Find your new slice of paradise, complete with tropical palm trees, unique granite boulders, and clear, blue water. Here are Mahé’s best beaches.
Being the main, and largest of the inner islands of the Seychelles with an international airport, Mahé is often the first port of call when visiting the archipelago. And, of course, a visit to the Seychelles just isn’t complete without seeing the world-famous beaches.
Whether you’re looking for a vibrant beach-side resort vibe, or a secluded strip of sand overlooking the Indian Ocean, you’ll find it in my guide. I worked alongside the Seychelles Tourism Board to document and photograph the best beaches on Mahé, here they are– with photos, and directions so you can visit them too.
1. Grand Anse
It seems that every island in the Seychelles seems to have a "Grand Anse". This particular beach on Mahé is the longest on the west coast.
Grand Anse on Mahé has beautiful turquoise waters, with a wide, long stretch of soft, white sand. At the end of the beach, you'll find a stack of small granite boulders leading on from the palm-lined shores. This picturesque spot is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mahé, and made even more so by the incredible mountain backdrop of Morne Seychellois National Park.
There's a bus stop at Grand Anse, making it easy to get here from Victoria. Just make sure to plan according to the weather. This beach does not have any coral reefs, but instead just deep water that can get dangerous in storms.
2. Anse Major - Amazing Remote Mahé Beach & Nature Trails
Anse Major is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles.
However, to get here, you'll need to complete a short, yet scenic hike through endemic jungle. That's because Anse Major is one of the most remote beaches on Mahé, located in the northwest of the island, where there are no roads leading to it.
Let me tell you though, this is easily one of the most beautiful beaches on the island, and perhaps even in all of the Seychelles. Here, you'll discover a thin strip of soft sand, falling into deep, turquoise waters. The mountain backdrop is reminiscent of famous Hawaiian Beaches, with green, jagged mountain ridges poking out from every direction.
Due to its secluded nature, this beach is also usually very quiet, with only a few visitors each day. If you've come to the Seychelles to get away, this is the best place to do it! Just be mindful that you can experience strong currents and large waves here, so make sure you are prepared.
Book: Anse Major Hiking Tour
3. Beau Vallon - One of the Best Mahé Beach for Resorts & Bars
Beau Vallon Beach is one of the most popular beaches on Mahé Island. That's because there really is a lot going on down here, from sprawling restaurants and beach-side bars to amazing waterfront resorts and hotels.
Beau Vallon is found on the northwest side of Mahé and is arguably the most famous beach on the island. This beautiful beach is well-protected by fringing coral reefs, resulting in calm waters which 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. This is great if you want to experience a local Seychellois market where you can try delicious food and purchase fresh fruit.
Rental Cars on Mahé
To explore Mahé independently, rent a vehicle early to secure a good rate, as availability is limited during peak season.
I always use DiscoverCars to compare prices across different companies on Mahé.
4. Anse Takamaka
Floating across to the southwest coast of Mahé and you'll find Anse Takamaka Beach, a picture-perfect, postcard beach that is definitely worth visiting.
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 on Mahé.
Perhaps the biggest draw is the nearby Ros Sodyer Rock Pool (tidal pool). This coastal attraction is quite unique and definitely worth visiting on a calm day at low tide.
5. Petite Anse
Petite Anse is located just a short fifteen-minute walk over a small hill from Grand Anse. This soft powdery, white sand beach is quite small (hence the name) but is unarguably one of the most pristine beaches in Mahé.
While Petite Anse is within the Four Seasons Hotel, 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 Mahé sunsets, Petite Anse is definitely up there with one of the best places to go.
Tip: Mahé is a large island. If you don't have your own transport, I'd highly recommend booking this customizable full-day tour of Mahé. Especially if you're planning to visit some of the more remote beaches (usually the best ones).
6. Anse Royale
Anse Royale, on Mahé's east coast, is a popular beach near a small town with the same name. It's located just south of the famous Takamaka Rum Distillery and was the site where the first Seychelles spice garden was established back in 1772.
Anse Royale is a pretty beach, with clear, shallow waters and a protective row of coral reef. If you're looking for a beach to go snorkeling at on Mahé, 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 sand shores.
7. Anse Soleil
Another amazing beach right near Petite Anse on Mahé's southwest coast is Anse Soleil. This is easy to reach if you're taking a road trip down the western coastal road, requiring only a short walk from a large parking area.
Anse Soleil is another small beach with plenty of small stores and restaurants around. One of the best ways to explore this coast is to beach-hop from Grand Anse to Anse Soleil, then finish at Petite Anse.
Snorkeling is one of the most popular activities at this beach, but when conditions are right (high tide), it's also the perfect spot for surfing.
8. Anse Forbans
If you're taking the South Coast Road all the way down from Victoria to southern Mahé, you have to stop at Anse Forbans! This is a quiet beach, where you will find a lot of great resorts and hotels, including the famous Hilton Allamanda.
The shallow water and golden sand on this perfect strand make it a great photo stop, as well as a great spot for families with small children. On the way, you'll pass other famous Mahé beaches including Turtle Bay and Anse aux Pins. While they didn't quite make the list, also have amazing beaches and definitely worth visiting if you make the trip down to Anse Forbans.
Tip: Continue on to the beautiful Police Bay for a secluded island experience at a truly wild beach!
9. Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Mahé, perhaps due to its name. In reality, almost any beach on Mahé is great for watching the sunset, especially those on the west coast.
However, Sunset Beach has gained a tonne of popularity over the past few years thanks to social media and the famous Sunset Beach Hotel. You'll find it right up to the north of Mahé, past Beau Vallon beach on the way to North East Point.
