Reefs without crowds start your day. This small-group Praslin boat outing pairs St-Pierre Marine Park coral with fish-filled shallows at Anse Petite Cours.

I like the practical setup: pickup around Praslin, then snorkeling gear sorted on board for an easy hour at St-Pierre Marine Park. I also like the second stop, Anse Petite Cours, where you swim with marine life right off the beach.

One consideration: getting back onto the boat can be tricky if there is not always a ladder, and you may want to ask staff how they help you board before you go in.

Key things I’d plan around

• Two separate one-hour snorkel sessions with gear provided on board
• St-Pierre is uninhabited and only reachable by boat, so the pace feels more natural
• Quick transfers and a 25-knot cruise that keeps your total time efficient
• Reef-life density in both spots, with a decent chance of seeing turtles and lots of reef fish
• Small group limit (up to 8), which usually means less waiting around
• Included drinks and snacks, plus one Sey brew beer per adult 18+

Quick Snapshot of the St-Pierre and Anse Petite Cours tour

This is a short, focused snorkeling trip from Praslin, built around two reef locations and about 150 minutes total time. You will spend one hour snorkeling around St-Pierre Marine Park, then you get another hour at Anse Petite Cours to swim with fish.

It is not a long island-hopping day. Instead, it is a “get in the water and make it count” kind of outing, with water, soft drinks, and light chips included so you are not stuck paying extra for basics.

Pickup and the boat ride from Anse Possession (why timing matters)

Your day starts with pickup anywhere on Praslin. The exact timing can vary, but you should expect to be collected roughly 10 to 30 minutes before departure, then transfer toward the meeting point.

Embarkation begins at Anse Possession at 10:30am, and the boat cruise to St-Pierre runs at about 25 knots. That speed matters because it keeps the trip from dragging, but it also means you should plan for a boat feel that is quick and a bit bouncy depending on the sea.

On at least one recent trip, the pickup driver Nigel was friendly and helpful getting people to the boat. That kind of smooth handoff is more important than it sounds when you are traveling as a small group with limited time.

St-Pierre Marine Park: a one-hour snorkel over coral and tropical fish

St-Pierre is an uninhabited island and accessible by boat only, which helps the place feel remote even though you are only out for a short time. Once you arrive, you can enjoy the contrast of powdery white sand and crystal-clear water before you gear up.

Snorkeling here is set for one hour, and equipment is included on board. That is a plus for value, since you do not have to bring or rent your own gear. One caution from a couple of experiences: if the staff do not hand over full snorkeling setup right away, check that you have what you need before you enter the water, including mask fit and fins if those are part of the provided equipment.

This is also where healthy reef conditions pay off. One highlight from a recent trip was the variety of fish and the fact that coral and sea grass looked healthy, with no obvious die-off. You can be in the water with schools of reef fish like parrotfish and butterflyfish, and there is even a chance of seeing larger reef-life moments such as a turtle.

What to watch for during your hour

Go slow at first. Your first minute or two is when you will decide whether you want to float, kick gently, or follow the shoreline edge. Reef life tends to be easiest to spot when you avoid big movements, and when you keep your breathing calm so you can actually look.

Also, pay attention to where other snorkelers are keeping to a safe, spread pattern. That keeps you from scrambling and gives you room to watch coral clusters and sandy patches.

Anse Petite Cours: swimming with fish at the beach edge

After the first snorkel, you head back to Praslin-side snorkeling at Anse Petite Cours for another one hour. This stop is different in feel: you are not just “watching from offshore,” you are swimming in a setting where fish can come close to the shallows.

The big promise here is marine life in a natural environment, and that can translate into memorable wildlife moments. On one trip, a person reported seeing a turtle getting cleaned by small wrasse. Even if you do not see that exact moment, fish activity tends to be the main event at this kind of beach snorkeling.

How to make the most of this second water session

Bring your energy down a notch and switch to observation mode. By the second snorkel you might feel warm, salty, or slightly tired, so focus on staying relaxed and looking for movement rather than chasing it.

If the water has waves, keep your entry and exit smooth. One practical tip: take a second to ask how boarding works before you get too far in your stride. That matters because some visitors have described a tough time climbing back on when the boat access is not easy.

