Sister, Coco, and Felicite Island: Seychelles Catamaran Tour

Seychelles scenery does not get much more striking than this: granite boulders, palm-lined beaches, clear water, and small islands reached by catamaran. I like the chance to visit private Sister Island as well as the Coco National Park area, giving you both a beach stop and good snorkeling grounds in one day.

I also like the practical comforts: the Oplezir is large, with indoor and outdoor seating, showers, and room to spread out. The BBQ lunch is included, and guides such as Jaqueline have helped make the day feel well organized. The main drawback is time. With several island and snorkeling stops packed into six to eight hours, you may wish for a longer beach stay.

Key points at a glance

• Sister Island beach stop: Walk, swim, and admire a privately owned granite island with forest and clear lagoon water.
• Coco and Félicité snorkeling: Expect one or more stops around reefs and rocky shores, with equipment supplied.
• Large Oplezir catamaran: You get indoor and outdoor seating, showers, and more room than on a small open boat.
• BBQ lunch on board: Food, water, dessert, and a rum cocktail are part of the overall experience.
• Simple island connections: La Digue pickup is at the jetty, while Praslin transfers and return ferry tickets are included.
• Best for active sea days: This suits people comfortable with swimming, snorkeling, boat travel, and uneven beach surfaces.

Why this island-hopping day is worth your time

The appeal of this trip is variety. You are not spending the whole day at one beach or circling the islands from a distance. Instead, the catamaran links several very different settings: Sister Island for land and beach time, Coco for small-island scenery and snorkeling, and Félicité for thicker vegetation and a larger natural setting.

I especially like that the trip lets you see the Seychelles from the water before putting you into it. The granite islands are the main show. Their rounded boulders, pale sand, palms, and thick greenery give the scenery a strong sense of place that you will not get from a standard beach transfer.

The day costs $166 per person, so it is not a budget boat ride. Still, the price covers a lot: island landing fees, Coco National Park fees, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch, water, return ferry tickets, and Praslin transfers. If you are already planning to visit from Praslin or La Digue, bundling transport, food, and several stops into one outing can make the cost reasonable.

The trip has a rating of 4.6 from 121 ratings, with the highest praise focused on the crew, food, boat comfort, scenery, and snorkeling. That combination matters. A beautiful route can be spoiled by poor organization, while a polished boat cannot rescue dull stops. Here, the strongest parts appear to support each other.

Starting at La Digue or Praslin

If you are staying on La Digue, the catamaran picks you up directly at the La Digue jetty. You must arrange your own land transfer to the jetty, so allow time to reach the departure point and confirm the details on your voucher.

From Praslin, return transfers are included. Return ferry tickets are also included, which is useful if the trip forms part of a day away from your main island. If you are coming from Mahé, allow for the possibility of an hour-long ferry ride before the catamaran portion. Bring something to read or listen to, especially if you do not enjoy open-water travel.

The start time changes by date, and the full outing lasts six to eight hours. That is a substantial part of your day, but the length is justified by the number of locations involved. Keep the rest of your schedule light. This is not a quick morning excursion with a fixed return before lunch.

The boat used is the Oplezir catamaran. You can expect space both inside and outside, which gives you options in sun, wind, or light rain. Showers are available, a useful touch after snorkeling and swimming.

Sister Island brings the first real stop

Sister Island is privately owned and known for its granite formations, tropical forest, beaches, and clear lagoon. The landing fee is included, so this is more than a photo stop from the boat. You get the chance to step ashore, walk along the beach, and look at the island at a slower pace.

This is likely to be the most relaxed part of the day. You can swim in refreshing water, take photographs, and admire the contrast between smooth granite rock and dense greenery. The clear water can also offer views of sea turtles and other marine life, although sightings are naturally not guaranteed.

One useful detail is the amount of time available for both beach and water activities. The schedule gives you room to enjoy the setting rather than simply touch shore and leave. Still, the full itinerary includes several locations, so do not expect a long, unhurried beach holiday here.

Bring a towel. It is not listed among the standard items to pack, but you will want one after swimming or snorkeling. Comfortable shoes are also useful for the beach and any uneven ground near granite rocks.

BBQ lunch on a moving island base

Lunch is served on board the catamaran, usually as the day moves between stops or after one of the main activities. The BBQ includes more than a bare plate of food. Direct feedback highlights a good variety, dessert, and a rum cocktail, with water included as well.

I like the onboard meal for practical reasons. You do not lose time searching for a restaurant on a small island, and the crew can keep the day moving. Eating on the boat also gives you more time to enjoy the views and recover between swims.

Food quality can never be guaranteed to suit every taste, so keep your expectations sensible. This is a catered boat lunch, not a restaurant meal. Still, the repeated praise for the food makes it one of the stronger parts of the package.

Bring a credit card and cash for extra services purchased on site. Do not assume every optional expense is covered by the $166 price.

Coco Island offers the classic tropical scene

Coco is small, photogenic, and easy to recognize. Granite boulders sit beside palms and sandy shore, while the surrounding water is used for swimming and snorkeling. The island has the kind of compact tropical setting that works especially well for photographs.

The Coco National Park fee is included. That matters because it means you are paying for access to a protected marine area as part of the trip, rather than facing another required charge after booking.

