5 Best Boat Trips in Seychelles for Island Hopping, Snorkelling and Wildlife

Seychelles has much more to offer than its famous beaches. A boat trip lets you explore offshore islands, swim in clear waters, spot marine life and visit places that are difficult to reach by road. Whether you are staying on Mahé, Praslin or La Digue, you can find excursions suited to your interests and available time.

The five best boat trips in Seychelles include Sainte Anne Marine National Park, Curieuse and St. Pierre, Île Cocos, Baie Ternay and Port Launay, and an island-hopping excursion covering the Sister Islands, Île Cocos and Félicité. Each offers a different experience, from seeing giant tortoises to snorkelling around granite islets.

1. Sainte Anne Marine National Park: Best Boat Trip from Mahé

Best for: First-time visitors, families, couples and travellers interested in marine life.

Located close to Victoria, Sainte Anne Marine National Park is one of the most accessible destinations for a boat excursion from Mahé. The protected area comprises six islands: Sainte Anne, Moyenne, Round, Long, Cachée and Cerf.

The park's marine habitats and surrounding islands make it a good choice for travellers who want to combine sightseeing with time in the water.

What can you do on this boat trip?

• Take a glass-bottom boat ride: View the underwater environment without having to swim.

• Go snorkelling: Look for tropical fish and explore the reef areas when sea conditions permit.

• Visit nearby islands: Some excursions include stops at Moyenne or Cerf, depending on the itinerary.

• Enjoy the coastal scenery: See Mahé and the surrounding islands from the water.

How long does the trip take?

The boat crossing from Victoria takes approximately 10 minutes. The complete excursion can last several hours, depending on the number of stops and activities included.

What is the entrance fee?

The published entrance fee is SCR 200 per non-resident aged 12 and above. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge. Check whether the park ticket is included in your tour price before booking.

Booking tip: Ask whether the package covers snorkelling equipment, transfers, lunch and island stops. These inclusions differ between operators.

Why choose this trip? It is a convenient way to experience Seychelles' marine environment without travelling far from Mahé.

If snorkelling is your main priority, read ourSeychelles snorkelling guide for more advice on choosing locations and preparing for time in the water.

2. Curieuse and St. Pierre: Best for Giant Tortoises and Snorkelling

Best for: Wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and snorkelling enthusiasts.

Curieuse Island lies off the northeastern coast of Praslin. It is known for its Aldabra giant tortoises, mangrove habitats and nature trails. Nearby St. Pierre is a small granite islet where visitors can snorkel and observe marine life.

Combining the two destinations makes for a varied day trip, with time on land as well as in the water.

What can you do on this boat trip?

• See giant tortoises on Curieuse: Observe the tortoises that roam the island and learn about its conservation efforts.

• Walk through the mangroves: Explore designated trails and see the island's coastal vegetation.

• Snorkel around St. Pierre: Look for reef fish and other marine life, depending on visibility and sea conditions.

• Enjoy lunch during the excursion: Some tours include a barbecue or other meal. Confirm the arrangements with the operator.

If you want to explore more than one main island during your holiday, ourSeychelles island-hopping guide can help you plan transfers and divide your time between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.

How long does the trip take?

Allow most of the day for a combined Curieuse and St. Pierre excursion. The schedule depends on your departure point, weather and the time allocated to each stop.

What is the entrance fee?

The published Curieuse admission fee is SCR 300 per non-resident aged 12 and above. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge. Confirm whether this fee is included in the tour package.

Booking tip: If you want to explore Curieuse's trails and snorkel at St. Pierre, check how much time the operator allows at each destination.

Why choose this trip? It combines wildlife viewing with snorkelling, making it a strong option for travellers who want more than a sightseeing cruise.

3. Île Cocos: Best Boat Trip for Snorkelling Near La Digue

Best for: Snorkellers, underwater photographers and marine-life enthusiasts.

Île Cocos is a protected marine area made up of three small islets: Île Cocos, Île La Fouche and Îlot Plate. Its clear waters and marine biodiversity make it a popular destination for snorkelling.

The marine park is approximately a 10-minute boat ride from La Digue. The total excursion takes longer, allowing time for swimming and exploring the surrounding waters.

What can you do on this boat trip?

• Snorkel around the reef: Look for tropical fish and other marine life.

• Explore the underwater environment: Observe the marine habitats around the islets when conditions are suitable.

• Photograph the scenery: The granite formations and turquoise water provide opportunities for coastal photography.

• Visit nearby islands: Some operators combine Île Cocos with Félicité or other destinations.

Visitors staying on La Digue can explore ourLa Digue travel guide to plan other island experiences around their snorkelling trip.

How long does the trip take?

The boat crossing is short, but the full excursion depends on the operator's schedule. Some tours focus on snorkelling, while others include multiple stops.

What is the entrance fee?

The published entrance fee is SCR 200 per non-resident aged 12 and above. Confirm the current rate and whether your tour includes admission.

Booking tip: Ask how much time you will spend in the water, whether snorkelling equipment is provided and whether the excursion suits your swimming ability.

Why choose this trip? It is a good choice for travellers staying on La Digue who want to spend time exploring the marine environment rather than visiting another beach by road.

4. Baie Ternay and Port Launay: Best for Mahé's Coastal Scenery

Best for: Travellers who enjoy quieter coastal areas, swimming and snorkelling.

Baie Ternay and Port Launay are protected marine areas on Mahé's northwestern coast. Baie Ternay is known for its secluded shoreline and marine habitats, while Port Launay has beaches and reef areas suitable for snorkelling.

