Mahe beaches seychelles
Mahe beaches seychelles
Mahé is the main island of Seychelles and the site of Victoria, the republic’s capital. Almost 90 percent of the population of the Republic of Seychelles live on Mahé. It has plenty of attractions and activities to keep you covered for an extended holiday. We have chosen it as our main base for exploring Seychelles and have discovered a lot of interesting beaches. I admit that the west coast beaches are on top of my list. Let me know which of them looks more appealing to you!
Beau Vallon
This is the most popular beach of the island. It has all the amenities that you need in order to spend a great day at the beach: soft sand, natural shade, lots of restaurants, shallow water. You can also rent boats for sailing, practice water sports or book excursions for the other islands. It is also one of the longest beach in the Seychelles, so even if it’s the most popular, it won’t get extremely crowded. You can also watch the sunset and have a drink at the bars or nightclubs close by. I cannot say that it was one of my favourites as I am more into secluded beaches but it’s definitely worth at least one visit.
Mahe beaches seychelles
Sunset Beach
This is a small, golden sand beach situated in the north of Mahe. It is one of my favourites on the main island as its scenery is out of a postcard. The water is shallow and has an intense colour thanks to the greenery that surrounds it. You can order a cocktail at the Sunset Beach Hotel bar and enjoy it on the beach. The small bay is visited by the most colourful fish I have seen in my life, so if you’re looking for great snorkelling opportunities this should be one of your options.
P.S: good place to watch the sunset 🙂
Anse Takamaka
This beautiful beach situated in the south of Mahe gets its name from the takamaka tree that grows nearby. The wood from this tree was used by pirates and locals to make boats. Although it is accessible, as it’s situated near the road, it does not have a lot of amenities, except the Chez Batista restaurant nearby. You will need to bring your own equipment if you want to spend the day here and witness the beautiful sky at sunset.
Mahe beaches seychelles
Anse Intendance
This is my number one option in Mahe and second in Seychelles after Anse Cocos, La Digue island. The colour of the water is surreal and the lush vegetation provides natural shade. I can only leave the photos speak for themselves. Anse Intendance is home the the exclusive Banyan Tree Resort, where you can book a table for dinner and watch the magnificent sunset. From May to September swimming is not allowed but you can bring your surfboard or your picnic basket and enjoy the views. There is only one small beach bar on the one km long beach so bring your own food and drinks.
Grande Anse
Mahe beaches seychelles
This beautiful beach is the longest of the eastern coast and provides a picturesque mountainous background, perfect for a photo session :). The sand is soft and white and the water is good for surfing, not so much for swimming. Some accommodations nearby can be a good option for lunch if you want to spend the whole day here.
Mahe beaches seychelles
Baie Ternay Beach
The bay is part of Baie Ternay National Park, which is popular among snorkelers and scuba divers thanks to its biodiversity. The easiest way to access it is by car and a 7-8 minutes walk through a beautiful scenery. There are no amenities nearby so make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks.
Port Launay North Beach
Mahe beaches seychelles
Located in the Port Launay Marine National Park and close to the Constance Ephelia Resort, this beach can easily keep you busy for the whole day. Not only can you swim in the shallow water, hide under the natural shade and enjoy the food and drinks from the nearby hotel bars, but you can also practice water sports (surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, fishing, sailing, kayaking and canoeing) and book sunset and fishing trips or excursions to Silhouette island. Also, Port Launay Marine National Park contains one of the last and best remaining mangroves in Seychelles. As a fun fact, did you know that these mangroves were populated by crocodiles when the first settlers arrived on the island?
Port Launay South Beach
Less popular than its sister, Port Launay North, this beach is equally beautiful, except for when it disappears at high tide. At low tide, the water is so shallow that a number of unique rock formations appear from under the water, and visitors can walk to Islette (small island) nearby. If you plan to spend the whole day at the beach, you can enjoy the food and drinks served at the restaurants part of Constance Ephelia. Don’t forget to book your visit beforehand at the hotel’s reception. If you still have time, visit the Port Glaud waterfall nearby but be careful not to get lost.
Mahe beaches seychelles
Port Glaud
Small, picturesque beach on the road to Port Launay. You can spend a couple of hours here if you want some privacy as the beach is often deserted. There are no amenities but you have some interesting restaurants nearby, including the famous Del Place – must try.
Mahe beaches seychelles
Petite Anse
This is one of the most beautiful beaches that I have ever seen. There is a fairly different tropical vibe here, probably thanks to the 5 star property that surrounds it. You will need to book your visit at the Four Seasons Seychelles hotel and chances are that you might not be allowed to enter the property if the hotel is fully booked. The road down to the beach is out of a fairytale and full of magnificent tropical flora and fauna. Do not miss the fruit bat!
Anse Soleil
This is a small beach on the same road with Petite Anse. Swimming can be dangerous at high tide, but you can find plenty of shade under the palm trees and catch a great tan while you’re there. The beautiful views create a perfect background for a photoshoot. You could also have lunch at the nearby restaurant, Chez Julien. The closest hotel nearby is Anse Soleil Beachcomber.
Mahe beaches seychelles
