Seychelles Beaches and Water Sports

(Seychelles, SC, Africa)

The coastline of the Seychelles is almost legendary and whilst the islands contain many national parks and natural attractions, it is the innumerable beaches that most holiday makers come to see and enjoy. Many of the beaches on the Seychelles remain relatively untamed and rarely crowded, meaning that it is not usually difficult to find yourself a quiet spot to sit back, sunbathe and enjoy the magical scenery.

Coastal hikes, such as the trail between Anse Major and Beau Vallon (roughly two hours), on the north-western coast of Mahé, reward walkers with some spectacular views and beaches along the way. Head to the larger resorts and you can try your hand at all kinds of fun and exciting water sports, such as scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, power boating, yachting, jet skiing and fishing. Those at Beau Vallon Beach may even like to take a glass-bottom cruise to Baie Ternay, to observe the array of marine life living in these clear turquoise-coloured waters without getting wet.

General Information

Tourists based in Victoria tend to favour the curving sandy stretches of Beau Vallon Beach, since they are just 3 km / 2 miles away, being found to the north-west and next to Bel Ombre.

Most will agree that this is Mahé's most popular beach, with deep water highly suitable for swimming, although there can be strong currents at times between June and October. To the north, Mar Anglaise and Glacis offer a less commercialised spot to relax, as do Vista do Mar, North Point, Carana Beach and Anse Nord d'Est.

The western coast of Mahé contains many further enticing Seychelles beaches, most of which are easily accessible by road, such as Cap Ternay and Port Launay.

Head in a southerly direction and you will encounter the beaches of Grande Anse, Anse Polite, Anse Boileau, Anse Louis, Anse a la Mouche, Anse Soleil, Val Mer, Baie Lazare, Anse Gaulettes, Anse Takamaka and Anse Intendance, before finally reaching Anse Bazarca and Police Bay on Mahé's southerly coast. Do note that whilst Police Bay is a true piece of paradise, the strong waves mean that swimming is not recommended here.

The Seychelles island of Praslin comes with more than its fair share of gorgeous beaches, with the Anse Lazio Beach on the north-western tip being simply sublime and looking like it has just jumped off the page of a holiday brochure.

On the eastern coast of Praslin, Anse La Blague is a peaceful beach where you can come to escape the crowds and enjoy virtual isolation, apart from the occasional visitor and perhaps a fishermen landing his catch. Nearby Anse Volbert is another appealing beach, as are Anse Marie-Louise and Anse Consolation on the southerly shore.

Those visiting the Seychelles island of Curieuse often come to Baie Laraie, where a sandy beach is surrounded by some quite breathtaking rocks, naturally eroded and appearing like huge coastal sculptures. The snorkelling and swimming at Baie Laraie is another big draw.

Further beaches on the Seychelles include those located on St. Pierre Islet and La Digue Island, where Anse Source d'Argent is a stunning beach, with fine white sand and huge granite boulders, and understandably, large crowds of sun seekers. Other quieter beaches on La Digue well worth considering include those of Grande Anse, Petite Anse, Anse Cocos, Anse Marron, Anse Grosse Roche and Anse Patates.