Sister, Coco, and Felicite Island: Seychelles Catamaran Tour

Granite beaches and snorkel reefs on one trip. You get a roomy Oplezir catamaran plus a simple, satisfying BBQ lunch onboard, all while hopping between Seychelles’ best-looking water and rock formations. I love how much time you actually spend in the sea, and I love the variety: private beach time on Sister Island, then reef snorkeling at Coco and/or Félicité. One drawback to plan around: it’s a full day, so beach time can feel a little short if you’re hoping for slow, lingering hours.

This Sister, Coco, and Félicité Island catamaran tour runs about 6–8 hours and typically starts with pickup at the La Digue jetty for La Digue guests. Expect a live guide in English or French, snorkeling gear included, and landing fees handled for Sister Island and Coco National Park—so you’re not juggling a bunch of little payments while you’re on the water.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Private Sister Island landing with a proper beach break and calm lagoon water
• Snorkeling near Coco and Félicité with chances to spot sea turtles in clear water
• BBQ lunch on the catamaran served during the sailing portion of the day
• Coco National Park stop tied directly to the islands’ protected granite scenery
• Oplezir catamaran comfort—big enough to find shade or open-air spots
• Help from friendly guides (Jaqueline is one name that comes up often)

A catamaran day planned around real swim stops

This is the kind of Seychelles day trip that makes sense if you like motion plus payoff. The tour is built around classic island ingredients: clean-looking water, granite rock scenery, tropical forest, and at least one proper snorkeling session where you’re not just rushing to say you went.

I like that you’re not stuck on one beach only. You’ll get a mix of private island time and reef time, so your day feels like a circuit instead of a long ferry ride with one short swim.

On the Oplezir catamaran: space, crew vibes, and practical comfort

The boat matters on a day this long. The Oplezir catamaran is described as big and spacious, and that’s a real plus in Seychelles sun—you can find places to sit inside or step out for sea air without feeling packed in.

The crew and guides are a big part of the experience. People repeatedly note how helpful the staff are, and that’s especially important when you’re switching between swimming, snorkeling, and getting organized quickly for boat transfers.

Also, I’m glad the onboard setup includes practical comforts like showers. After saltwater and sunscreen, that kind of reset makes the difference between feeling gritty at the end of the day and feeling ready for dinner.

Sister Island: private beach time with clear-water snorkeling potential

Sister Island is privately owned, and that context shows in the vibe. You’re landing for a beach-focused segment where the granite scenery meets tropical trees, with plenty of that Seychelles “see-through water” look that makes you want to hop in.

What I’d pay attention to is visibility. Clear lagoon water is part of the pitch here, and it’s the reason you may spot sea turtles and other marine life during the swim window. Even if you don’t see turtles immediately, clear water tends to make snorkeling more fun because you can actually track what you’re looking at.

You’ll also have time to explore beaches and surrounding tropical forest. Keep your camera handy—Coco and Félicité get attention, but Sister Island’s shoreline and granite shapes also photograph well.

Coco National Park and the granite feel of Coco + Félicité

Coco and Félicité are different personalities, both grounded in the same granite-and-forest look Seychelles is known for.

Coco is smaller and known for granite boulders, palm trees, and a sandy beach. That combination tends to create a picture-perfect swim area, and it’s also why Coco is a frequent snorkeling target—people like the mix of rock and sand and the way it supports marine life.

Félicité is larger and covered in dense vegetation. Translation: expect a greener, more sheltered feeling island, and typically a different kind of coastal scenery once you’re in the water and looking around.

This tour also includes the Coco National Park landing fee, which matters because it ties your time to a protected area rather than just a quick stop somewhere random. If you care about nature-adjacent travel—not just views, but the “how it’s managed” side—this is the kind of inclusion that makes the day feel more legitimate.

Snorkeling: gear provided, safety support included, and turtles are possible

Snorkeling is one of the main reasons to book this tour, and the feedback is consistently positive about the snorkeling spots. The reefs visited are described as brilliant, with enough time to actually enjoy the water rather than doing a token stop.

You’ll get snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t have to pack flippers and a mask if you don’t want to. That said, the list of what to bring includes snorkeling gear, so if you’re picky about fit, bring your own mask or snorkel.

Safety feels like a priority in how the trip is run. People mention feeling safe during snorkeling and even being guided to a spot where a turtle was swimming. You should still assume conditions vary—so go in with the mindset that you’re there to enjoy the water, not to guarantee a particular animal sighting.

BBQ lunch onboard: simple, filling, and timed for the day

You’ll stop for BBQ lunch onboard, and the consistent theme is that the food is tasty and nicely handled. On a full-day island tour, that matters more than fancy menu items, because you need energy for swimming again after lunch.

