Snorkeling is one of the top water sports in Seychelles. With crystal clear turquoise water, the marine life of Seychelles is a delight to spot. Also, since the water around the islands is protected, the coral and sea life of Seychelles is well-developed. In Seychelles, you can snorkel directly from the beach or during an excursion to a snorkelling site. Some amazing sea life that you can see while snorkelling in Seychelles includes corals, manta rays, turtles, Butterflyfish, surgeonfish, pufferfish, parrotfish and angelfish. It is best to bring your own mask, snorkel and flippers. However, snorkelling equipment can also be rented from diving centres and resorts in Seychelles.
Best Time for Snorkeling in Seychelles
The best time for snorkelling in Seychelles is April and November, as underwater visibility is the best during these months. If you want to snorkel along hawksbills, the best time is between August and February, but if you're going to snorkel along with sharks, visit from October to January. For best access to both the beach and underwater activities, it is best to avoid May to September as seaweeds wash up the entire shore.
Cost of Snorkeling in Seychelles
The cost of snorkelling in Seychelles depends on your choice of the package, but approximately it would cost somewhere around SCR 6000 on average.
10 Best Beaches & Islands for Snorkelling in Seychelles
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Anse Lazio is widely known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its gorgeous white sands, turquoise waters and breathtaking underwater corals and aquatic creatures rightfully make it one of the most visited beaches in the world. For snorkelling at Anse Lazio, follow the rock line from the left side of the beach.
Species you can spot here: The different species you can spot here are angelfish, reef needlefish, scissortail sergeant, bluefin trevally, lined surgeon fish and a lot more.
2. Anse Source D'Argent, La Digue Island
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Anse Source D’argent is one of the top spots for snorkelling in Seychelles, located on La Digue Island. This beach is ideally suitable for those who are snorkelling for the first time since the reef shelters it. Since the beach is pretty shallow, there aren’t many corals that you can see, but there are many underwater creatures. If lucky, you might spot little triggerfish here.
Species you can spot here: threadfin butterfly fish, convict surgeon fish, sulphur damsel, morish idol etc.
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Anse Badamier is located on the North Coast of Curieuse Island, which is a bio reserve island. It is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles and a popular snorkelling spot. Lined up cocoa trees and calm and peaceful waters, Anse Badamier is tucked away on the uninhabited island.
Species you can spot here:Although not much of corals are visible but you can surely spot nurse shark pups, bumphead parrotfish, hawksbill turtles etc.
4. Bird Island
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Bird Island is an excellent spot for snorkelling in Seychelles. Although it is mostly famous for its diverse birdlife, the aquatic life on this island is just as varied and unique.
Species you can spot here: You can spot the stunning feathertail rays, hawksbills species, green turtles and a lot more!
5. Channel Rocks, Praslin Island
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Located between La Digue Island and Praslin Island, Channel Rocks is an excellent spot for snorkelling in Seychelles, especially for beginners, as the water is quite shallow. However, the deeper side of the beach is prohibited for water activities, as one is likely to encounter sharks as well.
Species you can spot here: In the shallow part, you can spot butterfly fish, angelfish, surgeonfish and a lot of bright corals.
6. Alphonse Atoll
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Alphonse Island is located on the southwestern part of Mahe Island in Seychelles, and due to its remote location, it is not just as popular as other Seychellois beaches. Being secluded, this island has a lot of unique marine life, and here you can spot bright corals and several shoals of unique fishes.
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Located in the north-western part of Beau Vallon, in Mahe Island, Vista Bay Rocks is widely known for its giant granite boulders, which rise from the sea. At Vista Bay, you will be able to spot one of the largest species of lobsters. You can also spot moray eels and a large variety of bright and colourful corals.
8. Coco Island, Praslin Island
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This isolated island, located around 7 kms from Praslin Island, is an excellent spot for snorkelling in Seychelles. The crystal clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it easy to spot numerous species of marine creatures and beautiful corals found on this island.
9. St. Anne Marine National Park, Mahe Island
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St. Anne Marine Park is Mahe Island’s famous park, created years ago to protect a group of islands near Victoria. It protects several coral gardens and has various marine life underneath the waters. The protected corals, bright and colourful, are also worth the dive.
Species you can spot here:You can spot hundreds of fishes including different species of angelfish, oriental sweetlips, steephead parrotfish and a lot more!
10. Grand Soeur Sisters Island
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Grand Soeur Island is located around 6 to 7 kms off the coast of La Digue. Along with Petite Soeur, both of them are collectively known as the ‘Sisters Islands’.
Species you can spot here: Marine life in Grand Soeur is abundant with several species of unique fishes including pufferfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish and lots of fascinating corals.
Best Snorkelling Schools in Seychelles
1. Blue Sea Divers
Packages offered
Diver 1*/Open water-SCR4670(4 days)
Diver 2*/Advanced-SCR7400(6days)
Diver 3*/Rescue-SCR8671(6days)
Location: Blue Sea Divers Ltd, Beau Vallon, Mare Anglaise, Mahe, Seychelles Contact:[email protected] +248 2 526 051 Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday-8:00AM-5:30PM
2. Dive Seychelles Underwater Centre
Packages offered: They offer various packages for beginners as well as advanced but for the rates, you need to send an enquiry to their email id listed below.
For full rental of equipment, you will be charged SCR105/dive.
Location: Beau Vallon Beach, North Coast Road, PO Box 50506, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles Contact:[email protected] + 248 253 8989 Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:AM-5:00PM
4. Big Blue Divers
Packages offered: They offer various packages for beginners as well as advanced but for the rates, you need to send an enquiry to their email id listed below.
Get properly fitted snorkelling equipment like masks, fins and snorkels.
Even though flippers are not essential for snorkelling, it is recommended to be worn as it helps in swimming better without much effort
Always snorkel in the presence of someone to avoid any mishap
To avoid sunburn, apply sunscreen before going into the water
Snorkelling is bound to be a life-changing experience as you witness the calm, peacefulness and fascinating marine life under the sea. With its untamed beauty and crystal clear turquoise waters, Seychelles will surely offer a fantastic snorkelling experience, which you can cherish throughout your lifetime.
