Experience the Seychelles
Marianne
Nestled between two well-known islands lies a destination that rarely stands alone, but is often part of special days.
Auf einen Blick
Inselgruppe: Inner Islands
Inseltyp: Sub-island
Fläche: 0,96 km²
Entfernung zu Mahé: 60 km
Anreise: boat
Bewohnt: nein
Geologie: granite
Besonderheiten: Granite mountains, short hiking trails, bays with rocks
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The wild diving mecca on the eastern edge of the Seychelles
You can't get any further east than Marianne in the inner granite archipelago of the Seychelles! Anyone looking out towards the open ocean from La Digue or Félicité will see the rugged, jagged silhouette of this fascinating island rising on the horizon. Marianne is not a place for leisurely beach walks or cocktails under a parasol; Marianne is wild, untamed, and an absolute adrenaline rush!
The island was once a thriving coconut plantation, but today it is uninhabited and left to nature. Its true secret, however, lies not on land, but beneath the surface of the water. For divers, this place is an absolute legend!
The underwater cathedral: A hotspot for sharks and rays
If you're a diver, you've almost certainly heard the name Marianne whispered about the Seychelles. The island is considered one of the most spectacular and exciting dive sites in the entire Indian Ocean.
Spectacular underwater topography: The island's massive granite cliffs continue underwater, forming gigantic pillars, canyons, and labyrinthine formations often referred to as "cathedrals." When sunlight breaks through these fissures, it creates an almost magical atmosphere.
Big fish guaranteed: The waters around Marianne are deeper and the currents are often stronger than around the more westerly islands. This attracts large marine life! Here you have excellent chances of diving with a whole school of grey reef sharks. Majestic eagle rays, giant groupers, and even the occasional manta ray glide majestically through the rock formations.
Rugged beauty above water: Wild rocks and coconut palms
Although diving is the main focus, the view of the island itself from the boat is also an experience.
Dramatic cliffs: The west side of the island drops extremely steeply and rockily into the sea. The surf can be quite powerful here, often making landing a real challenge or even impossible. Therefore, going ashore is rarely included in tours.
Traces of the past: On the southwest coast, there is a small beach (Anse Est) where one could moor when the sea is very calm. From here, one can still glimpse the remains of the old plantation settlement in the dense, almost impenetrable forest, which are slowly but surely being reclaimed by nature.
The perfect trip for adrenaline junkies
Marianne is definitely a trip for advanced participants, whether above or below water.
Not for the faint of heart: Due to the often rough seas and strong currents, this spot is generally reserved for experienced divers and very confident snorkelers. The boat trip (usually from La Digue or Praslin) can be quite choppy depending on the time of year, but that's precisely what gives this tour its wild charm!
The ultimate combination: Many dive centers offer Marianne as the grand finale of a two-tank dive, often in combination with the calmer waters of the Sister Islands or Félicité. This way, you get the full spectrum of the Seychelles underwater world in one day!
The bottom line: Marianne is the rugged, wild end of the inner Seychelles. A place where the untamed power of the ocean is palpable. For anyone seeking the ultimate underwater adventure and wanting to experience the Seychelles' large pelagic fish up close, a diving trip to Marianne is an absolute must on their bucket list!