The Seychelles archipelago is a dreamscape for snorkelers, offering warm, crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, coral gardens, and granite rock formations. With over 100 islands scattered across the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles provide a diverse range of snorkelling opportunities—from tranquil lagoons and remote outer reefs to protected marine parks close to shore. Whether you’re a seasoned underwater explorer or a beginner eager for your first reef encounter, these islands deliver unforgettable underwater experiences. Here’s a guide to the best places in the Seychelles to take your snorkel and plunge into paradise.

Sainte Anne Marine National Park (Mahé)

Located just a short boat ride from Victoria, Mahé’s capital, the Sainte Anne Marine National Park is one of the most accessible and vibrant snorkeling destinations in Seychelles. The protected waters surrounding several small islands—including Sainte Anne, Round Island, Long Island, and Moyenne—host colorful coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and abundant fish species. Snorkelers often encounter parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, sea cucumbers, and even green sea turtles gliding through the clear shallows. The calm conditions and rich biodiversity make this marine park a perfect spot for families and beginners.

Baie Ternay Marine Park (Mahé)

Tucked away on Mahé’s northwestern coast, Baie Ternay is a quiet, horseshoe-shaped bay within a designated marine park. Its remoteness helps preserve its pristine underwater ecosystem, which flourishes with coral bommies, schools of butterflyfish, wrasses, and reef sharks. The calm, shallow bay is ideal for easy shore access, and the lack of strong currents makes it suitable for relaxed, extended snorkeling sessions. The peaceful setting, backed by forested hills, adds to the sense of a secluded, untouched paradise.

Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette (Praslin)

On the island of Praslin, two of the most stunning beaches—Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette—also offer exceptional snorkeling experiences right off the shore. Anse Lazio, with its wide sandy crescent and turquoise waters, has rocky outcrops at both ends where marine life thrives. You might spot eagle rays, octopus, or even harmless blacktip reef sharks weaving through the coral. Meanwhile, Anse Georgette is more remote and harder to access, but it rewards adventurous snorkelers with untouched reef zones and crystal-clear visibility. Both beaches combine dramatic beauty with easy marine access, perfect for day-long beach-and-snorkel adventures.

Curieuse Island Marine Park (near Praslin)

Curieuse Island, just off the coast of Praslin, is known for its population of giant Aldabra tortoises and its beautiful coral-fringed waters. Snorkeling here, especially around Coral Garden and the shallow reefs near the ranger station, is simply mesmerizing. The underwater world is alive with soft corals, fan corals, clownfish, anemones, and reef-dwelling creatures like nudibranchs and trumpetfish. You can often join a guided day trip from Praslin that includes time for hiking and tortoise viewing on the island, followed by hours of leisurely snorkeling in protected, wildlife-rich waters.

Coco Island and Félicité Island (near La Digue)

Near La Digue lies one of the Seychelles’ most famous snorkeling zones—Coco Island. This granite islet is surrounded by calm, crystal-clear water and vibrant coral reefs that attract vast numbers of reef fish, turtles, and rays. The snorkeling is typically done from a boat, as Coco Island has no accessible beach, but the waters are calm and visibility is excellent. Nearby Félicité Island offers similarly rich marine life, with large schools of fish and colorful reef structures. Snorkeling excursions to these islands are easy to book from La Digue and often combine multiple stops for the ultimate half-day adventure.

Anse Severe and Anse Source d’Argent (La Digue)

La Digue is beloved for its laid-back charm and surreal scenery, and it also offers some exceptional snorkel spots. Anse Severe, located on the northern tip of the island, has a calm reef-protected lagoon ideal for spotting damselfish, rays, and even juvenile turtles. The southern end of the island boasts Anse Source d’Argent, often ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world. Here, the reef sits just offshore, and although the waters are shallow and occasionally murky with tides, they still hold small coral heads and darting fish. It’s a perfect blend of beach lounging and quick snorkel dips, especially in the early morning when the light and conditions are best.

Alphonse Atoll and Outer Islands

For seasoned snorkelers or those seeking the ultimate remote adventure, the outer islands of Seychelles offer world-class underwater experiences far from the crowds. Alphonse Atoll, part of the Outer Islands group, is renowned for its untouched coral gardens and crystal waters rich with biodiversity. Here you can drift over dramatic reef walls and encounter larger marine species like barracuda, reef sharks, and napoleon wrasse. Trips to the outer islands are generally arranged through high-end resorts or multi-day liveaboard expeditions, but the effort is well worth the exclusivity and pristine conditions.

Best Times and Tips for Snorkeling in the Seychelles

The Seychelles offer excellent snorkeling year-round, but the calmest and clearest waters are typically found during the transition seasons—April to May and October to November. During these months, winds are lighter, currents are gentler, and underwater visibility is superb. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, averaging 26–30°C (79–86°F), so you’ll rarely need a wetsuit.

When snorkeling, always be mindful of marine conservation rules. Avoid touching corals, feeding fish, or disturbing marine animals. Reef-safe sunscreen is highly recommended to protect both your skin and the ecosystem. If you’re not traveling with your own gear, snorkels and fins can be rented on most main islands or included in guided boat excursions.