Saint Anne Island, Seychelles: History, Snorkelling and Marine Park Day Trips
Saint Anne Island: Where Seychelles History Began
Only a few kilometres from Victoria, Saint Anne Island is the largest island in the Ste Anne Marine National Park. It is a short boat ride from Mahé, yet it feels like a different world, with green hills, quiet beaches and calm lagoon water. It is also the place where the story of modern Seychelles began, which makes it a good choice for visitors who want history, nature and snorkelling in one day.
Saint Anne Island at a Glance
| Location | About 5 km off the coast of Mahé, Seychelles |
| Part of | Ste Anne Marine National Park |
| Size | About 2.27 sq km, the largest island in the park |
| Highest point | About 246 m (807 ft) |
| Known for | First French settlement in Seychelles (1770), snorkelling, hiking |
| Getting there | Short boat trip from Mahé |
A Short History of Saint Anne Island
The French explorer Lazare Picault first reached the island in 1742 and named it after Saint Anne, whose feast day it was. In 1770, the first French settlers landed on its beaches, which means Saint Anne is where permanent settlement in the Seychelles started. Seychelles had no indigenous population, and this island’s story is the beginning of the nation’s history. Its sheltered position opposite Victoria harbour made it a natural landing point, and traces of that early period can still be found around the island.
Ste Anne Marine National Park
Saint Anne gives the park its name. The park was established in 1973, making it one of the first protected marine areas in the Indian Ocean. It covers about 14.4 sq km and includes six islands: Saint Anne, Moyenne, Round (Ronde), Long (Longue), Cachée and Cerf. The park is a sanctuary for sea turtles and has large areas of seagrass, which shelters young fish and feeds marine life.
About 40,000 visitors come to the park each year. Visitors come for snorkelling in the channel between Saint Anne and Moyenne, where more than 150 species of fish and other marine life have been recorded.
Things to Do on Saint Anne Island
- Snorkel the reefs: Swim over coral, seagrass and shoals of tropical fish in clear, shallow water.
- Take a glass-bottom boat tour: See the reef from above the surface without getting wet. It’s a good option for children and non-swimmers.
- Hike the island trails: Walk through tropical vegetation and enjoy views of the lagoon and Mahé.
- Relax on the beaches: Enjoy calm, sheltered water and fine sand.
- Discover the history: Learn about the French landing in 1770 and the island’s role in early Seychelles.
- Go island hopping: Combine Saint Anne with Moyenne Island and its giant tortoises, or with Cerf Island, in one day.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit all year. The sea is usually calmest, and visibility best, in the transition months of April to May and October to November. Morning trips tend to be quieter and cooler.
What to Bring
- Swimwear and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat and sunglasses
- Snorkel gear, if you have your own
- Waterproof camera
- Water, snacks and some cash
Park Entry
Non-resident visitors need a valid marine park ticket to enter the park. Ask us whether it’s included in your tour price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Saint Anne Island?
It lies about 5 km off the coast of Mahé, opposite Victoria, in the Ste Anne Marine National Park.
Why is Saint Anne Island important?
It was the site of the first French settlement in the Seychelles in 1770.
Can you snorkel at Saint Anne Island?
Yes. The waters in and around the park are among the most popular snorkelling areas near Mahé.
How do I get to Saint Anne Island?
By boat from Mahé. Mae Tours Seychelles can arrange the trip for you, with hotel pick-up on request.
Can I visit other islands on the same day?
Yes. Many tours combine Saint Anne with Moyenne Island, Cerf Island or other islands in the park.
Visit Saint Anne Island with Mae Tours Seychelles
Explore Saint Anne with a local team that knows the park, the reefs and the history. Mae Tours Seychelles offers glass-bottom boat trips, snorkelling excursions and island-hopping day tours from Mahé.
