Glassbottom boat & Crystalkayak SteAnneMarinePark Snorkeling

Sea life, sandbanks, and tortoises fill the day. This full-day outing from Eden Island combines two snorkeling sessions, fish feeding, a sandbank stop, a Creole barbecue lunch, and a visit with giant tortoises around St Anne Marine Park. I especially like the relaxed pace and the mix of water activities with time ashore. The crew also gets strong praise, with guides such as Collin and Yohan singled out for clear explanations and friendly service.

The listed price is $92 per person, which is fair for a full day on the water with boat transport, snorkeling gear, lunch, and several stops. You should budget extra for the €15 marine park fee and possibly an entry ticket for Moyenne Island. One important caution: the advertised glass-bottom boat experience may not mean the main transfer boat has a glass bottom, and the exact island stop can depend on weather.

Key points to know before booking

• Two proper snorkeling stops: You get one session before lunch and a second session later in the day, with equipment included.
• A comfortable fast boat may be used: One recent outing carried nine people on a modern motorboat, while the glass-bottom viewing happened separately for about 30 minutes.
• The sandbank is between Round and Long islands: This is your chance to relax, take photographs, and try the crystal kayak if conditions allow.
• Lunch is served on Cerf Island: Expect a Creole-style barbecue buffet with water and juice, generally set up in shade.
• Giant tortoises are part of the island visit: You can see and feed them during the stop, subject to the route and conditions.
• Weather controls the day: Tropical rain, wind, or rough seas can lead to a rescheduled trip or a change to the Moyenne Island stop.

Leaving Eden Island at 10am

Your meeting point is the Eden Island marine jetty, with boarding scheduled for 9:45am and departure at 10am. If you are staying in the north of Mahé, hotel pickup and return transport are included. Pickup from the south is not included, so you will need to arrange your own way to the jetty.

The crossing into St Anne Marine Park takes about 20 minutes. That short ride matters because it gets you to the islands quickly instead of spending a large part of the day in transit. A company driver identifies you for pickup, and the activity is offered with English or French-speaking staff.

The schedule has not always run like a Swiss train. One outing began about an hour late after the party had to contact the agency, and the welcome on shore was described as cold and impolite. That sounds like an exception rather than the normal experience, but it is worth knowing. If you are waiting past the stated departure time, contact the agency through the supplied WhatsApp contact rather than simply assuming the boat is about to leave.

Once underway, the mood appears to improve. Collin and Yohan received particular praise for their commentary, animation, and care on board. Another crew was credited with explaining coral and marine life in a way that made the glass-bottom viewing more useful. In practical terms, your experience may depend as much on the day’s crew as on the water conditions.

Fish feeding and the first look below the surface

The first activity is fish feeding, followed by photo opportunities and snorkeling. Fish feeding gives you an easy way to start the morning. You can watch fish gather near the boat before putting on your mask, and it helps you get comfortable with the water and equipment.

The more valuable part is the first snorkeling session. This is not simply a quick swim beside the boat. The outing is built around exploring reef areas in St Anne Marine Park, with fish of different sizes and colors reported in the water. Sea turtles have also been seen, and one outing had the luck of spotting a small shark.

I would keep your expectations sensible. The crew can take you to good places and point out what is in front of you, but nobody can promise a turtle or shark on a particular morning. Marine life moves on its own schedule. That uncertainty is part of the appeal, though it can disappoint anyone expecting a guaranteed wildlife show.

The snorkeling equipment is included, but I would still bring your own gear if you already have a mask that fits well. The packing notes oddly list snorkeling gear among the items to bring even though equipment is supplied. Treat that as a suggestion, not a requirement, and confirm with SEY AMA if you are unsure.

You should be comfortable entering the water and swimming in open sea. The activity is not suitable for people with respiratory problems, epilepsy, vertigo, or serious motion sickness. Wheelchair users and people using electric wheelchairs or mobility scooters cannot be accommodated on this outing.

