Sainte Anne Marine National Park

Sainte Anne Marine National Park was declared in 1973, one of the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean, and it covers the group of islands lying a few kilometres off Victoria: Sainte Anne, Cerf, Moyenne, Round and Long. The water between them is shallow with seagrass and coral patches, and hawksbill turtles feed in it. Glass-bottom boats and snorkelling trips run from Mahé and most visits combine two or three of the islands.

History

The marine park was created in 1973 to preserve wildlife, the first of its kind in the Indian Ocean; it takes in eight small islands about 5 km from Victoria, and fishing and water-skiing are forbidden within it (Wikipedia, Sainte Anne Marine National Park).

What you'll find

• The island group - Sainte Anne, Cerf, Moyenne, Round and Long within the park.
• The seagrass beds - the shallows where hawksbill turtles feed.
• The coral patches - snorkelling ground between the islands.
• The 1973 designation - one of the first marine national parks in the Indian Ocean.

When to go

April to May and October to November are calmest and clearest. Trips run year round from Mahé. Visibility drops in the monsoon months.

Practical notes

Coral in the park has been badly damaged by bleaching and much of it is dead. Trips are crowded and follow a fixed circuit. Park fees are charged on top of the boat cost.

Nearby

Moyenne Island is in the park, and Victoria is on Mahé opposite.

Key facts