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Seychelles Beaches

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The Seychelles Islands are blessed with numerous amazingly beautiful beaches that are perfect for swimming and lounging during your stay there. Some of the beaches are good places for surfing, while others are calm and best enjoyed by soaking up the sun on the sand. The Seychelles are also famous for coral reefs. The waters surrounding the coral reefs are tranquil and perfect for snorkeling, putting the vacationer in the right frame of mind to enjoy a relaxing stay in the Seychelles. A number of beaches that are sheltered from waves are just right for swimming, while beaches with rougher surf often have problems with undertow. But suffice it to say that the beaches in the Seychelles are stunning.While in the Seychelles, you may do some inter-island travel by way of boat. Keep in mind that the waters near the shores can be bumpy. But once you've disembarked and are walking along one of the golden beaches in the sunshine, you'll forget all about any choppy waters. Normally, the beaches in the Seychelles can be visited at any time during the year. The Seychelles always have warm weather. That makes it easy to plan a Seychelles vacation unless you are traveling there for specific occurrences, such as to witness bird migrations. While rain peaks during the months from November to February, the weather is often still great for vacationing there. The seas tend to be at their choppiest in July and August, which may be attractive to surfers, but not snorkelers. In fact, several beaches are considered dangerous for swimming during July and August because of this. The six months from November through April are generally very safe bets as far as weather for your planned trip to the Seychelles. Bracketing this period, October and May are the months when the strongest trade winds blow, so keep that in mind while planning. However, October and May are also important months for bird migrations, so there may be a bit of a trade-off with weather during those times.On the island of La Digue, the Anse Source d'Argent is one of the most famous beaches. Crescent-shaped pink sand beaches bounded by huge granite rocks and lapped by crystalline turquoise waters are breathtakingly beautiful, and the waters are usually calm enough for children to play in. Other beaches on La Digue are Anse Cocos, Anse Pierrot, Anse Union, and Anse a la Mouche. Anse Cocos is a great, fairly isolated beach that has good surfing. Anse Pierrot is close to Anse Source D'Argent, and the beauty there is almost impossible to overstate. This part of La Digue is only accessible on foot.​

 

Coming up with one "top" Seychelles beach is not easy. There are so many beaches in the Seychelles that feature breathtaking beauty, narrowing it down is a difficult task. It would really be hard to go wrong in choosing a beach to visit here, but it will depend somewhat on personal preferences. If you want water sports and amenities like shopping and dining, you should choose a beach on the more developed islands, like Praslin and Mahe. These islands do, however, have some sheltered cove beaches that are great for getting away from everyone and everything. If you are staying on one of the three main islands, Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue, you would have a hard time finding a beach that didn't look like a slice of heaven. For beach lovers, the Seychelles will spoil you for everywhere else.

 

 

While the beaches on Mahe, La Digue, and Praslin are the most popular and convenient for visitors to enjoy, they are more crowded than other Seychelles beaches. But "crowded" here is a relative term. The beaches are never packed, unlike South Beach in Miami and other beaches that often get filled to capacity. It's true that it's hard to go wrong when choosing a beach in the Seychelles to visit. But if you only were able to visit one, then perhaps Anse Lazio on Praslin should be the one. This beach regularly shows up on travel blogs and travel websites as being one of the most beautiful beaches in the world with white sands and clear turquoise waters. Convenient hotel accommodations are located on Praslin, and there are restaurants at both ends of Anse Lazio. Many travelers report seeing giant tortoises in the vicinity of Anse Lazio.

 

The water at Anse Lazio is some of the most inviting anywhere. Because it is protected by a coral reef the waters are usually calm and inviting and perfect for snorkeling. It is usually calm enough for children to play in the water as well. This area does not have the level of development and commercialization that most travelers have come to expect at the world's great beaches. For those who want to experience some of the most beautiful beaches on the entire planet, the Seychelles offers literally dozens of them, whether surrounded by isolated land or modern conveniences. 

Mahe Island

 

Anse A La Mouche

 

Situated on the south-western coast of Mahé, Anse à la Mouche is a large, sparkling calm bay with shallow clear waters. Swimming here is very safe and suitable for children as the water remains shallow even at high tide, with no strong currents. The Anchor Café is situated just across the road from the beach.

 

Anse Aux Pins

 

This long stretch of coastline stretching along the south-eastern coast of Mahé and including Turtle Bay, has narrow beaches and shallow waters that lie close to the coastal road. At low tide, it is interesting to walk on the sand and rocky outcrops where you will discover all sorts of marine life trapped in rock pools. Local fishermen also use this stretch of coast to set fish traps and hunt for octopus and can often be seen wading out to the reef at low tide. At high tide it is possible to swim here, but the water remains fairly shallow.

