By Janie – (UK)
We are thinking of going on a snorkeling trip to the Seychelles in November 2019, but have heard there is bad coral bleaching.
We would really appreciate information as to whether the quantity and variety of fish compensate for the lack of healthy corals.
Thank you.
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Janie P – Feb 3, 2019 – Snorkeling in the Seychelles
Hey there, we’ve not long come back from our eighth visit to the Seychelles and mainly go there for snorkeling. Yes, there is some coral bleaching but there is still an abundance of fish to see despite this problem.
For the best coral snorkeling on Mahe, visit Baie Ternay using one of the local dive/snorkel providers. Personally, I can recommend Dive Seychelles Underwater Centre based at the Berjaya on Beau Vallon and on our recent trip we saw the largest turtle we ever had the good luck to see.
A trip to St Anne’s Marine Park may also be worth it but it has been a while since we last snorkeled there so can’t really comment on the condition of marine life there at the moment.
Otherwise, if staying on Mahe, you can see a wide variety of fish while snorkeling from the beach. Port Launay is part of a marine park and literally 10 yards from the shoreline you can get to the corals and see several types of butterflyfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, etc., and this year we had a friendly ray pose for photos on the shoreline.
Point Au Sel off Anse Royale is another great beach to snorkel from, especially at low tide – this year we saw octopus, squid, bat fish and a three foot sea snake along with the usual sergeant majors, wrasse, triggerfish, butterflyfish, squirrelfish, etc., but be aware that there is a strong current so a snorkel vest may be helpful.
At low tide (and during a calm day), Anse Soleil and Sunset Beach is good (although, again, it may be wise to wear a snorkel vest) and Anse Forbans is good at high tide (was escorted by a lovely eagle ray here and the jumping shoals of fish were great to watch).
Should you decide to stay on Praslin, a boat trip to St Pierre to snorkel with some fantastic parrotfish is worth a look.
If staying on La Digue, snorkeling around the Coco and Felicite Islands with Lone Wolf Charters was very good, especially for seeing the shoal of blue tangs. Snorkeling on Anse Source D’Argent on La Digue at high tide is must with us seeing the largest pufferfish and batfish ever, and with the amazing rock formations and sugar sand beaches, it had the most beautiful back drop too.
If you do decide to visit the Seychelles, it may be worth visiting the Marine Conservation Centre at the Banyan Tree Resort on Anse Intendance. As well as their turtle conservation initiative, they are also involved in replacing the corals around the island, so may be able to give more of insight on where the best corals are during your stay.
Whatever, I totally love snorkeling around the Seychelles (eight visits says it all) and, although the waters may not always be as calm as protected atolls of the Maldives (another excellent place to snorkel), I’m sure that you wouldn’t be disappointed and that you would enjoy your visit.
Kind regards.
Janie UK – Feb 6, 2019 – Coral Bleaching Update
Thank you so much Janie P, for your incredibly comprehensive update on coral conditions in the Seychelles, and also for your very helpful guide to places for good snorkeling.
We have now booked, a mixture of Mahe, Denis, and Cerf Islands plus an eight day Praslin Dream yacht cruise, so will be taking your notes with us.
Best wishes from the not yet visited Janie!
Nicole and Galen – Jun 13, 2020 – Any Feedback From Your Visit?
Hi Janie, did you end up going to the Seychelles in November? How was it? Fish numbers, coral health? Would love to hear about your experience! Also for those interested, there is another page on the site about good snorkeling spots in the Seychelles.