How to Visit Anse Major Beach on Mahé Island

Anse Major is one of Mahe Island’s most beautiful beaches. Discover everything you need to know about how to get to Anse Major Beach along the Anse Major Nature Trail.

Anse Major Beach is a pristine, white sand beach with crystal clear, deep, turquoise water. You’ll find it located on the northwestern end of Mahe Island in the Seychelles. However, to get here, you’ll need to complete a relatively short but very rewarding nature trail hike.

After visiting this beach myself, I’ve written this guide to help you visit Anse Major, plan a trip, and get inspired about what to expect!

Anse Major Hike - Nature trail

• Hiking Distance: 4.2 kilometers (2.6 miles) return
• Duration: 1.5-2 hours return
• Elevation: 206 meters total elevation gain
• Difficulty: Easy-moderate
• Trail Map: My Strava

The Anse Major nature trail begins by climbing a short set of steps at the end of the road before ducking into a dense forested area.

This nature trail hike is quite flat throughout, with short sections of undulation. The main elevation difference is the descent down to Anse Major once you arrive.

Furthermore, there are signposts at every possible turn on the way. So it is very difficult to get lost.

At a fairly fast pace, I was able to make it to Anse Major in about 30 minutes from the end of the driveway. However, if you're taking your time to enjoy the palm forests and tropical scenery on the way, you'll likely take a bit more time.

If you're getting thirsty, there's a natural water source with clean water flowing approximately 700 meters from the start. You'll spot it beside a small bridge. This is where I stopped to fill up my Grayl bottle before continuing on to the beach.

What to Expect on the Anse Major Nature Trail

Along with Morne Blanc, the Anse Major trail is one of the most scenic hikes on the island of Mahe, and perhaps even in all of the Seychelles.

While it is only a short walk, it has great variety. What I mean by this is that one moment you'll be walking through a dense tropical jungle and the next along huge granite slabs overlooking the Indian Ocean.

For much of the Anse Major trail, you'll be following a large steep water pipe. This is a natural catchment to divert drinking water to people in the nearby villages.

As you approach the beach, you'll pass a small rundown Chalet and then a great viewpoint over the beach. This viewpoint is called Point de vue sur Anse Major.

You'll find that there is a quaint, private, and secluded beach just before the official Anse Major beach. This has a small swing and is a great spot to hang out.

My Experience at Anse Major Beach

Anse Major is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches that I visited in the Seychelles. Its secluded nature and untouched paradise give it a deserted island vibe. The soft, white sand shore drops steeply into deep, turquoise water.

I found the beach was lined with coconut palms and there's a cleared section just behind the beach featuring a small beach bar. These guys are super friendly and cook up some great food and serve cold drinks.

If you're not a strong swimmer, I'd advise against swimming at Anse Major Beach. That's because the water is very deep and currents and waves can be extremely strong. Coupled with the fact that this is one of the most remote beaches on Mahe– you've got yourself a dangerous combo!

Nevertheless, in calm conditions like what I experienced on my two visits to Anse Major, swimming is perfect!

The bottom is mostly sand with very little coral reef, so it's not that great for snorkeling. However, you will often spot some schooling fish swimming past.

More Amazing Beaches in the Seychelles

Looking for more beaches in the Seychelles? Below are similar guides to some of the best on Mahe, La Digue, and Praslin.

La Digue

• Anse Source D'Argent
• Grand Anse
• Anse Marron
• Anse Cocos

Read: Best Beaches on La Digue

Praslin

• Anse Lazio

Read: Best Beaches on Praslin