Semi Submarine Tour in Saint Anne Marine National Park
Description
The one hour Semi-Submarine tour is designed to have you experience the magic of Sainte Anne National Marine Park, from both above and below the water. The tour departs from Eden Island and heads to specific viewing areas inside the Marine Park where you will go in the underwater cabin to view the corals and amazing marine life like you never have before. You do not require any special clothing when going for the trip and are expected to remain dry during the entire tour which is suitable for people of all ages.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Opened for business in 2012 and fast becoming one of the coolest places on Mahé, Eden Island has a luxury hotel, a yacht marina, the east coast's best bars, good restaurants and a modern shopping mall.
The Sainte Anne Marine Park was created in 1973 for the preservation of wildlife, the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean. There is much to see in the Ste. Anne Marine National Park, which is set amid dazzling turquoise waters and is thus, a perfect snorkelling spot. Situated about 5km from the main island of Mahé, this picturesque Marine Park comprises 6 islands just off the coast of Mahe. These islands include Ste Anne, Ile Moyenne, Ile Ronde, Ile Longue, Ile Cachee and Ile aux Cerfs. It also has one of the largest areas of "seagrass meadows" in the Seychelles.
Sainte Anne Island is the largest of Sainte Anne Marine National Park’s eight islands, and it is full of stunning beaches. Ste.Anne island is the site of the first French settlement in 1770, a courageous undertaking as the island was surrounded by swamps teeming with crocodiles. Dominated by a hill rising to 246m and surrounded by thick tropical vegetation, Ste.Anne served as a base for the Royal Marines (during World War II), who assured the defense of Victoria, the capital of Seychelles. In the early decades of the 19th century it was also the base for whaling activity in the Seychelles.
Cerf Island is the second largest island in this Marine Park. Named after the frigate “Le Cerf” commanded by Corneille Nicolas Morphey, who took possession of the Seychelles in the name of the King of France in 1756. Lush vegetation, shallow water and beautiful reefs ensure superb snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving.
Moyenne Island just under half a kilometer long is privately owned. Amongst the lush vegetation of this wonderful tropical garden are the remains of early settler’s homes, pirates’ graves and a small thatched chapel.
This small rocky island The reefs and lagoons of the island offers a spectacular underwater world for exploration. Green sea turtles live on the very edges of the coral reefs, and they sometimes venture closer to the island. There are butterfly fish, eagle rays, moray eels and many other species of fish.
The tiny island is also known as Isle Cachée island. The name of the island in French means "hidden", and as its name suggests it appears ‘hidden’ either behind Cerf or appear to be part of Cerf Island. It is also rumoured that pirates once buried some of their stolen treasure on Isle Cachée and is classified as a nature reserve. The island has an area of 0.022 km², and it is a nesting site for seabirds.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(88)
Right on time, which was appreciated a lot. The sub marine experience was short, 20 mins, fhe other part of the 1 hour was to and from.
We appreciate your feedback. It’s great to know the punctuality and the overall one‑hour experience — including the journey and the 20‑minute underwater viewing — made your visit worthwhile. Sunny Regards, The SSS Team
A pleasant trip, although short in duration, that offers a beautiful view of the island from the sea and the opportunity to clearly see the bottom and the fish. Of course, one must be lucky to have optimal conditions.
Grazie mille per il suo commento. Siamo felici che il giro, anche se breve, abbia offerto una splendida panoramica dell’isola e una chiara visione dei fondali e dei pesci. Sunny Regards, The SSS Team
Overall great experience. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that no one mentioned or offered life jackets to anyone. We had folks that did not know swimming in our group and we would have felt safer with life jackets on when going over deep water standing on a submarine where it is easy to fall off.
Dear Nihitk201, Thank you for taking the time to share this thoughtful feedback. We’re very glad to hear you had a great experience on board and enjoyed discovering the marine life with us. Your point about life jackets is truly appreciated — while the vessel is fully equipped and designed for safe movement, we understand that some guests may feel more comfortable with additional reassurance. We’ll be reviewing our boarding procedure to ensure life jackets are clearly mentioned and offered to anyone who prefers them. Sunny Regards, The SSS Team
A great way to spend an hour or two in your itinerary. Organized and really beautiful to discover underwater without getting wet! The staff are very welcoming. Im glad to discover this activity before heading to the airport.
Dear Jeanne N, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re delighted to hear the Semi‑Sub was a beautiful and convenient addition to your itinerary. Discovering the underwater world without getting wet is always a special moment, and we’re glad our welcoming team made it even better. It’s wonderful that you were able to enjoy the activity before heading to the airport. Sunny Regards, The SSS Team
Very efficient. It was neat to go under and see the wonderful marine life. Schools of fish were everywhere. When finished, we were at the mall with great restaurants and an atm.
Dear Keith_M, Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We’re delighted you enjoyed the underwater views and the abundance of marine life — it’s always a special moment when the schools of fish surround the Semi‑Sub. We’re also glad the convenient location made the end of your trip even smoother. Sunny Regards, The SSS Team
It was supposed to be a relaxing trip into the underwater world of the Seychelles. However, since a small child was also participating, who constantly waved in front of my lens and made loud expressions of displeasure. Therefore, it was not possible to follow the explanations of the friendly guide.
Liebe Karin_S, vielen Dank, dass Sie sich die Zeit genommen haben, Ihre Erfahrungen mit uns zu teilen. Es tut uns sehr leid, dass Ihr Ausflug nicht so entspannend war, wie Sie es sich erhofft hatten. Wir verstehen gut, dass es störend sein kann, wenn andere Gäste – insbesondere kleine Kinder – die Sicht versperren oder laut sind. Leider können wir das Verhalten einzelner Gäste nicht immer vollständig beeinflussen, aber unser Team ist stets bemüht, eine angenehme und respektvolle Atmosphäre für alle an Bord zu schaffen. Trotzdem freut es uns, dass Sie unsere Reiseleiterin als freundlich empfunden haben. Wir würden uns sehr freuen, Sie bei einem zukünftigen Besuch erneut begrüßen zu dürfen – hoffentlich unter ruhigeren Bedingungen, damit Sie die Unterwasserwelt der Seychellen in vollen Zügen genießen können. Herzliche Grüße Ihr SSS‑Team
If not going for snorkeling then it's a must try experience , 1 hour ride is wonderful specially 20-30 mins down the sea
Dear ABHISHEK_K, Thank you for the fantastic review! Providing a "must-try" alternative for those who want to see the marine life without snorkeling is exactly what we aim for. We greatly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again. Sunny regards, The SSS Team
Guide was very knowledgeable and very helpful
Thank you so much for the 5‑star review! We’re delighted to hear that you found our guide knowledgeable and helpful. We take pride in offering an informative and enjoyable experience, and your feedback means a lot to us. Hope to welcome you on board again soon! Sunny regards, The SSS Team
Nice if you're tight on time and have no time for the proper national marine park tour. A bit short but nonetheless worth it Those with kids will enjoy it
Dear Mamado, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We’re glad you found the tour worthwhile, especially as a quick option when time is limited. It’s wonderful to hear that families with children enjoyed it too — creating fun and memorable moments for all ages is exactly what we aim for. We appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you aboard again for another adventure in Seychelles! Sunny regards, The SSS Team
It was great. The tour was professionally handled by trained guides and we enjoyed every part of it.
Dear Mxolisi_, Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! 🌊 We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed every part of the tour and felt well taken care of by our trained guides. Providing a safe, professional, and memorable experience is always our top priority, and it’s rewarding to know we succeeded. We look forward to welcoming you aboard again for another adventure in the beautiful waters of Seychelles! Sunny regards, The SSS Team
