Victoria: St. Anne Marine Park and Cerf Island with Lunch

Planning a day out in Seychelles and considering a tour that combines marine adventures, island hopping, and authentic local flavors? This St. Anne Marine Park and Cerf Island tour offers an engaging mix of underwater exploration, wildlife encounters, and tropical scenery. It’s a popular choice for travelers who want a well-rounded experience without breaking the bank.

What we love about this tour is the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful fish, and the opportunity to get up close with giant land tortoises, which is quite a highlight for nature lovers. Plus, the delicious Creole BBQ lunch on Cerf Island tends to impress even the most discerning foodies.

A consideration for some travelers might be the group size and timing, as the itinerary can involve some waiting or transitions that aren’t as smooth as a private tour. Also, for those who dislike small boats or have mobility challenges, certain aspects might be less ideal. But overall, this tour is well-suited for those seeking an authentic, active day in Seychelles—especially families, wildlife enthusiasts, and snorkelers.

This experience made our article of The 16 Most Popular Tours & Things To Do In Victoria Seychelles.

Key Points

• Varied Itinerary: Combines snorkeling, island visits, wildlife, and a beach BBQ.
• Expert Guides: Well-reviewed for knowledgeable and friendly staff.
• Value for Money: Offers a full day of activities with lunch included.
• Wildlife Encounters: Interactions with giant tortoises and vibrant marine life.
• Flexible Options: Transportation included, with some activities payable on-site.
• Ideal for: Nature lovers, families, and snorkelers wanting a balanced experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to the Tour Experience

This Seychelles tour promises a full day of island-hopping, marine discovery, and relaxed tropical scenery. It’s ideal if you want an experience that covers both land and sea, all packed into a single, well-organized day. From what we’ve gathered, the tour generally departs from Victoria, taking you on a scenic boat ride through protected coral reefs and pristine islands.

We particularly appreciate how this tour blends adventure with relaxation. You’ll spend time snorkeling among tropical fish, walk among giant tortoises, and enjoy a mouthwatering BBQ—something most travelers remember long after the trip ends. The guide’s role, often praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, helps make this a friendly, engaging experience that appeals to a broad range of visitors.

One possible drawback is the timing of the stops. Some reviews mention being left on an island for about an hour and a half, which might feel a little too long if there’s not much to do. Also, the boat’s size and facilities might sometimes be tight, so expect a cozy ride rather than luxury cruising.

This tour is best for those who want an active, scenic, and wildlife-rich day with plenty of snorkeling, island walking, and wildlife encounters. If you prefer a more relaxed, private experience or have mobility issues, you might want to consider other options. But for most visitors, this tour offers a good mix of fun, flavor, and fascinating sights.

What You Can Expect from the Day

Departure and Boat Ride

Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel or accommodation, with transfers provided for both northern and southern guests. From Eden Island Marina, you’ll board a glass-bottom boat—a feature that immediately piques interest—allowing you to peek into the vibrant underwater world even before snorkeling.

The boat ride itself offers spectacular views of the tropical islands and coral reefs. As one review noted, “The glass bottom made it fun to see marine life from above,” which is a nice touch for those who may be hesitant to snorkel right away.

Marine Park Exploration and Snorkeling

Once at St. Anne Marine National Park, the real magic begins. Expect to see remarkable coral gardens, home to hundreds of different types of corals. Snorkeling here is often described as “beautiful,” with plenty of colorful fish and rays to spot. Many reviewers mention how attentive guides help point out marine creatures, making the experience both fun and educational.

Although the water is generally clear and calm, some reviews comment that fins and glass-bottom boats could be improved, indicating that equipment might sometimes be basic. Still, the fish feeding experience—done by hand—is a highlight for many, adding a sense of interaction that makes the marine life feel more approachable.

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Moyenne Island and Tortoise Encounters

Next, the tour takes you to Moyenne Island, famous for its thousand tortoises—some up to 80 years old. Visitors can pay a small fee (around EUR15) to walk among these gentle giants. The tortoise feeding is a major highlight, with one reviewer noting, “Meeting and feeding the Aldabra giant tortoise was a thrill,” leaving many visitors smiling for days.

You’ll also get a chance to hike the island’s trails, where you can take photos or simply absorb the peaceful, natural surroundings. Some reviews mention that the tour could include Moyenne Island trail bookings in advance for a smoother experience, but even spontaneous visits tend to be memorable.

