stop, so changing visibility or a less exciting first location does not ruin the whole water portion.

The second site may also suit you better once you have adjusted your mask and become comfortable in the sea. If you are an experienced snorkeler, it gives you another chance to look for reef fish and turtles. If you are less confident, you can decide how much time to spend in the water after already seeing what the first stop is like.

The schedule does not promise exact snorkeling durations. One account describes roughly 30 minutes at each site, but treat that as a guide rather than a fixed rule. Weather, sea conditions, and the group can affect the timing.

After this stop, the boat returns to the Eden Island marina, aiming to finish at 4 pm. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for people staying in the north of the island. Pickup from the south is not included, so you will need to arrange your own way to the marina or ask the company about the meeting point.

Guides, comfort, and the small details that matter

The crew can make a big difference on a boat day. Collin and Yohan have been singled out for good explanations, smooth activity management, and a friendly manner. Adlé and Joshua have also received warm praise after an outing.

That said, the start has not always been equally polished. On one occasion, the planned 9:45 am meeting turned into a departure about an hour late, with poor communication at the beginning. The crew on the boat recovered the day, but this is a useful reminder to keep your morning flexible and contact the company promptly if nobody meets you.

The boat ride itself has been described as comfortable, with a small group of nine on one trip. A motorboat is also more practical than a glass-bottom craft for moving between islands. The tradeoff is that you may spend only a short time on the dedicated glass-bottom boat rather than viewing the seabed during every transfer.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, insect repellent, sunscreen, a camera, and a dry change of clothes. Keep bags small, because oversize luggage and large bags are not allowed. Alcohol, drugs, weapons, fireworks, sharp objects, and anything that could create a fire are prohibited.

The boat and shore stops can be wet, sunny, and exposed. Wear beach clothes that dry fairly quickly, and keep your phone and camera protected from spray.

Is $92 a fair price?

At $92 per person, the outing offers a lot for a full day. You receive the boat transfer, snorkeling equipment, fish feeding, two snorkeling sessions, the sandbank visit, crystal kayaking, lunch, and the tortoise visit.

The value is strongest if you want several activities in one booking. Paying separately for a boat transfer, reef trip, island stop, lunch, and tortoise visit could easily take more planning. You also get a full day rather than a short morning cruise.

The headline price is not the final cost. Add the €15 marine park fee, described as a government tax, and check the cost of entering Moyenne Island. Pickup from the south of Mahé is also not included.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a long, specialist snorkeling session. This is an island-hopping day with snorkeling as the main feature, not a dedicated underwater photography or reef research trip. The glass-bottom section may be brief, and the group schedule limits how long you can stay at one reef.

The overall rating is 4.2 from 26 ratings, which fits the experience described here: strong water activities and friendly crew, with some risk around timing, weather, and unclear island arrangements.

Who should book this island-hopping day?

I would choose this for you if you want a broad sample of Sainte Anne Marine Park in one outing. It suits couples, families with older children, and mixed groups where some people want to snorkel while others prefer a boat view, sandbank stop, lunch, or tortoise visit.

It is also a good choice if you like an unhurried day. The itinerary allows time to swim, eat, take photos, and look around rather than pushing from one stop to the next.

You should think twice if you have serious motion sickness, vertigo, respiratory problems, epilepsy, or difficulty using a boat and entering the water. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and it is not designed for mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs.

Weather is the biggest variable. The operator may reschedule if conditions are poor, and the sandbank or Moyenne Island landing may be dropped if the sea is not safe. Build this excursion into the middle of your Seychelles stay rather than placing it on the final day.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a varied marine park day with two snorkels, a sandbank, lunch, and giant tortoises for $92 before the extra fees. The friendly on-board crew and comfortable transfers add real value.

Before booking, confirm the pickup location, the exact glass-bottom boat arrangement, the Moyenne Island entry cost, and which island includes the tortoise stop. If you want maximum snorkeling time or a guaranteed glass-bottom cruise for the whole day, choose a more specialized boat trip instead.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at the Eden Island marine jetty. Boarding is scheduled for 9:45 am, with departure planned for 10 am.

How long does the experience last?

The full-day tour is scheduled to return to Eden Island around 4 pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for people staying in the north of Mahé. Pickup and drop-off from the south of the island are not included.

Are snorkeling equipment and a crystal kayak included?

Snorkeling equipment and crystal kayaking are included. Crystal kayaking is available on request during the sandbank stop.

How many times do you snorkel?

The itinerary includes two snorkeling sessions. The first follows the fish-feeding activity, and the second takes place near the end of the day before returning to Eden Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Creole mix BBQ buffet is included, along with water and juice. You should advise the company about any special dietary needs.

Are the marine park fee and Moyenne Island entry included?

No. The €15 marine park fee is extra, and entry to Moyenne Island is also extra. Confirm the current island admission cost before booking.

Can the tour be changed because of weather?

Yes. The tour depends on tropical weather and may be rescheduled if conditions are unfavorable. Disembarkation at Moyenne Island also depends on the weather.