Port Launay Marine Park, north-west of Mahé, is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island. Although this area is protected, the corals are not really healthy, with large expanses of bleached or broken coral. The diversity of reef fish (angelfish, moray eels, sweetlips), the occasional sightings of sea turtles, and the superb beach, however, make it a great snorkeling location.
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How to go snorkeling in Port Launay Marine Park
Port Launay is a small bay in the northwest of Mahé, about a 30-minute drive from Victoria. Port Launay Beach has public access from the main road. Guest of the Constance Ephelia Resort can access the beach via the resort.
Water entrance for snorkeling Port Launay
To explore the reefs that border the bay (zones 1 and 2 on the map), get in the water to the right or left of Port Launay beach. If you are staying at the Constance Ephelia Resort, a small path starting from the resort leads to Lans Koken, where you can also snorkel from the shore (zone 3 on the map).
Port Launay Marine Park snorkeling tips
Port Launay Beach has two reefs, one to the right-hand side of the beach (area 1 on the map) and one to the left (area 2), both within the Port Launay National Marine Park. The reef edge in area 1 is distinct, with Porites evident for over 250m, with shallow, lagoon-like conditions behind it (sargassum and crowded sea bell are abundant).
Unfortunately, much of the reef edge is moribund, with many areas of coral bleaching present. The habitat changes further out with some interesting expanses of lobed brain coral.
In area 2, the reef edge is more diverse and includes many different Acropora species, often in good condition. The reef can be followed out to the area of the cross, which is a good location to aim for.
In Lans Koken (area 3 on the map), once past the algae, at about 75m from shore, the reef has a distinct edge with a good variety of coral and fish species.
A wide diversity of reef fish (around 60 species) can be easily spotted in the marine park, including several species of angelfish (emperor angelfish, semicircle angelfish), butterflyfish, oriental sweetlips, and many kinds of surgeonfish (especially the beautiful powder blue tang).
Skunk anemonefish are found in magnificent anemones, particularly on the outer edge of the reef, in area 1. Occasional sea turtle sightings are also reported in Port Launay beach area.
Restaurants and accommodation nearby
This spot is Constance Epehlia Resort‘s house reef. There’s a food truck near the public beach entrance.
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