Mahé: Saint-Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island Cruise

A full day at sea pays off here. This seven-hour catamaran trip combines two snorkeling stops, a guided walk on Moyenne Island, free-roaming giant tortoises, and a Creole lunch into one easy outing from Mahé. I especially like the clean, spacious boat and the friendly crew, with guides such as Jacqueline, Alex, Nick, Tina, and Collin singled out for making the day fun and informative.

The other big plus is the smooth mix of activity and downtime. You can swim, walk, eat, listen to music, or stretch out on deck. The main thing to consider is that the snorkeling can vary sharply with tide, visibility, and current. A few people also wanted more time on Moyenne Island, and the group can be fairly large.

Key points at a glance

• Two reef stops: Morning and afternoon snorkeling locations can offer different conditions, fish, and underwater views.
• Moyenne’s giant tortoises: Many roam freely, and you may feed or gently touch them during the guided visit.
• A comfortable catamaran: There is covered seating, deck space, a bar, toilets, and room to enjoy the ride.
• Creole food with entertainment: The included lunch may feature grilled fish, prawns, vegetarian choices, music, and dancing.
• A well-managed day: Pickup, boarding, meal service, and return sailing are generally carefully timed.
• A few practical limits: It is not suitable for children under 2, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or people prone to seasickness.

Why this day trip works so well

At $166 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. It is a full package, though, with roundtrip transport from selected pickup points, the catamaran cruise, Marine Park and Moyenne Island landing fees, a Creole lunch, and a guided island visit. For you, the value depends on how much you want to pack into one day without arranging separate boats, meals, permits, and transfers.

I like the variety. A beach day can blur into the next beach day in the Seychelles, but this outing gives you several clear chapters: a scenic cruise, snorkeling, island history, tortoises, lunch, and more time in the water. The crew also keeps the mood lively without making the whole trip feel like a loud party.

The tour has an overall rating of 4.6 from 475 reviews, which fits the experience described by the strongest feedback: excellent organization, kind staff, good food, and a pleasant boat. The lower points are not usually about poor service. They tend to involve changing sea conditions, crowded groups, late shuttles, or expectations that Moyenne would be a larger, more secluded island adventure.

Getting to the boat from Mahé

Pickup is included, but only from specified points. The north shuttle schedule lists Boat House Spa at 8:40 a.m., Berjaya Beau-Vallon Bay at 8:50 a.m., and VMA at Eden Island at 9:25 a.m.

The southern pickup points include Enjoy Supermarket Baie Lazare at 8:35 a.m., Anchor Cafe Restaurant at 8:55 a.m., Laila Resort at 8:55 a.m., Double Tree Allamanda at 8:40 a.m., and Constance Ephelia Resort at 8:40 a.m. Since the southern list is not presented in a simple geographic order, confirm your exact location and time rather than relying on memory.

You must contact the local partner’s emergency numbers, 2520999 or 2633312, 48 hours before departure to confirm the pickup. This matters. A few departures have had delays of 30 minutes or more, while others arrived right on schedule. Shuttle timing also depends on traffic.

If you have a rental car, you can drive to one of the listed pickup locations. Pickup elsewhere costs extra. The transfer from your pickup point to the quay is part of the day, so allow for a morning that begins before you reach the water.

Cruising through Saint-Anne Marine Park

Once aboard, the catamaran gives you a comfortable base for the day. The boat has covered areas, open deck space, tables, toilets, and a bar where alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks can be purchased. Some people prefer the shade and a table, while others head to the front deck or netting to feel the breeze and watch the islands slide by.

The crew gives safety instructions and keeps the schedule moving. A safety boat is used during water stops, and less confident swimmers can use a life jacket. That is useful because you do not need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy the water. You can also stay aboard or simply swim rather than use a mask.

The cruise itself is part of the appeal. The route passes picturesque islands in the Marine Park, with remote beaches and clear water providing plenty of photo chances. You are not going far out into open ocean, so this is more of a scenic island circuit than a long-distance expedition.