Island Hopping to Long and Round Islands

As the tide lowers, you’ll explore the Sand Bank of Long Island and Round Island, perfect spots for swimming and relaxing. The water is described as crystal-clear, with opportunities to spot fish and rays. These stops are often appreciated for the calm, shallow waters, ideal for families or those new to snorkeling.

Cerf Island and the Beach BBQ

The highlight for many is the lunch break on Cerf Island, where a creole BBQ awaits. The food is described as delicious, with some reviewers comparing it favorably to restaurant-quality fare. The beachside setting provides a laid-back atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a morning of activity.

In the afternoon, you can explore the flora and fauna reserve, home to giant land tortoises. Visitors often say this part adds a charming, laid-back vibe that balances the busy morning activities.

Final Tortoise Encounter and Return

The day wraps up with more snorkeling or relaxing at the beach, followed by a return trip to Victoria. The overall journey tends to be well-organized, with timely pickups and transfers, although some reviews suggest that group size and schedule adjustments could be improved.

Analyzing the Value and Practicalities

At $92 per person, this tour offers a substantial amount of activities—snorkeling, island visits, wildlife encounters, and a hearty BBQ—all packed into a full day. Many reviews highlight great value for money, especially given the quality of the guide’s knowledge and the beautiful scenery.

Included are snorkeling equipment, transfers, and lunch, but some optional extras like tortoise feedings at Moyenne or Cerf, and beers or additional activities, come at extra costs. Travelers should bring cash for these possible fees, as well as water shoes, sunscreen, and swimwear.

The tour generally lasts around 7-8 hours, which makes it a full but manageable day. The small boat size means a cozy, intimate feel, but some may find the space limited, especially during snorkeling or lunch.

Considering the reviews praising the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, you’ll likely spend your day learning interesting tidbits about the islands’ flora, fauna, and marine life. The snorkeling spots are highly rated, with some reviewers calling the experience “beautiful” and “an unforgettable highlight.”

Who This Tour Is Best For

This trip is perfect for travelers who love outdoor activities and wildlife. It offers a good balance of beach, marine, and land experiences, making it ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to explore Seychelles’ natural beauty. The snorkeling and wildlife interactions are suited for people comfortable in the water and on small boats.

If you’re seeking a laid-back, well-organized tour with knowledgeable guides and tasty food, this tour ticks many boxes. However, those with mobility issues or seeking a private, more exclusive experience may prefer other options. Be prepared for a full day of activity, some waiting, and physically accessible conditions that are basic but functional.

FAQs

• Is snorkeling equipment provided? Yes, snorkeling gear and fins are included in the tour, although some reviewers suggest the equipment could be more modern or better maintained.

• How long is the boat ride? The boat departs from Eden Island Marina, and while exact times aren’t specified, the overall tour lasts about 7-8 hours, including island stops and lunch.

• Can I visit Moyenne Island separately? Yes, Moyenne Island can be visited independently for a fee of around EUR15, which is optional but highly recommended for tortoise encounters.

• Is the tour suitable for children? Generally, yes, especially for families comfortable with snorkeling and walking in the outdoors. However, very young children or those with mobility issues might find some parts challenging.

• What should I bring? Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water shoes, and your snorkeling gear. Luggage or large bags are not allowed onboard.

• Are drinks included? The tour offers two bottles of water per person, and additional drinks or beers are available for sale.

• Is the tour flexible? You can reserve and pay later, which offers some flexibility. However, activities like Moyenne Trail or private lunch arrangements require advance booking.

• What if the weather is bad? The tour departs even if there’s slight rain, but severe weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling for safety.

In Closing

This Seychelles tour delivers a balanced mix of marine exploration, island wildlife, and authentic local cuisine, making it ideal for travelers wanting a full, active day amidst stunning scenery. The knowledgeable guides and well-organized itinerary ensure you’ll have a memorable experience, especially if snorkeling and wildlife encounters are high on your list.

While it’s not a private, luxury experience, the value for money and the opportunity to see Seychelles’ natural treasures firsthand make it a strong choice for most travelers. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate learning about local flora and fauna while enjoying the casual, friendly atmosphere of boat trips and island walks.

If you’re looking for a genuine, full-day adventure that showcases the best of Seychelles’ marine and island life without a hefty price tag, this tour fits the bill perfectly.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby