Glassbottom boat & Crystalkayak SteAnneMarinePark Snorkeling

Fish, reefs, sandbanks, and giant tortoises fill one day. This Seychelles outing packs a lot into its route through St Anne Marine Park, with two snorkeling stops, a Creole barbecue, fish feeding, and time on the sandbank between Round and Long islands. I especially like the mix of water activities and island time, plus the chance to see tortoises on Cerf Island. The main catch is that the advertised glass-bottom boat arrangement may not be as straightforward as expected.

The tour also earns points for its friendly onboard crew and relaxed pace. Guides such as Collin and Yohan have been praised for clear explanations and warm service, while the snorkel sites can offer sea turtles and even a small shark. Allow extra money for the marine park fee and Moyenne Island entry, and remember that pickup from southern Mahé is not included.

Key details before you book

• Start at 9:45am from Eden Island: Boarding is scheduled at the Eden Island marine jetty, with departure planned for 10am and return around 4pm.
• Two separate snorkeling sessions: You get an early stop after fish feeding and a final stop late in the day.
• A sandbank stop depends on the sea: The sandbank between Round and Long islands is a scenic place to swim, rest, and try the crystal kayak.
• Lunch is served on Cerf Island: Expect a Creole-style mixed barbecue buffet with water and juice.
• Tortoises are part of the island visit: The program includes viewing and feeding giant tortoises.
• Extra fees matter: The 15 euro marine park fee and Moyenne Island entry are not included in the $92 price.

From Eden Island to the St Anne Marine Park

The day begins at the Eden Island marine jetty, where boarding is set for 9:45am. The boat is due to leave at 10am, followed by a roughly 20-minute ride into St Anne Marine Park.

That short crossing matters. You are not spending the morning on a long transfer, so most of the day goes toward swimming, snorkeling, island stops, and lunch. Hotel pickup is included for people staying in the northern part of Mahé, using a company car or bus with a driver identifying the guest. Pickup from the south is extra, so confirm the transport cost before paying.

The boat setup deserves a careful question before you go. The experience is promoted around a modern glass-bottom boat, but the main transfer boat may not have a glass floor. One arrangement described for the tour used a comfortable motorboat for the main route, followed by about 30 minutes on a separate glass-bottom boat at the marine park.

I would not treat that as a dealbreaker. A fast motorboat is often better for moving between islands, and the glass-bottom portion lets you focus on underwater viewing without making the entire day a slow ride. Still, if the glass floor is your main reason for booking, ask the operator exactly which boat you will use and how long the glass-bottom viewing lasts.

The group may be relatively small. One outing carried nine people, which made the boat ride comfortable. The advertised group type is private, but you should clarify whether that means a private boat for your party or a small shared group.

Fish feeding and the first look below the surface

The first activity in the park is fish feeding, followed by photo time. This gives you an easy start before the more active snorkeling session.

Fish feeding can be entertaining, especially for children and first-time snorkelers, but it is also the most staged part of the day. The real attraction comes afterward, when you swim over the reef and see the marine life in its natural setting. The guides explain the coral and animals, which helps you understand what you are looking at instead of simply collecting underwater photographs.

The first snorkeling stop is one of the strongest parts of the schedule. The water may contain fish of different sizes and colors, coral formations, and sea turtles. A small shark has also been seen, though no wildlife sighting can be promised. The crew makes clear that sea conditions and animal behavior are beyond human control, so come for the reef time rather than a guaranteed turtle encounter.

You will need to be comfortable getting into the water from the boat. Snorkeling equipment is included, but I would still bring your own mask if you already have one that fits well. The supplied packing advice also calls for swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sun protection, insect repellent, and cash.

The sandbank between Round and Long islands

After the first reef stop, the boat heads toward the sandbank between Round Island and Long Island. This is the day’s best pause for slowing down.

The sandbank offers shallow water, open views, and time to take photos or simply sit in the sea. The crystal kayak is available on request, giving you a clear-bottom view of the water as you paddle. It is a quieter contrast to the boat ride and snorkeling, and it lets you see the shape of the sandbank from a different angle.

Conditions control this part of the day. The sandbank is exposed to wind, waves, and tides, and disembarkation at Moyenne Island also depends on the weather. If the sea is rough, the stop may be shortened or changed. Bring a dry change of clothes because even calm water can leave you soaked after a kayak ride or swim.

This is also a good place to protect your phone and camera. A waterproof pouch is sensible, though it is not listed as required equipment. The operator specifically suggests bringing a camera, sunglasses, a hat, beachwear, and snacks.

A Creole barbecue lunch on Cerf Island

Lunch takes place on Cerf Island, one of the islands within the marine park. The meal is a mixed Creole barbecue buffet, served with water and juice.

This is not a fine-dining stop, and it should not be judged as one. Its value is practical and local: you get a hot meal during a full day outside, with time to sit in the shade and recover from the water activities. The barbecue has been well received, and the relaxed beach setting adds to the appeal.

Tell the company about any special diet in advance. The supplied information specifically asks customers to report dietary needs, but it does not promise a particular vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-safe menu. Bring snacks if you have strict dietary requirements or simply need more food between activities.

Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and the tour does not permit cooking fires or other hazardous items. Large bags and oversize luggage are also restricted, so pack a small day bag rather than bringing your full suitcase.

