Baie Ternay Marine National Park
A pristine marine national park on Mahé, Seychelles, offering incredible snorkeling and diving with diverse marine life like rays, turtles, and friend...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Better visibility for marine life
Baie Ternay Marine National Park
Best Time
Better visibility for marine life
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine marine national park on Mahé, Seychelles, offering incredible snorkeling and diving with diverse marine life like rays, turtles, and friendly batfish.
"Simply, one of the most beautiful places in the world!"
Bring your own gear
Snorkeling gear is essential as you'll need to swim out to the reefs. Water shoes are helpful for the walk during low tide. :athletic_shoe:
Secure your valuables
Leave valuable items at your accommodation as there are no facilities and theft has been reported on the beach. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Friendly Batfish Encounters
Shallow waters
Swim alongside large, sociable batfish that are unafraid of humans and often gather near boats.
Diverse Marine Life
Coral reefs and seagrass beds
Spot turtles, rays, sharks, and a vibrant array of fish in this protected marine park.
Crystal Clear Waters
The bay
Experience stunning turquoise and jade waters, perfect for swimming and appreciating the natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Visibility
Respect the Marine Sanctuary
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own gear
Snorkeling gear is essential as you'll need to swim out to the reefs. Water shoes are helpful for the walk during low tide. :athletic_shoe:
Secure your valuables
Leave valuable items at your accommodation as there are no facilities and theft has been reported on the beach. :moneywithwings:
Arrive early for mooring
Boat moorings are limited, especially on the sandy left side. Arrive early to secure a good spot. :boat:
Respect the sanctuary
This is a national park. Do not touch coral or disturb marine life. Leave the area cleaner than you found it. :pray:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own gear
Snorkeling gear is essential as you'll need to swim out to the reefs. Water shoes are helpful for the walk during low tide. :athletic_shoe:
Secure your valuables
Leave valuable items at your accommodation as there are no facilities and theft has been reported on the beach. :moneywithwings:
Arrive early for mooring
Boat moorings are limited, especially on the sandy left side. Arrive early to secure a good spot. :boat:
Respect the sanctuary
This is a national park. Do not touch coral or disturb marine life. Leave the area cleaner than you found it. :pray:
Swim with the locals
Friendly batfish often approach swimmers. Enjoy this unique interaction in the calm waters.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Baie Ternay's stunning natural beauty and abundant marine life, calling it a slice of paradise. The opportunity to swim with friendly batfish and spot turtles and rays is a major highlight. However, some note that water visibility can be poor at low tide, and caution is advised regarding valuables due to a lack of facilities and reported theft.
"Beautiful bay! Can only moor your boat on the sandy left side so get your spot early. Lots of snorkelers and some scuba diving companies too. No shops or facilities here so super quiet and peaceful mooring."
Wendy Wastie
"Good for snorkeling and diving. At Our time the visibility Was poor"
Martin Tremblau
"Beautiful baie with surrounding green mountains. If you catch high tide..vizibility is much better than lower tides. You can see seaturtles, rays, sharks and some amazing other marine life (if you are lucky..but remember with nature nothing is guaranteed!). ..so take your snorkeling gear with! Remember its a national park..with sensitive coral and marine life. So pls respect it..and leave the area in a better condition than what you found it."
Louise de Roubaix
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Baie Ternay is typically accessed by boat, often as part of a catamaran tour or private charter. The road access is very narrow and not recommended for most visitors.
While there is a road, it's described as extremely narrow, barely wide enough for one car, making it challenging and not the preferred method of access.
Many boat tour operators in Mahé offer trips that include Baie Ternay. It's recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Baie Ternay is located on Mahé island. Day trips from Praslin or La Digue are possible but would involve significant travel time and potentially multiple transfers.
Pack swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and your snorkeling gear. Consider a waterproof bag for your essentials.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
As a national park, there may be conservation fees or fees associated with boat tours that visit the area. It's best to confirm with your tour operator.
Baie Ternay is a natural marine park and doesn't have traditional opening hours. Access is typically during daylight hours, often as part of organized boat tours.
While there isn't a specific ticket booth for the park itself, booking boat tours or charters in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel times.
No, there are no shops or facilities at Baie Ternay. It's a pristine natural environment, so bring everything you need and take all your trash with you.
Yes, scuba diving is possible at Baie Ternay. Several dive companies operate in the area, offering guided dives to explore the reefs.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can encounter a variety of marine life including sea turtles, rays, sharks (including whale sharks if you're lucky!), and numerous species of colorful fish.
Yes, Baie Ternay is excellent for snorkeling, especially when the tide is high. You'll need to swim out about 300 meters to reach the best reefs.
Visibility can vary. High tide generally offers better visibility than low tide. It's also dependent on recent weather conditions.
Indeed! The batfish at Baie Ternay are known to be very sociable and often swim close to people, making for a unique and memorable experience.
It can get busy with snorkelers and dive boats, especially during peak hours. Arriving early or visiting during shoulder seasons can help avoid crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the stunning turquoise waters, the vibrant marine life while snorkeling or diving, and the lush green mountains surrounding the bay.
It's advisable to use a waterproof camera or a protective case for your phone/camera, especially when snorkeling or on a boat. Be mindful of your belongings on the beach.
Expect colorful fish, graceful rays, curious turtles, and potentially even sharks. The clear waters provide excellent conditions for underwater photography.
The panoramic views from the boat approaching the bay are spectacular. Once in the water, focus on capturing the marine life and the underwater landscape.
Morning light often provides beautiful, soft illumination for both underwater and landscape shots. Midday sun can be harsh but also creates dramatic light on the water.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of sun protection and snacks, as there are no facilities. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially when swimming out to the reefs. Consider booking a family-friendly boat tour that caters to different swimming abilities. The experience of seeing turtles, rays, and colorful fish up close can be truly magical for children and create lasting memories of the Seychelles.
🐠 Snorkelers & Divers
Experienced divers can explore deeper sections of the reef, while snorkelers can enjoy the vibrant life closer to the surface. Keep an eye out for the various species of rays and the possibility of encountering larger marine animals. Remember to respect the environment and avoid touching any marine life.
🛥️ Boat Enthusiasts & Day-Trippers
Enjoy a leisurely day of swimming, snorkeling, and soaking in the serene atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for a picnic lunch onboard or on the beach. Many tours combine Baie Ternay with other nearby attractions, making it a perfect addition to a day of island hopping.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Baie Ternay's Marine Wonders
Snorkeling and diving are the primary activities here. At high tide, the visibility is excellent, allowing you to witness a spectacular array of fish, graceful rays, and even sea turtles. Some lucky visitors have even reported sightings of sharks, including the majestic whale shark. The batfish, in particular, are known for their friendly nature, often swimming right up to snorkelers.
It's crucial to remember that Baie Ternay is a sensitive ecosystem. Visitors are strongly encouraged to practice responsible tourism: avoid touching coral, do not feed the fish, and ensure you leave no trace behind. This commitment to conservation ensures that Baie Ternay remains a pristine natural wonder for generations to come.
Navigating Baie Ternay: Access and Logistics
Once you arrive, boat moorings are available, with the sandy left side being a popular spot. It's advisable to arrive early to secure a good position, as these can be limited. Importantly, Baie Ternay is a natural park with no facilities. This means you need to bring all your own supplies, including food, water, and crucially, your snorkeling gear.
Due to the lack of facilities and the open nature of the beach, it's wise to be cautious with valuables. Reports of theft have been noted, so it's best to leave expensive items at your accommodation or secure them carefully. Wearing water shoes can be beneficial for the walk out to the reefs during lower tides.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit