Duck Island Snorkel Trail

Duck Island (Île aux Canards) is a tiny coral island in a marine reserve just off Anse Vata, and one of the easiest good snorkels you can do from a cruise ship. Taxi boats leave from the beach at Anse Vata about every 10–15 minutes and the crossing takes five minutes. On the island there is a small beach, a café and a kiosk hiring snorkel gear and loungers. A marked underwater trail, with information boards on the sea floor, runs along the reef on the sheltered side. Expect parrotfish, giant clams and often turtles. Wear reef shoes and use reef-safe sun cream. Go early, before the afternoon trade winds make the water choppy, and leave at least an hour and a half from the last boat back to all-aboard.