Glassbottom boat & Crystalkayak SteAnneMarinePark Snorkeling

The most appealing part of this day is the variety. You move from fish feeding and coral reefs to a sandbank, a Creole barbecue, giant tortoises, and a second swim, all within Ste Anne Marine Park. It is a full marine outing rather than a single snorkel stop.

I like the two separate snorkeling sessions, since you get another chance if the first site has poor visibility or fewer fish. I also like the relaxed pace around the sandbank, where you can swim, take photos, and request a crystal kayak instead of rushing from one stop to the next.

The main thing to check is the boat arrangement. The advertised experience describes a glass-bottom boat, but one detailed account found the main transfer boat had no glass bottom and used a smaller glass-bottom boat for about 30 minutes. Also budget for the marine park fee and any Moyenne Island entry charge, which are not included.

Key points to know before you book

• Two snorkel stops: You get a first reef session after fish feeding and a final snorkel before returning to Eden Island.
• Sandbank stop: The sandbank between Round Island and Long Island is a scenic pause for swimming, photos, and crystal kayaking.
• Creole barbecue lunch: Lunch is served on Cerf Island with barbecue dishes, water, and juice.
• Tortoises on Cerf Island: The schedule includes a visit to giant tortoises, with feeding permitted during the visit.
• Private group format: The outing is listed as a private group experience, with English and French available.
• Extra charges matter: The €15 marine park fee is separate, and Moyenne Island entry is also listed as extra.

A full day among the islands of Ste Anne Marine Park

This is the sort of Seychelles outing that works well when you want more than a beach afternoon. The islands sit close to Mahé, yet the day gives you a changing series of settings: open water, reef, sand, shaded lunch, and island wildlife.

You meet at the Eden Island marine jetty at 9:45 a.m. for a planned 10 a.m. departure. The boat ride into Ste Anne Marine Park takes about 20 minutes. In practice, timing can slip, so I would arrive ready to go and keep the morning flexible.

The listed price is $92 per person. That is a fair package if you use most of what is included: boat transport, snorkeling equipment, fish feeding, the sandbank, kayaking, lunch, and the tortoise visit. It becomes less attractive once you add the €15 marine park fee, any Moyenne Island admission, and possible transport charges from southern Mahé.

Pickup and drop-off are included for hotels in the north of Mahé. They are not included for the south, so check the transfer cost before you compare this with other boat trips.

Fish feeding and the first look below the surface

The first activity is fish feeding, followed by time for photos. This gives you something easy to do while everyone gets comfortable on the boat and in the water.

Fish feeding can bring plenty of movement close to the boat, making it useful for families or anyone who is nervous about beginning with a full reef swim. It is also a good moment for photos, though the water and light will affect how clear those pictures turn out.

The tour then moves into its first snorkeling session. The aim is to see the park’s marine life over the reef, with fish of different sizes and colors. You might also see a sea turtle, and one outing recorded a small shark, but neither can be promised.

That point matters. The guides can take you to places where animals are often found, but marine life does not follow a timetable. Treat the turtle or shark as luck, not as part of the guaranteed product.

The equipment is included, though the preparation list also tells you to bring snorkeling gear. If you have a mask or fins that fit you well, bringing your own can be sensible. You should still pack a towel, swimwear, a dry change of clothes, sun protection, and a camera in a waterproof case.

The sandbank between Round Island and Long Island

After the first reef stop, the boat heads toward the sandbank between Round Island and Long Island. This is one of the day’s quieter sections, and that is part of its appeal.

You can take time to look around, swim, and photograph the islands and shallow water. The crystal kayak is available on request, giving you a way to see the water below while staying above it. Ask early if kayaking is important to you, since the description does not specify how many kayaks are available or how long each person can use one.

Sandbanks depend heavily on tide and weather. The shape and amount of exposed sand may change, and getting ashore at Moyenne Island is also weather dependent. The operator can reschedule the day if conditions are not safe or suitable.

This stop is less about a formal activity and more about breathing room. After a morning in the water, you get a chance to dry off, take pictures, and enjoy the setting without a tight chain of instructions.

Creole barbecue lunch on Cerf Island

Lunch is served on Cerf Island, another island within the marine park. The meal is described as a Creole mix barbecue buffet, with water and juice included.

That format suits a day on the water. You can choose from the buffet rather than wait for a plated meal, and the lunch takes place in a beach setting with shade available. The food is a practical part of the value, since buying lunch separately on an island can add to the cost of a boat excursion.

Tell the operator about special dietary needs in advance. The information provided does not give a full menu or confirm which dietary options are available, so do not assume the buffet will cover every requirement.

Bring snacks and extra drinks if you need them between stops. The packing information recommends both, and a long tropical day can make even a well-fed person glad to have something simple in a dry bag.

One detail deserves attention: the title refers to Moyenne Island, while the schedule places lunch and the tortoise visit on Cerf Island and separately lists a Moyenne Island entry ticket as an extra. Before paying, ask exactly which islands you will disembark on and whether Moyenne Island is part of your date’s route. This is a practical clarification, not a minor technicality, since admission and landing conditions differ.

Giant tortoises on the island

After lunch, the boat continues to the giant tortoises. The visit is one of the more distinctive parts of the day because it breaks up the marine activities with a land-based wildlife stop.

The tortoises are described as being on Cerf Island, and feeding is permitted during the visit. You should still follow the guide’s instructions about food, handling, and personal space. These animals move slowly, but that does not mean they are props for close-up photos.

The stop also helps you see a different side of Seychelles wildlife. Many boat tours focus entirely on water and beaches. Here, the tortoises give you a memorable inland encounter without requiring a separate land excursion.