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to choose this outing. The clear water can provide good visibility, and the reefs support fish and other sea life. The exact stop can depend on conditions, and the plan may include Coco, Félicité, or both. Ask the guide about the day’s order and water conditions when you board.

The reefs are not just an extra activity squeezed between sightseeing stops. They are the reason the islands look as good from the water as they do from the beach. Pack swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera. Snorkeling gear is supplied, but bringing your own is sensible if you have a mask and snorkel that fit you particularly well.

Félicité adds forest and open water

Félicité is larger than Coco and covered with dense vegetation. It gives the day a different feel from the small, beach-centered setting of Coco. You will see more greenery and a broader island profile, with water around the shore suited to swimming and snorkeling.

The itinerary may visit Félicité, Coco, or both. That flexibility is useful because sea conditions can affect where the best water is found. It also means you should not book this trip expecting a rigid list of identical stops every time.

The snorkeling areas around these islands support marine plants and animals. You might see fish, sea turtles, and other sea life, but nature sets the schedule. The crew can take you to a good area, but no responsible operator can promise a particular animal.

One memorable part of the trip can be a short ride in a motorboat to see a turtle. That was included in one account of the day, so it may depend on conditions and the crew’s judgment. Treat it as a possible bonus rather than a guaranteed feature.

What the boat feels like during a full day

A large catamaran makes a real difference during a six to eight-hour outing. You can move between covered and open areas, find a comfortable place to sit, and avoid feeling trapped in one position. The Oplezir has been described as spacious, with comfortable areas inside and outside and useful showers.

This is not the same experience as a tiny private charter. You share the boat with other people, and the atmosphere can change with the group size. One particularly good day had plenty of space because the catamaran was not full, but capacity will vary by departure.

The larger boat can also feel steadier and more forgiving than a small craft, though you should still prepare for normal motion at sea. If you are prone to seasickness, consider the conditions and bring any personal remedy you normally use. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and pregnant women are advised not to take part.

The crew speaks English and French. Guides handle the day’s practical flow, including stops, equipment, lunch, and safety. Jaqueline was singled out for friendly guiding, but the guide team can vary by departure.

The snorkeling and swimming setup

Snorkeling gear is included, and you can also bring your own. You should still pack comfortable clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera. A waterproof phone pouch is not listed as included, so protect electronics before you enter the water.

The water is the main attraction, but it is not the only one. Swimming gives you a quick way to cool off, while snorkeling lets you spend longer looking at the reefs and marine life. You may also have time to walk on a beach, which gives your eyes a break from the sun and water.

Several people found the snorkeling areas especially strong, with ample time to use the reefs. That is good news if you are booking this primarily for underwater scenery. If your main wish is a long, quiet beach stay, the trip may feel too busy.

Use the crew’s instructions and stay aware of the boat’s position. The guides can help you get into the water safely, but you remain responsible for your own comfort and ability in open water.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would choose this trip if you want one well-organized day covering several Seychelles highlights without arranging separate boats, meals, park access, and transfers. It suits couples, solo adults, and families with older children who are comfortable at sea.

Solo visitors can feel at ease with the organized format. One solo woman specifically found the experience safe, and the structure makes it easier to join activities without arranging a private boat.

It is less suitable for anyone who dislikes boat travel, wants a private itinerary, or needs extensive mobility support. Children under two are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for pregnant women. The beach time may also feel short if your idea of a perfect day is staying in one place.

For photographers, the trip offers plenty: granite boulders, beaches, palms, forest, open water, and possible marine life. Keep your camera protected from spray and bring enough battery power for a full day.

Is $166 good value?

The price is fair if you plan to use most of what is included. Add up a full day on the water, two park or island landing fees, lunch, water, snorkeling gear, ferry tickets, and Praslin transfers. Arranging those pieces separately would take time and may not cost less.

The value is strongest for someone based on Praslin or La Digue who wants a complete day rather than a short boat transfer. The large catamaran and onboard facilities also help justify the price if comfort matters to you.

The value is weaker if you will not snorkel, swim, or spend time on beaches. You are paying for a sea-focused day, so people who prefer inland walks or slow café time should choose a different activity.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the departure date and meeting details carefully, since La Digue visitors need to arrange their own land transfer to the jetty.

Should you book the Sister, Coco, and Félicité tour?

Book it if your ideal Seychelles day combines granite islands, clear water, snorkeling, a beach stop, and a generous boat lunch. The strongest reasons are the spacious Oplezir, the well-regarded crew, the included costs, and the chance to see several islands in one outing.

Think twice if you want a quiet private charter or a long stretch on one beach. The schedule covers a lot, and the beach time may feel brief. For active sea lovers, though, this is a strong way to use one full day around La Digue or Praslin.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran pick up La Digue passengers?

The catamaran picks up La Digue passengers directly at the La Digue jetty. You must arrange your own land transfer to the jetty.

Are transfers included for passengers staying on Praslin?

Yes. Return transfers for Praslin passengers are included.

Does the price include ferry tickets?

Yes. Return ferry tickets are included in the tour price.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch on board is included, along with water. Food accounts also mention dessert and a rum cocktail.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you may also bring your own gear.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Who cannot join this sea excursion?

Children under two, pregnant women, and people with mobility impairments should not take part.