 

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 Intendance

 

The famous Intendance beach in southern Mahé offers half a mile of powder white sand and huge breakers. There is no reef so the waves are much larger than most of the other beaches around the island, making it more suitable for surfing rather than swimming at most times. During the south-east trade winds the waves can reach fearsome heights, but in the north-west trade wind season the sea is calmer. This beautiful beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing.

 

Anse Major

 

This secluded beach can only be reached by boat trip or by hiking a nature trail from Danzil on the most north-westerly point of Mahé. The walk to the beach and back takes around three hours, but many visitors prefer to take a picnic and spend at least half a day here. Anse Major has a large sandy beach and, to the rear, a small lagoon. Swimming here is safe and it is a good spot for snorkelling. Glass bottomed boat excursions from Beau Vallon Bay, which include snorkelling, also visit this bay.

 

Anse Royale

 

The stretch of small rock-fringed coves along the coast of Anse Royale on the south-eastern coast of Mahé, from the area known as Fairyland down to the Anglican church at Anse Royale, is an enchanting place for swimming and snorkelling. The best areas for snorkelling are around the rocks at Fairyland and up to the small island just off the coast, where there are myriad brightly coloured coral fish. The water here is enclosed behind a reef, which keeps out the larger fish and is fairly shallow. Currents can be deceptively strong, thus it is unadvisable to swim out too far. This stretch of coast is best enjoyed during the north-west trade winds when the water is translucent, balmy and tranquil

 

Anse Soleil

 

Anse Soleil on the south-western coast of Mahé is a stunningly attractive bay, good for swimming and snorkelling, presenting a wide stretch of sandy beach, surrounded by large shady trees. This beach is very photogenic and a popular place for weekend beach picnics. Getting here is something of a journey off the beaten track, but well worth the extra effort. There is also a small beachside café here, which serves excellent seafood.

 

Anse Souillac

Nestled in-between the wide and spectacular beaches at Port Launay and Baie Ternay, this tiny cove is well worth a stop. Hemmed in by granite boulders, the small beach is often completely deserted and the sea is suitable for both swimming and snorkelling.

 

Baie Lazare

 

For the historically minded, this beach is worth visiting to imagine the vantage of Lazare Picault, the first mariner to land and claim Mahé for France in 1742. This palm-fringed bay on the south-western coast has a narrow sandy beach close to the road and is one of the island’s quieter spots.

 

Baie Ternay

 

Surrounded by National Marine Park waters, this pristine beach is popular with scuba divers and sailors but unfortunately cannot at present be reached by car as the road leading to the beach is closed to the public. Boasting a large expanse of white coral sand it is located in a remote corner of Mahé, which makes it a quiet paradise for those who are able to discover it.

 

Beau Vallon

 

This is Mahé’s most popular resort beach with both visitors and locals alike. This sweeping bay of white sand and clear waters on the north-western coast of Mahé offers a very safe swimming area. With hotels stretched out along its sand, together with water sport and diving centres, this is the beach for those wishing to do something a little more energetic than soaking up the sun. Beau Vallon is also very safe for children, as there are no strong currents, no rocks or corals underfoot and a lifeguard service is supplied. During the south-eastern trade winds, the sea is extremely calm and the beach is at its absolute best.

 

Carana Beach

 

Situated on the north coast of Mahé, this beach can be considered dangerous for swimming and swimmers are advised not to proceed beyond the breakers. Carana is not suitable for small children as the seafloor does fall away steeply. The beach itself is large with trees and rocks to provide shade and shelter from the sun.

 

Grand Anse

 

Grand Anse, on the south-western coast of Mahé is, as its name suggests, an imposing sandy bay. Although not suitable for swimming because of the strong undertow, this spectacular beach with rolling waves and a long stretch of shoreline is ideal for taking a relaxing walk.

 

North East Point

 

This stretch of coastline is a rocky windswept contrast to the tranquil sandy bays on the opposite shores of the island. Close to the main road, the beaches are narrow stretches of white sand with rocks and a reef close to the shoreline. Only one or two more sheltered coves along this coastline are suitable for swimming, but the main beaches are ideal for long exploratory walks.

 

Petit Anse

 

This breathtaking bay is close to Anse Soleil. Smaller than its more popular neighbour it is difficult to access but more than worth the journey as it offers tranquil swimming and sunbathing against a spectacular backdrop of granite boulders and verdant forest. The powder-soft sand and turquoise waters of this bay will quite simply take your breath away.

 

Police Bay & Petit Police

 

On either side of the south-western tip of Mahé are two magnificent bays with rolling waves and soft white sand. These two beaches are best suited for walking and photography as the strong currents here make them dangerous for swimming. Because of this and their remote location, walkers can usually enjoy a solitary stroll along this pristine coastline.

