Glassbottom boat & Crystalkayak SteAnneMarinePark Snorkeling

St Anne Marine Park is at its best when you leave the boat behind. This full-day outing gives you two proper snorkel stops, a sandbank break, a beach barbecue, and time with giant tortoises, rather than squeezing everything into a rushed island loop. The fish feeding and glass-bottom viewing add easy ways to see the reef if you prefer not to spend all day in the water.

I like the mix of active and relaxed moments, especially the crystal kayak and sandbank stop between the snorkel sessions. I also like that guides such as Collin and Yohan handle the day with clear explanations and a friendly manner. The main caution is timing: one departure reportedly started about an hour late, and the weather can change the route, including access to Moyenne Island.

Key points

• Two snorkeling stops: You get a first reef session after fish feeding and a second stop near the end of the day.
• Fast boat, glass-bottom option: The main boat may be a comfortable motorboat without a glass floor, with glass-bottom viewing arranged separately.
• Sandbank and crystal kayak: You can relax between Round and Long islands and request time in a transparent kayak.
• Creole barbecue on Cerf Island: Lunch includes a Creole mix barbecue buffet, water, and juice.
• Giant tortoises: The island visit includes seeing and, where permitted, feeding the tortoises.
• Extra charges matter: The €15 marine park fee and any Moyenne Island entry ticket are not included in the $92 price.

A full day around St Anne Marine Park

This is a water-based day built around the islands east of Mahé. You meet at the Eden Island marine jetty at 9:45am, then aim to leave at 10am for the roughly 20-minute ride into St Anne Marine Park. The advertised return time is 4pm, so you get about six hours on the water and islands, not counting any delay at the start.

The experience is offered as a private group, with English and French support. That wording does not necessarily mean you receive an entirely private boat for only your party, so I would confirm the group arrangement before paying if privacy is important to you. One recent outing carried nine people, which made the boat feel comfortable rather than crowded.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included for accommodation in northern Mahé. If you stay in the south, transport is not included. In that case, you need to arrange your own way to Eden Island and allow enough time to reach the jetty before the 9:45am meeting.

Fish feeding and the first look below the boat

The day opens with fish feeding and photographs. It is an easy start because you can watch from the boat before getting wet, and it gives guides a chance to point out marine life in the park. The glass-bottom viewing is meant to make this part more accessible, particularly if you are not a confident swimmer.

There is one practical detail worth checking. The experience is described as a glass-bottom boat trip, but one recent party was taken out on a comfortable, fast motorboat without a glass floor. They were told a glass-bottom boat would be available for about 30 minutes at the destination. They found the arrangement useful because the motorboat moved quickly and the glass-bottom segment was enough for viewing.

That setup may suit you. A fast open boat gets you between the islands without spending the whole day peering through a small glass panel. Still, if the glass-bottom element is your main reason for booking, ask how long it lasts and which boat will operate on your date.

The first snorkeling stop and Seychelles sea life

After fish feeding, you move to the first snorkeling location. The guides provide snorkeling equipment, and the stop is presented as one of the main parts of the day. The reef areas can include fish in many sizes and colors, coral, sea turtles, and, with luck, a small shark.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. That is especially important here because fish feeding can bring marine life closer, but it cannot promise turtles or sharks. The guides reportedly explain that they cannot control where animals appear, which is the right approach for a marine park.

I like the structure of this first water session. You have time to explore the reef before lunch, then another chance to snorkel later. If you are comfortable in the water, two shorter sessions can be more enjoyable than one long swim in tropical sun. If you tire easily, tell the crew early and use the boat ride and sandbank stop to rest.

Bring your own snorkeling gear only if you prefer a particular mask or mouthpiece. Equipment is included, but the packing list also suggests bringing personal gear. A towel, swimwear, a change of clothes, sun protection, and a camera are sensible choices.

The Round and Long Island sandbank

The boat then heads toward the sandbank between Round Island and Long Island. This is the quiet pause in the middle of the day, with time to look around, swim, or simply sit in the shallows depending on conditions.

The crystal kayak is available on request. A transparent kayak gives you a different view of the water and seabed, but it is not a replacement for snorkeling. Think of it as a calm, photo-friendly activity between the faster boat rides and reef stops.

Sandbanks are highly dependent on tide and weather. The position and amount of exposed sand can change, and the itinerary specifically notes that disembarkation at Moyenne Island depends on weather. Bring a cover-up and sandals or beach shoes if you have them, since the stop is exposed and you may be moving between wet and dry surfaces.

This is also a good point to use sun protection again. Sunglasses, a hat, insect repellent, and plenty of drinking water belong in your day bag. The packing guidance also suggests bringing snacks and drinks, although water and juice are included with lunch.

Creole barbecue on Cerf Island

Lunch takes place on Cerf Island and includes a Creole mix barbecue buffet, water, and juice. This is more than a quick sandwich between activities. A sit-down beach meal gives you time to dry off, eat properly, and get out of the sun before the afternoon visit.

