Anse Royale Catamaran Cruise

The south coast keeps its best views offshore. This eight-hour catamaran cruise leaves from Anse Royale and follows Mahé’s rugged shoreline past a string of beaches, with time for swimming and snorkeling before a nature stop at Cap Lazare. I like the mix of sea time and land time, and I like that return transfers are included, which removes a fair bit of Seychelles transport fuss. The main consideration is the early start and fixed pickup schedule, especially if you are staying far from the listed meeting points.

I also like the way the day has room to breathe. You are not rushed from one photo stop to the next: the catamaran provides the moving scenery, the water provides the active part, and Cap Lazare gives you a slower walk among nature trails and giant tortoises. At $159 per person, it is not a cheap outing, but lunch, transfers, guiding, and a full day on the coast make it a reasonable choice for a first look at southern Mahé.

Key points to know before booking

• Southern Mahé by sea: Cruise from Anse Royale past Anse Parnel, Anse Forbans, Anse Marie Louise, Anse Capucins, Police Bay, and Anse Intendance.
• Snorkeling depends on conditions: Weather permitting, you can stop to swim and explore the underwater world.
• Cap Lazare adds a land-based break: Walk the nature trails and visit the reserve’s large giant tortoise pen.
• Lunch arrangements can change: During the kitchen renovation, lunch is served aboard the ODEZIR instead of at the reserve.
• Pickup points are limited: Shuttle times differ by location, and unlisted pickup points cost extra.
• Best for active sightseers: The trip suits people comfortable with swimming, beachwear, boat movement, and walking on nature trails.

Why this cruise works for a full day in southern Mahé

Mahé is easy to admire from a road, but the southern coast makes more sense from the water. The ODEZIR gives you a wide view of the island’s coves, headlands, and beaches without asking you to spend the day changing taxis, rental-car routes, and walking stops.

I like this format because it gives you two different versions of Seychelles in one outing. From the catamaran, you see the coast as a continuous sweep. At Cap Lazare, you slow down and explore a reserve on foot. That contrast keeps the day from feeling like eight hours of sitting on a boat.

The excursion begins at Anse Royale, on Mahé’s southeast coast. From there, the route runs along the southern shoreline. Exact timing at each point is not specified, and the order or length of stops may depend on sea conditions, but the named beaches give you a clear sense of the route.

The trip includes lunch and return transport. You will need to pay extra for anything not specifically included, so bring a credit card and cash for personal purchases. Sunscreen is not supplied, and the tropical sun has no sympathy for optimistic packing.

From Anse Royale to Anse Intendance

The opening cruise is the scenic heart of the day. You pass Anse Parnel, Anse Forbans, Anse Marie Louise, Anse Capucins, Police Bay, and Anse Intendance, each offering another view of the southern coast.

From the boat, the appeal is not just one famous beach. It is the steady change in the shoreline. Some stretches feel open and exposed, while others are framed by coves and rocky edges. A catamaran is particularly useful here because you can take in the coast without committing to a single beach or road route.

Anse Parnel and Anse Forbans are among the early coastal sights. Anse Marie Louise and Anse Capucins continue the run south, followed by Police Bay and Anse Intendance. You may find that the best photographs come between the named stops, when the boat gives you a broad angle on the shore.

The ODEZIR is described as a modern catamaran, with the sea breeze and open views forming much of the experience. This is not a museum or a tightly scripted city tour. The pleasure comes from being outside, watching the coast pass, and letting the boat cover ground while you enjoy the ride.

I would bring a hat with a secure fit, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a camera. Comfortable clothing and beachwear make sense because the day combines cruising, swimming, and walking. A towel is also on the essential list, not an optional extra.

Snorkeling and swimming when the sea allows

The water stop is weather dependent. That wording matters. The crew can plan a snorkeling opportunity, but wind, waves, visibility, or other sea conditions may change what is practical on the day.

When conditions cooperate, you can swim and look for marine life below the surface. The supplied details do not promise particular species, equipment, or a specific snorkeling site, so you should treat this as a chance to explore rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

That flexibility is sensible for a boat trip. It also means you should not book this experience solely for snorkeling. The coastal cruise and Cap Lazare visit remain important parts of the day if the water is not suitable.

You will want beachwear under your comfortable clothes, along with a towel and sunscreen. The activity is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments. If swimming is central to your plans, ask the local provider about the day’s arrangements before departure, since the information provided does not specify whether snorkeling equipment is supplied.

Cap Lazare Nature Reserve brings the day ashore

After the coastal cruise, you disembark at Baie Lazare for time at Cap Lazare Nature Reserve. This changes the pace nicely. Instead of spending every hour at sea, you get to walk through the reserve’s grounds and follow its nature trails.

The reserve visit is also where the cruise gains more substance. You are not only looking at Mahé from a distance. You get a closer encounter with the island’s natural setting, plus a visit to the large giant tortoise pen.

The tortoise park should be a highlight for many people, especially families with older children and anyone who enjoys wildlife encounters that do not require a long expedition. The information does not give a feeding schedule or guarantee close contact, so plan to observe the animals rather than expect a staged show.

The nature trails offer a gentle land-based counterpoint to the water activities. Wear comfortable shoes, not just flip-flops, and expect outdoor conditions. Insect repellent is included on the recommended packing list, which is a useful reminder that a nature reserve is not an air-conditioned attraction.