Glass-bottom viewing and the Round to Long island sandbank

One detail deserves special attention before you pay. The experience is marketed around a modern glass-bottom boat, but the main transfer may instead be a regular motorboat. One recent party of nine found the motorboat comfortable and fast, then boarded a glass-bottom boat at the marine park for about 30 minutes.

That arrangement may actually suit you better. A fast transfer boat gets you between islands quickly, while a smaller glass-bottom boat gives you dedicated time to look at coral and fish. The same account found the glass-bottom portion less exciting than the snorkeling, but appreciated that it lasted only about half an hour.

The glass viewing is best treated as an introduction to the reef, not a substitute for getting in the water. It works well if you prefer to stay dry for a while, if you are traveling with someone who does not snorkel, or if sea conditions make swimming less appealing. Guides can explain the coral and marine animals as you look down through the panels.

Next comes the sandbank between Round Island and Long Island. This is one of the day’s gentler breaks. You can get out, stretch your legs, look across the shallow water, and take photographs of the surrounding islands. The sandbank is also where the crystal kayak may be offered on request.

A transparent kayak is a nice extra because it lets you see the water below while paddling. Do not plan your entire day around it, though. The activity is weather dependent, and the wording indicates that kayaking is available on request rather than as a guaranteed, timed session for every person. Ask the crew early if you want a turn.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. A change of clothes is useful after the first snorkel and sandbank stop. The Seychelles sun is strong, and there is little point carrying a camera if you forget a dry bag or another way to protect it from spray.

Creole barbecue lunch on Cerf Island

After the water activities, the boat heads to Cerf Island for a Creole mix barbecue buffet. The meal includes water and juice. The food is not presented as a luxury restaurant lunch, and that is fine. After a morning in the sea, a simple beachside barbecue is exactly the sort of meal that fits the setting.

One account described the barbecue as tasty and attractively arranged in the shade. Another called it good without making grand claims. I would expect a practical, filling lunch rather than an elaborate spread. Tell the company about any special dietary needs before the trip, since the menu may need adjustment.

The stop also gives you a useful pause between snorkeling sessions. You can dry off, eat, and spend a little time out of the water before the afternoon visit. Pack snacks if you tend to get hungry, although the included buffet should cover the main midday meal. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed, and you should not bring large bags or oversize luggage.

Giant tortoises on the island

After lunch, the group visits giant tortoises on the island. The itinerary identifies Cerf Island for this part of the day. You may be able to feed the tortoises, which makes the stop more engaging than simply looking at them from a distance.

The tour gives you two kinds of wildlife experience: reef animals in the morning and land tortoises after lunch. That contrast is one of the best reasons to choose this outing over a simple snorkeling transfer. You are not spending six straight hours in a wet swimsuit, and the day has enough variety for people with different interests.

The listing also refers to Moyenne Island and says an entry ticket may cost extra. At the same time, the planned island visit and tortoise stop are described around Cerf Island, while Moyenne disembarkation depends on weather. I would confirm the exact route with SEY AMA before booking, especially if visiting Moyenne is the main reason you are interested.

That question is not nitpicking. Island entry fees, landing rights, and sea conditions can change the day’s shape. Ask which island you will actually visit, whether a Moyenne ticket is needed, and which parts of the route are included in the $92 price.

The second snorkeling stop before 4pm

The final major activity is a second and last snorkeling session. This is a useful feature because the first location may not suit every swimmer or may be affected by tide, wind, or visibility. A second stop gives you another chance to see the reef under different conditions.

The outings are described as allowing about half an hour at each snorkeling location in at least one case. That is enough time for a focused look, though it may feel short if you want a long, unhurried swim. The boat format also helps you reach separate sites instead of being tied to one beach.

The boat then returns to Eden Island Marina, with the day scheduled to finish around 4pm. Allow some flexibility in your evening plans. This is a tropical sea excursion, and the operator warns that weather can force a delay, a reschedule, or a change to the Moyenne landing.

You should also expect a fair amount of movement. The activity is not suitable for people with significant motion sickness, and I would bring medication if you normally need it. Keep your camera, cash, and phone in waterproof protection, and wear beach clothing that can handle salt water and sun.

