Sainte Anne Marine National Park, located off the coast of Mahe, takes you to a complete land of fantasy with its pristine beaches, colorful coral reefs, offshore dive sites and wide varieties of marine animals. This marine bioreserve sprawls over 6 coral islands namely; Sainte Anne, Round Island, Cerf Island, Long Island, Moyenne Island and Ile Cachee. 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.
Know more about Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Perfectly set 5 kms from Victoria, this park is a collection of 6 coral islands, popular as ‘inner islands’ of Seychelles. With the territories of Sainte Anne Island, Round Island, Long Island, Cerf Island, Moyenne Island and Ile Cachee; 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.
How to reach: Regular ferry service is available from Victoria port to Sainte Anne Island. It takes about 20 minutes to reach the island, via small boats. There are many tour operators in Victoria, which organize day trips to various islands in reach. These day trips include island hopping, snorkeling, glass bottom boat rides and scuba diving.
Entrance charges and timings of Sainte Anne Marine National Park: The park is open to public on all days, except Sundays from 6:30 am to 5:30 pm. There is no entrance charge for this marine biodiversity park.
Must Read: Honeymoon In Seychelles: An Affair To Remember
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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.
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Things to do in Sainte Anne Marine National Park
1. 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 Sainte Anne island and Moyenne island. One can enjoy seeing beautiful sea weeds, hordes of fishes, crabs, 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.
Suggested Read: 5 Water Sports In Seychelles That’ll Let You Dive In The Azure Ocean!
2. 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.
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3. Swimming and surfing
Few islands of this National Park allow swimming and windsurfing. Long Island, Cerf Island and Round 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.
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Places to stay in Sainte Anne Marine National Park
People generally take day trips to to this National Park from Victoria and return the same day. But if you wish to enjoy the enthralling experiences of staying close to nature, book in one of the few resorts in the islands. One can stay in JA Enchanted Island Resort in Round Island, Cerf Island Resort and L’Habitation Hotel in Cerf Island.
Further Read: Best Things To Do On A Family Trip To Seychelles
Ready for such a surreal place? If you’re planning to go on a vacation in Seychelles, make sure you keep this attraction on your itinerary.It is a must-visit place for all nature and adventure lovers.
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A book lover and fun-loving, overtly emotional mom with a wanderlust soul, Sukanya has completed her Master Degree in Geography and currently perusing her passion for writing as a profession. Nothing detoxes her more than trying new recipes and travelling to offbeat places is ultimate Therapy for her.
