Africa & Middle East
Africa & Middle East
Sainte Anne Island Cruise Port Guide: Things to Do & Practical Tips
Seychelles
Ships anchor offshore; tender boats required to reach the island.
Choose the Right Port Day
Best Overall
Tender to Sainte Anne, spend 3–4 hours swimming and snorkeling, return to ship for lunch or late-day coffee.
Best Beach
Sainte Anne's main beach is the primary draw—calm, clear water, good snorkeling just offshore, white sand.
With Kids
Beach and shallow snorkeling on Sainte Anne; safe, warm water. No activities beyond swimming and wading.
Only 3-4 Hours
Take the tender to Sainte Anne's main beach, swim and snorkel near the shore, grab a light lunch at the island's small café, and return to ship. Skip town exploration entirely.
Cheapest Option
Tender ride (included with most luxury lines) + free beach time. Lunch at island café ~$12–20 USD per person.
What To Avoid
Do not expect shops, markets, or dining variety; the island is minimal. Do not plan a full day ashore—there is not enough to do. Skip organized tours unless you want a guided snorkel or boat excursion.
Top Things To Do
1
Snorkel from Sainte Anne beach
Clear water and coral reefs within 20–50 meters of shore. Fish, rays, and occasional sea turtles. Visibility 10–20 meters on good days.
⚡ Popular — books out early. Reserve before you sail.
2
Beach time and swimming
The main draw. Shallow, warm, calm water. White sand, palms, no crowds. Lie, swim, wade, read.
3
Lunch at island café
A small on-island café serves simple meals: sandwiches, salads, seafood, drinks. Quality is basic but fresh. Serves both cruise passengers and occasional day-trippers.
Book with the ship, or on your own?
Booking independently
- Often noticeably cheaper than the ship’s version of the same tour.
- Smaller groups and local operators, with traveler reviews you can read before you pay.
- Free cancellation on most tours, usually up to 24 hours before.
When the ship’s excursion makes sense
- Short port calls or long transfers where the timing is tight.
- Tender-only stops where getting ashore can run late.
- The ship waits for its own delayed excursions — it won’t wait for independent ones, so leave a buffer before all-aboard.
We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you — it’s how we keep these guides free.
Quick Take
- Port Type
- Scenic anchorage; small-ship / luxury expedition focus
- Best For
- Snorkeling, beach time, island scenery; ideal for Seabourn, Silversea, Regent, Ponant itineraries.
- Avoid If
- You need restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, or car-free walkable town life.
- Walkability
- The island itself is small and walkable; no town. Tender required to reach shore.
- Budget Fit
- Mid-range to premium; beaches are free, but access and food options are limited.
- Good For Short Calls?
- Yes—most cruisers do 3–5 hours ashore for swimming and beach relaxation.
Port Overview
Sainte Anne Island is a small, uninhabited or minimally developed island in the Seychelles, used as an anchorage by luxury small-ship cruise lines. Ships anchor offshore; passengers tender to the beach. There are no towns, shops, or restaurants beyond a basic on-island café. The appeal is pure: pristine beach, clear water, and marine life. For expedition and luxury cruisers accustomed to tender ports, this is a highlight. For mainstream cruisers expecting amenities or exploration, it will feel like a brief, scenic pause. Plan for 3–5 hours ashore; a full day is overkill.
Is It Safe?
Sainte Anne is a protected marine reserve and one of the safer Seychelles anchorages. Petty theft is rare here due to minimal population and strict marine-park rules. The water is generally calm and warm; currents can be strong in deeper areas—stay in designated swimming zones. Sun exposure is intense; bring sunscreen and a hat. No medical facilities on the island; the ship is your backup. Sharks and stonefish exist in Seychelles waters but encounters are extremely rare in shallow bay areas.
Accessibility & Walkability
The beach is sandy and gently sloped; entry is easy. No formal pathways, ramps, or facilities. Tender access requires mobility to board a small boat (steps, handrails provided). If you have significant mobility issues, tender boarding may be difficult; consult your cruise line in advance. The island itself is not wheelchair-accessible; walking is required.
