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Exploring the marine parks of Seychelles

Article by GVI

GVI

Posted: January 23, 2023

Ready to discover the hidden gems of Seychelles’ marine world? Seychelles is a tropical paradise known for its stunning beaches and rich marine life. Here’s a guide to exploring the marine parks of Seychelles.

When it comes to marine parks, Seychelles has a lot to offer. From the Cousin Island Special Reserve, known for its vibrant coral reefs and marine conservation efforts, to the Aldabra Atoll UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s largest raised coral atoll, home to giant tortoises, and many bird species. These marine parks offer a variety of activities such as snorkelling, diving, swimming, and kayaking. Trust me, you won’t want to miss out on these natural wonders.

Marine Parks

The Cousin Island Special Reserve is a must-see spot for any nature lover visiting Seychelles. Known for its stunning coral formations and diverse marine life, this marine park offers an array of activities for visitors to enjoy. Snorkelling, diving and swimming are the most popular options and are sure to be an unforgettable experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a kayak trip through the mangroves and discover the hidden gems of the island. The Aldabra Atoll is another must-see spot, home to giant tortoises, and many bird species. This marine park is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the beauty of nature in a unique way.

Another marine park you should check out is the Marine National Park of Port Launay. This park offers a great snorkelling experience, with a variety of marine life, including colourful fishes, octopus, and starfish. For diving enthusiasts, the park has several dive sites with a variety of coral formations and a rich marine life, including schools of barracudas and tuna.

The Curieuse Marine National Park is another great spot for marine park enthusiasts. This park offers a great snorkelling experience, with a variety of marine life, including colourful fishes, coral reefs, and sea turtles. For diving enthusiasts, the park has several dive sites with a variety of coral formations and a rich marine life, including schools of barracudas and tuna.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to visit Seychelles for marine park exploration is between October and May, when the weather is warm and sunny and the water conditions are calm. During these months, you’ll be able to enjoy the best visibility and encounter a wide variety of marine life. Plus, you’ll avoid the peak tourist season and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Budget

Exploring the marine parks of Seychelles can be an expensive undertaking, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. The cost of diving in Seychelles varies depending on the season and your accommodation, activities, and transportation choices. However, you can expect to spend around $150-200 per day for a budget-friendly trip and $300-500 per day for a more luxurious trip. To save money, you can opt for budget-friendly accommodation options and avoid expensive activities like seaplane or helicopter transfers. But trust me, the marine parks of Seychelles are worth every penny.

Suggested itineraries

  • For the marine conservation enthusiasts: Start your day with a snorkel at Cousin Island Special Reserve, followed by a marine conservation project with GVI in the afternoon and finish the day with a night snorkel at the Aldabra Atoll.
  • For the adventure seekers: Start your day with a dive at the Aldabra Atoll, followed by a kayak trip through the mangroves in the afternoon and finish the day with a sunset snorkel at the coral reefs.
  • For the culture enthusiasts: Take a snorkel in the morning at one of the marine parks. After that, take a visit to the beautiful village of Anse Royale, where you can learn about the history and traditions of the Seychellois people and discover the island’s unique Creole culture. In the afternoon, take a tour of the local markets where you can sample traditional Creole cuisine and  buy local souvenirs. 

Seychelles is a marine lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of marine parks and activities for all levels. Join GVI’s Seychelles program to make a difference and protect the island’s marine environment. Whether you’re into marine conservation, adventure, or culture, there’s something for everyone in Seychelles. 

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