Sister, Coco, and Felicite Island: Seychelles Catamaran Tour

The best part of this Seychelles catamaran tour is its mix of open-water sailing, beach time, and snorkeling at three very different islands. Sister Island gives you a private-island setting, while Coco and Félicité bring granite rocks, palms, forest, and clear water full of sea life. I like the spacious Oplezir catamaran and the fact that lunch, equipment, water, landing fees, and return ferry tickets are included.

I also like the thoughtful practical touches: showers on board, plenty of places to sit inside or outside, and a crew that includes guides such as Jacqueline. The main drawback is time. With several stops in a 6 to 8-hour outing, you may wish for longer on the beach, especially if swimming and snorkeling are your priorities.

Key points at a glance

• Sister Island beach time: Walk, swim, and enjoy a private-island setting after arriving by catamaran.
• Two strong snorkeling locations: Coco and Félicité offer clear water, granite scenery, and chances to see turtles and other marine life.
• A proper onboard lunch: The BBQ includes variety and dessert, with water provided and a rum cocktail available for purchase or service depending on the day.
• Comfortable boat setup: The Oplezir is large, with indoor and outdoor seating, showers, and room to move around.
• Easy island connections: La Digue pickup is at the jetty, while Praslin guests receive return land transfers.
• Best for active sea days: You need to be comfortable with swimming, snorkeling, boat movement, and getting in and out of the water.

Why this island-hopping day works so well

The Seychelles are famous for beaches, but a good sea excursion lets you see how much character sits just offshore. This trip does not simply take you past islands for photographs. It gives you several ways to enjoy them: from the deck, from the beach, and below the water.

I especially like the balance between Sister Island and Coco National Park. Sister feels like the place for a quiet beach walk and a swim. Coco is smaller and more dramatic, with granite boulders, palms, and a sandy shore. Félicité is larger, with thick plant cover and a more rugged natural feel.

The boat itself matters here. A six to eight-hour day can feel tiring on a cramped vessel, but the Oplezir catamaran is described as spacious and comfortable, with seats both inside and outside. Showers are a welcome bonus after snorkeling. You can choose sun, shade, or shelter depending on the weather and how much saltwater you want in your hair.

The tour has a strong overall rating of 4.6 from 121 bookings, and the most consistent praise goes to the crew, food, boat, scenery, and snorkeling. That combination makes the $166 price easier to understand. This is not just a ferry ride with a quick swim added on. Your fee covers a full day at sea, lunch, water, snorkeling equipment, landing charges, transfers in some cases, and return ferry tickets.

Setting out from La Digue or Praslin

If you are staying on La Digue, the catamaran picks you up directly at the La Digue jetty. You need to arrange your own land transfer to the jetty, so allow time to reach it and do not treat the boat departure as something to catch at the last second.

Praslin guests receive return transfers, which removes one bit of planning. The package also includes return ferry tickets. If you are coming from Mahé, you should be ready for an hour-long ferry ride before the catamaran portion, and bring something to occupy yourself during that crossing.

The exact departure time depends on availability, and the day lasts about 6 to 8 hours. That range is worth noting. Sea conditions, transfers, and the order of island stops can affect the rhythm of the day, so do not plan a tight evening appointment afterward.

The catamaran gives you a good start to the outing. You can watch La Digue or Praslin recede while the crew prepares the day. English and French are available, so you should be able to follow safety instructions and explanations in either language.

Sister Island brings the first big reward

Sister Island is privately owned and has the quiet, untouched quality many people hope to find in the Seychelles. Granitic rock formations rise around tropical forest and clean beaches, creating a scene that feels more natural than developed.

This is a valuable first stop because it gives you time on land. After transport and sailing, you can stretch your legs, walk along the beach, and swim in clear water rather than spending the whole day on a boat. The island fee is included, so you do not need to budget separately for landing.

The lagoon is known for good visibility, and sea turtles and other marine animals may appear in the water. The wording matters here: marine life is never guaranteed, but this is one of the places where you have a fair chance to spot it. Keep your camera ready, but do not let photography replace looking around you.

The private setting is also the source of one small limitation. Beach time may feel short if you want a long walk, a relaxed swim, and plenty of photographs. One four-star assessment specifically wished for more time on the beach. I would treat Sister Island as a beautiful taste of island life, not as a full beach day.

BBQ lunch on the Oplezir catamaran

Lunch is served on board, which keeps the day moving and saves you from returning to shore for a meal. The BBQ offers variety and dessert, and the food has received especially strong praise. Water is included.

That arrangement is practical. You can eat while surrounded by sea views, then return to snorkeling or swimming without losing a large portion of your day to restaurant logistics. The meal also adds value to the price because a separate lunch in an island setting can quickly become expensive.

The boat has comfortable places indoors and outdoors, so you can decide where to eat based on sun and wind. A rum cocktail has also been available, adding a holiday touch, though you should remember to carry cash or a credit card for extra services. The tour information says additional services can be purchased on site.

Bring a towel. It is not listed in the official packing advice, but it is useful after swimming and snorkeling. You should also protect your phone and camera from spray, since you will spend much of the day around open water.

Coco National Park and the granite islands

Coco is one of the visual highlights. It is small, with rounded granite boulders, palm trees, and a calm sandy beach. The contrast between rock and sea makes it a strong place for photographs, but the real appeal is under the surface.

