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The islands of the Seychelles possess a remarkable marine environment. Treasured as the “Garden of Eden”, the archipelago consists of 115 islands scattered across the western Indian Ocean, each renowned for its exceptional beauty and distinctive characteristics.
The Seychelles is distinguished for establishing one of the first Marine Protected Areas in the South Western Indian Ocean; the Sainte Anne Marine National Park which was designated in March,1973.
Today, the country boasts 14 marine reserves of which 6 are Marine National Parks. These Marine National Parks constitutes a total area of 61.77 km² and are established around the islands of Sainte Anne, Curieuse, Silhouette, Ile Cocos and the bays of Port-Launay and Baie-Ternay. Within these sites which have been designated under the Nature and Conservancy Act (Cap 141), all wildlife and nature is strictly protected; no fishing, collection of shells, removal, disturbance or damage of any living or dead flora or fauna is permitted.
(Insert map showing location of all the marine parks)
Sainte Anne Marine National Park ( Designated on 19 March 1973 - Size: 14.53km²)
Set up amid dazzling turquoise waters about 5km from the main island of Mahe, is the South Western Indian Ocean's First Marine Protected Area; the Sainte Anne Marine National Park. This marine reserve encompasses a group of 6 tranquil and charming islands. The park protects one of the largest areas of sea grass meadows in the granitic islands and it is not uncommon to see green turtles feeding on them. Lucky visitors may even spot hawksbill turtles in the waters and on the shores of this park which remains one of the most important nesting sites for hawksbill turtles in the Granitic islands.
The islands of this park are full of history. Sainte Anne, the largest island is the site for the first settlement that was established by the French in 1770. During the Second World War this island served as a refuelling base for the Royal Marines that assured the defence of Victoria. In the early decades of the 19th century, Sainte Anne was also used as a base for whaling activity in the Seychelles. Now, happily the Indian Ocean is a whale sanctuary. Sainte Anne island also served a s Headquarters for the former Marine Parks Authority (1996-2001) and also hosted the Shoals of Capricorn Marine Research Programme. Cerf Island, the second largest island of this park, was named after one of the earliest French ships that visited Seychelles. Visitors relish the island's excellent Creole restaurants. Though privately owned, the famous, tiny Moyenne Island is only accessible through organised-excursions. Close by is Round Island, that was once an isolation centre for leprosy sufferers. Today, the island boasts popular Creole Restaurant and also serves as a base for rangers managing this park. The SCMRT-MPA also mans a Visitors Centre that provides visitors with a wide array of information covering history, conservation efforts etc... Long island has always been a place of involuntary isolation; it was formerly a quarantine station and today houses the National Prison. Ile Cachée remains unspoilt and uninhabited.
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Silhouette Marine National Park ( Designated in October, 1987 - Size: 30.45 km²)
This park is famous for its granite rock formations that slope steeply in the deep blue waters and for large shoals of pelagic fish.
The beautiful bays of Port-Launay and Baie-Ternay located just 3km apart are the only marine parks on Mahe situated along the North-West coast. These two neigbouring marine parks are surrounded by the Morne Seychellois National Park, which has the highest peak (905m) in the Seychelles.
Port Launay Marine National Park ( Designated on 11 June 1979 - Size: 1.58km²)
One of Seychelles' most picturesque seascapes, this park encloses eight quiet and beautiful beaches and is the only marine park which is accessible by land as well as be sea. Here, under the shade of the Takamaka trees, one can laze the hours away listening to the sounds of the ocean gently caressing the sandy shores. The reefs on the both sides of the bay provide a wonderful opportunity to use the mask and snorkel. This park which is popular as a stop-over for visiting yacht charters is also famous for its whale shark sightings. In their season, these huge gentle giants of the sea can be seen swimming lazily around feeding on the rich plankton that accumulates in the park. |
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Baie Ternay Marine National Park ( Designated on 11 June 1979 - Size: 0.80km²)
A paradise for snorkellers and divers, the Baie Ternay marine park is treasured for its astounding vistas, with pristine seashore fringed by calm turquoise shallows and abundant marine life. With no direct coastal road, access, this park retains its exclusivity and natural beauty. It supports an interesting combination of coastal habitats comprising mangroves, sandy shores, rocky shores, sea grass beds and coral reefs. Nestling between two hills bordering the Morne Seychellois National Park, Baie Ternay is one of the most sought after refuges for yachts seeking shelter especially during the South East Monsoon.
The white sandy and secluded beaches of these two parks are idyllic spots for swimming, snorkelling, picnics and sunbathing.
Curieuse Marine National Park ( Designated on 11June 1979 - Size: 14.70km²)
A sanctuary for flora and fauna, the Curieuse Marine National Park brings you as close to nature as anyone would wish. On this relatively small island there is an intriguingly unique biodiversity. Curieuse is home to a significant collection of Seychelles' endemic species from giant tortoises introduced from Aldabra and endemic birds, to the world's biggest nut, the legendary coco-de-mer. The island is the only other place other than the world heritage site, Vallée de Mai where the coco-de mer palm grows naturally.
