Baie Ternay Marine National ParkBaie Ternay Marine National Park at a Glance
About Baie Ternay Marine National Park
Baie Ternay Marine National Park is a protected marine area off the coast of Mahé in the Seychelles that conserves nearshore reef habitats and small islets. It is recognised as one of Seychelles’ marine protected areas and is valued for its reef biodiversity.
Popular activities center on snorkeling and scuba diving over coral gardens and around rocky islets; reefs here host reef fish, invertebrates and sea turtles, and the sites are commonly visited on day trips from Mahé. Water clarity and abundant reef life make short guided dives and snorkel circuits the main visitor draws.
The park was designated to conserve nearshore marine habitats and the islets that lie within the bay; management focuses on protecting coral reef communities and associated species. Over time it has been managed as part of Seychelles’ network of marine protected areas to limit damaging activities and regulate tourism.
The park sits off the northwest coast of Mahé near the Bel Ombre area and is accessed by boat from several landing points on Mahé. It lies among a chain of nearshore bays and islets on Mahé’s western side.
- Access: Boat trips from Mahé are the usual way to reach the park; many operators run day trips that include snorkeling and short guided dives.
- Natural highlights: Contains nearshore coral reefs and small granitic islets that support sea turtles, reef fish and hard and soft corals, making it a common snorkeling and dive destination.
Nearby Attractions to Baie Ternay Marine National Park
Best Time to Visit Baie Ternay Marine National Park
Best visited in the dry season (May-October) for clear water and safer boat conditions; monsoon months are wetter and rougher.
Weather & Climate near Baie Ternay Marine National Park
Baie Ternay Marine National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2249 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 363 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 270 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.2 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 31° | 184 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.8 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 32° | 171 mm | some cloud | 77% | 3.7 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 32° | 142 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Very Good | 25° - 29° | 27° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.0 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| July | Very Good | 24° - 28° | 26° | 86 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 6.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| August | Very Good | 24° - 28° | 26° | 130 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.1 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 140 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 5.0 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 181 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 204 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.0 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 283 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
How to Get to Baie Ternay Marine National Park
The park is off the coast of Mahe near Bel Ombre; boat transfers or organized day trips from Mahé are the usual way to reach the islands and reefs within the park. Local charter operators provide transport and guided snorkeling tours.
Tips for Visiting Baie Ternay Marine National Park
- Bring snorkeling gear to see coral and fish close to shore; many reefs are shallow and accessible from boats.
- Respect local regulations and reef-protection rules-some areas are seasonal closures for turtle nesting.
- Arrange boat trips from local operators who know marine park boundaries and the healthiest spots for wildlife observation.