Saint-Anne Marine Park also carries a story beyond pretty water. The islands were once connected with French settlers and later became part of the cultural and natural heritage of the Seychelles. Guides explain the islands’ past and the role of conservation in protecting native species and marine life.

The first snorkeling stop

The first snorkeling stop usually comes near Saint-Anne Island. Conditions can be excellent, with fish swimming close to you and clear water around the reefs. One person even spotted a sea turtle, while another group saw dolphins during the wider cruise.

That said, do not book this trip expecting guaranteed perfect visibility. Current, tide, wind, and cloud cover all affect what you see. One stop may have plenty of fish, while another feels quiet. A few people found the two locations too close together or said the first had a strong current.

The practical answer is to bring your own well-fitting mask and snorkel if underwater time is a top priority. Snorkeling equipment has been available on the boat on some departures, but the supplied advice also tells you to bring your own gear. Treat onboard equipment as a convenience, not a guarantee of a perfect fit.

You should also pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof camera. Breathable clothes and comfortable shoes help during the island walk, while insect repellent is sensible for time ashore.

Exploring Moyenne Island and its tortoises

Moyenne Island is the emotional center of the trip. After landing, you take a brief guided walk through the island, with explanations about its trees, history, and natural life. The walk is not a long hike, but comfortable shoes are still better than flip-flops.

The giant land tortoises are the stars. They roam freely in parts of the island and are accustomed to people. Depending on the guide and the animals’ behavior, you may be able to feed them and touch them gently. This is a memorable encounter, especially for children old enough to join the excursion, though children under 2 are not allowed.

Guides have included Alex, Nick, and others who add useful stories and take photos at scenic spots. Alex was praised for helping people get good pictures, while Nick was noted for making the island walk enjoyable. Ask your guide about the island’s trees and past, not just the tortoises. That is where Moyenne becomes more than a quick animal stop.

Keep your expectations realistic. Moyenne is small, and the visit is brief. Some people wanted more time with the tortoises or more time to explore and relax. Another person found the island less idyllic than expected. I would think of it as a compact nature reserve with a charming beach, not an untouched desert island where you spend the whole afternoon.

Creole lunch, music, and island downtime

Lunch is included and is usually served as a Creole-style buffet or barbecue. Expect fresh local ingredients, with fish and prawns appearing in some meals. Vegetarian options have also been available, and one person with a food allergy received suitable help from the staff.

The meal may be served on Moyenne Island, and the exact arrangement can change. Drinks at the island restaurant are not included, though they have been described as reasonably priced. Alcoholic drinks are also not included in the tour price, but you can purchase them onboard or at the restaurant.

Lunch is not just a refueling stop. Music, singing, and dancing have been part of the atmosphere, with a band at the island restaurant on some departures. The crew may also add a small party atmosphere on the return journey, including a taste of Takamaka rum on at least one trip.

If you want a quiet meal, this may feel a little theatrical. If you enjoy local music and a social setting, it adds character. The food receives some of the strongest praise, so I would plan to eat the included lunch rather than treat it as a minor extra.

The second swim and the ride back

After Moyenne Island, the catamaran returns to the water for another snorkeling or swimming stop. This second location can feel quite different from the morning stop, and some people found it better, with colorful fish around a coral reef.

Again, the sea decides how good the stop will be. One departure had a disappointing second location, while another had two spots that felt too similar. The crew may adjust the plan to suit conditions, but you should regard the water time as weather dependent rather than fixed entertainment.

The return cruise is deliberately relaxed. You can sit under cover, stretch out on deck, buy a drink, or watch for flying fish. The boat’s size helps here. Several people liked having room to move around, and the catamaran was repeatedly described as clean and comfortable.

Crew, guides, and group size

Service is one of the trip’s strongest points. The crew is generally friendly, attentive, and playful, while the guides explain the islands and help with the practical parts of swimming and landing.

