White sand, turquoise water and granite boulders shaped by wind and waves: the beaches of Mahé are among the most beautiful reasons to visit the Seychelles. Mahé is the largest island of the archipelago, and for its size it offers a remarkable variety of coastline. In this guide we introduce our favourite beaches of Mahé, explain which ones are best for swimming and when, and show you how to see several of them in one relaxed day.
The beaches of Mahé: one island, many faces
Mahé covers 157.3 km² and is about 26 km long. Driving from the north to the south takes a little over an hour, so you can easily visit several beaches in a single day. Every stop feels different: fine sand protected by coral reefs, coves framed by granite rocks, empty bays at the foot of green hills. In between, the road climbs over the granite mountains of the interior, where the Morne Seychellois rises to 905 m in the national park of the same name. The views between sea and mountains are some of the best photo stops on the island.
Beau Vallon: the iconic beach in the north west
Beau Vallon is probably the best known beach of the Seychelles. On the north west coast it stretches as a long ribbon of sand, protected by a fringing coral reef that calms the swell. The water is usually calm, ideal for swimming and snorkelling. It is also a lively place where local fishermen, Seychellois families and travellers meet, with beach restaurants and take aways close by.
The wild beaches of the south
Anse Intendance
In the south the atmosphere changes completely. Anse Intendance unrolls an impressive stretch of white sand, framed by granite sculpted by wind and ocean. When the south east trade winds blow, from May to September, the waves can be powerful. Swimming then requires great care, so always follow the advice of your guide. The spectacle, however, is breathtaking.
Anse Takamaka
Close by, Anse Takamaka takes its name from the large takamaka trees that shade the beach. These trees are native to the granitic islands and can reach 20 metres in height.
Baie Lazare
This peaceful, bright bay completes the southern trio. It is named after the French explorer Lazare Picault, who landed on the west coast of Mahé in 1742.
Quiet coves and photo stops
Between the big beaches there are viewpoints and smaller coves with far fewer visitors. Carana lies in a little bay barely 300 metres long and is often deserted: perfect for a few photos and a quiet moment. Other small bays along the coast road add to a day full of contrasts between granite mountains and lagoons.
Which beach for swimming, and when?
Not every beach is right for swimming on every day. Reef protected bays like Beau Vallon are calm most of the year. Open beaches in the south can be rough during the south east trade winds from May to September. Your guide knows how to read the currents, where to find shade and which side of the island is sheltered that day. You will even learn how to tell a takamaka tree from a coconut palm.
Exploring the beaches of Mahé with us
On our Beach Tour we focus on the most beautiful beaches of Mahé. No sightseeing, just the pleasure of lazy beach time: swimming, snorkelling, a cocktail at a beach bar, photos and relaxation. We choose the order of the stops according to light and tide, and you travel in an air conditioned vehicle with enough time at every beach.
If you would like a mix of beaches and sights, the Mahé Island Tour is the right choice. It combines highlights such as the spice garden, monuments, viewpoints, Mission Lodge and the Hindu temple with one or two beaches. Lunch is optional, and we are happy to recommend a restaurant.
More ways to discover Mahé
- Hikes: follow the Copolia nature trail, hike to Anse Major or visit the popular Rockpool.
- Art and craft: meet creative Seychellois artists directly in their galleries.
- Soul Flower Tour: learn the sun printing technique with plants of the Seychelles and create your own pareo to take home.
- Tailor made: half a day or a full day, beaches, sights and art combined as you wish. We advise, you decide.
Our tours usually last 4–6 hours, as many guests do not want to spend a whole day in the car. If you cannot get enough of our island, we are happy to extend your tour. Would you like more time? You can simply add extra hours when you book, and if the day runs a little longer, that is no problem. Even something unusual, such as an excursion by helicopter, can be arranged.
Private, relaxed and personal
All our tours are private and guided. At least one qualified guide accompanies you, and only you, your family or your group take part. For larger groups we add a second driver or guide. We pick you up free of charge anywhere on Mahé, and our guides speak English and French, and Sheena also speaks a bit of German.
What to bring for a beach day
- Swimwear and a towel
- Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses
- Water
- A camera for the panoramic stops
- Comfortable shoes for viewpoints and rocky paths
Whether you have a short stopover or a longer stay, a beach day is the easiest way to discover what makes these beaches so famous. Tell us your date and where you are staying. We will adjust the pick up time and the order of the stops to make the most of the light and the tides. Our motto: we are happy to make you happy.
