Best snorkeling spots in Seychelles and what marine life to expect

At one paid-entry beach with a sea turtle enclosure, water visibility is good and fish (including schooling fish) are plentiful, but the coral isn't impressive. The beach is pretty but overrated — seaweed isn't cleared despite the entrance fee, and the turtle enclosure conditions are worse than similar spots in Mauritius.

At the beach to the left of the parking area, seaweed is present but not excessive. Waves break on the reef so swimming is fine, but the water tends to be murky — snorkeling visibility is poor.

Anse Major and Anse Petite are top snorkeling spots. Expect colorful fish, eagle rays, sea turtles, lionfish, and sea snakes. At the reef's edge where it meets open water, you can find seahorses and bioluminescent plankton.

Belle Ombre has a reef accessible directly from the shore — great if you're staying nearby. The reef quality is comparable to Baie Ternay, which is decent but not spectacular.

Baie Ternay is an okay snorkeling spot but nothing exceptional. A nearby cove on the way back yielded a turtle sighting — worth stopping at intermediate bays rather than sticking to the main beach.