Names that come up for good reason include Jacqueline, Alex, Nick, Tina, and Collin. Jacqueline was praised along with the captain and crew, Alex for the Moyenne walk and photos, Nick for his island guidance, Tina for her organization, and Collin for his warmth and enthusiasm.

The boat can carry a sizeable group. One departure included about 50 people from the catamaran, divided into smaller groups for the Moyenne walk. That arrangement helps, but this is not a private island visit. If you want silence, solitude, or personal attention at every moment, a private charter would suit you better.

The group setting does have benefits. It keeps the price below a private cruise and creates a cheerful atmosphere at lunch and on the return. The tradeoff is less freedom to set your own pace.

The real value of $166

The price makes sense if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, Marine Park access, an island landing, lunch, and transport. You also get a full seven hours, two water stops, and a guided visit rather than simply being dropped at a beach.

The value is weaker if you mainly want extended snorkeling. The two stops may not satisfy an experienced snorkeler, particularly if conditions are poor or the sites feel similar. Likewise, if Moyenne Island is your main goal, the short visit may leave you wishing for more time.

For most first-time visitors to Mahé, I consider the price fair because it removes a lot of planning. You do not need to arrange a boat, locate a lunch stop, or work out how to reach the island. The staff handles the day, and you get a broad taste of the Marine Park in one outing.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a well-organized day at sea with several different activities. Couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and small groups can all find something to enjoy here.

It suits people who like a social boat, local food, wildlife, and light adventure. You do not need advanced swimming skills, and a life jacket is available for those who need extra confidence.

I would be cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The tour spends much of the day on a catamaran, and the sea can be unsettled. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and children under 2 should not book this excursion.

It is also not the best choice for a quiet, private escape. Group sizes can be large, the music can be lively, and your time on Moyenne Island is limited.

What to bring and what to confirm

Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, breathable clothing, and beachwear. A waterproof camera is useful, but protect it carefully when moving between the boat, beach, and water.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you care about fit and clarity. Also provide passport-matching names when booking, and confirm your pickup point and time 48 hours before departure.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time, with a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Services operate under the conditions of Creole Travel Services, which are supplied with your voucher after booking.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want the Seychelles in a convenient, sociable package: clear-water swims, a comfortable catamaran, a tasty Creole meal, island stories, and close contact with giant tortoises. The crew’s care and the boat’s comfort make the day easier than organizing each piece yourself.

Skip it if your priority is serious snorkeling, a private boat, or several unhurried hours on Moyenne. For everyone else, $166 is a reasonable price for a full day that gives you a broad and enjoyable look at Saint-Anne Marine Park.

FAQ

How long is the Saint-Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island cruise?

The excursion lasts seven hours, including the cruise, snorkeling and swimming stops, the Moyenne Island visit, lunch, and return to Mahé.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a Creole lunch, landing fees for Moyenne Island and Saint-Anne Marine Park, the catamaran cruise, and roundtrip transportation from specified pickup points.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic drinks are not included. They can be purchased onboard, and drinks at the Moyenne Island restaurant are also separate from the tour price.

Where can I be picked up?

North pickup points include Boat House Spa, Berjaya Beau-Vallon Bay, and VMA at Eden Island. South pickup points include Enjoy Supermarket Baie Lazare, Anchor Cafe Restaurant, Laila Resort, Double Tree Allamanda, and Constance Ephelia Resort.

What time is pickup?

Listed pickup times range from 8:35 a.m. to 9:25 a.m., depending on the location. You must confirm your exact pickup time and location 48 hours before departure using 2520999 or 2633312.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment has been available on the boat on some departures, but the tour information advises you to bring snorkeling gear. Bring your own if having a reliable fit matters to you.

Who cannot join the excursion?

Children under 2, pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and people prone to seasickness should not join this sea excursion.