6 marine parks in Seychelles where sea life is a protected asset

With its natural environment, turquoise colored-waters, and pristine beaches, Seychelles is a tropical paradise for visitors, reported the Seychelles News Agency (SNA), and especially so for those int

With its natural environment, turquoise colored-waters, and pristine beaches, Seychelles is a tropical paradise for visitors, reported the Seychelles News Agency (SNA), and especially so for those interested in marine life.


Seen as a storehouse for marine biodiversity, Seychelles is also part of one of Conservation Internationalโ€™s designated hotspots in the Indian Ocean. The marine biodiversity is the basis for two economic sectors – tourism and fisheries – which is why significant measures have been taken to protect the underwater environment. Below are details on six beautiful marine national parks in the island nation:

1. Ste. Anne

Around 20 minutes by boat from the main island, Mahe, Ste. Anne is one of the most well-known natural destinations. It was declared a marine park in 1973, the first in the western Indian Ocean. The park encompasses six small islands, among which two โ€“ Cerf and Moyenne – are accessible to day-trippers. The other four are Ste. Anne, Long, Cachรฉe, and Round. The dividing channels between the islands are filled with coral reefs and meadows of sea grass.

Ste. Anne Marine National Park
Trekity โ€“ Sainte Anne Marine National Park Seychelles

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Photo: SNA

2. Baie Ternay

Found in the northwest of Mahe, it became a national park in 1979. The park stretches over a distance of 2.5 kilometers and protects the inside of the bay with thriving underwater scenery. It is accessible by boat. It has a beautiful coral diversity surrounded by hundreds of brightly-colored reef fish, plus itโ€™s a great place to see hawksbill and green turtles. With its calm waters, the park is popular with snorkelers and scuba divers.

Baie Ternay
Tripadvisor Reviews – Baie Ternay Marine National Park Mahe

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Photo: Gerard Larose, Seychelles Tourism Board

3. Curieuse

Only two kilometers off the north coast of Praslin, the second most-populated island, in the shallow waters of the park, hosts a large population of humphead parrotfish. It was designated a marine national park in 1979 to protect is natural beauty and ecological important marine life. It is also a protected area for turtles with one of the important hawksbill nesting populations. The island is open to visitors, and visits can be done through tour agents or privately-owned or rented boats.

Curieuse Island Marine National Park
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Curieuse Marine National Park Seychelles

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Photo: SNA

4. Port Launay

This park, designated in 1979, runs parallel to the beach, from Anse des Anglais in the south to Cap Matoupa in the north. Located in the northwest of Mahe, it is well known for its beautiful beaches and whale sharks. The reef on both sides of the bay creates a perfect spot for snorkelers.

Celebrating years of national parks in Seychelles

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Photo: Seychelles Nation

5. Silhouette

Lying 12 kilometers north of Mahe, the island is surrounded by the finest marine life. It hosts a population of hawksbill turtles. The surrounding waters were declared a marine national park in 1987. It is the largest among the six marine national parks at around 30.45 square kilometers. The island is reachable by a 30-minute boat trip or 15 minutes on a helicopter transfer from Mahe.

Silhouette Island

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Photo: SNA

6. Ile Coco

The last one to become a marine national park โ€“ in 1997 – it is located 7 kilometers north of La Digue. It is set around three small islets in shallow waters surrounded by a coral reef. The park is a spectacular spot for snorkeling and diving with popular daily trips from La Digue and Praslin. A visit to the island is done during the day and can be organized through tour or boat operators.

Ile Cocos Marine National Park

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Photo: Jean-Marie Hullot/Flickr

Seychelles is a founding member of the International Coalition of Tourism Partners (ICTP)

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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