Lunch at Cap Lazare, with an important date-sensitive change

Lunch is included, but the location depends on the reserve’s kitchen renovation. From February 1, Cap Lazare Private Nature Reserve is temporarily suspending its food and dining services while its kitchen undergoes major work. During this period, lunch is served aboard the catamaran instead.

The reserve expects its kitchen to reopen by the end of March. Since renovation schedules can change, confirm the current lunch arrangement when you check your pickup details or contact the local partner.

This change does not remove lunch from the tour, but it can alter the feel of the day. A meal aboard the catamaran keeps the schedule simple and avoids a gap in service. A meal at the reserve, once the kitchen is operating again, gives you more time to enjoy the setting on land.

I would not choose or reject the excursion based on the lunch venue alone. The greater value comes from the complete combination of coastal cruising, a possible swim, the reserve visit, and transport back to your hotel area.

Pickup times require careful attention

Return transfers are included, but pickup is available only at specific points. You can also drive to the listed locations if you have rented a car. Pickup elsewhere costs extra.

For northern pickup points, the shuttle schedule lists Berjaya Beau-Vallon Bay at 7:55 AM, VMA at Eden Island at 8:30 AM, and Boat House Spa at 8:40 AM. For southern locations, the listed times include Constance Ephelia Resort at 8:15 AM, Enjoy Supermarket Baie Lazare at 8:35 AM, Anchor Cafe Restaurant at 8:35 AM, Double Tree Allamanda at 8:40 AM, and Laila Resort at 8:55 AM.

The order presented for some southern stops is not chronological, so do not rely on the sequence above as a route order. Confirm your exact meeting point and time 48 hours before the excursion by contacting the local partner on WhatsApp at 2520999 or 2633312.

This is one of the most practical details in the whole experience. Seychelles roads can take longer than a map suggests, and transfer time depends on traffic that day. I would build in a buffer, arrive early, and keep the emergency contact saved before you leave your hotel.

What the $159 price really covers

At $159 per person, this cruise sits in the higher-priced day-trip category, but the comparison should be with a full day of organized activities, not just a boat ride.

Your price covers the catamaran outing, lunch, a live guide in English or French, and return transfers. It also combines several southern Mahé highlights that would otherwise require separate planning. If you value convenience and want one booking to handle the main transport links, the price becomes easier to justify.

The value is weaker if you already have a rental car, prefer to spend a full day at one beach, or want a highly specialized snorkeling trip. The itinerary is broad rather than narrowly focused. You get a coastal overview, a possible water stop, and a reserve visit, not an all-day snorkeling expedition.

Reserve now and pay later is available, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund. Those terms help if your island plans are still shifting, though you should still check the final pickup details well before departure.

Who will enjoy the ODEZIR most?

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want an easy introduction to southern Mahé and prefer variety over a slow beach day. It suits couples, active adults, and families with children over two who can manage boat travel, swimming, and a nature walk.

It is also a good fit if you are staying on Mahé without a car. The included shuttle reduces the need to plan a long cross-island journey, although you must use one of the specified pickup points.

You may want another option if mobility is limited. The experience includes boarding a catamaran, disembarking at Baie Lazare, swimming or snorkeling if conditions permit, and walking nature trails. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Pregnant women and children under two should not book this experience. For everyone else, comfort at sea is the key question. If you dislike boat movement or want guaranteed swimming conditions, the cruise may feel less predictable than a land-based tour.

What to pack for a more comfortable day

Pack lightly, but do not leave out the basics. Your list should include:

• Comfortable shoes for Cap Lazare’s nature trails
• Beachwear, a towel, and comfortable clothing
• Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen
• A camera
• Insect repellent
• Cash and a credit card

Keep your phone and camera protected from spray if possible. The provided details do not state that dry bags or protective cases are supplied, so bring your own waterproof protection if you want to take electronics near the water.

You should also carry your booking voucher. The services are provided under the terms and conditions of Creole Travel Services, and the voucher is issued after booking confirmation.

Should you book this southern Mahé cruise?

Book it if you want one well-filled day that links the coast, the sea, and Cap Lazare without arranging each piece yourself. The strongest reasons are the broad southern coastline route, the chance to snorkel and swim, the giant tortoise park, and included return transfers.

Think twice if you need guaranteed snorkeling, have difficulty with boat access or walking, or want a quiet day devoted to one beach. Also confirm the lunch location, since the Cap Lazare kitchen renovation affects the meal setting.

For most able-bodied visitors who want a practical first look at southern Mahé, the ODEZIR cruise offers solid value. It gives you a taste of several island experiences in one day, with enough free time to enjoy the scenery rather than simply collect stops.

FAQ

Where does the Anse Royale Catamaran Cruise start?

The cruise starts at Anse Royale beach on Mahé.

How long does the experience last?

The excursion lasts eight hours.

What beaches can I see from the catamaran?

The route passes Anse Parnel, Anse Forbans, Anse Marie Louise, Anse Capucins, Police Bay, and Anse Intendance.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. Snorkeling and swimming take place when weather and sea conditions permit.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included. During the Cap Lazare kitchen renovation, lunch is served aboard the catamaran. The kitchen is expected to reopen by the end of March.

Are hotel transfers included?

Return transfers are included from specific pickup points and times. Pickup at other locations costs extra.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who should not take this excursion?

The activity is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.