A boat excursion offers views of the coastline and access to areas that may be less convenient to reach directly by road. Port Launay itself is accessible by land.

What can you do on this boat trip?

• Explore the coastline: Enjoy views of the bays and surrounding hills from the water.

• Swim or snorkel: Activities depend on the route and sea conditions.

• Spend time at coastal stops: Some excursions include opportunities to relax at permitted beach areas.

• Combine marine park visits: Certain itineraries cover both Baie Ternay and Port Launay.

Staying on Mahé? Explore ourMahé travel guide for more ideas to combine a boat excursion with beaches, nature and sightseeing on the island.

How long does the trip take?

There is no fixed duration for this route. A shorter excursion may focus on one area, while a longer trip can include several stops. Confirm the schedule before booking.

What is the entrance fee?

The published combined admission fee for Baie Ternay and Port Launay marine parks is SCR 200 per non-resident aged 12 and above. Check whether your excursion includes the relevant ticket.

Booking tip: Confirm that the boat stops at both locations and whether swimming or snorkelling is included. If you prefer to explore independently, Port Launay can also be reached by road.

Why choose this trip? It offers a different way to experience Mahé, particularly if you want to explore its coastline rather than travel to another main island.

5. Sister Islands, Île Cocos and Félicité: Best for Multi-Island Exploration

Best for: Island-hopping enthusiasts, photographers and travellers who want to spend a full day on the water.

The Sister Islands, Île Cocos and Félicité are included in some multi-island excursions around Praslin and La Digue. Depending on the operator, a trip may combine coastal sightseeing, snorkelling, swimming and a beach barbecue.

The route is not identical across all tours, so check which islands are included before making a booking.

What can you do on this boat trip?

• Explore the Sister Islands: Admire the beaches and granite formations, with landing arrangements depending on the excursion.

• Snorkel around Île Cocos: Explore the marine environment when sea conditions allow.

• See Félicité from the water: Take in its granite coastline and surrounding ocean.

• Visit several destinations: A multi-island itinerary lets you experience different landscapes during one outing.

How long does the trip take?

Many multi-island excursions are organised as full-day trips, although the duration depends on the departure point and route. Confirm how much time is allocated to each stop.

What should you check before booking?

Ask which islands the boat will visit, whether landing is permitted, and whether additional fees apply. Also check whether lunch, drinking water and snorkelling equipment are included.

Booking tip: Compare the time spent at each destination rather than choosing a tour simply because it lists more islands. Fewer stops may give you more time to swim and enjoy the scenery.

Why choose this trip? It is suitable for travellers staying on Praslin or La Digue who want to explore smaller islands beyond the usual beach itinerary.

Which Boat Trip in Seychelles Should You Choose?

Your accommodation island and preferred activities are the most useful factors when comparing excursions.

• For an easy trip from Mahé: Choose Sainte Anne Marine National Park.

• For giant tortoises and snorkelling: Choose Curieuse and St. Pierre.

• For a snorkelling-focused outing near La Digue: Choose Île Cocos.

• For Mahé's coastal scenery: Consider Baie Ternay and Port Launay.

• For multi-island exploration: Look for an excursion covering the Sister Islands, Île Cocos and Félicité.

What Is the Best Time of Year for Boat Trips in Seychelles?

Boat trips operate throughout the year, but wind, swell and underwater visibility can affect the experience.

April, May, October and November are often favourable months for visiting Seychelles because they fall between the main trade-wind seasons. However, conditions vary by location and day, so calm seas and clear snorkelling conditions are never guaranteed.

Check the marine forecast before departure and ask your operator about cancellations or route changes. If a boat excursion is a priority, keep some flexibility in your itinerary in case the trip needs to be rescheduled.

How Much Do Boat Trips in Seychelles Cost?

The price depends on the boat type, group size, duration, departure island and activities included. Shared excursions and private charters have different pricing structures, so compare the inclusions rather than choosing solely on the advertised price.

Before booking, check whether the total cost covers:

• Marine park admission

• Transfers to and from your accommodation

• Lunch, drinks and drinking water

• Snorkelling equipment

• Additional landing or activity fees

The published marine park admission rates for non-residents aged 12 and above are:

• Sainte Anne Marine National Park: SCR 200

• Curieuse Island: SCR 300

• Île Cocos: SCR 200

• Baie Ternay and Port Launay marine parks combined: SCR 200

Children under 12 are admitted free of charge to these parks. These fees cover park admission, not the entire boat excursion. Check the latest rates before travelling and confirm whether admission is included in your package.

What Should You Bring on a Seychelles Boat Trip?

Pack swimwear, a towel, drinking water, sun protection, a hat and a waterproof pouch for your phone. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist about a suitable treatment before departure.

Follow the crew's safety instructions and wear a life jacket when required. Avoid entering the water in unsafe conditions, and choose an excursion appropriate for your swimming ability.

Seychelles' marine parks are protected environments. Do not collect shells or coral, touch or feed wildlife, leave rubbish behind, or anchor on reefs. Respecting these rules helps protect the marine habitats that make these trips worthwhile.

Plan Your Seychelles Boat Excursion

The best boat trip in Seychelles is the one that matches your location, interests and available time. Choose Sainte Anne Marine National Park for a convenient excursion from Mahé, Curieuse and St. Pierre for wildlife and snorkelling, or Île Cocos if exploring the underwater environment is your priority.

Before booking, confirm the itinerary, total price, park admission and weather policy. This helps you plan your day around the experiences you want, without unexpected costs or rushed island stops.

Planning the rest of your holiday? Start with ourSeychelles travel guide to explore destination advice and build an itinerary around your interests.