St Pierre is a tiny granite islet about 1 mile (1.6 km) off Praslin's Côte d'Or, sitting inside the Curieuse Marine National Park. It can only be reached by boat and you don't land on the rock itself — instead you drop into the water on the calmer Praslin-facing (west) side to snorkel. The water is shallow (roughly 1–5 m at the entry, up to about 10 m nearby) and famously clear, so you can get close to hawksbill turtles, nurse sharks and shoals of colourful reef fish, which is why it's one of Seychelles' signature snorkel stops. Note that the coral here is badly bleached and damaged, so it's known less as a coral garden and more for its clear water, granite scenery and abundant fish — and in 2026 it is still visited mostly as part of a half-day island-hopping tour.
Underwater granite boulder formations with water clarity reaching 25–30 m in the transition months
Close snorkeling with hawksbill sea turtles — the west side facing Praslin is the liveliest
Shoals of colourful reef fish: powder blue tang, surgeonfish, sergeant majors, fusiliers and jacks
Chance to spot nurse sharks and rays
Half-day combo with Curieuse Marine Park — Aldabra giant tortoise walk plus a BBQ island-hopping trip
Good to know
SafetyThis is an exposed, unsheltered spot: when there's surf the water gets choppy around the boulders and currents form. Beginners should stick to the guide's entry point on the calmer Praslin-facing (west) side, never swim off alone, and wear a snorkel buoy or float.
SafetyIt's a busy island-hopping stop with frequent tour boats and taxi-boats. Stay visible with a surface float or buoy, and stop and check the situation whenever a boat approaches.
SafetyThe bottom is rock and rubble, so black-spined sea urchins and scrapes on the granite are real risks. Wear reef shoes, don't stand on the rocks, and cover up with a rash guard — the spot is occasionally invaded by jellyfish.
RulesThis is the protected Curieuse Marine National Park. There is a separate entry fee (payable online or by card on site), and touching or standing on coral and marine life is prohibited. Use reef-safe sunscreen and go with a licensed operator.
MannersKeep your distance from turtles and sharks, and never touch or feed them. Don't stand on the damaged coral or rocks.
SeasonVisibility is best in the transition months of April–May and October–November, with water at 26–30°C. During the southeast monsoon (May–October, especially June–August) St Pierre gets rough, visibility can drop to 8–12 m, and operators sometimes move the snorkel to the calmer bays of Anse Petit Cours or Anse La Farine. Watch for jellyfish season.
CautionTaxi-boats from Anse Volbert beach are cheaper than a full agency tour, but confirm whether the Curieuse park entry fee is included and that the operator is properly licensed. Check all prices before booking.
Practical info
It's about a 2-minute boat ride from Praslin's Côte d'Or (Anse Volbert) and is usually visited on a half-day island-hopping tour combined with Curieuse Island and a BBQ. You don't land on the islet — it's a water-only stop — and there is a separate Curieuse Marine Park entry fee. The best season is the transition months (April–May and October–November); confirm current prices, boat times and tour availability before you book.
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