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St. Anne Island
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St Anne Island combines a peaceful Seychelles retreat with protected reefs, granite beaches, marine excursions and easy access from Mahé.

St Anne Island lies a short boat journey east of Mahé, the largest island of Seychelles, within the Ste Anne Marine National Park. Its forested granite slopes rise from clear Indian Ocean waters, while reefs, seagrass beds and small surrounding islets create a setting shaped as much by marine conservation as by beach tourism. The island is compact, tropical and relatively quiet, with the most developed visitor facilities concentrated around its resort accommodation rather than a conventional town or village.
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Unlike Mahé, St Anne has no substantial urban centre, public road network or independent shopping district. Visitors experience it through beaches, coastal paths, boat excursions and activities on the surrounding water. The shoreline alternates between pale granite outcrops, sandy coves and shallow lagoons, although sea conditions, tides and seasonal winds can affect swimming and snorkelling. The island's attraction lies in this close relationship between terrestrial landscape and protected marine environment.
St Anne also has an important place in Seychelles history. It was among the islands settled during the early French colonial period and later supported plantation activity, including the cultivation of coconut and other tropical crops. Remnants of that agricultural past are less visually dominant than the island's vegetation today, but the history helps explain why this apparently secluded island became part of the wider colonial and maritime story of the Seychelles.
The surrounding marine park is the principal reason to visit. Glass-bottom boat trips, guided snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and other low-impact excursions provide access to coral communities and shallow reefs, while excursions to nearby islands may add variety to a stay. The underwater environment is sensitive: coral bleaching, storms, anchor damage and changing ocean conditions have all influenced reef ecosystems across Seychelles, so responsible operators and careful visitor behaviour matter.
St Anne is best understood as a retreat and marine excursion base rather than a self-contained island destination with extensive cultural infrastructure. Its proximity to Mahé makes transfers straightforward, but visitors should plan around their accommodation arrangements, boat transfers, weather and the access rules applying within the national park. Those seeking markets, museums, larger settlements or a broader choice of restaurants will find them on Mahé, outside St Anne Island.

When is the best time to visit St. Anne Island?

Best: June–August · 28–29°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January30350
February30290
March31240
April31200
May30190
June (best)29150
July (best)28140
August (best)28150
September29170
October30200
November30240
December30310

Getting to and around St. Anne Island

How to get there

St Anne Island is reached by boat from Mahé, usually through arrangements made by the island's accommodation provider or an authorised excursion operator. International visitors first arrive at Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, outside St Anne Island, and then transfer overland to a mainland jetty before crossing the short stretch of water. There is no airport on St Anne. Sea conditions and resort transfer arrangements can affect journey times, so confirm the meeting point, luggage procedure and transfer schedule before arrival.

Transportation

Transport on St Anne is limited compared with Mahé. Visitors generally move between accommodation, beaches and activity areas on foot, using arranged transfers or guided boats for excursions in the marine park and to neighbouring islands. There is no reason to hire a car on St Anne, and independent access to facilities may be restricted by private resort arrangements and conservation rules. On Mahé, taxis, buses and hire cars provide broader mobility, but driving is on the left and roads can be narrow, steep and winding.

Best attractions in St. Anne Island

St Anne's attractions are concentrated in its protected coastal and marine setting rather than in a collection of museums or historic streets. Beaches and small coves provide space for swimming, sunbathing and quiet walks, while the surrounding waters support guided snorkelling, glass-bottom boat trips, kayaking, paddleboarding and wildlife observation. The Ste Anne Marine National Park is the defining attraction: its reefs, seagrass areas and rocky islets offer a close introduction to the shallow marine environments of the Mahé island group. Boat excursions may visit nearby park islands such as Moyenne, Round or Cerf, although these are separate islands rather than part of St Anne itself. On land, shaded paths, tropical vegetation and granite shoreline formations provide a gentle contrast to the water. The island is not suited to extensive independent sightseeing, and access to beaches, facilities and trails can depend on accommodation arrangements. Visitors interested in Seychelles history, markets, galleries and everyday island life should continue to Mahé, while those seeking longer hikes, larger public beaches or more varied cultural attractions will find a broader choice elsewhere in the archipelago.

