Sainte Anne Marine National Park in Seychelles, located off the coast of Mahe, takes you to a complete land of fantasy with its colorful coral reefs, wide varieties of marine animals, pristine beaches and offshore dive sites. This marine bioreserve sprawls over six coral islands namely; Cerf Island, Sainte Anne, Long Island, Moyenne Island, Ile Cachee and Round Island. Surrounded by turquoise blue ocean, this park lets you admire the surreal natural charm and indulge in some stirring water sports.
If you dream of visiting this marine wonderland, here is a small guide about the place and things you should not miss here.
Learn more about Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Perfectly set five kms from Victoria, this park is a collection of six coral islands, popular as ‘inner islands’ of Seychelles. With the territories of Round Island, Sainte Anne Island, Moyenne Island, Ile Cachee, Cerf Island, Moyenne Island and Long Island; this marine biodiversity park covers an area of 14.43 sq. km. Comprising mainly of coral reefs and granitic outcrops; this park is quite famous and visited by tourists of all kinds.
Best Time To Visit: Though this attraction is a year-round destination, but to enjoy incredible experiences of spotting corals and thrilling water sports, the best time to visit is November through February.
Flora and fauna of Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Flora: The park is adorned with 75 endemic species of flora, such as mosses, lichens, sea weeds, algae and coastal shrubs and plantations.
Fauna: This park is a home to more than 1000 varieties of fishes, amphibians and reptiles. Vibrant marine fauna is spotted here, which includes eagle rays, pipefish, sea turtles and bottlenose dolphins.
Things to do in Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Glass Bottom Boat Ride
Tourists also enjoy glass bottom boat rides. It provides an excellent opportunity to see bright and beautiful corals and marine flora and fauna, that float on the shallow water. Get your eyes on sea turtles, pipe fishes and eagle rays and luxuriant sea weed beds. For those who are afraid of getting into the water, yet they want to experience the colorful aquatic life, this is a good way to do that.
Snorkeling
Best known for colourful coral reefs; this place is a heaven for snorkeling and scuba diving. The park’s most popular snorkeling points are located between Moyenne island and Sainte Anne island. One can enjoy seeing beautiful sea weeds, hordes of crabs, fishes, tortoise and dolphin. If you enjoy water sports, this is a great opportunity to venture deep into the sea and unravel the gems of the ocean.
Swimming And Surfing
Few islands of this National Park allow swimming and windsurfing. Round Island, Cerf Island and Long Island have shallow water levels and are ideal for beach picnics and swimming. Enjoy lazing around in the clear blue waters of the natural and man-made pools which is an ideal way to spend your holiday in Seychelles.