Snorkelling, Diving and Rum Tasting on Mahe

October 20, 2026

This page sorts Seychelles activities by what you actually do: get in the water, walk, taste or look. Most options sit on Mahe, with extras on Praslin and La Digue. Money is in Seychelles rupees (SCR), and euros are widely quoted by hotels and tour sellers, so convert at about SCR 16 to 17 per euro.

Before you get in the sea

Beach swimming here follows the monsoon calendar. Official guidance puts the west coast at risk from about December to March and the east coast from about May to September, while the beaches on the southern tip of Mahe are unsuitable all year. Only three beaches have lifeguards: Beau Vallon on Mahe, plus Anse Lazio and Cote d’Or on Praslin. Warning signs mark Anse Intendance, Grand Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Cocos, among others. Read the government sea safety guide once and follow the flags on the day. The lifeguard hotline listed in it is 432 3242, and the national emergency number is 999.

Snorkelling

Two marine parks near Victoria are easy to reach. Ste Anne has six islands and about a 10 minute boat ride from the capital, with an SCR 200 ticket. Port Launay is about 30 minutes by road from Victoria, has eight small beaches and reef on both sides, and hands out an underwater trail leaflet. Its SCR 200 ticket also covers Baie Ternay. Always snorkel in the marked zones with a partner. Park gates accept cards only, so buy ahead on the SPGA ticket site .

Scuba diving

Listed dive centres include Big Blue Divers and Dive Seychelles Underwater Centre around Beau Vallon, and Octopus Divers at Cote d’Or on Praslin, where nitrox is available. Shark Bank, about 8 km west of Mahe, rises from roughly 40 m to 18 m and has stronger currents. The wreck of the tanker Ennerdale, sunk in 1970, rests at about 30 m and is for advanced divers. Prices are set by each centre, so request a quote. From about August to November, whale sharks pass north-west Mahe. Treat a sighting as a bonus, keep your hands off and switch off flash.

Rum and spice

Takamaka Rum, at La Plaine St Andre, is a good wet-weather stop. The distillery is open Monday to Saturday from 10:30 to 16:30. Free guided tours start at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 on weekdays, and at 11:00 and 14:00 on Saturdays. A tasting is SCR 175. The grounds hold a museum, a medicinal garden and two tortoises called Taka and Maka. For spices, the Jardin du Roi above Anse Royale is reached by a steep, narrow road, so check its hours and price when you arrive.

Paddling on La Digue

Crystal Water Kayaks runs clear-bottomed kayaks from Anse Source d’Argent. One reseller shows about EUR 45 for three hours, and the L’Union Estate fee of SCR 150 is separate. Compare what is included before you book.

Safety and costs

Thefts from cars, trails, beaches and cash machines are reported around Beau Vallon, Victoria and Cote d’Or. Drug penalties are severe. Medical help is limited on Praslin, La Digue and the outer islands, so choose insurance that covers medical evacuation. Most visitors must register for Travel Authorisation, with an official fee of EUR 10.

To compare snorkel and boat trips, try GetYourGuide .