Snorkeling St-Pierre Marine Park and Anse Petite Cour

St-Pierre is the star here: an uninhabited Seychelles island reached only by boat, with clear water, coral gardens, and schools of tropical fish close to shore. I like the small group limit of eight and the fact that pickup and drop-off cover nearly every hotel, villa, and guesthouse on Praslin. I also like the included gear, drinks, local chips, and one Seybrew beer for adults.

The main caution is the boat access. One booking party found getting back aboard difficult because there was no ladder, and the crew did not offer much physical help. If you are older, unsteady, or not a confident swimmer, ask about boarding assistance before paying.

Key points to know before you book

• Two snorkel locations: St-Pierre Marine Park and Anse Petite Cour give you different settings in one short outing.
• St-Pierre is uninhabited: You reach this small island only by boat, with white sand and open Indian Ocean views.
• Pickup is island-wide: The operator collects you from listed Praslin hotels, villas, guesthouses, self-catering units, and the ferry terminal.
• Small boat group: A maximum of eight people makes the outing more personal than a large day boat.
• Food and drinks are covered: Bring your own lunch, but water, soft drinks, local chips, and one Seybrew beer for adults are included.
• Boarding deserves attention: The lack of a ladder may matter more than the snorkeling itself if you have limited mobility.

What this Praslin snorkeling trip is really like

At $106 per person, this is a short marine outing rather than a full-day cruise. The advertised duration is 150 minutes, with collection 10 to 30 minutes before the activity and boat departure from Anse Possession at 10:30 in the morning.

The price covers transport on Praslin, the boat outing, both snorkeling stops, equipment, water, soft drinks, local chips, and one Seybrew beer for adults aged 18 and over. That is a fair bundle for a small-group trip, especially if your accommodation sits far from Anse Possession and you would otherwise need to arrange a taxi.

Still, the value depends on what you want. You are paying for access to two attractive sea areas, not a long lunch cruise or a full island tour. The schedule is compact, and the time listed in the itinerary can look confusing because it shows a 30-minute transfer, one hour at St-Pierre, one hour at Praslin, and another 30-minute transfer. The published activity duration remains 150 minutes, so confirm the exact timing when your pickup is arranged.

Pickup from almost anywhere on Praslin

The operator offers pickup from a very broad list of locations. That includes major hotels such as Raffles Seychelles, Constance Lemuria, Paradise Sun, Berjaya Praslin Resort, Coco de Mer Hotel, Le Duc de Praslin, and Hotel L’Archipel.

You can also be collected from smaller villas, apartments, guesthouses, and self-catering properties. The Praslin Ferry Terminal and the airport tourist office are listed too, which is useful if this trip fits between transport connections. You need to provide your phone number and accommodation name, and pickup details are sent 24 to 48 hours after booking.

I would not leave this detail until the morning of the trip. Praslin has many small lodging properties with similar names, so make sure your accommodation information is written exactly as it appears on your booking. The pickup window is 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, giving you a useful reason to be ready early.

The road transfer ends at Anse Possession, where you board the boat. Staff provide a safety briefing before setting off. The fast ride to St-Pierre is described as running at about 25 knots, so the crossing is part of the fun, but you should expect wind and spray.

First stop: St-Pierre Marine Park

St-Pierre is an uninhabited island in the Seychelles, and that lack of buildings is part of its appeal. You get open sea views, pale sand, and a simple natural setting rather than a developed beach facility.

The main activity is snorkeling around coral reefs and tropical fish. Equipment is provided on board, and the planned time in the water is one hour. That is generous for a short outing. You can take your time looking across the reef, pause to float, and return to the boat without feeling that the whole stop is over in a few minutes.

The water is described as exceptionally clear, with unusually healthy coral and a large range of fish. One particularly strong account recorded a giant ribbon-tailed ray, large parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, Moorish idols, pipefish, jackfish, snapper, jobfish, trevally, triggerfish, wrasse, surgeonfish, scissortails, and sergeant fish.

Those sightings are not guaranteed, of course. Fish and water conditions change. But the list gives you a good sense of what this part of the Seychelles can offer when visibility and sea conditions cooperate.

The coral matters as much as the fish. A healthy reef gives you more to look at than bare rock and scattered sea growth. You might find branching shapes, sea grass, and fish feeding or sheltering around the reef. Bring a camera if you have one, but keep your hands off the coral and avoid standing on the bottom.

The St-Pierre stop also works well for less experienced snorkelers because you can spend much of the hour at your own pace. The supplied information does not describe flotation aids or a dedicated instructor in the water, so you should be comfortable swimming before booking.

Second stop: Anse Petite Cour

Anse Petite Cour is the second named snorkeling area. The attraction here is close contact with fish in their natural setting, with clear water and coral and sea grass noted as part of the underwater scene.

One memorable sighting at this location was a turtle being cleaned by small wrasse. That is the sort of quiet natural moment that makes a reef stop special. You cannot count on seeing a turtle, but the setting gives you a reasonable chance to spot fish working around the reef and sea grass.

The two stops make sense together. St-Pierre gives you the excitement of an uninhabited island and a well-known marine park setting. Anse Petite Cour offers another chance to get in the water, rather than putting all your hopes on one reef.

Conditions can affect the plan. When the sea became choppy during the trade wind and current season, the crew changed the schedule and added snorkeling at Anse Lazio and Petit Anse Lazio, also called Lovers Bay. The group received extra time in the water and was not rushed.

That flexibility is a real plus, but it also means the exact route may change. You should see the published locations as the intended plan, not an absolute promise. If weather is poor, the operator can cancel or move the activity to another day.

