Snorkeling in Praslin

Some nice snorkeling spots, especially on the island’s northern shore

Praslin is the second-largest island in Seychelles. Compared to the neighboring islands of Mahé and La Digue, it has a limited number of snorkeling locations. Its seabed is also poorer in corals, often with underwater landscapes made up of sand, seagrass, and rocks. Most of Praslin’s snorkeling spots are concentrated along the north coast of the island.

Anse Lazio, located at the northern tip of Praslin, is often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. At this not-to-be-missed stopover in any visit to the island, you can snorkel in the rocky areas that border both sides of the beach.

Going back south, Anse Boudin and Anse Petite Cour, which is accessed via the Domaine de la Réserve, are two good options. We then arrive at Anse Volbert, the main village of the island. It borders a large bay poor in corals, but whose seagrass beds are sometimes visited by small hawksbill turtles. A spot that is not necessarily worth the detour, but which can be an opportunity for a pleasant exploration if you stay in the area.

On the cape which closes the Baie de Sainte-Anne, and which marks the eastern point of Praslin, you have two options: the reef of Anse La Blague, on the north side, and Anse La Farine, on the south side.

Located just over 1km off Anse Volbert, the boat trip to St Pierre Island is one of the most popular on Praslin. The reef that borders this small rocky island is very degraded, but you can see many fish, and sometimes turtles.

Among the other surrounding islands where you can snorkel are Curieuse, where you will especially see the giant tortoises that live on the island, and Cousine, access to which is, however, reserved for guests of the Cousine Island Resort.

The snorkeling spots of Praslin are quite poor in corals, but a varied underwater life inhabits its rocky bottoms, its seagrass beds and its expanses of sand. The most common species on Praslin are surgeonfish, rabbitfish, parrotfish, and butterflyfish. Morays are also often seen in rocky areas.

Sightings of stingrays, eagle rays and sea turtles remain occasional around the island. If you fancy seeing some, definitely opt for the neighboring island of La Digue, which is arguably one of the best places in the world to swim with hawksbill turtles.

When to go to snorkeling Praslin

Praslin, like the other granite islands of the archipelago (La Digue and Mahe in particular), enjoy a tropical climate and pleasant temperatures all year round. Unlike other groups of islands in Seychelles (Aldabra or the Farquhar islands), they are not in the path of cyclones.

Snorkeling is possible all year-round, with average water temperatures of 82°F/28°C. From October to March, rains are more frequent (with a peak in January), the temperatures are highest (+/-86°F/30°C) and there is most humidity. From April to September there is a cooler and dryer period, but it is also windier (+/-75°F/24°C).

As the wind has a certain amount of importance in snorkeling, you should remember that the prevailing wind is north-westerly from October to March and south-easterly from April to September (choose the most protected sites).

The inter-seasons (March to May and September to November) are the best periods for snorkeling, particularly since they are outside the peak tourist periods in December and in July and August.