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Best landmarks in St. Anne Island

The most important landmark associated with St Anne is the island itself: a steep, forested granite mass visible from Mahé and from the waters of the Ste Anne Marine National Park. Its rocky shoreline and pale coves represent the characteristic geology of the inner Seychelles, where ancient granite islands rise from a shallow marine landscape. The surrounding protected waters are equally significant, since the boundaries and islets of the marine park have become a defining geographical feature of the area. St Anne's historic value lies less in a surviving monumental building than in its role as an early French settlement and former plantation island. The island's modern resort structures are contemporary and should not be confused with colonial heritage. Nearby Moyenne Island, Round Island and Cerf Island may be encountered on marine excursions, but they are separate islands and should be understood as neighbouring landmarks rather than parts of St Anne. For architectural and civic landmarks, visitors need to explore Mahé, where Seychelles' principal historic buildings and urban sites are located.

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Best restaurants in St. Anne Island

Dining on St Anne is principally organised through resort accommodation, with meals generally combining international cooking and Seychellois influences rather than representing a large independent restaurant scene. Seafood, coconut, rice, fresh fruit, tropical vegetables and aromatic spices are central to the culinary identity of Seychelles, and menus may include grilled fish, octopus preparations, fresh salads and Creole-style sauces. Creole cooking across the country reflects African, European, Indian and Asian influences, while the island setting places particular emphasis on seasonal marine produce. Breakfasts, casual lunches and evening meals are typically arranged around the accommodation, so visitors should check meal plans and dietary options before arrival. For a wider selection of takeaways, cafés, markets and locally run restaurants, travel to Mahé, outside St Anne Island. The capital Victoria and other Mahé settlements offer a more varied view of Seychellois food culture, including informal dishes and fruit purchased from local vendors. Responsible diners should favour sustainably sourced seafood and avoid products made from threatened marine species.

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Best bars in St. Anne Island

St Anne's evening life is quiet and accommodation-centred rather than organised around nightclubs or a public entertainment district. Resort bars provide places for sunset drinks, cocktails, wine and informal conversation, while dinner, occasional live music or small organised events may shape the evening programme. Availability and schedules can change, so guests should consult their accommodation rather than assume that a particular event will operate. The island has no substantial independent pub circuit, and late-night transport options are limited because movement depends on resort arrangements and boats. Mahé, outside St Anne, offers the widest choice of bars, restaurants and occasional live entertainment, particularly around Victoria and other settled coastal areas, but it is not a practical destination for an unplanned late-night return by sea. Evening enjoyment on St Anne is better suited to low-key dining, stargazing and listening to the water than to clubbing, and visitors should respect accommodation quiet hours and nearby guests.

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Best nightclubs in St. Anne Island

St Anne's evening life is quiet and accommodation-centred rather than organised around nightclubs or a public entertainment district. Resort bars provide places for sunset drinks, cocktails, wine and informal conversation, while dinner, occasional live music or small organised events may shape the evening programme. Availability and schedules can change, so guests should consult their accommodation rather than assume that a particular event will operate. The island has no substantial independent pub circuit, and late-night transport options are limited because movement depends on resort arrangements and boats. Mahé, outside St Anne, offers the widest choice of bars, restaurants and occasional live entertainment, particularly around Victoria and other settled coastal areas, but it is not a practical destination for an unplanned late-night return by sea. Evening enjoyment on St Anne is better suited to low-key dining, stargazing and listening to the water than to clubbing, and visitors should respect accommodation quiet hours and nearby guests.

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Best shops in St. Anne Island

St Anne Island has no conventional shopping district, supermarket-lined high street or independent craft quarter. Shopping is generally limited to resort provisions, small gift selections and items connected with beach activities. Visitors looking for regional products should plan to shop on Mahé, outside St Anne, where Victoria's markets and shops provide better access to fresh fruit, spices, tea, locally made crafts, artwork, textiles and Seychelles-themed gifts. Produce markets are useful for seeing the ingredients that underpin Creole cooking, while galleries and craft outlets may offer paintings, jewellery, woven goods and carvings. Choose products responsibly: avoid coral, shells, turtle-related items and anything made from protected wildlife. Practical supplies should be bought before the boat transfer or arranged through accommodation, since St Anne's isolated setting means that replacing toiletries, snacks or specialist equipment is less convenient than on the mainland. A visit to Mahé can therefore combine cultural sightseeing with the most useful shopping opportunity during a St Anne stay.

