Beaches in Seychelles!
Seychelles is a cluster of 115 islands, floating in the Indian Ocean, lying off the coast of East Africa, in close proximity to Madagascar islands. Once an unrevealed piece of land, Seychelles has now become a popular tourist destination, substantially among the honeymooners. Its crowd free islands, chalky-white sand beaches, ultramarine waters, prolific mountains, and tranquillising environment give tough competition to mainstream tourist destinations like Mauritius, Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia.
With so many beaches dispersed over these 115 islands, it becomes a baffling task to decide that which ones to visit and which ones to leave. Here’s a list of some of the best beaches in Seychelles that you can include in your trip to this wondrous place.
L’anse Aux Poules Bleues
A quiet shady beach neighbouring Anse a la mouche, which disappears with the high tide; Anse aux poules bleues is well worth a visit. Parking is available beneath the large Takamaka trees and the water is shallow and perfect for families or snorkelers.
ANSE FORBANS
Perhaps, in the age of the corsairs, pirates did indeed visit this beautiful beach on the south-eastern coast of Mahé. Nowadays, Anse Forbans is popular with visitors from nearby hotels along the shoreline. For the most part the beach is considered safe for swimming except for the southern part that leads to Anse Marie Louise (past Anse Forbans Chalets).
ANSE MAJOR
This relatively easy trail winds its way along the rocky northwestern coastline of Mahé, leading to the small secluded beach of Anse Major. Starting from the fishing village of belombre, the hike leading to the beach is a short one but the sheltered cove at the end, makes it well worth it.
ANSE GOUVERNEMENT (MAHÉ)
A sister beach to Anse Soleil and Petite anse, Anse gouvernement is a perfect picnic spot. Boasting shallow waters, shaded parking and a horse riding centre right on the beach itself, one will not find activities lacking. Accessed through a winding road which passes next to Kempinski resort, the beach is sheltered by a reef and has granite boulders creating a small lagoon of clear water.
ANSE TAKAMAKA
Located in the south-west of Mahe: Anse Takamaka is a picturesque combination of clear waters, a large sandy surface and beautiful mountain scenery. It is one of Mahe’s most beautiful beaches, often seen on postcards and it offers possibilities for swimming, snorkelling and even paddle boarding, in the calm shallow waters.
ANSE MACHABÉE
Located in the north of Mahé, Anse Machabée is a small, often overlooked beach but one that nonetheless offers a visually impressive panorama, beautiful sands and great opportunities for swimming and snorkelling.
ANSE L’ILOT
Off the beaten track Anse L’Ilot, appears through thick vegetation in the north-west region of Mahé. It is well known among those who have located it for its beauty and serenity but the beach disappears from view when the waters rise at high tide so it is best to visit when the tide is low.
MARIE LAURE
Anse Marie Laure is a small beach not far from Beau Vallon in the north-west of Mahé and much less busy than its more heavily populated neighbour and with a tranquil, island-style atmosphere that sets it apart.
ANSE GLACIS
Glacis Beach is actually more than just one beach, boasting two distinct sections separated by rocky formations. Its deep waters are safe for swimming and snorkelling and it also offers superb vistas of Beau Vallon and Silhouette Island.
ANSE BARBARONS
Best known as the beach right in front of the Avani Resort on Mahe island’s west coast, Anse Barbarons, this beach is family-friendly and great for swimming at high tide, making it a favourite for hotel guests and tourists in search of a great beach experience.
L’ANSE DES ANGLAIS
A stone’s throw away from Port Launay beach and right next to Pointe Paul, L’anse des Anglais is a secluded cove with some spectacular rock formations and perfect for taking photos. Not accessible by road, one would have to walk to get there, or take a boat from neighbouring Port Launay beach.
LANS TRUSALO
Situated near Anse L’islette and easily accessible via the pathway, this remote, secluded bay has interesting rock formations which are ideal for photography.
FAIRYLAND BEACH
This picturesque beach can be found by the lower slopes of the hill as you leave Point au Sel in the direction of Fairyland. A favourite place for swimmers and sunbathers, this beach has the added attraction of granite rocks gracing its sands.
LANS ANGLE
Facing Ile Thérèse, Lans Angle is quite a remote, private beach for those who want to relax in peace and quiet. Easily accessible from the nearby Lans Trusalo, simply by negotiating the rocks there, it is well worth a visit.
ANSE L’AMOUR
Anse l’amour on the west coast of Mahé lies just under half a km from Port Launay. This tiny cove offers commands excellent views of the beach at Port Launay, and also the island of Conception. A
unique combination of rock formations and palm trees lend it a character all its own.