Discover powder white sand, tropical palm trees, coral reef, and crystal clear waters at the best beaches in the Seychelles.
The Seychelles is the definition of a tropical island paradise. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this archipelago is home to some of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the world.
But, with so many amazing Seychelles beaches to choose from, it’s hard to find the time to visit them all! After spending several weeks exploring and photographing these amazing granitic islands for the Seychelles Tourism Board, I’ve formulated this shortlist of the 18 best beaches in the Seychelles to get you inspired!
Best Beaches on Mahé Island
Mahé Island is the main island of the Seychelles and offers a diverse array of beaches, each with its own unique charm and appeal.
Unlike the Maldives, the capital is beautiful and its beaches worth exploring. From the bustling and vibrant Beau Vallon Beach, perfect for water sports and nightlife, to the serene and secluded Anse Intendance, ideal for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Anse Major
While I haven't compiled this list in any particular order, Anse Major really is up there with the absolute best beaches in the Seychelles.
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. However, to get here, you’ll need to complete a relatively short but scenic nature trail walk.
That’s the only way to get here. Anse Major is one of the most remote beaches on Mahe, with no roads leading to it!
Let me tell you though, this is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles. The mountain backdrop is out of this world! Take a look at some of the drone shots I captured from this spot below.
Book: Anse Major Hiking Tour
Beau Vallon Beach
Beau Vallon is a popular tourist hub on the Island of Mahe.
That’s because there really is a lot going on down here, from sprawling restaurants and beach-side bars with live music, to amazing waterfront resorts and hotels.
You'll find this Seychelles beach on the calm, northwest side of the island. This beautiful beach is well-protected by fringing coral reefs, resulting in calm waters. As a result, this amazing strand is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, jet ski riding, and scuba diving.
This beach also provides some of the best views of Silhouette Island and the blue Indian Ocean.
Also, there is a weekly Bazaar held every Wednesday and on the last Saturday of the month at Beau Vallon. Definitely head down to experience a local Seychellois market where you can try delicious food and purchase fresh fruit.
Stay in Beau Vallon: Berjaya Resort
Petite Anse
The second beach on this roundup of the Seychelles best beaches is a little-known paradise that can be found on the western corner of Mahe Island.
Petite Anse is just a short fifteen-minute walk over a tiny hill from Grand Anse, another amazing Seychelles beach that just missed this top 18!
This soft powdery, white sand beach is quite small (hence the name) but is unarguably one of the most pristine beaches in the Seychelles.
While Petite Anse is within the Four Seasons Hotel (one of the best places to stay on Mahe), the good news is that it is open to the public. However, this beach is known to have quite large and high waves, especially when the southeast trade winds blow during the months of May and September.
But, if you’re looking for a relaxing spot with a great view, or perhaps trying to catch one of those famous Mahe sunsets, Petite Anse is definitely up there with one of the best spots on the island!
Anse Royale
Another amazing beach you'll find on Mahe's east coast is Anse Royale.
This is one of the Seychelles' prettiest beaches. Here, beach lovers can enjoy swimming in peace due to the clear, shallow waters and a protective row of coral reefs.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a beach to go snorkeling at, this is a great option. The azure waters here make it quite spectacular, especially at high tide.
You’ll find it’s also quite easy to get to from Victoria or Eden Island, with a regular bus service running down the east coast and a stop within walking distance of the powdery, white-sand shores.
This is quite a popular beach, located in a small village with the same name. Nearby, you'll find the famous Takamaka Rum Distillery, which is the site where the first Seychelles spice garden was established, all the way back in 1772!
Anse Intendance
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles is located on the southwest corner of Mahe Island. It's known as Anse Intendance, and it's a beautiful long stretch of white sand in a quaint, secluded cove.
This is one of those destinations where photos really don’t do justice! Anse Intendance features a dense row of beautiful, tropical palm trees and amazing turquoise water that will seriously blow you away!
Transportation is quite easy, with regular buses running past its bus stop, just a few meters from the beach. Something to note though is that when the trade winds blow in May-September, Anse Intendance can get some of the most seaweed coverage.
However, this is the best time for surfing as the swell at Anse Intendance can get quite impressive!
Port Glaud Beach
Port Glaud is located at the end of the scenic, cross-island road connecting Victoria to the west coast.