This is another small beach, edged with tropical greenery and a large rock formation at its point. It's got deeper water, typical of the northern beaches of Mahé, which is good if you are an experienced swimmer.
10. Port Glaud Beach - Great Beach for Snorkeling
Port Glaud is a beautiful bay located on the west coast of Mahé, just on the other end of the cross-island road called Sans Soucis. 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.
Port Glaud Beach itself is usually deserted, but the view over Port Launay National Park is quite spectacular. If you're visiting, make sure to include a stop at Sauzier Waterfall, and perhaps Del Place Restaurant afterward as well.
Furthermore, if you're looking for a great beach for snorkeling, the beautiful Port Glaud and Port Launay National Park have some of the best on the island. Look for coral reef patches along the shore, especially around L'Islette Island.
11. Anse Intendance
If you search for the most beautiful beach in the Seychelles, Anse Intendance will often be a feature. This is one of Mahé's most amazing beaches and one you should definitely consider making the trip out to.
Anse Intendance has a dense row of beautiful, tropical palm trees and turquoise water that will blow you away! This is one of those destinations where photos really don't do justice! Transportation is quite easy, with regular buses running past its bus stop, just a few meters from the beach.
Tip: 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.
12. Baie Lazare
The final beach on this Mahé travel guide is Baie Lazare. This is a public beach just south of Petite Anse, again, on the southwest corner of Mahé. It's named after the famous French explorer, Lazare Picault, and is located in a sheltered cove facing south.
The best time to visit this beach is during high tide, as the shallow waters often dry all the way up during low tide. If you catch this beautiful bay at the right time, you'll discover some of the best photo opportunities in the Seychelles!
The beach lines up to two points, Lazare Picault and Gaulette, where you'll find beautiful granite formations meeting translucent calm water. This is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island!
Staying Near the Best Beaches on Mahé
Mahé is the main & largest of the inner islands and home to the capital city of the Seychelles, Victoria. It's a great place to stay for beaches & convenience. Here is a quick area guide with the top 4 accommodation recommendations below.
- Victoria and Eden Island for nightlife
- Beau Vallon for beaches and restaurants
- Private islands for the ultimate island experience
The Eden Bleu Hotel is one of the best places to stay if you're looking to be close to Victoria and on Eden Island. It's an amazing contemporary hotel on the foreshore of Eden Island's prestigious marina.
2.
If you want to explore Mahé on a budget, then self-catering accommodation is your best bet. Precious Residence is an apartment with excellent reviews (9.5/10), offering budget apartments equipped with free WiFi, air conditioning, and a kitchenette on Grand Anse (west coast).
2.
This beautiful, beachfront resort and casino combo offers elegantly furnished rooms with all the facilities you could ever want. Here, you'll find a large pool, three restaurants, a pizzeria, a fitness center, PADI diving center, and a tennis court.
3. JA Enchanted Island Resort Top Pick
Looking for the ultimate Indian Ocean getaway? JA Enchanted Island Resort is an impeccably beautiful resort located on a tiny private island in the footsteps of the St Anne Marine Park.
FAQs About Beaches on Mahé
I hope that you've found some great beaches to visit for your next trip to Mahé Island. Before you go, I've included some useful travel tips and ideas to make your visit more enjoyable.
What's the best way to get around?
Mahé is the main island of the inner group in the Seychelles. It's a big island that is much larger than La Digue and Praslin. Therefore, you'll want to either arrange a private driver to get around or rent your own car. A little tip, if you choose the latter, make sure to compare prices on Discover Cars first.
What's with the palm roofs on the beaches?
Beach bars - at most of the popular beaches on Mahé, you'll find palm leaf-roofed bamboo huts serving fresh fruit and drinks. There's nothing better than a fresh tropical fruit platter on a hot day in paradise. So, do yourself a favor and order something from the locals!
Are there entrance fees to the beaches on Mahé?
No, visiting all the beaches on the island are free. There are currently none that require an entrance fee.
Are there any more beaches?
Of course, there are loads more great beaches on Mahé Island that didn't quite make the cut. If you're looking for more, check out Anse Louis, Carana Beach and Baie Ternay Beach (nature reserve at Baie Ternay Marine National Park).
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Beyond Mahé: More Must-See Beaches in the Seychelles
Looking to explore some of the other must-see islands of the Seychelles? Below are links to more clear-water beach guides for some of the beaches on both La Digue and Praslin that you definitely should not miss.
This main island can get busy, but I hope that I've shown you that you don't need to visit private islands to enjoy a secluded beach with unmatched scenery!
While you're still here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other guides and inspiring resources.
- Best Things to do on Mahé - my ultimate travel guide to Mahé best attractions & hidden gems
- Best Mahé Beaches - Discover iconic beaches and beautiful secret bays on Mahé Island
- 10 Best Islands in the Seychelles - My roundup of the best islands to visit on your trip
- 50 BEST Things to do in the Seychelles - Ultimate travel guide with lots of great activity recommendations
Plan Where to Stay in the Seychelles
Wondering where to stay in the Seychelles? Don't miss these up-to-date accommodation guides.
Jarko
Sunday 13th of February 2022
Hi! Great guide, we’ll be visiting Mahe in March and hang on some of the beaches mentioned for sore. Did you notice any beach sports like beach tennis or beach volley in any of the beaches? Cheers!
Olly Gaspar
Sunday 13th of February 2022
Hi Jarko, awesome, it's an amazing place.
I didn't notice any nets on any of the beaches.
Raymond Aruho
Monday 10th of January 2022
Me and my family will visit Seychelles one day. Must! Beautiful Paradise indeed.
Olly Gaspar
Monday 10th of January 2022
It's incredible Raymond, you gotta go at least once!