Seychelles Reef Safari: Exploring St. Anne Marine Park & Moyenne Island

Bright and early, we started our day with breakfast before joining a tour with Mason’s Travels for their famous Reef Safari to St. Anne National Marine Park. Established in 1973, this was the first of six marine parks in Seychelles and is renowned for its coral reefs, tropical fish, and lush islands.

A Day on the Water

Our adventure began on a boat, soaking up the sun in our swimming gear as we headed to the first stop of the tour. Midway through, the boat stopped so we could feed the tropical fish surrounding us. Throwing pieces of bread into the water, we watched dozens of brilliantly coloured fish scramble for each morsel. The child in me was completely delighted!

Next, we hopped aboard a semi-submersible vessel for a closer view of the rich coral life beneath the waves. While I’d seen more diverse marine life in the Red Sea, the Seychelles still offered a magical peek into its underwater world.

We followed this with an hour-long snorkeling session. I’ll admit, I’m not usually a fan of snorkeling – especially when someone tosses bread nearby – but seeing the colorful fish and coral reefs up close was an unforgettable experience.

We then hopped abroad a semi-submersible vassal for a closer look at the rich coral life below the surface. 

Traditional Seychellois BBQ

Back on deck, we enjoyed a traditional Seychellois barbecue. The crew added to the festive atmosphere, singing and playing guitar while we devoured fresh grilled fish, local delicacies, and tropical fruit. The combination of warm sea air, delicious food, and live music was pure magic.

Moyenne Island: History & Wildlife

Next, we sped across the water in an inflatable speedboat to Moyenne Island. This tiny island has a fascinating history: abandoned until 1962, it was purchased by an Englishman, Brendon Grinshaw, for just £8,000. He and a friend planted over 15,000 trees, built 4.8 km of walking trails, and introduced Giant Tortoises – which we were lucky to meet.

The island is now considered one of the most biodiverse spots per square foot in the world. We also explored old ruins and pirate graves, adding a touch of mystery to the lush greenery.

Sunset Cruise & Relaxation

We ended the tour with a leisurely cruise around the Marine Park, mocktail in hand, taking in the turquoise waters, gentle waves, and golden sunset before returning to Mahé.


Why You Should Book a Reef Safari

If you’re visiting Seychelles and love combining adventure, culture, and wildlife, I can wholeheartedly recommend Mason’s Travels. Their Reef Safari was punctual, well-organized, and catered to every guest’s comfort. They also offer a variety of tours across the Seychelles islands, from snorkeling and diving trips to island-hopping adventures.

Practical Tips for Reef Safari (2026):

  • Booking: Reserve in advance, especially in peak season (April–May, October–November).
  • What to Bring: Swimsuit, snorkel gear (some provided), sunscreen, towel, waterproof camera, and seasickness remedies if needed.
  • Food & Drinks: BBQ lunch and drinks are included; water is recommended.
  • Transport: Pick-up and drop-off from most Mahé hotels is usually included.
  • Best Time to Go: Morning tours tend to have calmer waters and better visibility for snorkeling.

A day at St. Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island was a highlight of our Seychelles honeymoon—mixing wildlife encounters, adventure, and relaxation into one unforgettable experience.

Do you have any questions about joining a Reef Safari in Seychelles? Leave them in the comments, and I’ll reply as soon as possible!

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2 responses to “Seychelles Reef Safari: Exploring St. Anne Marine Park & Moyenne Island”

  1. […] The next day, we got up bright and early to have our breakfast and then went on a booked tour with Mason’s Travels for their trademark Reef Safari to St. Anne National Marine Park. It was absolutely amazing and the day will filled with snorkelling, glass-bottomed boats and Giant Tortoises! Read about my experience in depth here. […]

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  2. […] Read about my Seychelles itinerary here and about my Reef Safari Tour in Seychelles here. […]

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