Praslin & La Digue

Coco Island and Félicité snorkelling trip

Ile Cocos Marine National Park covers three granite islets and part of Félicité, about 7 km from La Digue, and boat trips from La Digue and Praslin visit it to snorkel with hawksbill turtles and reef fish. SCR 200 park fee for non-residents over 12 (SPGA, checked 16 September 2026).

Last verified 16 September 2026

What it is

Ile Cocos Marine National Park covers 85.55 hectares around three small islets, Ile Cocos, Ile La Fouche and Ilot Plate, and takes in Anse Peniche on Félicité. It lies about 7 km from La Digue and has been protected since 1996. SPGA describes it as the most renowned snorkelling spot in the Seychelles archipelago. Félicité is a forested granite island about 4 km east of La Digue.

What you see

SPGA highlights the hawksbill turtle, and the Tourism Board listing mentions reef fish including eels and rays. Whale sharks, a seasonal visitor, can be spotted from around August to November. Ile Cocos has a white sand beach that appears at low tide, and seabirds such as shearwaters, fairy terns and brown noddies nest on the islet.

How to go

Trips leave from La Digue, about 10 minutes away by boat, and from Praslin. Geoli Charters runs a Sister, Coco and Félicité snorkelling tour from the Praslin or La Digue ferry terminals, from 10am to 3pm with several snorkelling stops, a barbecue lunch on Sister Island on request on weekdays, and park and island fees charged separately. From La Digue, Sea Eagle Boat Charter runs group trips to Coco, Félicité and the Sister Islands, and La Digue Boat Excursions visits Sister, Coco, Félicité, Curieuse and St Pierre. Zenero Boat Charter's half-day trip takes in three snorkelling spots around La Digue after a crossing of about 15 minutes, meeting at its sign in La Passe.

Cost and hours

Non-residents over 12 pay SCR 200 to enter the park (SPGA, checked 16 September 2026). SPGA's park page lists 9am to 5pm daily, while its visitor information page and the Tourism Board listing give 8am to 5pm. SPGA takes cards only on site; cash is accepted only at its head office on Mahé, and tickets can be bought online.

Tips

Follow park rules: boats anchor in designated areas, and fishing gear, spear guns and collecting shells or coral are banned. Confirm whether your operator includes the park fee, since Geoli lists it as extra. Azzura Dive Center advises rescheduling snorkelling trips on choppy days if you are prone to seasickness.

Visiting

Opening hours
Daily. SPGA's Ile Cocos page gives 9am to 5pm; SPGA visitor information and the Seychelles Tourism Board listing (updated 2 September 2026) give 8am to 5pm.
Fees
SCR 200 for non-residents over 12; children under 12 free; card only on site (SPGA, checked 16 September 2026; Tourism Board listing updated 2 September 2026).
Operators

Where it is

Thing to do

Coco Island and Félicité snorkelling trip

Ile Cocos Marine National Park covers three granite islets and part of Félicité, about 7 km from La Digue, and boat trips from La Digue and Praslin visit it to snorkel with hawksbill turtles and reef fish.

Map of Coco Island and Félicité snorkelling trip and the nearest places to stayCoastline © OpenStreetMap contributors. Positions are approximate.

Questions

Can I see whale sharks at Coco Island?
SPGA says whale sharks, a seasonal visitor, can be spotted around August to November. Sightings are not certain.
Is the park fee included in Coco Island trips?
It depends on the operator. Geoli Charters states that marine park tickets and island entry fees are not included in its Sister, Coco and Félicité tour.
How far is Coco Island from La Digue?
SPGA puts it about 10 minutes by boat from La Digue, and the Tourism Board listing gives a distance of 7 km.

Sources

Details last verified 16 September 2026.