The surrounding water supports fish and other marine life, with clear conditions that can make snorkeling rewarding. You receive snorkeling equipment, though bringing your own mask and snorkel is sensible if you already have gear that fits well. The official guidance lists snorkeling gear among the items to bring, while equipment is also included.

The landing fee at Coco National Park is included. That is useful because protected places often carry extra charges, and you can enjoy the stop without adding another payment to the day.

Félicité offers a different mood. It is larger and covered with dense natural growth. The island feels less like a tiny postcard beach and more like a substantial piece of Seychelles wilderness. If Coco gives you granite drama and a small sandy shore, Félicité gives you forest and open island scenery.

The itinerary says snorkeling takes place at Coco and/or Félicité. That means you should not assume both stops will receive identical time on every departure. The crew decides the exact plan according to conditions and the day’s operation. Either way, you get a chance to swim in clear water around islands with very different shapes and textures.

Snorkeling, swimming, and time in the water

This is an active outing. You will need to be comfortable swimming and entering the sea from the boat or shore. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew has been praised for helping people feel safe in the water.

The strongest practical detail is that the snorkeling is not an afterthought. The trip allows ample time at the reefs on some departures, and a small motorboat has been used to take participants closer to a turtle. That can be a memorable moment, but wildlife sightings depend on nature and should never be treated as a promise.

Clear water helps beginners because you can see what is below you without having to swim far. Still, sea conditions change. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew for guidance before entering the water and stay within the area they indicate.

There is no need to spend every minute snorkeling. You can swim, walk on the beach, admire the islands from the deck, or sit in the shade. The catamaran’s size gives you room to take a break without feeling trapped in one crowded seating area.

Is $166 a fair price?

At $166 per person, this is not a budget boat trip. I think the price is fair if you intend to use most of what is included. You receive a full day on the water, lunch, water, snorkeling equipment, two landing fees, and return ferry tickets. Praslin visitors also receive return transfers.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise need to arrange several separate pieces: boat transport, a protected-island visit, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and island transfers. Booking one organized day reduces the chance of losing time to connections.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a short swim or a quick look at one island. You may also feel it is high if you dislike organized group outings or prefer to set your own pace. This is a planned sea day with a set route, not a private charter.

The spacious catamaran helps justify the cost. A large boat gives you more choices during a long outing, and the onboard facilities make the day more comfortable. The lunch also appears to be more than a basic snack, with variety and dessert included.

What to bring and who should skip it

Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable clothes, and a camera. Comfortable shoes help on the island portions, while insect repellent is sensible for time near tropical forest.

Bring cash and a credit card for extras. A towel is the most useful addition to the official packing list. If you already own snorkeling gear, bringing it may improve comfort, although equipment is provided.

You should also bring patience for boat travel. The day can include ferry transport, catamaran time, beach stops, and water activities. The sea may be calm, but the tour is not designed for sitting indoors all day.

Children under two are not allowed. The excursion is also unsuitable for pregnant women and people with mobility impairments. Make sure the names on your booking match your passport, since that information is required for the service.

Solo visitors should feel comfortable joining the outing. The crew has helped solo women feel safe, and the organized transfers make the day easier when you are not traveling with a group. English and French guiding are available.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this tour if you want to see more than one island without arranging separate boats. It suits couples, solo visitors, and active families with older children who enjoy swimming and snorkeling.

It is particularly good for anyone who values comfort at sea. The Oplezir has space, indoor and outdoor seating, and showers. You can enjoy the views without giving up every basic comfort.

Photographers will appreciate the mix of granite rock, palm trees, sandy beaches, tropical forest, and open sea. Wildlife enthusiasts have a chance to see turtles and other marine creatures, though sightings remain dependent on conditions.

I would hesitate if your main goal is a long, quiet beach stay. You may want more time ashore, and the schedule must divide attention among several islands. I would also think twice if you do not swim, feel uneasy on boats, or need step-free access.

The cancellation policy gives you some flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying today.

Should you book the Sister, Coco, and Félicité tour?

Book it if you want a polished, full-day introduction to the sea around La Digue and Praslin. The strongest reasons are the large catamaran, helpful crew, well-regarded BBQ lunch, clear snorkeling locations, and the chance to combine private-island beach time with Coco National Park.

Go in with realistic expectations. You may not get long stretches at every beach, and the route can include either Coco, Félicité, or both for snorkeling. Bring a towel, protect your camera, and leave your evening free.

At $166, I see this as good value for an active visitor who wants transport, food, equipment, and several island stops handled in one booking. If that sounds like your ideal Seychelles day, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran pick up La Digue guests?

La Digue guests are picked up directly at the La Digue jetty. You need to arrange your own land transfer to the jetty.

Do Praslin guests receive transfers?

Yes. Return transfers for Praslin guests are included.

How long does the tour last?

The outing lasts about 6 to 8 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch served on board is included, along with water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, although you may bring your own gear if you prefer.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Sister Island and Coco National Park, with snorkeling at Coco and/or Félicité islands.

Are landing fees included?

Yes. The landing fee for Sister Island and the landing fee at Coco National Park are included.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to book without paying immediately.