This quaint village is seriously beautiful, and much quieter than other parts of Mahe Island.
Port Glaud beach itself is usually deserted, but the view over Port Launay National Park is quite spectacular. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a great beach for snorkeling, the beautiful Port Glaud and Port Launay National Park has some of the best on the island. What you'll want to do is to look for coral reef patches along the shore, especially around L’Islette Island.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit the Mission Lodge or hike the Morne Blanc Trail, then cooling off afterward at Port Glaud Beach is an excellent idea. Also, make sure to include a stop at Sauzier Waterfall, and perhaps Del Place Restaurant as well.
Anse Takamaka
If you find yourself exploring the incredible island of Mahe, make sure to float across to the southwest coast. Here, you'll find Anse Takamaka Beach, a picture-perfect tropical paradise that definitely belongs on a postcard.
The name comes from the rows of tropical takamaka trees that line its shores. Takamaka trees are native to the granitic islands of the Seychelles and can grow up to 20 meters in height. The beach itself is very quaint, and much quieter than some of the other popular beaches in the Seychelles.
Also, if you make your way here, ensure you visit Ros Sodyer Rock Pool (tidal pool). This coastal attraction is quite unique and definitely worth visiting on a calm day at low tide.
Best Beaches on Praslin Island
Praslin is known for its famous Vallée de Mai and Coco de Mer palms. The beaches on Praslin are much more laid back than on Mahé, but equally as beautiful.
Anse Lazio is famed for its picturesque beauty and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Anse Georgette offers a more secluded experience with pristine sands and lush surroundings.
Anse Lazio
This next beach is truly one of the Seychelles' most beautiful. Nestled in a cove on Praslin’s northwest coast is a breathtaking beach with some of the bluest water on the planet.
Anse Lazio, Praslin Island’s most famous beach, is an epic tropical paradise complete with a row of coconut-filled palms above pristine white sand. It's certainly a picturesque paradise, complete with iconic, weathered granite boulders.
Anse Lazio is often referred to as Praslin’s most beautiful beach and is almost always advertised as the poster boy for the island.
Getting to Anse Lazio is quite easy from the main tourist strip at Cote D'Or. But, it will involve booking some transport due to the remote location.
If you’re short on time then a good idea is to book this day trip which also includes a visit to the other Praslin Island highlight, Vallée de Mai.
Cote D'Or Beach (Anse Volbert)
Cote D'Or beach, also known as Anse Vorbert, is Praslin's main tourist and resort hub.
Here, you'll find a long stretch of palm trees, white sand, and clear, shallow waters. There are amazing resorts and beach hotels at almost every inch of this beach since this is where most people book their accommodation on the island.
Since this beach is very long, you can enjoy those memorable sunrise or sunset walks. There are also a famous set of bent palm trees found right in front of “Galerie Passerose” which is a great spot if you want to take some tropical vacation photos.
Best Resort on Cote D'Or: Acajou Resort
Anse Georgette
Anse Georgette is another impeccably gorgeous Seychelles beach located on the northwest side of Praslin Island. This is often referred to as an alternative to Anse Lazio. However, I'd recommend giving both a visit!
Anse Georgette is a much more quiet and laid-back beach than Anse Lazio but the truth is that it's equally as beautiful.
However, to get to Anse Georgette you’ll either need to stay at the Constance Lemuria Resort, or take a scenic 1-hour trail through the jungle. This trail picks up from the west end of Anse Lazio beach and climbs a hill before dropping back down to Anse Georgette.
Perhaps the biggest reason why I'd recommend visiting this island on a day trip is that it houses the largest sanctuary in the inner Seychelles islands for the giant Aldabra Tortoise. You’ll see them walking around freely on the island, where they are protected and a successful breeding program is in place.
If you want to see giant tortoises on your trip to the Seychelles, this is what you'll want to do!
Best Beaches on La Digue Island
La Digue is renowned for its stunning beaches with dramatic granite boulders and crystal-clear waters. It's best known for the most iconic beach in the Seychelles, Anse D'Argent (below).
The island's beaches are more serene and less developed than those on Mahé and Praslin, offering a peaceful retreat. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities from snorkeling in the calm waters to exploring hidden coves.
