Of course you can explore the Seychelles on foot, by mountain bike, in a hire car or even from the air. But nothing beats a guided boat trip.
There is so much to see from the water. You will discover beaches and islands that very few people have seen before you, and that could never be reached on foot or by car.
The view of the land from a boat is unique too. Black granite boulders, deserted dream beaches, spectacular properties, idyllic bays, one-of-a-kind islands and countless other sights are simply wonderful to experience from the water.
Which boat trips are available
Full-day island tour
How about a full-day island tour (about 10 hours), sailing past 10 islands of the Seychelles such as Silhouette, North Island, L’Îlot, Praslin, La Digue, St. Anne, Moyenne, Long Island, Cerf and Eden Island?
Whether you go ashore or snorkel along the way depends on the weather, the sea conditions and the operator. When you enquire, ask about the planned stops and the departure time.
Ste. Anne Marine Park near Mahé
Ste. Anne Marine National Park lies around 5 km off the main island of Mahé and covers six islands: Ste. Anne, Moyenne, Ronde, Longue, Cachée and Cerf. Boats take about 10 minutes from Victoria. Ste. Anne island itself is occupied by a hotel and closed to visitors, but snorkelling in the park is still very good. Visits are arranged through tour operators and boat charters. You will find more about snorkelling under Diving & Snorkelling.
From Praslin: Curieuse, St. Pierre, Cousin and Aride
From Praslin you can reach islands that no ferry serves. Curieuse is known for its free-roaming giant tortoises, its mangroves and its red earth. A stop at St. Pierre for snorkelling is often part of the trip. There are also half-day tours to Cocos and Félicité with a snorkelling stop.
Cousin and Aride are nature reserves. Cousin can only be visited with a guide. Aride is managed by the Island Conservation Society and has so far been open only during the northwest monsoon season from October to April, and only on weekdays. Check this with the operator before you book.
Fishing from the boat
Or perhaps you would rather go fishing, relaxed and unhurried, and try to catch your dinner or at least top it off? That is possible on a boat trip too, and we are happy to come along with you, whatever the time of day.
General information on fishing methods, target species and seasons can be found under Fishing in the Seychelles. If you prefer to travel under sail, see Sailing.
Prices and fees
Prices vary considerably depending on group size, duration and whether you share a boat or charter one privately. The figures below are guide prices from common booking portals, in US dollars (as of November 2026). Whether meals and park entry are included is stated in each description.
| Tour | Indicative price (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Shared day trip from Praslin, Curieuse and St. Pierre with BBQ | from approx. 80 USD per person |
| Shared day trip from Praslin, Cousin, Curieuse and St. Pierre | approx. 150 to 160 USD per person |
| Glass-bottom boat Ste. Anne Marine Park with BBQ, from Mahé | from approx. 217 USD per group |
| Private boat Ste. Anne Marine Park, 4 to 13 hours | from approx. 544 USD, depending on group size |
| Private boat from Mahé to La Digue, Curieuse and St. Pierre | from approx. 860 USD per group |
| Rent a small day boat, up to 8 people | from approx. 390 USD |
| Park or reserve | Entrance fee for non-residents (as of November 2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ste. Anne Marine Park | 200 rupees, age 12 and over | daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Curieuse Marine Park | most recently listed as 300 rupees, older sources state 200 | Children under 12 free, ranger station 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. |
| Aride Special Reserve | 650 rupees per adult, 300 rupees for children aged 4 to 13 | under 4 free, seasonal and weekdays only |
| Cousin Special Reserve | Amount to be confirmed with the operator | guided tours only, mostly mornings on weekdays |
Planning and behaviour on board
We promise you that you will not be able to take photos like the ones you get from a boat anywhere else. Send us your boat trip enquiry. We are very flexible, though always dependent on the weather. Safety is the top priority.
The sea is not equally calm all year round. For when it tends to be calmer, see Climate & Weather and Best Time to Visit. In strong wind or high swell a tour will be postponed or changed. For a full-day tour, it is therefore best to plan a spare day.
In protected areas the rules are: take nothing away, do not feed or touch animals, and leave no litter behind. Removing plants, animals or shells is expressly forbidden in nature reserves such as Aride. You will find more guidance on behaviour under Nature and Environmental Protection.
Boat or ferry?
If you only want to get to Praslin or La Digue, the ferry is cheaper than a boat trip. But a ferry is no substitute for a round trip: it calls at fixed harbours, not at Curieuse, Cousin or the bays in between. Timetables and booking can be found under Cat Cocos Ferry. Current times and prices are available from Cat Cocos.
| Route | Duration | Economy from (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Mahé to Praslin | approx. 1 hr 15 min | approx. 56 €, children aged 2 to 11 approx. 27 € |
| Mahé to La Digue (with stop in Praslin) | approx. 1 hr 45 min | approx. 66 to 68 €, children approx. 37 € |
| Praslin to La Digue (Cat Rose) | approx. 15 min | approx. 15 € |
The prices come from booking agents and may differ depending on class and operator. Alternatively, you can fly between Mahé and Praslin, see Domestic Flights. For getting around the islands, see Seychelles from A to B.
Frequently asked questions
Can I visit Curieuse on my own?
Only with your own or a chartered boat, as no public ferry goes to Curieuse. You can buy the entry ticket at the ranger station.
Is park entry included in the tour price?
With many organised tours it is, but not always with private charters. Ask before you book.
Do children pay an entry fee?
In the national marine parks of Ste. Anne and Curieuse, children under 12 go free. On Aride, children aged 4 to 13 pay a reduced price, and under 4s go free.
What happens in bad weather?
Safety comes first. The tour will be postponed, shortened or moved to a more sheltered bay. Agree this with the operator in advance.
Which tour suits a day on Mahé?
Ste. Anne Marine Park is about 10 minutes from Victoria and can be booked as a half-day or full-day tour. For an overview of several islands, the full-day island tour is the best choice.
