St Pierre Islet

St Pierre is a small stack of rounded granite boulders with a few palms growing out of the top, standing in clear water off the northeastern coast of Praslin, and it is one of the most photographed things in the country. Boats run out from Anse Volbert in ten minutes and the point of the trip is snorkelling around the base, where the rock drops into water with reef fish and occasionally turtles. Landing on the rock is not really possible.

What you actually see

• The granite stack - rounded boulders with palms growing from the top.
• The clear water - the shallows around the base used for snorkelling.
• The reef fish - the shoals around the rock's underwater edges.
• The short crossing - ten minutes by boat from Anse Volbert.

When to go

April to October is calmest and clearest. Swell in the monsoon makes snorkelling difficult. Mornings have the best light and visibility.

Honest expectations

The islet is tiny and the visit is entirely about the snorkelling. Several boats arrive at once and the water gets crowded. Landing on the rock is not practical.

Nearby

Anse Volbert is on Praslin opposite, and Curieuse is northwest.