Coco Island Guide: Seychelles' Ultimate Snorkeling Destination
- Capricorn Computer Services
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
Welcome to Coco Island, Seychelles
Coco Island (Île Coco) is one of the most beautiful and famous snorkelling destinations in the Seychelles. Located near Félicité Island and La Digue, this tiny uninhabited granite island is surrounded by crystal-clear waters, colourful coral reefs, and abundant marine life.
With its iconic granite rocks, turquoise lagoon, and incredible underwater scenery, Coco Island is a dream destination for snorkelers, divers, photographers, and nature lovers visiting the Seychelles.
Quick Facts
Information | Details |
Location | Near Félicité Island and La Digue |
Island Type | Small granite island |
Status | Marine National Park |
Access | Boat only |
Best Known For | Snorkeling and marine life |
Closest Large Island | Praslin / La Digue |
Recommended Visit | Half-day or full-day boat trip |
Why Visit Coco Island?
Coco Island offers one of the most memorable marine experiences in the Seychelles.
Top Highlights
✓ Crystal-clear turquoise water✓ Vibrant coral reefs✓ Hundreds of tropical fish✓ Sea turtle encounters✓ Beautiful granite formations✓ Excellent underwater photography✓ Peaceful untouched surroundings
The island itself is small, but the surrounding marine ecosystem is one of the richest in the Seychelles.
Snorkelling at Coco Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Coco Island is considered one of the best snorkelling locations in the Seychelles.
The shallow reef areas make it suitable for:
Beginners
Families
Experienced snorkelers
Underwater photographers
The clear waters often provide visibility of 20–30 metres, especially during calm seasons.
Marine Life You May See
The waters around Coco Island are home to a spectacular variety of marine species.
Tropical Fish
Common sightings include:
🐠 Butterflyfish🐟 Parrotfish🐡 Triggerfish🐟 Angelfish🐠 Surgeonfish🐟 Wrasse🐠 Clownfish
Sea Turtles
Hawksbill turtles are frequently seen around the reefs.
They can often be spotted:
Feeding around coral
Swimming above reef slopes
Resting near rocks
Rays
Possible sightings include:
Spotted eagle rays
Blue-spotted stingrays
Their graceful movements make them a favorite for underwater photographers.
Reef Sharks
Small reef sharks may occasionally be seen.
They are generally shy and pose little threat when observed responsibly.
Coral Reefs Around Coco Island
The marine environment includes:
Coral gardens
Granite underwater formations
Reef channels
Sandy lagoons
These habitats support hundreds of marine species.
Visitors can explore:
Shallow coral areas
Rocky reef edges
Sheltered swimming zones
Best Time to Visit Coco Island
April – May ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best conditions for snorkelling.
Advantages:
Calm seas
Excellent visibility
Warm water
Less wind
October – November ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another ideal season.
Perfect for:
Boat trips
Photography
Diving
Swimming
May – September ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Good conditions, although southeast trade winds may affect sea conditions.
December – March ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Warm tropical conditions with occasional rainfall.
How to Get to Coco Island
Coco Island is accessible only by boat.
Popular departure points:
Praslin Island
La Digue Island
Private boat charters
Travel time:
From Praslin: approximately 45–60 minutes (depending on departure point and sea conditions)
From La Digue: approximately 20–30 minutes
Many visitors combine Coco Island with:
Félicité Island
Sister Islands
St. Pierre Island
Curieuse Island
Coco Island Boat Tours
A typical full-day excursion may include:
Morning
🚤 Boat departure🏝️ Scenic island cruise🐠 Snorkeling at Coco Island
Afternoon
Options may include:
Félicité Island snorkeling
Sister Island visit
Beach relaxation
BBQ lunch onboard or on a nearby island
Diving Around Coco Island
Coco Island is also popular with divers.
Divers can discover:
Coral walls
Reef fish
Turtles
Rays
Granite underwater landscapes
Suitable for:
Beginners
Intermediate divers
Underwater photographers
Photography Tips
Coco Island is one of the Seychelles' most photogenic locations.
Best shots:
📸 Granite rocks surrounded by turquoise water📸 Fish swimming above coral gardens📸 Sea turtles underwater📸 Aerial views of the island
Tips:
Visit during morning hours for the best light.
Use a polarising filter for surface photos.
Bring a waterproof camera.
What to Bring
Recommended items:
✓ Mask and snorkel✓ Reef-safe sunscreen✓ Swimming clothes✓ Towel✓ Waterproof camera✓ Sunglasses✓ Hat✓ Drinking water✓ Light cover-up clothing
Responsible Tourism
Coco Island is a protected marine environment.
Please:
Never touch coral.
Do not chase turtles or marine animals.
Avoid standing on reefs.
Do not collect shells or coral.
Avoid feeding fish.
Take all rubbish back with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Coco Island worth visiting?
Yes. Coco Island is one of the best snorkelling locations in the Seychelles and offers some of the clearest waters and richest marine life in the region.
Can beginners snorkel at Coco Island?
Yes. Calm shallow areas make it suitable for beginners, although sea conditions should always be checked.
Can you stay overnight on Coco Island?
No. It is an uninhabited protected island, and visitors only come during day trips.
Is Coco Island better than St. Pierre Island?
Both are excellent:
St. Pierre Island: Easier access from Praslin and excellent for first-time visitors.
Coco Island: More remote, famous for pristine reefs and spectacular marine scenery.
Recommended Seychelles Island-Hopping Route
For the ultimate marine adventure from Praslin:
Day Trip:🏝️ Curieuse Island🐢 Giant tortoise sanctuary🍽️ BBQ lunch🐠 St. Pierre Island snorkelling 🐟 Coco Island marine adventure
or
Private Charter:Praslin → Coco Island → Félicité → Sister Islands → La Digue
Final Thoughts
Coco Island represents the pure beauty of the Seychelles: untouched nature, dramatic granite landscapes, and an extraordinary underwater world. Whether you are snorkelling among tropical fish, swimming alongside sea turtles, or exploring vibrant coral reefs, Coco Island is one of the most unforgettable marine experiences in the Indian Ocean.
Comments