Seychelles Boat Trips: The Best Excursions on the Water

Some of the very best days in Seychelles are spent on the water. The islands are scattered across a warm, clear sea, and a boat trip is how you reach the marine parks, the nature reserves and the snorkeling spots that the beaches alone cannot give you. Here is a guide to the best boat trips and how to pick the right one for your trip.

The Sainte Anne marine park, from Mahe

The classic Mahe boat trip heads just off Victoria into the Sainte Anne Marine National Park, a protected cluster of islands. A typical trip mixes glass-bottom viewing for those who prefer to stay dry, snorkeling stops over coral and seagrass where green turtles graze, and time ashore on a beach for lunch. It is gentle, family-friendly and the easiest introduction to the underwater islands.

Curieuse and the nature islands, from Praslin

From Praslin, the standout trip goes to Curieuse Island, with its hundreds of free-roaming giant tortoises, mangrove trail and barbecue-lunch beach, usually combined with a snorkeling stop at nearby St Pierre or Coco Island in some of the clearest water in the country. Bird lovers can also take a guided trip to the reserves of Cousin or Aride. These are the richest nature days in Seychelles.

Snorkeling and reef trips

Beyond the headline excursions, shorter snorkeling and reef trips run from the main islands to the best nearby spots, providing the gear and the local knowledge of where the fish are. They are an easy half-day for anyone who wants to see the marine life without committing to a full-day outing.

Fishing trips

For something more active, big-game and reef fishing trips run from Mahe and Praslin, from a relaxed family-friendly bottom-fishing half-day that often ends with your catch grilled for dinner, to serious offshore days chasing sailfish and tuna. Fishing is one of the things Seychelles does best.

Private charters

For a special occasion, a private boat charter lets you set your own route and pace, whether that is a secluded snorkeling spot, an island picnic or a sunset cruise. It is the most flexible and personal way onto the water, ideal for couples and small groups.

How to choose your trip

• Based on Mahe? The Sainte Anne marine park is the easy, classic day.
• Based on Praslin? Curieuse and the nature islands are the richest trips.
• Short on time or energy? A half-day snorkeling or reef trip.
• Want it your way? A private charter for a special day.

Tips for a day on the water

• Book popular trips ahead, especially in the busy season.
• Start early for the calmest water and best light.
• Favour sheltered routes on windier southeast-season days.
• Bring sun protection, water and a dry bag, though most trips provide snorkeling gear.

Plan your boat trips

Build one or two boat days into your trip around the islands you are basing on, see more things to do for the options, check the ferry schedule for the island hops between them, and browse our directory for a base near the departure points.