Experience the Seychelles
Saint Anne
This place is only a few minutes away by boat, far removed from the feeling of being on the mainland. The island belongs to the group of inner islands and, as a subsidiary island, is an integral part of the geographical structure of the Seychelles.
Auf einen Blick
Inselgruppe: Inner Islands
Inseltyp: Sub-island
Fläche: 2,27 km²
Entfernung zu Mahé: 5 km
Anreise: boat
Bewohnt: ja
Geologie: granite
Besonderheiten: Granite mountains, short hiking trails, bays with rocks
📍 Saint Anne in Google Maps öffnen ↗
The historical cradle of the Seychelles and the gateway to the Marine Park
Standing at the port of Victoria on Mahé, your gaze is almost inevitably drawn to a striking, lush green island rising majestically from the ocean. This is Sainte Anne, the largest island in the marine national park of the same name. Just a 10-minute boat ride from the capital, it offers a captivating blend of incredible history, exclusive resort life, and a strictly protected underwater world.
Although Sainte Anne is now firmly in the hands of a luxury eco-resort, the island plays a vital role for day-trippers and wildlife. Let's take a look at this multifaceted beauty!
The centerpiece: The Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Sainte Anne is the undisputed center of one of the oldest and most important marine protected areas in the Indian Ocean (established in 1973). Motorized water sports are strictly prohibited here, making the area a paradise for sustainable tourism.
Seagrass meadows and coral gardens: Extensive seagrass meadows stretch around the island. They may not be as colorful as a coral reef, but they are the absolute favorite feeding ground of the green sea turtle! A snorkeling trip in the Marine Park offers an excellent chance of spotting these gentle reptiles grazing.
Glass-bottom boats: If you don't want to jump into the water yourself, Sainte Anne is the perfect place for a glass-bottom boat tour. The local guides know the best reefs and often feed the fish, transforming the water beneath you into a vibrant cauldron of colorful zebrafish and batfish.
Where it all began: The first settlement in the Seychelles
It's hard to believe, but the history of the modern Seychelles began right here!
The first settlers: In 1770, the very first French settlers landed on Sainte Anne, before later settling on Mahé. This makes the island the historical cradle of the nation.
Whaling and World Wars: Over the centuries, the island has seen many changes. It once served as a whaling station, and during World War II, the British built a gun battery here to defend Victoria Harbour. Today, if you hike across the island, you can still discover the overgrown ruins of this turbulent past hidden in the dense jungle.
Club Med and a safe haven for turtles
Today, nature has Sainte Anne firmly in its grip, supported by a well-thought-out tourism concept.
Exclusive club holiday: The island is now home to the sprawling Club Med Seychelles resort. It's a true paradise for families and active holidaymakers, blending seamlessly into the lush tropical vegetation and dramatic granite boulders despite its size.
The nursery of the seas: Despite the resort, Sainte Anne remains one of the most important nesting grounds for the critically endangered hawksbill turtle. The beaches are closely monitored by conservationists, and between October and January, hotel guests can often enjoy the privilege of watching the tiny baby turtles make their first journey to the ocean.
The verdict: Sainte Anne is the perfect place for anyone seeking an island feel without sacrificing proximity to the main island of Mahé. Whether as an exclusive resort guest hiking up the 250-meter-high Mount Sainte Anne, or as a day-tripper exploring the marine park while snorkeling, this island uniquely combines Seychellois history and breathtaking nature.
Unterkünfte auf Saint Anne
Club Med Seychelles · 5 Sterne
Restaurants auf Saint Anne
Club Med Lighthouse · Beach Lounge / Grill · $$$
Grilled seafood BBQ