St. Pierre Island Guide: Seychelles' Snorkeling Paradise
- Capricorn Computer Services
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to St. Pierre Island
St. Pierre Island is a tiny uninhabited granite island located near Praslin Island, Seychelles, and is widely regarded as one of the best snorkelling destinations in the country. Famous for its iconic granite boulders, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and rich marine life, St. Pierre is a highlight of many Praslin island-hopping tours, especially those combining Curieuse Island and Coco Island.
Although the island itself is small, the surrounding underwater world is spectacular, making it a favourite destination for snorkelers, divers, photographers, and nature lovers.
Quick Facts
Information | Details |
Location | Northeast of Praslin Island |
Island Type | Uninhabited granite island |
Part of | Curieuse Marine National Park area |
Access | Boat only |
Boat Time from Praslin | Approximately 15–20 minutes |
Main Attraction | Snorkelling and marine wildlife |
Best Visit | Half-day or full-day boat excursion |
Why Visit St. Pierre Island?
St. Pierre Island offers a classic Seychelles experience:
✓ Crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters✓ Colorful coral reefs✓ Abundant tropical fish✓ Dramatic granite landscapes✓ Excellent underwater photography✓ Calm snorkeling conditions✓ Perfect stop during a Praslin boat tour
The island is small and rocky, but its surrounding reef is what makes it truly special.
Snorkelling at St. Pierre Island ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
St. Pierre is considered one of the best snorkelling spots near Praslin.
The shallow reef around the island provides excellent visibility and allows visitors to discover the Seychelles' underwater beauty without needing advanced diving skills.
Marine Life You Can See
Common sightings include:
🐢 Hawksbill sea turtles🐠 Butterflyfish🐟 Parrotfish🐡 Triggerfish🐟 Angelfish🦈 Reef sharks (occasionally)🦑 Octopus🦀 Crabs🟦 Blue-spotted stingrays
During calm conditions, the water can be so clear that marine life is visible even before entering the sea.
Best Time for Snorkelling
April – May ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The best period for underwater visibility.
Advantages:
Calm seas
Clear water
Excellent photography conditions
Comfortable swimming temperatures
October – November ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Another excellent snorkelling season.
Benefits:
Warm water
Good visibility
Minimal wind
Great boat conditions
May – September ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Good conditions, especially on protected days, although southeast trade winds may create stronger currents.
December – March ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Warm tropical waters with occasional rain showers.
St. Pierre Island Marine Environment
The island's underwater landscape features:
Granite rock formations
Coral gardens
Shallow reef areas
Sandy patches
Sheltered swimming zones
These habitats attract a wide variety of marine species.
St. Pierre Island and Curieuse Island Combination
The most popular excursion combines:
Morning: Curieuse Island
Activities:
Giant Aldabra tortoise encounter
Mangrove boardwalk
Nature trail
Doctor's House visit
Afternoon: St. Pierre Island
Activities:
Snorkeling
Swimming
Marine wildlife viewing
Underwater photography
This combination provides one of the best full-day experiences from Praslin.
How to Get to St. Pierre Island
There is no public ferry service. Access is by:
Private boat charter
Guided island tours
Diving excursions
Most departures are from:
Côte d'Or Beach (Anse Volbert), Praslin
Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin
Travel time:15–20 minutes by boat
What to Bring
For the best experience, pack:
✓ Swimming gear✓ Reef-safe sunscreen✓ Mask and snorkel (or rent from tour operator)✓ Waterproof camera✓ Towel✓ Hat and sunglasses✓ Drinking water✓ Light clothing
Photography Tips
St. Pierre is one of the most photographed snorkelling locations in the Seychelles.
Best photography opportunities:
📸 Granite boulders rising from turquoise water📸 Tropical fish around coral reefs📸 Sea turtles swimming near reefs📸 Drone views of the island (where permitted)
Tips:
Visit in morning light for clearer colours.
Use a waterproof camera or underwater housing.
Avoid touching coral while photographing.
Responsible Snorkelling Guidelines
Help protect St. Pierre's fragile ecosystem:
Do not stand on coral reefs.
Do not chase or touch turtles.
Avoid feeding fish.
Keep a safe distance from marine animals.
Do not remove shells or coral.
Use environmentally friendly sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Pierre Island worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the best snorkelling destinations in the Seychelles and offers some of the clearest waters around Praslin.
Can beginners snorkel at St. Pierre?
Yes. The area is suitable for beginners, although visitors should always follow the safety instructions provided by their boat crew.
Can you walk around St. Pierre Island?
The island is mostly rocky and not designed for walking tours. The main attraction is the surrounding marine environment.
How long do tours stay at St. Pierre?
Most excursions spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours snorkelling and swimming around the island.
Can I visit St. Pierre without visiting Curieuse?
Yes. Some private boat charters offer St. Pierre as a standalone snorkelling trip.
Best St. Pierre Island Experience
For visitors staying on Praslin Island, the ideal adventure is:
Curieuse Island + St. Pierre Island + BBQ Lunch + Snorkelling
This combines Seychelles' most iconic wildlife experience with one of the Indian Ocean's most beautiful underwater worlds.
Final Thoughts
St. Pierre Island may be small, but it represents everything that makes the Seychelles extraordinary: dramatic granite scenery, untouched nature, and a spectacular underwater ecosystem. Whether you are snorkelling among tropical fish, photographing sea turtles, or simply swimming in crystal-clear waters, St. Pierre Island is an unforgettable stop on any Praslin itinerary.
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