Visitors to this paradise are offered an array of outdoor experiences from guided nature trails, bird watching, barbecues, snorkeling and diving. Visitors who follow the marked trail around the island soon discover the full extent of its natural treasures. One of the most interesting areas of the island is the mangrove swamp bordering Baie Laraie. Here, six of the seven types of mangrove known in Seychelles are to be found. A boardwalk built on piling goes through the swamp, allowing visitors to cross whatever the state of the tide and view the marine creatures that inhabit the swamp. Curieuse is home to hundreds of giant tortoise which were introduced there between 1978 and 1982. As part of the conservation programme, there is a tortoise nursery on the island, where tortoises are nurtured until they are five years old, when they are released into the wild. The island is regularly visited by nesting turtles, which each year return to lay their eggs on the beaches. During the period of reproduction, many small turtles may be seen outside the causeway, which was built in 1910, when Curieuse was temporarily in private hands. The island’s owner built this sea-wall across Baie Laraie, forming a 40-acre pond in which he started to rear Hawksbill turtles. The scheme was not a success, and today all that is left of this failed venture is the causeway that is used by visitors to traverse from Baie-Laraie one side of the island to Anse Jose on the other. The Island has a rather interesting history; it is famous for its role as quarantine for leprosy sufferers for almost a hundred years. Today, the ruins of the old leprosarium still stand on the shores of Anse José. The old Doctor’s House which is now a National monument has been converted into an Information & Education Centre. It provides extensive information about the island's long and sometimes sad and painful history and through its various displays it educates people about the island's large variety of flora and fauna. Visitors interested in geology will be impressed by the red and blue granite, and the spectacular range of granite edifices that form natural archways around the coast. Just 15 minutes' boat ride from Curieuse is St. Pierre islet, which offers wonderful snorkelling and diving experience. |
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Ile Coco Marine National Park ( Designated on 19 February 1997 - Size:0.01km²)
This is the ultimate “get away from it all “deserted island which catches most people’s attention and makes them long for a holiday in Seychelles. It features in many promotional materials. This pristine marine park, whish is set around three small islets of Ile Cocos, Ile La Fouche and Ilot Platte, is a prominent snorkelling spot. |
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TOURS & VISITS
A trip to the marine parks is essential for all visitors keen to experience the Seychelles in its natural state. The best way to explore these waters is by boat, although Port Launay can also be reached on foot. Daily excursions can be arranged through local tour operators, licensed boat charters or yacht charters who know the best places to visit according to the seasons, winds and tides.
Free guided tours through the mangrove forest are offered twice daily from Monday to Friday at 10:00 a.m and 2:00 p.m. The tours cover environmental, historical and geographical aspects of Curieuse.
OPENING HOURS
The Marine National Parks are open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, including public holidays.
PARK FEES
To support management and conservation efforts of the marine national parks, the following fees are levied:
Entry fee : US$10 or € 10 or £5 per non-resident visitor over 12 years old per park per day. This is applicable for all parks with the exception of Port Launay where the entry fee is charged per boat.
Mooring fee : $10 or € 10 or £5 or SR 50 per yacht for overnight mooring.
Filming fee : US$200 per day for film crews and commercial photographers. Written permission must be sought from the Management prior to any commercial filming or photography. Click here to download application form.
PAYMENT METHODS
All fees are payable in cash, or by Visacard, MasterCard and by Travellers cheques in US dollars, Euros, Sterling or Swiss Francs.
TICKETS SALES OUTLETS
Marine Park |
Outlet location |
Time |
Port Launay |
Port Launay Ranger Base |
0900hrs -1700hrs daily |
Baie Ternay |
Port Launay Ranger Base |
0930hrs -1700hrs daily |
Sainte Anne |
Marine Charter, Victoria |
Mon-Fri (0830hrs-0930hrs) |
Curieuse |
Curieuse Island |
0800hrs -1700hrs daily |
Ile Cocos |
Curieuse Island |
0800hrs -1700hrs daily |
Marine Park Tickets can also be purchased from the head-office in Victoria during office hours : Monday to Friday, 8am-4pm.
MARINE PROTECTED AREA MANAGEMENT
The daily protection of these marine parks is the responsibility of the Marine Parks Authority unit (MPA) within SCMRT-MPA. This is primarily achieved by a team of park rangers is actively involved in the following :
>> Compliance and enforcement
>> Eco-tourism
>> Resource protection
Promoting ecotourism particularly through interaction with visitors. Ensuring the long term management and maintenance of park facilities to enhance visitor’s enjoyment from the use of the park. Services include BBQ grills, Visitor Centres, day use facilities, boardwalk and nature trails.