The barbecue has received strong praise for its taste and presentation, but you should tell the company about special dietary needs in advance. Do not wait until you are at the beach. The available details do not specify the exact menu, so anyone with allergies or a strict diet should ask what the buffet will contain.

The price is $92 per person before the extra marine park charge. The required government marine park fee is €15, and an entry ticket for Moyenne Island is also extra. Since the day includes boat transport, equipment, the meal, two snorkeling sessions, fish feeding, the kayak, and the tortoise visit, the base price is reasonable for a full-day outing. The final cost is higher than the headline figure, so add those fees before comparing it with other St Anne Marine Park trips.

Giant tortoises on the island

After lunch, you visit the giant tortoises. This is a land-based change of pace and one of the more memorable parts of the day. The tortoises can be seen on the island, and the activity information says you may feed them during the visit.

The supplied plan refers to lunch and tortoise viewing on Cerf Island, while the overall experience is also associated with Moyenne Island and lists a separate Moyenne entry ticket. Because those details point to more than one island, confirm the exact landing and admission plan before booking. The route can also change with weather.

For many people, the tortoise stop is more rewarding than another quick photo from the boat. You get to slow down and observe an animal that has become closely associated with the Seychelles. Follow the guide’s instructions about feeding and touching, and do not assume the animals will be available in every weather condition.

The second and final snorkeling stop

The last major activity is a second snorkeling session before the return to Eden Island. This gives you another chance to enter the water if the first site was not ideal for you, or simply lets you enjoy more reef time after the midday break.

The two stops may not have identical conditions. Water clarity, wind, current, and marine life can vary, and the captain may choose sites according to the day’s weather. This flexibility matters in a tropical marine park, where a fixed route is not always the safest or most enjoyable option.

The boat then heads back to Eden Island, with the planned end of the tour at 4pm. If the morning begins late, the schedule may run behind. One outing reportedly left about an hour late after an unpleasant start at the jetty, even though the onboard crew later made the day much better. I would arrive on time, keep the operator’s contact details handy, and ask for an update if nobody appears at the meeting point.

What the crew adds to the day

The quality of the crew matters on a boat excursion because guides control the pace, explain what you are seeing, and help you feel safe in the water. Collin and Yohan received particularly strong praise for their explanations, animation, and care during the day. Adlé and Joshua were also singled out for making a day enjoyable.

The guides can explain coral and marine animals during the glass-bottom viewing, then help you understand where to snorkel. That makes a real difference if you are new to reef life. The strongest part of the experience is not just the number of stops, but the way the crew connects fish feeding, snorkeling, the island visit, and conservation.

Service at the jetty may be less consistent than service on the boat. The late departure and unfriendly welcome described by one French-speaking customer are worth noting. It appears to have been an isolated poor start rather than the tone of the onboard crew, but it is still a reason to keep your expectations practical and confirm the departure details.

Weather, comfort, and who should book

This is an outdoor trip in a tropical island nation, so weather has the final say. Poor conditions can lead to rescheduling, changes to the route, or no landing at Moyenne Island. The company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve without paying immediately, which helps if your plans are not fixed.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with vertigo, respiratory problems, epilepsy, altitude sickness, or motion sickness. Large bags, oversize luggage, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, weapons, fireworks, and alcohol or drugs are not allowed. Assistance dogs are allowed, although ordinary pets are not.

I would also think carefully about seasickness. The itinerary involves several boat rides, and the supplied information specifically lists motion sickness as a concern. A small day bag is best. Bring swimwear, a towel, dry clothes, sun protection, cash for extra fees, and a waterproof way to carry your phone or camera.

Is this $92 Seychelles excursion worth it?

I would book this if you want a full day that combines reef time, a beach meal, and island wildlife rather than a short snorkeling transfer. The two water sessions are the main value, while the tortoises and sandbank keep the day from feeling like a single long swim.

I would be more cautious if you mainly want a glass-bottom boat ride. The boat arrangement may use a fast motorboat for transfers and a separate glass-bottom vessel for a short viewing session. Ask for the exact setup, group size, island stops, and added fees before confirming.

For swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone keen to see several sides of St Anne Marine Park, this is a well-rounded choice. Just allow for weather changes, confirm the Moyenne Island arrangements, and remember that a $92 headline price becomes higher once the marine park and island charges are added.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at the Eden Island marine jetty, with meeting time at 9:45am and planned departure at 10am. The return to Eden Island is scheduled for about 4pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Are snorkeling equipment and the crystal kayak included?

Snorkeling equipment and the crystal kayak are included. The kayak is available on request.

What does the lunch include?

Lunch is a Creole mix barbecue buffet served on Cerf Island. Water and juice are included. You should advise the company about any special diet in advance.

Are the marine park and island fees included?

No. The €15 marine park fee is an extra government charge. An entry ticket for Moyenne Island is also extra.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The tour depends on weather, and rescheduling may occur if conditions are not suitable. Disembarkation at Moyenne Island also depends on the weather.