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St. Anne Island essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Seychellois rupee, abbreviated SCR, although resorts and tourism businesses commonly quote or accept major foreign currencies and cards. Contactless and card payments are generally available at established accommodation and excursion providers, but arrangements vary for smaller operators and purchases on neighbouring islands. Keep some Seychellois rupees for mainland transport, local stalls and incidental spending on Mahé. Confirm which services are included in your accommodation package, as St Anne has no ordinary high street or bank.
Safety
St Anne is a resort and marine environment, so practical risks are more likely to involve water, sun, boats and uneven surfaces than urban hazards. Follow lifeguard or activity-leader advice, wear flotation equipment when instructed and take care around granite rocks, slippery paths and shallow coral. Strong sun can cause dehydration even on cloudy days. Do not swim beyond marked or advised areas, and check conditions before kayaking or snorkelling. Normal precautions for valuables remain appropriate, particularly during transfers and beach activities.
Emergency Situations
For emergencies in Seychelles, contact the appropriate national service: police on 133, fire and rescue on 999, and ambulance services on 151. On St Anne, immediately alert resort reception, boat crew or an activity guide, since they can coordinate evacuation and communicate with services on Mahé. For a serious marine incident, follow crew instructions and contact the operator without delay. Travel insurance should cover medical treatment, water activities and possible evacuation, as specialist care may require transfer to Mahé.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress casually for beaches but cover up when entering shared indoor spaces or travelling through settlements on Mahé. Ask before photographing residents, workers or private facilities, and follow signs defining resort, conservation and activity areas. Do not touch coral, feed marine life, remove shells or plants, or leave rubbish behind. Use established paths where provided and avoid anchoring on reef. Tipping is discretionary rather than a strict regional rule; check whether a service charge has already been added before paying more.
Local Tips
Use St Anne for quiet marine-based days and plan mainland sightseeing separately, since Mahé offers the archipelago's principal museums, markets, shops and independent restaurants. Early excursions can provide calmer water and better visibility, although conditions are never guaranteed. Ask activity providers how they minimise reef damage and whether equipment is suitable for the prevailing weather. If visiting during a period of stronger winds or rain, retain flexibility for boat excursions and avoid planning every day around a single crossing.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBonzour[bɔ̃zuʁ]
GoodbyeOrevwar[oʁevwaʁ]
YesWi[wi]
NoNon[nɔ̃]
Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît[sil vu ple]
Thank youMersi[mɛʁsi]
Excuse me/SorryEskize[ɛskiːze]
How are you?Kouman ou lé?[kuːmɑ̃ u le]
Fine. And you?Bien. E ou?[bjɛ̃ e u]
Do you speak English?Ou koz Anglais?[u koʊz ɑ̃ɡlɛ]
I don't understandMo pa konpran[mo pa kɔ̃pʁɑ̃]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMo ti a kontan vwar meni, sil vous plaît[mo ti a kɔ̃tɑ̃vwaʁ meni sil vu ple]
I don't eat meatMo pa manze vyann[mo pa mɑ̃ze vjɑ̃]
Cheers!Santé![sɑ̃te]
I would like to pay, pleaseMo ti a kontan pey, sil vous plaît[mo ti a kɔ̃tɑ̃peɪ sil vu ple]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Sos![sos]
Go away!Alé ou![ale u]
Call the Police!Apele Polisy![ape le pɔlisi]
Call a doctor!Apele en doktè![ape le ɑ̃ dokte]
I'm lostMo perdi[mo pɛʁdi]
I'm illMo malad[mo malɑd]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Mo ti a kontan achte...[mo ti a kɔ̃tɑ̃aʃte]
I'm just lookingMo zis pe rod[mo zis pe ʁɔd]
How much is it?Konbyen li koute?[kɔ̃bjɛ̃ li kutɛ]
That's too expensiveSa tro cher[sa tʁo ʃɛʁ]
Can you lower the price?Ou kapav rabais pri?[u kapav ʁaba i pʁi]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ki ler li?[ki lɛʁ li]
It's one o'clockLi enn ler[li ɛn lɛʁ]
Half past (10)Demi (10)[dəmi (10)]
MorningMatin[matɛ̃]
AfternoonApremidi[apʁɛmidi]
EveningSwar[swaʁ]
YesterdayYyer[ijɛʁ]
TodayAjourd'hui[aʒuʁdʁɥi]
TomorrowDemain[dəmɛ̃]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Koté en/le...?[kote ɑ̃ le]
What's the address?Ki adrès?[ki adʁɛs]
Can you show me (on the map)?Ou kapav montré mwan (lo kat)?[u kapav mɔ̃tʁe mwã lo ka]
When's the next (bus)?Kan prochen (buss)?[kɑ̃ pʁɔʃɛ̃ buss]
A ticket (to ....)En tiké (pou ....)[ɑ̃ tiˈke pu]

