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About

Sainte Anne Marine National Park, known locally as Parc Marin de Sainte Anne, is a breathtaking protected marine reserve located just 5 kilometers (3 miles) off the coast of Mahé, the largest island in the Seychelles. Established in 1973, this park was the first marine protected area in the Indian Ocean, covering an area of approximately 14.5 square kilometers (5.6 square miles). It comprises six picturesque islands—Sainte Anne, Cerf, Île Moyenne, Île Ronde, Île Longue, and Île aux Cerfs—each offering unique charm and natural beauty. The park’s crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich biodiversity make it a premier destination for eco-tourists and marine enthusiasts.

Sainte Anne Marine National Park is renowned for its pristine coral ecosystems, which support an incredible variety of marine life. Beneath its turquoise waters, visitors can explore colorful reefs teeming with tropical fish, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, and damselfish. Larger species like hawksbill turtles, green turtles, and even reef sharks can often be spotted gliding gracefully through the park’s underwater landscapes. The marine park’s clear visibility and abundant sea life make it one of the Seychelles’ most popular snorkeling and diving destinations.

The islands within the park also provide vital habitats for coastal flora and fauna. Sainte Anne Island, the largest of the group, is covered in lush tropical vegetation, with rolling hills that offer scenic hiking opportunities and panoramic views of the surrounding seascape. Île Moyenne is particularly notable for its history and conservation efforts. The late British conservationist Brendon Grimshaw purchased the island and transformed it into a sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises, which now roam freely across the island’s trails. Moyenne also features historic ruins and pirate graves, adding an element of intrigue to its natural beauty.

The park is a critical nesting and feeding ground for marine turtles, particularly the hawksbill and green turtles. Conservation initiatives have been implemented to protect these endangered creatures, ensuring their survival in a region where they are vulnerable to human activity and climate change. Additionally, efforts to combat coral bleaching and overfishing are ongoing, with strict regulations in place to maintain the park’s ecological integrity.

Sainte Anne Marine National Park is also historically significant. Sainte Anne Island was the site of the first French settlement in the Seychelles in 1770, and remnants of its colonial past can still be found today. The park’s blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty makes it a fascinating destination for visitors seeking both exploration and relaxation.

Visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours. These activities provide an immersive experience, allowing visitors to witness the vibrant marine life and coral reefs up close. The park’s tranquil beaches and calm waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and sunbathing, while guided tours to islands like Île Moyenne offer opportunities to encounter giant tortoises and explore its scenic walking trails.

In summary, Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a jewel of the Seychelles, celebrated for its vibrant underwater world, serene island landscapes, and significant conservation efforts. It remains a haven for marine biodiversity and a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Things to See

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Located off the coast of Mahé in the Seychelles, Sainte Anne Marine National Park is a sanctuary of vibrant marine ecosystems and lush tropical habitats, teeming with diverse species.

Hawksbill Sea Turtle
One of the park’s iconic inhabitants, hawksbill sea turtles glide effortlessly through the coral reefs, feeding on sponges and algae.

Green Sea Turtle
Frequently spotted in the park’s shallow seagrass beds, the green sea turtle plays a vital role in maintaining the health of underwater meadows.

Reef Manta Ray
These gentle giants patrol the park’s deeper waters, their broad wingspans creating an awe-inspiring sight as they filter-feed on plankton.

Blacktip Reef Shark
Common in the park’s lagoons, blacktip reef sharks cruise gracefully near the surface, making them a thrilling highlight for snorkelers.

Parrotfish
Vibrant schools of parrotfish scrape algae from corals, their feeding activity helping to keep the reefs healthy and thriving.

Octopus
Masters of disguise, octopuses hide in rocky crevices and coral formations, emerging at night to hunt crustaceans and small fish.

Bumphead Parrotfish
These massive fish, known for their forehead bumps, play a critical role in reef regeneration by grinding coral into sand.

Lionfish
With striking striped patterns and venomous spines, lionfish are both beautiful and formidable predators in the park’s reefs.

Nudibranch
These colorful sea slugs add vibrant splashes of color to the reefs, often seen crawling gracefully over coral and rocks.

Giant Clam
The giant clam, with its iridescent blue and green mantle, anchors itself to reefs, filtering water and contributing to reef stability.

Birds

While the focus is often on its marine life, Sainte Anne Marine National Park is also home to several stunning seabirds and shorebirds that thrive along its coastal and mangrove habitats.

Fairy Tern
This delicate and graceful seabird, known for its pure white plumage, hovers effortlessly above the turquoise waters while hunting for fish.

White-tailed Tropicbird
With its elegant long tail streamers, the white-tailed tropicbird glides above the park, adding a touch of elegance to the skies.

Noddies
Both black and brown noddies nest along rocky outcrops, their synchronized flights and fishing habits making for mesmerizing displays.

Sooty Tern
Often seen in large colonies, sooty terns gather in the park’s quieter coastal zones, their sharp calls breaking the coastal silence.

Grey Heron
A patient hunter, the grey heron wades silently through the park’s tidal zones, waiting to strike at unsuspecting fish and crabs.

Greater Crested Tern
This large seabird dives dramatically into the water, emerging with fish in its sharp beak before soaring back to shore.

Common Sandpiper
This small shorebird flits along sandy beaches, probing for insects and small invertebrates in the shallow surf.

Frigatebird
The frigatebird, with its impressive wingspan, patrols the skies above the park, often stealing food mid-air from other seabirds.

Whimbrel
Migrating seasonally, whimbrels forage in the intertidal flats, using their long, curved bills to search for crabs and mollusks.

Lesser Noddy
A smaller cousin of the black noddy, the lesser noddy nests on mangrove branches, thriving in the park’s protected areas.

Things To Do

Engaging Sainte Anne Marine National Park

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Snorkeling

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Kayaking

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Glass-Bottom Boats