Discover a hidden gem tidal pool named Ros Sodyer, also commonly referred to as the Mahé Rock Pool in the Seychelles.
Are you looking for an adventure on the incredible Mahé Island of the Seychelles? You’ve found the right page! In this quick guide, I’ll give you a complete run-down on Ros Sodyer near Anse Takamaka, also known as the Mahe Rock Pool.
I recently visited this swimming spot and jumped in from the rocks. Below I’ll teach you how to get here, as well as some photos from my trip that I hope will inspire you to visit this natural attraction.
About the Mahe Rock Pool
This incredible geological formation is located on the rocky coast of Mahé Island. It's a saltwater tidal pool, which fills up with the rising tide. During low tide, you can enjoy a swim in the pool or even cliff-jump into it from the rocks above.
- The official name is Ros Sodyer, and it is a natural phenomenon, meaning not man-made.
- You can reach the pools via a short nature trail hike from Anse Takamaka which is about 2.2 km return (1.35 mi) and takes about 45-60 minutes return.
- There are two options for getting to the Mahe Rock Pool. The first is booking a hiking tour (below) or taking a taxi, rental car, or a bus to Anse Takamaka Beach.
- Tip: Visit at low tide for the best experience.
After speaking to my local friend Roddey, who grew up on Mahé, I have now learned that locals don't like to call Ros Sodyer the "Mahe Rock Pool". That's because the official rock pool is in the north of the island, which is pinned as Machabee Rock Pool.
However, in this guide, I am using both names because most people looking for the Rock Pool on Mahe will be much more interested in Ros Sodyer, and not the official Machabee.
How to Get to the Rock Pool on Mahe
The first, and easiest option is to book this famous hiking tour on Viator to the rock pool (Tripadvisor badge of excellence). This trip includes hotel pick-up and a guided nature trail tour to the rock pool. This is great as you'll also get to learn a lot about endemic species of the Seychelles from a qualified, local guide.
This tour has loads of reviews and an overall 5/5 stars, making it one of the best-rated tours on the island.
The second option for how to get here is to take a taxi or a bus to Anse Takamaka Beach. Several buses are running around the island, and this only costs SCR 14. However, you'll need to ask around at the stand or at the bus station in Victoria for the correct route to Anse Takamaka.
Anse Takamaka is one of the most beautiful beaches on Mahé, so make sure you time your visit to enjoy it as well!
Tip: If you'd prefer to rent a car on Mahé instead, make sure to first compare prices on Discover Cars. You can often find great prices if you book in advance.
Where is the Mahe Rock Pool (Ros Sodyer)
If you're taking the independent option, below you'll find the exact location of Ros Sodyer.
Once you arrive at Anse Takamaka, you'll find signs on the southern end of the beach indicating the trailhead location. There's also a large car park here amongst tropical trees and palms.
Hiking to Ros Sodyer Rock Pool
- Hiking Distance: 2.2 km return (1.35 mi)
- Duration: 45-60 minutes return
- Elevation: Undulating (100 m total gain)
- Difficulty: Easy
The nature trail to the Mahe Rock Pool begins at the southern end of Anse Takamaka Beach.
To begin, you'll have to walk through private property, which almost looks as if you're about to walk through somebody's yard. Enter, turn left, go through the gate, and you'll see the trail clearly into the jungle.
The hike itself is quite easy, as long as you have a general level of fitness. However, there are some undulating sections and some others where you'll need to climb a steel ladder to get up to the next bit. This is not difficult by any means but could throw some people off.
The nature trail is quite beautiful as you walk through the jungle sections. Towards the end, you'll walk up onto the rocks with views over the Indian Ocean. Continue on and keep an eye out for markings indicating the way to the pool.
The rock pool only becomes visible right at the end, where we were required to descend a rocky surface towards the ocean. I'd imagine this could be quite slippery following heavy rainfall.
My Experience At Ros Sodyer
After a sweaty hike to the rock pool, it was an easy decision to jump right in to cool off! The Ros Sodyer rock pool is a perfectly round, tidal pool at the very edge of the cliff and shielded from behind by a wall of rock.
The pool is very deep. I dove down to try to touch the bottom and I'd say that it is at least 3.5 meters in depth.
I was quite lucky when visiting as I had timed the tides perfectly (low tide), and I had the entire Mahe rock pool to myself! So, I spent about one hour cooling off in the pool and jumping off the wall behind it. The jump is about 3 meters if you launch off the very top. This is by no means a huge jump, but fun nevertheless.
Remember, when cliff jumping, always do a depth check first!
Where to Stay 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.
While you're here on my blog, make sure to check out one or two of my other posts. I've spent a great deal of time documenting and photographing my adventures around the islands and I've got loads of spots and tips to share with you.
- 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.