Meeting the giant tortoises on the island

After lunch, the group visits the giant tortoises. This stop gives the day a land-based highlight and breaks up the time in the water.

You may be able to feed the tortoises, making this more interactive than simply viewing them from a path. The experience also gives you a chance to see one of Seychelles’ most recognizable animals at close range. Keep your movements calm and follow the crew’s instructions around the animals.

The itinerary refers to Cerf Island for lunch and the tortoise visit, while the tour information also lists Moyenne Island entry as an extra charge and describes disembarkation there as weather dependent. That wording is worth clarifying when you book. Ask which island you will enter, whether the Moyenne ticket applies to your specific route, and how much the ticket costs.

This is one of the practical weaknesses in the description. The island names and entry arrangements are not perfectly clear, so a quick message to the operator can prevent an unpleasant surprise at the jetty.

The second snorkeling stop before the ride home

The final major activity is a second and last snorkeling stop. It is useful to have two water sessions rather than one long swim because the reef conditions and wildlife can vary between sites.

By this point, you may be ready for a quieter swim instead of a full workout. The second stop is a chance to use the mask again, take a few final photographs, and enjoy the park before the return trip. The crew can choose locations based on conditions, but the exact snorkeling sites are not specified.

The schedule aims to return to Eden Island Marina around 4pm. That makes this a full day, not a quick morning excursion. You should avoid booking a late-afternoon flight, ferry, dinner reservation, or other activity that depends on a precise arrival time. Tropical weather can lead to rescheduling, delays, or changes to the island stops.

What the crew adds to the day

The quality of the guides can shape this experience more than the equipment does. Captains Collin and Yohan have received particularly strong praise for their explanations, entertainment, and attention onboard. Other visitors have also valued the crew’s care for the sea and the way they explain coral and marine animals.

That educational side is important. A good guide points out what you are seeing and explains why the animals cannot be guaranteed. You get a better experience when the crew treats wildlife as wildlife rather than promising a staged encounter.

The day is available in English and French. The listed rating is 4.2 from 26 ratings, which suggests a generally positive experience with some unevenness. The main negative issue recorded was a late start of about one hour, with poor communication and an unfriendly welcome before the onboard crew improved the mood.

That is a useful warning. Arrive at the stated meeting time, keep the operator’s WhatsApp contact handy, and contact the agency if nobody has checked you in by departure time. A late start cuts into an already busy schedule, even if the crew later delivers a good day.

Is $92 a fair price?

At $92 per person, the tour offers reasonable value if you use most of its inclusions. The price covers the boat transfer, fish feeding, snorkeling equipment, snorkeling sessions, the crystal kayak, sandbank visit, barbecue lunch, and giant tortoise visit.

The cost becomes less attractive once the extra charges are added. You must budget for the 15 euro government marine park fee, and Moyenne Island entry is also extra if that stop forms part of your route. Southern Mahé pickup costs more as well.

Compared with arranging separate boat transport, snorkeling, lunch, and island visits, the bundled format is convenient. It also reduces the work of coordinating several operators. I would consider it good value for someone who wants a full marine park day with a variety of activities rather than a single focused snorkeling trip.

It is less suitable if you mainly want serious reef time. Fish feeding, the sandbank, lunch, tortoises, and the glass-bottom viewing all take time away from swimming. The day gives you variety, not a long uninterrupted session underwater.

Who will enjoy this Seychelles boat day?

I would recommend it most to active visitors who want to see several sides of the marine park in one outing. It suits couples, families, and small groups who enjoy snorkeling but also want lunch, wildlife, and easy island stops.

You should be comfortable with boat travel, swimming, and getting in and out of the water. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with vertigo, respiratory issues, epilepsy, altitude sickness, or motion sickness. It also excludes mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs.

Pack lightly. Bring swimwear, a towel, a dry change of clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, insect repellent, cash, snacks, and drinks. Food and water are included in part through lunch, but the packing information still recommends bringing your own refreshments.

The experience depends on tropical weather. Poor conditions can cause rescheduling, alter the sandbank or Moyenne Island stop, or affect snorkeling. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mahé plans are still shifting.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want a busy but relaxed full-day mix of snorkeling, a sandbank, kayaking, barbecue lunch, and giant tortoises. The crew’s warm service and clear marine explanations are major strengths, and two separate snorkeling stops give you a fair chance to enjoy the reef.

Think twice if you want a guaranteed glass-bottom boat for the whole day, a long specialist snorkeling session, or a perfectly timed schedule. Confirm the boat type, glass-bottom duration, island entry fees, pickup arrangements, and private-group setup before paying.

For most visitors who value variety over a single activity, I would put this on the shortlist. Just add the extra fees to your budget and treat the weather dependent stops as flexible rather than guaranteed.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

Boarding takes place at the Eden Island marine jetty at 9:45am, with planned departure at 10am.

When does the tour return?

The tour is scheduled to end at Eden Island Marina around 4pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Is the marine park fee included?

No. The 15 euro marine park fee is an additional government tax.

Is Moyenne Island entry included?

No. The entry ticket to Moyenne Island is listed as an extra cost. Disembarkation there depends on the weather.

What food is served?

Lunch is a Creole mixed barbecue buffet served on Cerf Island, with water and juice. You should advise the company about any special diet.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with the snorkeling activities.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers reserve now and pay later booking.