Sister, Coco, and Felicite Island: Seychelles Catamaran Tour

Coco and Félicité islands deliver the sort of Seychelles scenery people picture before they arrive: smooth granite boulders, palm trees, pale beaches, and clear water full of sea life. This full-day catamaran outing also includes Sister Island, a BBQ lunch, snorkeling gear, landing fees, and return ferry tickets.

I like the spacious Oplezir catamaran, with room to sit indoors or outside, plus showers for rinsing off after snorkeling. I also like the way the day mixes three pleasures that are often sold separately: island scenery, time in the water, and a proper lunch on board.

The main compromise is time. You may wish for longer on Sister Island’s beach, especially since the boat makes several worthwhile stops. This is an active sea day, not a slow beach holiday, and it is not suitable for children under two, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.

Key points to know before booking

• Three very different island settings: Sister Island offers a private-beach feel, Coco has granite boulders and palms, and Félicité is larger and heavily covered with vegetation.
• A comfortable base at sea: The Oplezir catamaran is described as large, luxurious, and spacious, with indoor and outdoor seating and showers.
• Good water time: Snorkeling stops offer chances to see sea turtles, fish, and other marine life in clear water.
• Lunch is part of the experience: The onboard BBQ includes variety and dessert, with water included and extra drinks available for purchase.
• Useful transport package: Praslin departures include return land transfers, while La Digue pickup is at the jetty and La Digue land transfers are your responsibility.
• Plan for a long day: The outing lasts 6 to 8 hours, and ferry time can add to the total if you are connecting from Mahé.

Why this catamaran day works so well

This is not simply a boat ride around pretty islands. It gives you several ways to enjoy the Seychelles in one outing. You can sit back and watch the granitic islands pass by, swim from the boat, snorkel over reef areas, walk on a beach, and eat without having to return to shore for lunch.

The scenery is the strongest reason to book. Coco and Félicité have the classic Seychelles look, but they do not feel identical. Coco is small and easy to read at a glance, with rounded granite rocks, palms, and a sandy beach. Félicité is larger, with thick plant cover and a more rugged natural feel. Sister Island adds another layer, with tropical forest, untouched beaches, and a clear lagoon.

I especially like that the itinerary gives you time to see the islands from the water before stepping ashore. From the catamaran, you get the broad view: rocky shorelines, forested slopes, and water shifting from deep blue to pale green near the reef. On land, the scene becomes more personal and immediate. You can feel the sand, look closely at the granite, and swim in the warm island water.

The overall rating is 4.6 out of 5 from 121 ratings, and the praise is consistent in the areas that matter most on a boat trip: friendly crew, good organization, tasty food, pleasant snorkeling spots, and plenty of room on board.

Setting out from La Digue or Praslin

The tour operates from Praslin or La Digue. If you are on La Digue, the catamaran picks you up directly at the La Digue jetty. You need to arrange your own land transfer to the jetty, so leave enough time to reach the meeting point without rushing.

Praslin visitors receive return transfers as part of the package. Return ferry tickets are also included. The exact starting time varies, so check availability for your date and follow the pickup details on your voucher.

If you are coming from Mahé, allow extra energy for the journey. The ferry to Praslin takes about an hour, according to the practical advice provided for this outing. Bring something to occupy you during the crossing, especially if you are not used to spending a full day on the water.

Once aboard, the Oplezir gives you a comfortable place to settle in. You can choose an outdoor seat for the views or move inside for shade. The boat is large enough to avoid the cramped feeling that can spoil a snorkeling trip, and the showers are a useful touch after swimming.

The catamaran is not a private charter. It is a shared excursion, and the number of people on board can affect how relaxed the day feels. The available information does not give a fixed group size, but the boat has been described as enormous and spacious. That makes a real difference when you are wet, carrying a camera, or looking for a quiet corner.

Sister Island’s clear lagoon and private-beach feel

Sister Island is the first major scenic stop and one of the day’s highlights. It is privately owned, with granite rock, tropical forest, and clean beaches. The island’s lagoon has excellent visibility, so you can look into the water rather than simply swimming above a dark surface.

