St Anne Marine Park & Moyenne Island, Creole Lunch (Private Boat)

The best part of this day is the mix of sea and island life. You can snorkel among rays, turtles, and perhaps baby sharks in St. Anne Marine Park, then walk Moyenne Island’s paths beside giant tortoises before sitting down to a Creole lunch. It gives you several very different Seychelles experiences in one boat trip.

I like the private boat, since your skipper can adjust the pace for children, swimming, snorkeling, or a quiet ride. I also like the Moyenne stop, where the story of Brendon Grimshaw and more than 100 giant tortoises gives the day more substance than a simple beach outing. The main caution is the snorkeling: conditions and marine life vary, and one outing found the fish life disappointing and the barbecue lunch poor.

Key points to know

• Moyenne Island adds a memorable land stop: Walk nature paths, see giant tortoises, and hear about Brendon Grimshaw, who lived there alone for decades.
• The private format suits families: Past outings have included children as young as two, with skippers adjusting the day around the group.
• You leave from Eden Island at 9 a.m.: The meeting point is in front of the Maharaja restaurant, with basement parking at Eden Plaza.
• The water program changes with conditions: Expect snorkeling, swimming, a sandbank, fish feeding, or a beach selected according to tide and weather.
• Lunch is served at Jolly Roger: The midday meal is a local Creole buffet, described elsewhere as a barbecue, with drinks and bottled water provided.
• The price reflects exclusivity: At $552.49 per person, this is expensive for a boat day, but the private crew and flexible schedule can make sense for a group.

Setting Out From Eden Island at 9 a.m.

Your day begins at FaermanEden on Eden Island, in front of the Maharaja restaurant. If you drive, parking is available in the Eden Plaza basement. The boat returns to this same meeting point at the end of the outing, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride from Victoria.

The schedule is built as a full day, although the official duration is listed as roughly four to eight hours. The detailed plan runs from 9 a.m. until about 4:30 p.m., so allow most of the day. The timing can shift with tide, weather, and the choices you make with the crew.

The first ride takes about 20 minutes through a mostly protected bay. That short crossing is useful: you reach the marine park quickly instead of spending the morning on a long open-sea transfer. It also gives the skipper a chance to judge conditions before choosing the best place for snorkeling or swimming.

Several crew members have been associated with this boat operation. Ted has worked as skipper with Johan assisting, while Arno and Sebastian have handled other outings. Their roles may vary on your date, but the experience is designed around a captain and helper who stay with your private group.

Snorkeling in St. Anne Marine Park

St. Anne Marine Park is the main reason to book this boat trip. The park lies off Mahé and protects a chain of small islands, sandbanks, and shallow water where you can swim, snorkel, or simply float.

The marine life named for this outing includes rays, turtles, and baby sharks, along with other fish. Seeing all three is never guaranteed. You should treat the wildlife list as a possibility, not a promise. Water clarity, tide, season, and the exact stop all matter.

I like that the day does not force everyone into the water. You can snorkel if you want a closer look, swim if you prefer a simple splash, or stay aboard and enjoy the island views. On one particularly successful outing, the group saw turtles and also had time to explore a sandbank. Another group stopped to feed fish.

That flexibility is especially helpful when you are traveling with mixed ages. A five-year-old may want to swim for ten minutes, while an adult hopes to snorkel longer. With a private boat, the skipper can usually shape the stop around your group instead of following a fixed public-boat timetable.

Still, keep expectations sensible. One outing found the park less impressive for fish than expected and called the snorkeling disappointing. The experience is best for people who enjoy being on the water and appreciate the chance to see marine life, not for anyone demanding a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

Moyenne Island and Its Giant Tortoises

Around 11 a.m., the boat heads to Moyenne Island National Park. This is the day’s most distinctive stop because it gives you a story, a walk, and close contact with giant tortoises.

More than 100 tortoises live on the island. You can walk the nature paths, see the animals, and take in the plant and bird life. The island has about three miles of paths, so this is more than a quick photo stop at the dock.

The island’s human story is just as interesting. Brendon Grimshaw, an English newspaper editor, bought the previously uninhabited island in 1962. He lived there alone until his death in 2012, caring for the island and shaping many of its paths. His grave is on Moyenne, alongside the graves of two pirates.

A guide can make this stop far more rewarding. The walk is not only about spotting tortoises. You learn why Grimshaw lived there, how the sanctuary developed, and what makes this small island unusual. One guide even had a dog called Yellow following the group along the paths, a small detail that can make the visit feel personal rather than staged.

Wear something comfortable for walking, since the island visit is an active part of the day. The tour is still suitable for many age groups, but children should remain with an adult, and the pace should be set with the youngest member of your group in mind.

Creole Lunch at Jolly Roger

At about 1:30 p.m., you stop for lunch at the Jolly Roger Bar and Restaurant on Moyenne Island. The meal is described as a local Creole buffet, and some descriptions also call it a barbecue. Bottled water and other beverages are included to keep you refreshed during the day.

This pause breaks up the boat time well. After snorkeling and walking, you get a chance to sit down, eat, and enjoy the island setting rather than rushing straight to another activity. For many people, a local meal is one of the better ways to connect the excursion with Seychelles beyond its postcard scenery.

