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If you visit Praslin Island, it is quite likely that Cote d’Or, in Anse Volbert, will be the place you stay during your trip. This large bay features extensive seagrass beds, which are not the most spectacular marine environment. However, you may come across a diversity of reef fish, colorful starfish, and even immature sea turtles in the shallows.

Snorkeling at Anse Volbert, Praslin island
Snorkeling above Anse Volbert seagrass beds.

How to get to Anse Volbert snorkeling spot?

Anse Volbert is a stunning 2km white sand beach running along Cote d’Or village. From the airport, head east and follow the signs to Grande Anse, then St Anne, and finally Cote d’Or.

If you reach Praslin by boat, you will land at the little port of Sainte-Anne. Head north, by following the signs to Cote d’Or (well signposted). In Praslin there are pretty much just two roads, so don’t worry about getting lost! It is also easy to get there by bus, but be sure to return before 5 pm.

Anse Volbert snorkeling map, Praslin, Seychelles

Water entrance for snorkeling Anse Volbert

Enter the water directly from the beach, in front of Chauve Souris island. Keep an eye out for small fishing boat traffic.

Anse Volbert snokeling tips

The snorkeling area extends between the beach and Chauve-Souris island, some 200 yards away. Once you are in the water, swim toward the island. The area has a constant sea level (↕2-5ft/0.5-1.5m) and the seabed is entirely made up of sand and seagrass. Closer to Chauve-Souris island, you will find granite boulders that provide shelter to reef fish.

Red knobbed starfish at Anse Volbert, Praslin
A red-knobbed starfish in Anse Volbert meadows.

A diversity of fish lives in the seagrass and the rocks areas, including parrotfish and butterflyfish. Look for the beautiful red-knobbed starfish, which hide in the dense seagrass covering the seabed. Immature hawksbill sea turtles are also a frequent visitor to Anse Volbert, where they like to feed and rest.

Snorkeling with hawksbill sea turtle at Anse Volbert, Praslin
Encounter with a small hawksbill sea turtle at Anse Volbert.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

Côte d’Or is the main seaside resort in Praslin. Next to the beach, there is a wide choice of restaurants, supermarkets and accommodation.

 

  • Level required Intermediate
  • Maximum depth8 ft
  • Water entranceEasy, from a sandy beach
  • Potential DangersUsual precautions
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersLow
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes, inexpensive
  • Public toilets & showersNo

MAP Spot

These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.