Allow for warm conditions when you walk around the island. Wear beach clothing that dries quickly, use insect repellent, and keep cash protected if you plan to buy anything independently. The supplied information does not list any extra purchases at the tortoise site, so consider this general preparation rather than a promise of facilities.

The second snorkel is more than a repeat

The final major activity is another snorkeling stop before the boat returns to Eden Island. This is not simply filler at the end of a long day.

Two reef locations give you a better chance of finding clear water and active marine life. Conditions can change during the day, and your second stop may feel better than the first if the sea settles or the light improves. It also gives you a second chance to get comfortable with the mask and fins.

The schedule describes roughly 30 minutes at each snorkeling location in one detailed account, but the overall information does not guarantee a fixed duration. Expect the guide to adjust the timing according to sea conditions, the group, and the day’s delays.

The guides have an important role here. Collin and Yohan are named as the captain and assistant on one outing, while Adlé and Joshua are also identified as crew members on another. The available feedback consistently points to friendly explanations and strong attention to the marine setting, but the exact crew can change.

You will want to keep your expectations sensible. This is not a specialist marine biology trip, and no particular species is assured. It is a guided introduction to the reefs, with enough time in the water to make the day worthwhile even if you see ordinary reef fish rather than a rare animal.

Boat comfort and the glass-bottom question

The transfer is made by a modern motorboat, with a ride of about 20 minutes from Eden Island to the park. One group of nine found the boat comfortable and fast, which is useful if you dislike long, slow crossings.

The glass-bottom element needs a closer look. The experience is presented as a glass-bottom boat excursion, but the main transfer boat may not have a glass viewing panel. Instead, a smaller glass-bottom boat may be used for about 30 minutes at the site.

That arrangement is not necessarily a bad thing. A fast transfer boat gets you to the islands sooner, while a separate glass-bottom session can provide a more focused look at the reef. Still, the difference matters if the glass-bottom boat is the main reason you are booking.

Ask three direct questions before you commit:

• Is the transfer boat itself glass-bottom?
• Is a separate glass-bottom boat included?
• How long is the glass-bottom viewing session?

The experience is listed for a private group, but the exact boat capacity is not provided. One outing carried nine people, which felt comfortable to that group. If you want a very small private charter, confirm the group size rather than relying on the word private alone.

Weather, access, and what to pack

Seychelles weather can change the day’s shape. The operator may reschedule if conditions are poor, and landing at Moyenne Island depends on the weather. A rough sea can also affect the comfort of the boat ride and the quality of snorkeling.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with vertigo, respiratory issues, epilepsy, altitude sickness, or motion sickness. Electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not accepted. If you are prone to seasickness, the boat ride, open water, and repeated boarding may make this a poor choice.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and a dry change of clothes
• A towel and beachwear
• A camera
• Insect repellent
• Cash
• Snacks and drinks
• Your preferred snorkeling gear, if you have it

Large bags, oversize luggage, weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, explosives, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed. Assistance dogs are allowed, but other pets are not.

Tell the company about special dietary needs before the day. Also confirm hotel pickup if you are staying in southern Mahé, since the included pickup applies to the north.

Is the $92 price good value?

At $92, this is good value for an active full day if you want several experiences in one booking. You are paying for transport, two snorkel periods, equipment, fish feeding, a sandbank visit, crystal kayaking, lunch, and the tortoise stop.

The price needs to be judged against the extras. The €15 marine park fee is not included, and Moyenne Island entry is also listed separately. Southern hotel transfers may cost extra as well. Ask for the full final price in advance, especially if your itinerary includes an actual landing on Moyenne Island.

The package is strongest for someone who would otherwise book separate snorkeling, lunch, and wildlife activities. It is weaker for a person who wants a quiet, low-cost beach day or a dedicated glass-bottom boat cruise with long reef viewing.

The cancellation terms are helpful: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. That flexibility is useful when weather is a serious factor.

Who should book this day

I would choose this for you if you want variety, enjoy being in the water, and like the idea of moving between several islands. Families with older children may appreciate the change of pace, since the day includes fish, sand, food, tortoises, and two swims rather than one long snorkel.

It also suits couples and small groups who want a full outing without arranging each piece independently. English and French are available, and the named guides have provided explanations about coral and sea life during the trip.

I would hesitate if you dislike boats, get motion sickness, need step-free access, or want guaranteed sightings. I would also hesitate if the glass-bottom boat is your central priority until the operator confirms exactly how that part works.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

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

How long does the activity last?

The full-day experience is scheduled to return to Eden Island at about 4 p.m.

What is included in the price?

Boat transport to and from Ste Anne Marine Park, fish feeding, snorkeling, snorkeling equipment, crystal kayaking, the sandbank visit, barbecue lunch, and the giant tortoise visit are included.

Are marine park and island entry fees included?

No. The €15 marine park fee is listed as an extra government tax. A Moyenne Island entry ticket is also listed separately.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Can the tour be changed because of weather?

Yes. The tour depends on tropical weather, and it may be rescheduled if conditions are not favorable. Disembarkation at Moyenne Island also depends on the weather.

Should you book the Ste Anne Marine Park day?

Book it if you want a busy but well-rounded island day, especially for the two snorkeling sessions, Creole barbecue, sandbank, and giant tortoises. The mix gives you several worthwhile moments, and the $92 starting price is reasonable once you understand the extra fees.

Before booking, confirm the island stops, the glass-bottom arrangement, group size, and total cost including park and entry charges. With those details settled, this is a practical choice for seeing more of the Seychelles marine park in one day without arranging every boat ride and meal yourself.