Sea turtles and other marine creatures may be seen in the lagoon. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the clear water gives you a fair chance to spot movement below. Keep your expectations sensible: this is a nature outing, not an aquarium with scheduled animals.

The island is also valuable for what it does not have. There is no suggestion of a busy town or a long list of attractions. Instead, the appeal is the natural setting, the beach, the forest, and the chance to spend time somewhere that feels removed from daily routines.

You may be taken by motorboat to a turtle swimming area, depending on the day’s arrangements. This can make wildlife viewing easier and safer than trying to approach a turtle directly from the beach. Follow the crew’s instructions and keep a respectful distance from marine life.

Sister Island is where you may most notice the pressure of the schedule. One rating specifically wished for more beach time. If your ideal day means lying on one beach for hours, this outing may feel too busy. If you prefer a series of scenic stops, the variety will be a strength.

Coco National Park and the best snorkeling time

Coco National Park provides the main snorkeling setting. The landing fee is included, as is snorkeling equipment, though I still suggest bringing your own mask and snorkel if you already have gear that fits you well.

Coco is small, photogenic, and easy to remember. Granite boulders sit beside palm trees and a sandy beach, giving the island the polished look of a postcard without needing much development. The water around it is home to fish and other sea life, with underwater plant life adding color and texture.

Snorkeling conditions depend on the sea, wind, visibility, and the exact spot selected by the crew. The route may include Coco, Félicité, or both. That flexibility is useful because the best place to enter the water can change with conditions.

You should expect more than one opportunity to snorkel, although the precise number and length of stops are not fixed. Time is set aside for the reefs, and the trip is designed around swimming and snorkeling rather than just sailing past the islands.

The water can be refreshing, so bring a towel even though it is not listed among the required items. You will want sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a camera, but protect your camera carefully around salt water. Comfortable clothing is useful for the boat ride, and insect repellent can help during time near vegetation.

For strong swimmers, the open-water stops may be the most exciting part of the day. If you are less confident, tell the crew before entering the water and stay within the area they indicate. The outing is not designed for people with mobility impairments, and pregnant women are advised not to take part.

Félicité’s forested shore and granite scenery

Félicité is larger than Coco and has a different visual character. Dense vegetation covers much of the island, giving the shoreline a more wooded appearance. Its granite formations and surrounding water still provide the familiar Seychelles setting, but the island feels less like a tiny beach stop and more like a substantial natural place.

The tour may use Félicité as a snorkeling location, either instead of Coco or alongside it. That choice allows the crew to respond to sea conditions and make the most of the available water. You may spend more time swimming than walking here, so bring your attention back to the reef and the view from the catamaran.

I like this contrast between the islands. Coco is compact and beach-focused. Félicité offers thicker vegetation and a broader sense of untamed shore. Sister Island adds a private-island atmosphere. Together, they make the day feel varied rather than repetitive.

You should not expect a long guided hike or a detailed island tour. The experience centers on the coast, the water, and the boat. If you want extensive walking, inland trails, or cultural sites, this is not the right excursion.

BBQ lunch, drinks, and life aboard the Oplezir

Lunch is served on board, which keeps the day moving and avoids losing valuable island time to a restaurant transfer. The meal is a BBQ with a range of food and dessert. It is a welcome break after snorkeling, and the combination of a hot meal and sea views is part of the pleasure.

Water is included. A rum cocktail has also been available during the outing, though extra services and purchases are not part of the basic price. Bring a credit card and cash if you want to buy anything additional.

The food has been praised for being tasty and varied. That matters because a six to eight-hour sea excursion can feel much longer if lunch is an afterthought. Here, the meal is treated as one of the main parts of the day rather than a snack between stops.

The catamaran itself helps the lunch break. You have space to sit, dry off, and enjoy the views. After eating, you can use the shower, change into dry clothing, or find a shaded place before the next swim.