History of St. Anne Island

Early French settlement, 1770

St Anne was one of the first Seychelles islands to be settled during the French colonial period. In 1770, settlers were established on the island as part of an early attempt to develop agriculture in the newly occupied archipelago. The settlement was connected to France's wider Indian Ocean interests and relied on maritime supply routes linking Seychelles with other colonial possessions. Although little of the early settlement remains in an immediately monumental form, this period marks St Anne's transition from an uninhabited tropical island into a managed agricultural landscape.

Plantation agriculture and island life

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, St Anne formed part of the plantation economy that shaped many of the larger Seychelles islands. Coconut cultivation and the production of copra, the dried kernel used for oil, were important activities, alongside other tropical crops. Work, supplies and people moved between the islands by boat, reinforcing the maritime character of Seychellois life. The island's present woodland and resort landscape conceal much of this agricultural history, but coconut groves and the pattern of coastal access recall its former economic role.

British colonial administration

Seychelles became a British crown colony in 1814 after the Napoleonic Wars, and St Anne subsequently formed part of the colonial island network administered from Mahé. The change of imperial authority did not immediately remove the plantation system; instead, existing agricultural and maritime structures continued under a different administration. St Anne's history in this period was therefore less about a separate island government than about its participation in the connected economy of the Seychelles, where boats, plantations and settlements linked the granitic islands.

From plantation island to protected seascape

As plantation activity declined and Seychelles moved towards a service and tourism economy, St Anne's significance increasingly shifted from agricultural production to landscape and marine conservation. Its beaches, reefs and proximity to Mahé made it suitable for carefully managed tourism, while the surrounding waters gained recognition for their ecological importance. This transformation reflects a wider change throughout Seychelles: islands once valued primarily for crops and access became important for biodiversity, recreation and the protection of coastal ecosystems.

Ste Anne Marine National Park, established 1973

The Ste Anne Marine National Park was established in 1973 and is widely recognised as Seychelles' first marine national park. It encompasses St Anne and several nearby islands and protects shallow marine habitats, reefs and coastal waters close to Mahé. The park created a formal framework for regulating activities such as fishing, anchoring and wildlife interaction, while allowing carefully managed recreation. For visitors today, the protected seascape is the central historical and environmental legacy of St Anne.

Modern resort development and conservation tourism

In the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries, St Anne developed as a specialist island retreat rather than as a conventional settlement. Resort tourism brought accommodation, organised marine activities and new investment, while access remained closely associated with boat transfers and regulated use of the national park. The island's modern identity is consequently shaped by a balance between hospitality and environmental responsibility. Its future depends on managing freshwater, waste, energy, shoreline use and reef pressure within a small island ecosystem.

St. Anne Island in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to St. Anne Island

Explore St. Anne Island with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide that covers attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, and more for an unforgettable trip.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app
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Discover the best of St. Anne Island with Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide app. Explore landmarks, book experiences, and uncover local tips effortlessly.

  • History of St. Anne Island and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic travel experience
  • Near me feature to easily find nearby attractions and services
  • 100% free to use with no in-app purchases
  • Global coverage with information on over 7,000 destinations

Welcome to Evendo, the ultimate travel guide to St. Anne Island, Seychelles. This app is designed to help you make the most of your trip by providing detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Imagine wandering through the lush greenery of Sainte Anne Marine National Park, exploring the vibrant underwater world with a snorkeling tour, or dining at the exquisite Le Mont Fleuri restaurant. With Evendo, all these experiences and more are just a tap away.

Evendo offers a rich set of information for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. This makes it incredibly easy for you to plan and organize your trip, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the island's hidden gems. Whether you're looking to relax on the pristine beaches, explore historical sites like the St. Anne Church, or enjoy a night out at local bars, Evendo has got you covered.

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