Plizio Visual Lab
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Sea
Sainte Anne Marine National Park, established in 1973, is the oldest marine protected area in the Western Indian Ocean. Located approximately five kilometers east of the capital, Victoria, the park encompasses six granite islands, including Sainte Anne, Moyenne, Cerf, and Round Island. The protected area covers 14.43 square kilometers and was primarily created to safeguard the coral reefs and seagrass meadows from fishing and commercial exploitation. Historically, Sainte Anne Island served as the site of the first French settlement in the Seychelles in 1770 before the mainland of Mahé was occupied. Today, the park is a significant center for environmental research and ecotourism, offering extensive opportunities for glass-bottom boat tours and snorkeling. The diverse ecosystem supports over 150 species of fish and various sea turtle populations that utilize the beaches for nesting.
- Location: Seychelles
- Top sights: Anse Mare Jupe · St. Ann Viewpoint · Elephant Rock
- Nearby: Plaisance (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 207 | 109 | 106 | 115 | 94 | 80 | 55 | 62 | 108 | 117 | 124 | 164 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Usually reached by a short boat trip from Victoria on Mahé. Numerous operators provide scheduled tours or charter services to explore the six islands.
Best season
The dry season gives the most reliable conditions with calm waters for boat trips. Snorkeling is best when visibility is not reduced by heavy rain.
Terrain & paths
The environment is dominated by the open ocean, bustling underwater ecosystems, and sandy beaches. Visiting requires navigating the marine waters safely.
What to bring
Bring suitable swimwear, high-quality snorkeling gear, and reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life. Drinking water and sun hats are essential.
Parking
As this is a strictly marine destination, conventional parking is not available on site. Visitors leave vehicles at port facilities before boarding.
Safety
Always monitor changing ocean currents and local weather advisories before swimming. Follow the direct instructions of your local guides carefully.
Time needed
Exploring the multiple islands and extensive reefs usually occupies a half to a full day. The itinerary includes sightseeing and snorkeling time.
Geography
Facts
- Established in 1973 as the first marine national park in the Seychelles.
- Comprises six islands: Sainte Anne, Cerf, Moyenne, Round, Long, and Île Cachée.
- Covers a total area of 14.43 square kilometers of sea and land.
- Located just 5 kilometers offshore from the capital city, Victoria.
- Site of the first official French settlement in the archipelago in 1770.
- All forms of fishing are strictly prohibited to protect the coral reef ecosystems.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Sainte Anne Marine National Park (7)
The Big Dig
An archaeological excavation site in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park.
Anse Cabot
A beach in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park.
Viewpoint Cerf
A viewpoint on Cerf Island in the Sainte Anne Marine National Park.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What activities are possible in the park?
Snorkeling, diving, and glass-bottom boat tours are very popular.
Is the park suitable for families?
Yes, the shallow, calm water is convenient for children.
Do I have to pay an entrance fee?
Yes, there is a park entrance fee per person.
How long is the boat ride from Mahé?
The ride takes only about 10 to 20 minutes.
Is there a chance to see tortoises?
Yes, in the coral reefs, sea turtles are often seen.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park: where is it located?
Sainte Anne Marine National Park is located in Seychelles.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Anse Mare Jupe, St. Ann Viewpoint, Elephant Rock.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Sainte Anne Marine National Park: why is it worth visiting?
Sainte Anne Marine National Park, established in 1973, is the oldest marine protected area in the Western Indian Ocean.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Seychelles →
Nearby cities
Mont Fleuri
A district on the outskirts of Victoria, known for the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens.
Prestwick
Prestwick is a historic Scottish coastal town famously known as the birthplace of the Open Championship in golf.
Petit Paris
A small village on the east coast of Mahé, squeezed between the sea and the steep mountains.
Providence
The most important industrial and commercial area of the Seychelles, built on reclaimed land between Victoria and the airport.
Perseverance II
The second phase of the Perseverance project, providing additional housing and community facilities.
Les Mamelles
A coastal district southeast of Victoria, characterized by its hillside location and modern infrastructure.
Pointe Larue
Home to the Seychelles International Airport, making it the first point of arrival for many visitors.
Anse Etoile
A populous district north of Victoria, overlooking the Indian Ocean.
Mont Buxton
A residential district on the hills overlooking Victoria, closely linked to the city's working-class history.
Anse Boileau
A quiet coastal village on the west coast of Mahé, nestled between mountains and the sea.
Troon
Troon is a charming seaside resort in South Ayrshire, world-renowned for its challenging Royal Troon golf course.
Au Cap
A scenic coastal stretch in the southeast of Mahé with shallow waters and coral reefs.
Machabee
A quiet district on the northern coast of Mahé, known for its rugged coastline and clear water.
Anse Royale
An important regional center in the south of Mahé, with a rich history and beautiful beaches.
Baie Lazare
Named after explorer Lazare Picault, this place is known for its historic church and turquoise bays.
History & landmarks
Maison Quéau de Quinssy
The building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Seychelles, named after the last French commander of the islands.
Unity Stadium
An important sports stadium in Mont Fleuri used for football and athletics.
Eden Plaza
The most modern shopping and lifestyle center in the Seychelles on Eden Island, known for its upscale architecture and marina views.
La Gogue Dam
The largest dam in the Seychelles, a vital infrastructure project for the water supply of Mahé Island.
More places
Copolia
A popular hiking trail on Mahé leading to a granite plateau with 360-degree views.
Beacon Island (Île Sèche)
A small, rocky island east of Mahé that serves as an important nesting and resting site for various seabird species.
Taylor Smith Shipyard
The primary shipyard in Seychelles, specialized in the repair and maintenance of fishing boats and yachts.
Mont Sebert
An imposing granite mountain in the east of Mahé, featuring steep rock faces and unique flora.
Mont Harrison
A mountain peak near the center of Mahé, offering an impressive view of the west coast.
Mission Lodge (Venn's Town)
A historic site on Mahé that once housed a school for liberated slave children and offers breathtaking views of the coast.
Mont Poseidon
A prominent mountain peak in the south of Mahé, dominating the landscape of Anse Royale.
Congo Rouge
A high-altitude forest area on Mahé, known for its high proportion of endemic plants and rare mosses.