A nice detail: people mention dessert being good, and a rum cocktail showing up as a fun extra. Even if you skip alcohol, the key point is that lunch doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

If you’re the type who gets seasick or easily turned off by smells on boats, stick with what you know works for you. Otherwise, this is one of those lunches that keeps the day moving without making you rush.

The real itinerary rhythm: from private island to reefs to a smooth return

Here’s the practical rhythm to expect.

1) Morning sailing and private island time (Sister Island). You’ll set sail from Praslin or La Digue depending on the departure, then land at Sister Island for beach time and sea views. This is where you settle in and get your first swim chances.

2) Lunch while you’re at sea. The BBQ lunch onboard keeps you fed while the boat is doing what it does best—moving between islands and letting you enjoy the day without long gaps.

3) Snorkeling at Coco and/or Félicité. The snorkeling segment is the highlight for many people. You’ll go to reef areas around Coco and/or Félicité, with enough time to enjoy the water and not just poke your head in.

4) Return with ferry tickets covered. Return ferry tickets are included, so the trip ends cleanly rather than turning into a last-minute scramble.

The big theme: you’ll be on the move, but the pacing is meant to keep you in the water and out of the boat often enough to feel worth your time.

Price and value: what $166 really buys you

At $166 per person for a 6–8 hour outing, this sits in the mid-range for Seychelles catamaran days. The value comes from the mix of inclusions that reduce the “small costs add up” feeling.

You’re getting:

• Landing fees on Sister Island and at Coco National Park
• Snorkeling equipment
• BBQ lunch onboard
• Water
• Return ferry tickets
• Transfers included for Praslin guests (La Digue guests handle their own land transfer)

For me, the best value signal is landing fees plus lunch plus gear. That combo is what turns the trip into a true all-day experience instead of a half-day excursion that charges for everything else.

If you’re already planning to snorkel in the area, this is often cheaper than booking multiple separate boat stops and trying to DIY the park fees and landing permissions.

La Digue vs Praslin: logistics that matter on a sea day

Logistics can make or break a boat day, so here’s what’s clear.

If you’re staying on La Digue, the catamaran picks you up directly at the La Digue jetty. That’s refreshingly straightforward.

If you’re coming from Praslin, return transfers are included, which means you’re not stuck figuring out your own way to and from the departure point.

Also note that the tour says La Digue guests make their own land transfer—so once you’re at the jetty, the rest is on the operator. Build in a little time buffer so you’re not sprinting down to the water.

What to bring (and one extra I’d add)

The provided list is good. I’d treat it like your packing checklist:

• Comfortable shoes
• Sunglasses, sunscreen
• Swimwear, comfortable clothes
• Insect repellent
• Camera
• Credit card and cash
• Snorkeling gear
• Insect repellent (again, it matters in islands/forest zones)

One small tip from real-world practicality: bring a towel even if it isn’t listed. After snorkeling and saltwater, you’ll be grateful.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

This tour is a strong fit for you if:

• You want a full-day island circuit with snorkeling as a core activity
• You like nature time but also want a set schedule and included food
• You prefer a larger boat with space to find shade

It’s not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• Pregnant women
• People with mobility impairments

So if you’re traveling as a family, check ages carefully. If you’re pregnant or have mobility needs, it’s better to look for a different format with lower transfer complexity.

A quick reality check: the one drawback to plan around

The most common frustration isn’t safety or snorkeling quality—it’s time. If you love beach lounging, you may wish you could stay longer after the swim and walk segments.

That doesn’t mean the tour is rushed, but it does mean you should go in with the right expectation: this is about combining islands and reefs in one day, not about spending a whole day parked on sand.

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

I’d book this if you want a well-run catamaran day that actually delivers on the big Seychelles promises: clear water, meaningful snorkeling, and an included meal. The landing fees being taken care of, plus snorkeling equipment and BBQ lunch onboard, makes it feel like a complete day rather than a collection of add-ons.

Book it with two expectations held in balance:

• You’ll get great snorkeling spots and a chance to see sea turtles, but sightings aren’t guaranteed.
• You’ll have beach time, but it’s part of a bigger schedule, so bring your swimsuit enthusiasm even if you can’t lounge for hours.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a planned day that still feels natural—forests, granite, and real ocean time—this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The duration is listed as 6 to 8 hours, with starting times depending on availability.

Where do La Digue guests meet the tour?

The catamaran will pick up La Digue guests directly at the La Digue jetty.

Is BBQ lunch included?

Yes. BBQ lunch onboard the catamaran is included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What island landings are included?

Landing fees are included for Sister Island and for Coco National Park.

Does the price include transfers from Praslin?

Yes for Praslin guests, with return transfers included. La Digue guests handle their own land transfer arrangements.

What languages is the live guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in English and French.

Who is this tour not suitable for?

It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, pregnant women, or people with mobility impairments.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.