Snorkeling in Seychelles is excellent and easy, with much of the marine life in warm, shallow, clear water close to shore. The best spots are the protected marine parks, the Sainte Anne park off Mahe, Port Launay and Baie Ternay on the calm west coast, and the boat-trip islands off Praslin like St Pierre and Curieuse. You will see parrotfish, angelfish, turtles, rays and harmless reef sharks. The clearest water comes from April to May and October to November. Favour sheltered bays on windy days, never touch the coral, and keep your distance from turtles.
You do not need to be a diver to see the best of the Seychelles underwater. Much of the marine life here lives in warm, shallow, clear water close to shore, which makes snorkeling one of the easiest and most rewarding things to do on the islands. With nothing more than a mask and fins you can drift over coral, swim beside turtles and watch clouds of bright fish. Here is where to go and what to expect.
Where to snorkel
The richest snorkeling tends to be in the protected marine parks and the sheltered bays, where the water stays calm and the life is abundant.
- Sainte Anne Marine National Park. Just off Victoria on Mahe, this protected cluster of islands is the classic snorkeling day trip, reached by boat with stops over coral and seagrass where green turtles graze.
- Port Launay and Baie Ternay. On the calm west coast of Mahe, this marine park offers gentle, sheltered water that is excellent for snorkeling close to shore.
- Around Praslin and the nature islands. Boat trips from Praslin to spots like St Pierre, Curieuse and Coco Island reach some of the clearest, fish-filled water in the country.
- Anse Lazio and quiet inner-island coves. Many beaches have rocky headlands at each end where fish gather, rewarding a gentle swim along the rocks.
What you’ll see
The warm shallows teem with life. Expect parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, sergeant majors and the occasional reef shark that poses no threat to swimmers. Green and hawksbill turtles are a common and unforgettable sight, especially in the marine parks, and rays glide over the sandy patches between the coral. The sheer clarity of the water on a calm day does half the work for you.
The best time to snorkel
Snorkeling is good year round, but the calmest, clearest water comes in the transition months of April to May and October to November, when the seas are gentle and visibility is at its best. The two trade-wind seasons can stir up the surface on exposed coasts, so on windier days favour the sheltered bays and marine parks, which stay calm.
Safety and respecting the reef
- Watch the current. Some channels and headlands have stronger water, so ask locally and stay within your comfort.
- Never touch or stand on coral. It is fragile and alive, and a reef-safe sunscreen protects it further.
- Snorkel with a buddy and keep an eye on your distance from shore and the boat.
- Keep your distance from turtles. Watch, do not chase or touch, and let them surface freely to breathe.
How to plan it
The easiest way to reach the best water is on an organised boat trip into the marine parks, which provide the gear and know the spots. Pair a day or two of snorkeling with the rest of your island time, browse more things to do for the boat trips, and base yourself near the calm bays by booking a stay through our directory.
Frequently asked questions
Is Seychelles good for snorkeling?
Yes, excellent. Much of the marine life lives in warm, shallow, clear water close to shore, so with just a mask and fins you can see coral, turtles and clouds of bright fish, especially in the protected marine parks.
Where is the best snorkeling in Seychelles?
The protected marine parks, the Sainte Anne park off Mahe and Port Launay and Baie Ternay on the calm west coast, plus boat-trip islands off Praslin like St Pierre, Curieuse and Coco Island, which have some of the clearest water.
What will I see snorkeling in Seychelles?
Parrotfish, angelfish, butterflyfish and sergeant majors, green and hawksbill turtles, rays over the sand, and harmless reef sharks. The marine parks are especially rich, and the clear water makes spotting easy on a calm day.
When is the best time to snorkel in Seychelles?
Year round is good, but the calmest, clearest water comes in the transition months of April to May and October to November. On windier days, favour the sheltered bays and marine parks, which stay calm.
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