Anse Marron
While it was once a hidden gem, Anse Marron has quickly become one of the most sought-after beaches on La Digue island. However, not everyone gets out here. That's because this remote beach is tucked away on the far, southern end and requires a bit of an adventure to reach.
However, once you arrive, you’ll soon discover why this particular beach has become so famous. Large boulders scatter this tiny, isolated beach, leading into some of the clearest water you’ll find in the Seychelles!
Getting here yourself is definitely not recommended and I’ve been told many tourists have gotten lost trying to find the way. Instead, you can book a guided walking tour to Anse Marron on Viator. This has dozens of 5-star reviews and is actually one of the best-rated tours on the island, so make sure to book in advance.
Anse Cocos
Coming in at number 14 on this list of the absolute best beaches in the Seychelles is Anse Cocos on La Digue Island.
This beach is unique in a few ways.
Firstly, you'll need to take a short nature trail hike from Grand Anse to reach it. This makes it more secluded than some of the other beaches.
However, let me tell you, that short walk is definitely worth it! This long, white sand beach has one of the most unique swimming spots on the island. It's known as the Anse Cocos rock pools.
Really though, it's just a sheltered lagoon amongst giant granite boulders. But, the crystal clear water here is absolutely superb, and one of the best beaches for swimming in the Seychelles!
Anse Source D'Argent
Okay, I'm sure you won't find a single Seychelles beach guide that doesn't mention Anse Source D'Argent.
This is the Seychelles' most prominent beach, made famous globally for its incredible granite rock formations, silky white-sand shores, and clear shallow waters.
You’ll also discover a shallow, protected lagoon just off its shores, making it one of the safest beaches to swim on the island.
Tip: Anse Source D’Argent is located within the L’Union Estate (Union Estate) on La Digue Island. So, you’ll need to pay an entry fee of 150 SCR to access the beach. However, I'd say that it's a Seychelles rite of passage to visit this spot and it's definitely worth checking out the estate too.
Anse Pierrot (Robinson Crusoe Beach)
If you're a fan of the classic French movie Robinson Crusoe, then you'll definitely want to make a stop at this epic beach!
Anse Pierrot, which is now often referred to as Robinson Crusoe Beach, is an isolated beach just up the coast from Anse Source D'Argent.
This is the site where the famous film was set and where Robinson Crusoe survived on his "deserted island". While fans might be disappointed to find out that the site was not on its own island, the truth is that this beach is quite deserted.
That's because the only way to get here is via boat or kayak since there are no roads or tracks. If you're planning to visit Anse Source D'Argent, then I highly recommend booking the Crystal Kayaks tour, which will actually make a stop at this amazing beach!
Grand Anse
By now, you'll undoubtedly have realized that La Digue has some of the best beaches in the Seychelles! Although not the most popular, my personal favorite beach is Grand Anse.
This is not to be confused with Grand Anse on Mahe or on Praslin (it seems every island has a Grand Anse).
The Grand Anse I'm referring to is found on the southeast corner of the island. This stretch of white sand drops quickly into deep, turquoise waters and is one of the most relaxing places on Earth.
This is an excellent beach for swimming as the water is much deeper than the lagoon at Anse Source D’Argent. However, the surf can pick up and strong currents can occur here. So, it's best only for confident swimmers. There are also a few nice hiking trails near Grand Anse, which I'd highly recommend adding to your list of things to do here.
More Amazing Beaches in the Seychelles
Beyond the three main inner islands, there are many more beaches in the Seychelles to visit! Below are my favorites that you can visit either on a day trip or stay the night!
Anse La Passe, Silhouette Island
Here's a new one. Silhouette Island isn't exactly one of the main visited islands of the Seychelles. However, that doesn't mean it's not worth visiting.
In fact, Silhouette Island is the perfect place to stay in the Seychelles, especially for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experience.
There's only one main resort on this island of only 200 inhabitants, and it's the incredible Hilton Labriz Resort & Spa. This resort is right on the shores of Anse La Passe, which is a spectacular white-sand beach with a majestic mountain backdrop.
Anse St Jose, Curieuse Island
This next Seychelles beach is located on Curieuse Island, which is a beautiful island just off the coast of Praslin.
St Jose Beach is a long stretch of white sand dropping into shallow water with a long stretch of fringing reef. This is one of the best beaches near Praslin for snorkeling and you can often spot cruising turtles and even some friendly little reef sharks here.