What the $92 price really covers

At $92 per person, the value is strongest if you want a full day with several components rather than a single short snorkel. The price includes boat transport to and from the marine park, fish feeding, snorkeling equipment, snorkeling sessions, sandbank access, crystal kayak use, lunch, and the giant tortoise visit.

The included meal and two water sessions make the cost easier to justify. You are also paying for the boat crew, transfers within the park, and the convenience of combining stops that would be awkward to arrange separately.

The price is not the final bill. Add the €15 government marine park fee. An entry ticket to Moyenne Island is also listed as extra, and southern Mahé pickup is not included. Since the route description is not perfectly consistent about Moyenne and Cerf, get the complete cost in writing before you book.

The experience has a 4.2 rating from 26 ratings, which suggests a good but not flawless record. The strongest praise centers on the crew, clear explanations, pleasant hospitality, comfortable transport, attractive snorkeling sites, and the relaxed pace. The main warning is the possibility of a disorganized start, plus the fact that the glass-bottom boat may not be the main boat you ride all day.

Who will enjoy this Seychelles day trip

I would choose this for you if you want a broad sample of St Anne Marine Park in one day. It suits an active couple, a family with older children who can swim, or a small private group that wants snorkeling mixed with time on land.

It is also a good choice if you want more than fish. The tortoises, barbecue, sandbank, and kayak break up the water time. People who do not want to snorkel all day can still enjoy the glass-bottom viewing and island stops, although the core of the experience remains marine.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet, luxury cruise, a guaranteed glass-bottom boat for the entire day, or a long uninterrupted snorkeling session at one reef. The pace has several scheduled activities, and some are weather dependent. You also need to be comfortable with boat transfers, beach landings, and changing clothes in an outdoor setting.

The tour is offered as a private group, but one outing had nine people aboard. Group size can vary, so confirm what private group means for your booking. If you have limited mobility, serious sea sickness, breathing concerns, epilepsy, or vertigo, this is not the right fit.

What to pack and what to leave behind

Bring a swimsuit, towel, dry change of clothes, sun hat, sunglasses, camera, insect repellent, cash, snacks, and drinking water. Water and juice are included with lunch, but carrying a personal bottle and a small snack is sensible for a long day.

Use waterproof protection for electronics and cash. You should also bring sunscreen, although it is not specifically listed in the supplied packing information. Keep luggage small, because oversize bags and large luggage are not permitted.

Pets are not allowed, apart from assistance dogs. Weapons, sharp objects, fireworks, explosives, and anything used to make a fire are prohibited. Intoxication, alcohol, and drugs are also not permitted.

Should you book the SEY AMA tour?

Book it if you want a busy but well-rounded day in St Anne Marine Park, with two chances to snorkel, a beach barbecue, a sandbank, and giant tortoises in the same outing. The crew service and marine explanations appear to be the strongest part of the experience, and the $92 price is reasonable once you account for the number of activities included.

Before booking, ask SEY AMA three direct questions: Is the main transfer boat glass-bottom, what is the exact island route, and what extra fees will you pay? If you can accept weather changes and a possible schedule hiccup, this offers a useful slice of Seychelles sea life without requiring several separate excursions.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour boards at the Eden Island marine jetty at 9:45am, departs around 10am, and is scheduled to return to Eden Island Marina at about 4pm.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for people staying in the north of Mahé. Pickup and drop-off from the south of the island are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although you may bring your own gear if preferred.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Creole mix barbecue buffet is served on Cerf Island, with water and juice included. You should advise the company about any special dietary needs.

Are the marine park and Moyenne Island fees included?

The €15 marine park fee is extra. An entry ticket to Moyenne Island is also listed as extra. Confirm the exact route and fees with SEY AMA because the itinerary describes the tortoise visit on Cerf Island.

Can the tour be changed because of weather?

Yes. The tour depends on tropical weather, and the operator may reschedule the activity if conditions are unfavorable. Disembarkation at Moyenne Island also depends on the weather.