What’s included (and the small extras that add comfort)

You get more than “just snorkeling.” Your ticket includes pickup and drop-off across Praslin, snorkeling at both stops, and snorkeling equipment provided on board. It also includes water, soft drinks, and light local chips.

Adults 18+ get one Sey brew beer included. That does not mean you should plan to be in charge of the rest of your day. Think of it as a small post-snorkel treat while you dry off and settle back into the ride.

What you should plan for yourself

• Bring beachwear (this is easiest), plus a camera
• No towels are included, so plan to bring your own or keep a spare dry cloth in your bag
• No lunch is included, so if you get hungry after, you will need to eat back on Praslin
• Island taxes are not included

This matters because short trips can surprise you. Two hours of water time plus a boat ride can leave you wanting food fast, especially if you start from a hotel where breakfast was early.

Price and value: what $106 buys you in real life

At $106 per person, the value depends on what you would otherwise pay for on Praslin. You are paying for boat transport, reef access, a small-group format, and two separate snorkeling blocks with equipment included.

For many visitors, the biggest financial benefit is that you do not need to rent gear or stitch together two separate half-days. You also get included snacks and drinks, which keeps the day from turning into a chain of small purchases that add up.

Where the value can wobble is comfort and ease of boarding. If you have mobility concerns, or if you dislike uneven entries back into a boat, you may feel less happy with the price for a trip that is short but physically active. In that case, it is smart to ask questions early and be honest with yourself about how you handle boat steps.

Group size and guide style: small-team feels, but check the gear

This is a small group, limited to 8 participants. That usually helps you move faster at each stop and spend less time waiting around. It can also make the snorkeling more personal because you are not competing with a big crowd for the same water space.

The tour runs with a live guide in English and French. Staff do a safety briefing on board, which is exactly what you want on a boat ride where you will step into and out of the water.

One mixed note: a recent experience described not being offered all snorkeling items right away and not receiving help getting back on board. That does not mean it always happens, but it is enough that you should treat this as a “check-in early” tour. Ask for a quick fit check, and confirm how they expect you to board if conditions are rough.

Weather and timing: when they might adjust the plan

The schedule is tight: two snorkel hours plus transfers and cruising. That is why weather matters.

If conditions are not favorable, the operator can cancel the booking for the activity, or on request propose an alternative plan for another coming day. If you are flexible, that is workable.

One very practical insight from a recent trip: when the water was choppy around the trade winds/currents season, the group received extra snorkeling time at additional spots, including Anse Lazio and Petit Anse Lazio (Lovers Bay). That means you might get a bonus adjustment if conditions shift during your ride.

Who should book this, and who might want to think twice

This trip fits you best if you want:

• Two snorkel sessions in a single short day
• Reef access with easy logistics, pickup included
• A small-group feel instead of a big-boat crowd

You might want to think twice if:

• You are uncomfortable with stepping back onto a boat without an easy ladder setup
• You are planning for extra-long on-water time, because the snorkeling sessions are fixed at about one hour each
• You need wheelchair access, since the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users

It is also not suitable for babies under 1 year and for people over 95 years, based on the tour’s limits.

Should you book Snorkeling St-Pierre Marine Park and Anse Petite Cours?

Yes, I think it is a strong choice if you are snorkeling-focused and you want efficient value on Praslin. Two hours in the water across two different environments, with equipment and drinks handled for you, is exactly the kind of plan that protects your time.

Book it with two smart expectations. First, be ready to do a real boat-and-water day in a short window. Second, before you enter the water, confirm your gear is ready and ask how they help with boarding, especially if conditions are rough.

If you want an easy, compact reef day that can still deliver standout sea life moments, this one is worth your slot.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling experience?

The total duration is about 150 minutes.

Where are pickup and drop-off handled?

Pickup and drop-off are included for all locations on Praslin. Pickup happens about 10 to 30 minutes before the activity.

Where does the boat depart from?

Embarkation starts at Anse Possession at 10:30am.

How long do we snorkel at each location?

You snorkel at St-Pierre Marine Park for one hour, and you snorkel again at Anse Petite Cours for one hour.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

What drinks and snacks are included?

Water and soft drinks are included, plus light local chips. One Sey brew beer per adult 18 years and over is also included.

What is not included in the price?

Lunch and towels are not included, and island taxes are not included.

What languages are used by the guide?

The live tour guide speaks English and French.