Anse St Jose is easily accessible from Praslin by taking the snorkeling day trip (the best tour on the island).
Book: Curieuse Island Day Trip
Cocos Island Beach, Cocos Island
To round up this beach guide, I'll finish up with Cocos Island Beach.
This is a tiny island located near the islands of La Digue and Praslin. While you can't stay here, it is the best beach to go snorkeling in the Seychelles! As a result, many people make their way here on a day trip from Praslin or La Digue.
Cocos Island is abundant with schooling fish and a few cruising green turtles. The beach itself is a narrow string of white sand connected by large granite boulders.
Cocos Island is very small but neighbors Felicity Island, which is usually included if you book a boat trip from Praslin. The link to the one below also visits La Digue as part of an awesome full-day island-hopping adventure.
Book: Cocos Island Snorkeling
FAQ About Beach Hopping in the Seychelles
When is the best time to visit the Seychelles for beaches?
The Seychelles, which are located in the subequatorial climatic zone close to the equator, have a tropical climate that is stable and consistently warms between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius.
Consequently, there is never a chance of cyclones and you can typically expect sunny weather all year long. On the other hand, there are times of year when it rains seasonally, usually from December to March.
Numerous sources state that April and May as well as October and November are the ideal times to visit the beaches of the Seychelles. But as you can see from the pictures, I went in December and had a great time with the great weather!
How do I Get to the Inner Island Beaches from Mahe
Traveling and island hopping in the Seychelles is actually very easy. In fact, I would recommend that everyone should visit more than one island to get the most out of their experience.
There are two main options for getting to Praslin Island from Mahe. Either take the Cat Cocos Ferry or take a flight directly to the airport, which is close to the beach.
To get to La Digue from Mahé, take the Cat Cocos ferry to Praslin, or fly to Praslin, followed by the Cat Rose ferry to La Digue.
Which island has the best beaches in the Seychelles?
Each island offers unique beach experiences. Mahé is known for its variety and accessibility, Praslin boasts famous beaches like Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, while La Digue features stunning and tranquil beaches like Anse Source d'Argent. It depends on your preference for activity and ambiance.
Are beaches free in the Seychelles?
Yes, the beaches in the Seychelles are public and free to access. You can enjoy pristine sands and crystal-clear waters without any entrance fees. Just remember to support locals by buying some drinks or snacks from the beach bars.
Are the beaches in the Seychelles better than the Maldives?
Both the Seychelles and the Maldives offer incredible beaches, but they cater to different tastes. The Seychelles' beaches, with their dramatic granite boulders and lush backdrops, provide a more rugged, natural beauty. In contrast, the Maldives offers luxurious overwater bungalows and secluded coral atolls. Personally, I find the Seychelles' diverse landscapes and vibrant ecosystems more appealing, but if you prefer a more resort-focused experience, the Maldives might be for you.
Is it safe to swim in the Seychelles?
Yes, it is generally safe to swim in the Seychelles. However, always check local conditions and heed any warnings about currents, especially during the southeast monsoon season. Most beaches have calm, warm waters perfect for swimming, but it's wise to stay informed about the sea conditions.
Is the water warm?
Absolutely, the water temperature in the Seychelles is consistently warm year-round, ranging from 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F). This makes it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities any time of the year.
Which beaches are best for snorkeling?
For snorkeling, I highly recommend Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette on Praslin for their clear waters and vibrant marine life. Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue is another fantastic spot with stunning underwater scenery. These beaches offer easy access to coral reefs and a variety of marine species, making them perfect for an underwater adventure.
And that's a wrap for this massive list of the absolute best beaches in the Seychelles! I really hope that it's inspired you to visit this amazing tropical archipelago.
While you're here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other articles. I've written loads more guides and travel reports from my experiences on the islands and beaches.
- 50 Things to do in the Seychelles - Ultimate travel guide with lots of great activity recommendations
- 10 Best Islands in the Seychelles - My roundup of the best islands to visit on your trip
- 15 Best Hikes in the Seychelles - Get outdoors and experience amazing hiking trails and jungle viewpoints
Plan Where to Stay in the Seychelles
Wondering where to stay in the Seychelles? Don't miss these up-to-date accommodation guides.