Coral reefs
Snorkel among fish.
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A group of eight small islands off the capital, Victoria, declared a marine park in 1973, the first in the Indian Ocean region. Fishing is banned, so its coral reefs and seagrass meadows have become a refuge for colourful fish and sea turtles. The largest island, Sainte Anne, holds a resort; Cerf Island is inhabited, with Creole restaurants and a beach; and little Moyenne Island is famous for the man who lived there for decades, planting its trees and releasing giant tortoises, alongside other small islands once used for quarantine. Trips leave from Victoria and Beau Vallon beach, most popularly glass-bottom boat tours, snorkelling over the reefs, and a stop for lunch and a swim on one of the islands. The water here is calm and shallow, good for families. The park fee is SCR 200 for non-residents over twelve, per the parks authority, and is usually included in the tour price. The park opens from 8 am to 5 pm.
Snorkel among fish.
Creole restaurants.
And giant tortoises.
Off Victoria, about 5 km from the harbour
Usually yes; the fee is SCR 200 for non-residents over twelve, and most tour operators include it.