Outside the Terminal
There is no terminal. Your ship anchors offshore; you board a tender at the ship's gangway and travel 10–15 minutes to the beach. Upon arrival, you step onto sand. The island is quiet, undeveloped, and peaceful. A small beach shack or café may operate; otherwise, you have sand, water, and sky. Expect no crowds, no vendors, and no commercial fuss.
Beaches Near the Port
Sainte Anne main beach
Wide, soft white sand; clear turquoise water; calm and protected. Ideal for swimming and snorkeling. No facilities beyond the café. Undeveloped and quiet.
Local Food & Drink
The island's only food option is a small beach café serving sandwiches, salads, fresh fish, and drinks. Quality is respectable but limited; expect simple fare. Prices are mid-range for a tourist island (~$12–25 USD per meal). The ship's dining is a better bet for variety and value; use the café for a casual lunch or snack. No other restaurants or food vendors on the island.
Shopping
There are no shops on Sainte Anne Island. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and any personal items you may need before tendering ashore. If you forget something, the ship's small convenience store may have basics, but options are limited. Seychelles imports most goods, so prices are high; buy essentials in your last major port.
Money & Currency
- Currency
- Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
- USD Accepted?
- Yes
- Card Payments
- Cards accepted at the island café and on most cruise ships; cash is safer for small vendors and tips.
- ATMs
- No ATM on the island. Use the ship's purser or exchange cash aboard before tendering.
- Tipping
- Not required but appreciated. Tip the café staff or tender crew ~10–15% if service is good.
- Notes
- USD is widely accepted in Seychelles. Carry some cash for small purchases and tips; notify your bank of travel dates.
Weather & Best Time
- Best months
- April–May, September–October (dry, calm, warm)
- Avoid
- November–March (rainy season, choppy seas, potential tenders suspended)
- Temperature
- 78–86°F (26–30°C) year-round; warm year-round
- Notes
- Seychelles is tropical and warm all year. Bring sun protection and light rain gear. Tenders may be suspended in rough seas, particularly Nov–Mar.
Airport Information
- Airport
- Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
- Distance
- ~6 km by sea; ~40 km by road if traveling via Mahé
- Getting there
- Most cruise itineraries do not include pre- or post-cruise stays on Mahé. If your cruise begins or ends elsewhere and you are flying in/out, arrange transport through your cruise line or a local taxi service.
- Notes
- Sainte Anne itself has no airport. SEZ is on Mahé, the main island. This is typically a port of call, not an embarkation port.
Getting Around from the Port
Ship's tender
Motorized small boat from ship to beach. Typically free for cruise passengers; usually runs continuously during port day.
Island walk
The island is walkable on foot; beach is the main area. No roads, no vehicles, no formal paths inland.
Organized snorkel boat
Some cruise lines offer guided snorkel excursions from the island or from the ship. Separate booking and cost.
Book ferry ticketsDetails last checked April 2026
Check The Port Traffic
Cruise Ships in Port
Once you have your shore plan, use the schedule to see how busy the harbour will be on your date, plus the ships, lines, and published call windows.
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Quiet (1–2)
Busy (3–4)
Packed (5+)
0 scheduled calls
July 7, 2026
No scheduled cruise ship calls were found for this date selection. Pick a highlighted day on the calendar above, widen the range, or search for a different ship or line.
Planning a cruise here?
Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas & more sail to Sainte Anne Island.
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
- Bring your own snorkel gear if you own it; rental on the island is limited and availability not guaranteed.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen to protect coral.
- Board the tender early in the day to avoid afternoon heat and crowds.
- Wear water shoes or sturdy sandals; the beach has rocks and sea-urchin areas in places.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the island is open to walk. However, there is no town, no shops, and no attractions inland—it is mostly vegetation and rocky terrain. Most cruisers stay on or near the beach.
Yes, the water is warm, calm, and safe for swimming. Stick to designated areas, avoid strong currents in deeper water, and watch for sea urchins on rocks.
The ship will announce cancellations early in the morning. You'll remain aboard. This is rare in the Seychelles dry season but possible Nov–Mar. Check your cruise line's policy on refunds or credits.
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