Food quality may not be perfectly consistent. One outing praised the barbecue lunch, while another described the meal as disappointing and meager. I would book this for the complete day, not solely for the food. The lunch is part of the convenience and rhythm of the trip, but it should not be the only reason you choose it.

If a strong meal is central to your plans, ask for current details when confirming the booking. The supplied information confirms a Creole buffet, beverages, and the Jolly Roger location, but it does not provide a full menu.

An Afternoon Beach or Fish-Feeding Stop

At about 3 p.m., the crew takes you to one of the beaches around St. Anne Marine Park. The exact beach depends on tide and weather. This is an important detail because you are not promised one particular stretch of sand.

You may swim, relax, or walk along the beach. If conditions or interest favor it, the crew may instead stop so you can feed fish. Earlier in the day, you may also have explored a sandbank, depending on the route and water conditions.

This flexible ending suits a private tour. You can use the afternoon to repeat the activity you liked best, perhaps another short swim after the island walk. Families can also use this stop for a slower hour, which may be welcome after a morning in the water and on foot.

The drawback is that the beach stop is not guaranteed in a specific form. If your main goal is to spend hours on a wide beach with pale sand, make that clear before departure. The route is selected according to practical conditions, not just a fixed brochure photograph.

What the Private Boat Adds

A private boat is the key difference between this outing and a standard shared cruise. Only your group participates, so the crew can respond to your interests and energy levels.

That matters most for families. One outing carried children aged five and seven, and another included children from two to eight years old. A larger party of eight plus a baby also used the boat. The crew was described as friendly, flexible, and considerate with young children.

The private setup can also help couples or friends who want a relaxed day. You are not required to follow the preferences of a boatload of strangers. If you want more time snorkeling, less time in the water, or a slower visit on Moyenne, you can discuss it with the skipper.

The boat itself has been described as new and powerful, with one boat carrying 600 horsepower. That power can reduce transfer time when conditions allow, leaving more time for the islands and water stops. It does not mean the boat will always travel at top speed. In rough weather, the captain may slow down for comfort and safety.

One complaint involved a January 1 outing in poor weather, when the boat moved slowly. That is a useful reminder: a powerful boat cannot control wind, waves, visibility, or marine conditions. If you want the best chance of calm water, keep your schedule flexible and accept that the route may change.

Is $552.49 Per Person Good Value?

At $552.49 per person, this is a major expense. The price is easier to justify if you are sharing the boat with a family or group and value privacy. A private skipper, helper, drinks, marine park stops, Moyenne Island, lunch, and a return boat ride are bundled into one long day.

For a solo visitor or a couple watching every dollar, the cost may feel steep. You are paying for control and convenience rather than simply for transport. If all you want is a quick swim, a less expensive shared trip may suit you better.

The value improves when your group has different needs. Parents can ask for a gentle pace. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling. Someone who prefers dry land can focus on Moyenne and the beach. That freedom is hard to price on paper, but it can prevent a family day from becoming a series of compromises.

Group discounts are available, though the exact reduction is not stated. Since the listed price is per person, ask about the total for your party before paying. The tour is often booked well in advance, with an average booking point of 42 days, so popular dates may require planning.

Who Should Book This Boat Day?

I would choose this excursion if you want a broad sample of Mahé’s nearby islands in one outing. It works particularly well for families, private groups, and anyone who prefers a boat tailored to their own pace.

You should also enjoy variety. The day includes a protected-bay boat ride, snorkeling or swimming, a tortoise sanctuary, a historical walk, lunch, and a beach or fish-feeding stop. It is not a single-purpose snorkeling trip.

This is a good fit for children because the day includes several ways to participate, and the crew has handled groups with babies and young children. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults.

I would hesitate if you need guaranteed calm water, a particular beach, or exceptional snorkeling. The marine park can be rewarding, but conditions change, and one outing found the fish life modest. I would also hesitate if $552.49 per person would make the rest of your Seychelles budget uncomfortable.

The activity is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

My Take: Book It for the Mix, Not a Guarantee

Book this private boat day if you want one well-organized outing that combines sea life, giant tortoises, island history, lunch, and beach time. The strongest feature is the freedom to adjust the day, especially when you are traveling with children or a group with mixed interests.

Before booking, ask which boat and crew are scheduled, what the current lunch includes, and how the route may change with tide and weather. If your group values personal service and a full day outdoors, the price can be fair. If your priority is only snorkeling or a perfect beach, choose a more focused option.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at FaermanEden on Eden Island, in front of the Maharaja restaurant.

What time does the boat leave?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

Where can I park?

You may park in the Eden Plaza basement parking area.

How long does the experience last?

The listed duration is approximately four to eight hours. The detailed schedule runs from 9 a.m. until about 4:30 p.m.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

What is included at lunch?

Lunch is served around 1:30 p.m. at the Jolly Roger Bar and Restaurant on Moyenne Island. It is described as a local Creole buffet, with some descriptions referring to it as a barbecue.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the child rate applies only when sharing with two paying adults.

Is snorkeling guaranteed?

No. The tour offers the opportunity to snorkel, swim, relax on a beach, visit a sandbank, or feed fish. The exact stops depend on tide, weather, and conditions.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.