This is also a good time to manage expectations. A shared onboard BBQ is practical and enjoyable, but it is not a private dining experience. Conditions at sea can affect how easy it is to eat, and some people may prefer a light meal before returning to the water.

Is $166 good value?

At $166 per person, this is not a budget boat trip. It becomes better value when you count what is included: the catamaran outing, landing fees for Sister Island and Coco National Park, BBQ lunch, water, snorkeling equipment, return ferry tickets, and return transfers for Praslin participants.

You would pay separately for several of those items if you arranged the day yourself. The biggest value is convenience. One booking connects transport, island access, snorkeling, food, and guiding, so you do not have to coordinate boats and permits on your own.

The price makes the most sense if you want a full day at sea with several stops. It is less convincing if your main goal is simply to visit one beach or spend a quiet afternoon swimming. You are paying for the range of places and the logistics that connect them.

The spacious boat also improves the value. A low-priced excursion can be disappointing if you spend hours squeezed onto a small vessel. Here, indoor and outdoor areas, showers, and space to move around help justify the higher cost.

I would compare this price with the cost of booking a private boat, but only if you are traveling with enough people to share that expense. For solo visitors and couples, the organized catamaran is likely to be the simpler option. Solo visitors can also feel comfortable joining the group alone. One solo participant found the experience safe and easy to manage.

Practical advice for a smoother sea day

Bring a towel. This is the most useful omission from the stated packing list. You will have snorkeling gear, but a towel is your responsibility.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that can handle a boat deck and a beach landing. Pack swimwear under your clothes if changing space is limited, and keep sunscreen close rather than buried in a bag.

Take sunglasses, insect repellent, cash, and a credit card. Water is included, but extra services can be bought on site. A camera is worthwhile because the islands are highly photogenic, but use a waterproof case or bag near the water.

The tour is offered with English or French-speaking live guides. Jacqueline is one guide associated with the experience, and the crew has been described as friendly and helpful. If you need information about swimming areas, lunch, or transfers, ask early in the day.

Use the crew’s instructions around reefs and turtles. Clear water can make distances look shorter than they are, and a calm-looking sea can still tire you out. Take breaks on the boat between swims.

Check the passport names you provide when booking. They must match your passport. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the outing for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later, which helps if your island schedule is still changing.

Who should book this Seychelles catamaran tour?

You should consider it if you want the greatest variety from one sea day. It suits swimmers, snorkelers, photographers, couples, solo visitors, and anyone who wants to see several famous island settings without arranging separate boats.

It is particularly good for people who value comfort. The Oplezir is large, with places inside and outside, and the included lunch means you do not need to plan a meal between water stops.

Families with very young children should choose another activity because children under two are not allowed. The outing is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.

Beach purists may want to think twice. You will have beach time, but the schedule also includes sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and multiple island areas. If you want one long, unhurried beach stay, a simpler beach outing may suit you better.

Should you book it?

I would book this tour if your Seychelles plans include La Digue or Praslin and you want one well-organized day that combines scenery, snorkeling, lunch, and transport. The strongest reasons are the roomy catamaran, the clear water around Sister Island and Coco National Park, and the chance to see both Coco’s granite-and-palm setting and Félicité’s forested shore.

Book with realistic expectations about beach time. Bring a towel, protect your camera, and allow extra time if you are connecting from Mahé by ferry. For a full day on the water with several worthwhile stops, $166 is a fair package price.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran pick up La Digue passengers?

La Digue passengers are picked up directly at the La Digue jetty. You need to arrange your own land transfer to the jetty.

Is transport included for people departing from Praslin?

Yes. Return transfers for Praslin passengers are included, along with return ferry tickets.

How long does the excursion last?

The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours. Starting times vary by date, so check availability when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although bringing your own gear is also possible.

What food and drinks are included?

A BBQ lunch served on the catamaran and water are included. Extra services can be purchased on site.

Can young children or pregnant women join?

Children under two are not allowed. The experience is also not suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility impairments.