The officers of SCMRT-MPA have powers under the National Park and Nature Conservancy Act to arrest any person, search and confiscate boats, engines and other equipment used to commit an offence in the vicinity of the Marine National Parks.
Park Rangers participate in resource protection programs which include turtle monitoring and coral reef surveys at many sites. Occasionally, Rangers also participate with the SCMRT unit in research and other monitoring programs
The SCMRT-MPA is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of existing Marine protected Areas aiming at implementing a management plan for each of these marine parks. SCMRT-MPA wishes to develop collaboration with other MPA managers in the region and also aims to develop a number of monitoring programs in which locals and foreign students can participate. It also places emphasis on developing sustainable products for the different Marine Protected Areas.
Over the years, a series of projects have been implemented as part of the organisation’s effort to further improve the services offered to marine park users and also ensure the protection of these protected areas.
OUR RECENT AND ONGOING PROJECTS
>> Giant Tortoises Breeding Programme
>> Solar energy installation on Curieuse
>> Rat eradication on Curieuse Island
>> Establishment of Doctor’s House Information & Education Centre
>> Development of nature trails around Curieuse Island
>> Renovation of boardwalk and causeway on Curieuse
>> Demarcation of marine parks
>> Installation of mooring buoys
>> Setting up of Visitors Centre on Round Island
>> Publication of educational and promotional materials
>> Turtle monitoring programme
>> Coral reef surveys
>> Beach profiling
COMPLIANCE & ENFORCEMENT
Ensuring compliance with local regulations governing the marine parks, through routine patrols performed at various intervals during the day. The visible presence of rangers is to deter any breech of regulations. The officers of SCMRT-MPA have powers under the National Park and Nature Conservancy Act to ;
- Arrest any person found committing any offence under the Act and Regulations
- Confiscate boats, engines, fishing gear or any other equipment used to commit an offence
- “Stop and Search” any vehicle or vessel “in the vicinity of the Marine National Park”, where he has “reasonable belief” to suspect commission of an offence under the regulations.
- Staff may also enter private property within the park to check for violations.
MARINE PARK REGULATIONS
The MPA is strongly involved with enforcement issues. It regulates activities to ensure the protection of the varied and diverse biological communities which in turn offer unique recreational experiences.
OFFENSES & PENALTIES
The following activities within the park are offences punishable by a fine of Rs2000 (US$400) and 12 months imprisonment.
- Removal or disturbance of any substrate (humus, soil, sand, mud, gravel, rock, etc…)
- The killing, capturing, taking or injuring any marine animals, eggs, nests, spawn or shells
- The disturbance or destruction of any plant, fruit, or seed
The following activities are offences punishable by a fine of Rs2000 (US$400) and 6 months imprisonment.
- Wilful introduction of any plant or animal into the park without authorization
- Littering or causing or contributing to the pollution of any part of the beach, or seabed, or the sea within the park
- Possessing ‘any weapon or device designed for, or capable of being used for, the capture, injuring or killing of wildlife” (e.g spear gun, harpoon)
- Possessing explosives, explosive devices or fireworks;
- Defacing any park marker, notice, structure or other equipment
- Anchoring in any manner that disturbs or damagers coral
- Mooring or anchoring in area other that one that is designated for these activities, unless no such areas have been designated or unless the anchor does not disturb or damage coral, or unless there is an emergency
- Using a surf board, water ski, para-glider or associated watercraft within the park without prior written consent;
- Recklessly using a pleasure boat or other craft, within the park, including excessive speed or dangerous behaviour or other lack of due care or attention in the operation of a vessel
- Obstructing park officers exercising their powers of inspection
COURT CASES & STATUS
DATE COMMITTED |
OFFENCE: |
PENALTY |
14 Feb 2003 |
Illegal Fishing in Ste Anne Marine Park |
1800/- Rs. |
26 May 2004 |
Illegal Fishing in Ste Anne Marine Park |
Hearing date pending |
1 Jun 2004 |
Illegal Fishing in Ste Anne Marine Park |
Hearing date pending |
PROJECTS
The MPA has over the years, implemented a series of projects, as part of its efforts to further improve its services to park users and also to protect our marine parks...
Our Recent and On-Going Projects |
Giant Tortoises Breeding Programme |
Solar Energy Installation |
Rat Eradication |
Establishment of the Doctor’ House Education & Information Centre |
Turtle monitoring programme |
Coral reef surveys |
Beach profiling |
Demarcation of marine parks |
Installation of mooring buoys |
Development of Nature Trails |
Setting up of Round Island Visitors Centre |
Publication of marine park leaflets, brochures and souvenir items |
Our Upcoming Projects |
Restoration of Boardwalk and seawall |
Development of underwater trail |
Upgrading of Visitors Facilities & Services |
Construction of BBQ shed for boat operators |