The boat crew and level of guiding

The land transfer driver named in one account was Nigel, who was described as friendly and helpful while taking the group to the boat. The boat crew members were not named in the information provided.

You should expect a safety briefing and a short introduction, followed by the ride to the first stop. The boat crew may point out places of interest while underway, but this is not presented as a formal island sightseeing tour. The heart of the experience is time in the water.

Guiding quality may vary depending on the crew and sea conditions. One small group of three had a guide who pointed out sights during the ride and allowed extra time when the water was rough. Another group described only a brief introduction and basic instructions at the snorkeling sites.

That difference is worth keeping in mind. If you want detailed fish identification, careful in-water coaching, or a naturalist talk, ask what level of guiding is planned. If you mainly want transport to good water and time to snorkel independently, the arrangement may suit you well.

The most important issue: getting back on the boat

Many people focus on masks and fish, but boarding can make or break this outing. The supplied information does not list a ladder. One older participant, over 70, had trouble climbing back into the boat, and another person skipped the second water stop after finding the first exit difficult.

This is not a minor point for anyone with stiff knees, limited upper-body strength, balance concerns, or anxiety about climbing from the sea. A boat ladder is not mentioned as part of the equipment, and you should not assume that one will be available.

Ask the operator directly before departure:

• Is there a boarding ladder?
• Can crew members give physical assistance?
• How high is the step from the water to the boat?
• Can you remain on board if you choose not to enter at the second stop?

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users, babies under one year, or people over 95. Those age limits do not replace a personal assessment of swimming and boarding ability. You may be fit at 65 and still find a ladder-free boat awkward.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Water and soft drinks are included, along with light local chips. Adults aged 18 and over receive one Seybrew beer. This is a pleasant touch after snorkeling, especially on a warm day.

Lunch is not included. Since the activity is short, you may not need a meal during the trip, but you should plan around the start and finish times. Do not bring food for the vehicle, as food is not allowed there.

Towels are also not included. Pack your own towel, swimwear, and a camera. Beachwear is specifically recommended. I would add a waterproof phone pouch or dry bag if you have one, though that is practical advice rather than supplied equipment.

Snorkeling equipment is included. The listing does not specify brands, sizes, or whether prescription masks are available, so bring your own mask if fit is important to you. A well-fitting mask can make the difference between enjoying the reef and spending the whole stop clearing water.

Group size, comfort, and pace

The group limit is eight participants. That is small enough to keep boarding, equipment distribution, and instructions fairly simple. It also gives the boat a more private feel than a large excursion with dozens of people.

A small group does not guarantee a private charter. You may still share the boat with other bookings, and the pace is set by the crew and sea conditions. The outing seems best for people who want an efficient morning on the water without committing to a full day.

The boat ride at 25 knots may feel lively. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the ride feels most stable and tell the crew if you feel unwell. The supplied information does not state whether motion-sickness medicine is available, so bring anything you normally use.

Is $106 good value?

I see the price as reasonable if you use the included pickup and care about visiting two separate snorkeling sites. A taxi to Anse Possession, boat access to St-Pierre, equipment rental, drinks, and a small group could add up quickly if arranged separately.

The value drops if you only want a few minutes in the sea or if boarding problems prevent you from using both stops. You are paying for access and convenience, not just for mask-and-fins rental. The best value comes when the water is calm, visibility is good, and you can comfortably enter and leave the boat twice.

The flexible weather policy also helps protect the purchase. If conditions are not favorable, the operator may cancel or move the trip to a later day. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some room while your Praslin plans take shape.

Who should book this experience?

I would choose this trip if you are staying on Praslin and want a compact sea outing with transport handled for you. It suits confident swimmers, couples, small families with older children, and anyone who values a quiet boat group over a large organized cruise.

It is also a good choice if St-Pierre is high on your list. The island’s uninhabited character, white sand, clear water, and reef fish give the trip a strong sense of place.

I would be more cautious if you need close physical support, use a wheelchair, dislike fast boat rides, or want a long guided lesson. The boat access needs checking before you commit. Also remember that the weather can change the route, and underwater wildlife is never guaranteed.

FAQ

How long does the snorkeling experience last?

The activity duration is listed as 150 minutes. Pickup takes place 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, and embarkation at Anse Possession starts at 10:30 in the morning.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup and drop-off are available from listed hotels, guesthouses, villas, self-catering properties, the Praslin Ferry Terminal, and other locations across Praslin Island.

Are snorkeling masks, snorkels, and fins included?

Snorkeling equipment is included for the St-Pierre Marine Park and Anse Petite Cour stops.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, although water, soft drinks, light local chips, and one Seybrew beer for adults aged 18 and over are provided.

Which languages are available?

The activity is offered with live guidance in English and French.

Can the itinerary change because of weather?

Yes. If the weather is not favorable, the operator may cancel the activity or propose another day. In choppy conditions, the route may also be adjusted, with alternatives such as Anse Lazio and Petit Anse Lazio.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, babies under one year, or people over 95. You should also ask about boat boarding assistance if you have limited mobility or are not comfortable climbing from the water.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want two reef stops, island-wide pickup, a small group, and an efficient way to reach St-Pierre from Praslin. The coral, fish variety, and chance of seeing a turtle make the underwater time the clear reward.

Before paying, contact Infinity Charter Seychelles about the boarding setup. If there is a suitable ladder and crew assistance, the $106 price is easier to justify. If getting out of the water may be difficult, choose a boat trip with clearly stated assisted boarding instead.