Port Launay lies in the northwest of Mahé, at the end of the west coast road, and belongs to the Baie Ternay and Port Launay marine national park. The bay is sheltered, the water is shallow and usually calm, and casuarina trees grow almost to the water's edge, providing shade all day long. For many of our guests, it is the beach where they stay in the water the longest.
Swimming and snorkelling
The entry is sandy and shallow, no problem even with children. The rocks at the edges of the bay are worth snorkelling around: because the area is protected, there is more to see than at many other places on the island. Feeding fish is forbidden, touching corals is too, and both for good reason.
Shade and space
The casuarina trees make this beach perfect for spending the whole day. There are toilets and a small snack bar nearby, and a large resort sits at the other end of the bay. At weekends, Seychellois families come here for barbecues, but it is quiet during the week.
How long to stay
An hour for swimming is what we usually plan, twenty minutes is enough for a short stop. If you want to snorkel, you should allow the full hour.
How to get there
Take the west coast road from Port Glaud, or take the bus to the final stop. Port Launay is a regular stop on our island tour and on the beach tour.
Nearby
Sauzier waterfall is only a few minutes away, as are the mangrove boardwalk and the lagoon at Port Glaud.