 

Port Launay

 

This breathtaking beach, which is also a Marine National Park, is on the north-western coast of Mahé and can be reached by taking the road past Port Glaud. Swimming and especially snorkelling here is excellent, with a wide variety of colourful fish that can be seen in and around the edges of the impressive bay. The beach itself is large and wide with white sand and plenty of shady trees. It is popular with picnickers at weekends but during the week tends to be much quieter. There are often beautiful shells and corals to be found along the shoreline, but please remember this is National Park property and it is strictly prohibited to take coral and shells away.

 

Sunset Beach

 

At Glacis, on the north-western coast of Mahé, this small beach is close to the Sunset Beach Hotel and can be reached by taking a path from the main road or by walking down a flight of steps from the hotel car park. Edged with palms and trees, this beautiful beach is superb for swimming and snorkelling. Snorkelling is particularly good around the rocks below the hotel, and sightings of turtles here are common. The sea does have a sudden drop in depth close to the shore; so small children do need close adult supervision. As the name suggests, the sunsets here are breathtaking!

Praslin Island

 

Anse Boudin

 

Anse Boudin is close to the coastal road leading to Anse Lazio. It is a long slender beach with very soft sands and calm sea for swimming and snorkelling. Refreshments can be purchased in a small shop situated at the T-junction on the way to Anse Lazio.

 

Anse Georgette

 

Widely regarded as one of the most delightful beaches in Seychelles, framed by granite boulders, it offers powder soft sand and magnificent swimming

 

Anse Gouvernment

 

On the edge of the Côte d’Or coastline, this smaller white sandy bay is situated between the Côte d’Or Lodge and the L’Archipel Hotel. It is safe for swimming and there are water sports facilities nearby

 

Anse Kerlan and Petit Anse Kerlan

 

These two wonderful aquamarine bays are part of the Lémuria Resort. Both have sandy coves surrounded by picturesque granite rocks. Swimming and particularly snorkelling here is excellent. There can be strong currents pushing swimmers out to sea at certain times of the year, but the hotel will advise guests on the suitability of swimming.Between the months of May and beginning October seaweed is found in the sea and on the beaches.

 

Anse La Farine

 

Perhaps so named because the sands here are so powder soft they resemble flour. This small pretty beach is unfortunately not accessible by road but can be reached by boat.

 

Anse Lazio

 

The most famous beach on Praslin, and rightly so. Well worth the long winding drive from Côte d'Or, Anse Lazio can claim to be the perfect tropical paradise beach and is often listed among the world’s top ten beaches. Beautifully framed by granite rocks, this dream beach has soft white sands leading gently down to calm clear waters with a gentle gradient absolutely perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The Bon Bon Plume and Le Chevalier restaurants are nearby and can provide lunch and refreshments.

 

Anse Matelot

 

Anse Matelot is a small sandy cove, a short walk away from the L’Archipel Hotel. It’s remote location means it is often deserted. Suitable for swimming.

 

Anse Possession

 

Close to La Reserve Hotel, Anse Possession is a sandy bay just off the main coastal road with tranquil shallow waters.Snorkelling, swimming

 

Anse Volbert/ Cote de Or

 

Praslin’s main beach, with its many hotels and guesthouses lining the golden coastline is rarely crowded. Anse Volbert / Côte d'Or is a dazzlingly white stretch of beach and the crystal clear sea here is excellent for swimming and water sports. Further out in the bay, around Chauve Souris island and St Pierre islet, the snorkelling is superb.

 

Grand Anse

 

On the eastern side of Praslin, close to the airport, Grand Anse is the longest beach on Praslin. This large bay has several hotels overlooking the seashore. Grand Anse is a large wide beach, and the sea here is good for swimming and water sports. The beach is at its best during the north-west trade winds when the sea is calm and clear. During the south-eastern trade wind season (May to beginning October) seaweed can drift into the bay; when this occurs many of the hotels around Grand Anse will provide free transfers to Côte d’Or or other beaches for their guests.

La Digue Island

 

Anse Bonnet Carre

 

Many visitors to La Digue walk or cycle to the famous Anse Source d’Argent, but few take the trouble to explore further along the coastline. Anse Bonnet Carré rewards those that do; a beach that can only be accessed by foot and so, is often deserted. It has the same white sand as its famous neighbour, with fewer rocks and the same shallow warm waters, more suitable for a relaxing wallow than an energetic swim.

 

Anse Cocos

 

This pretty bay on the eastern coast of La Digue is only accessible by foot, either by taking a path from Grand Anse or in the other direction from Anse Fourmis. Because of its more sheltered aspect, this beach, unlike its neighbouring bays of Grand and Petit Anse, is safe for swimmers, but there are still some strong currents, so care does need to be taken.

 

Anse Gaulettes

 

On the north of the island, Anse Gaulettes is a long narrow stretch of sand close to the coastal road. The beach is not considered safe for swimming.

 

Anse Le Reunion

 

La Digue Island Lodge lies along its shore. Anse la Reunion is an attractive long, curving sun-soaked beach offering fine views of the neighbouring island of Praslin. Snorkelling swimming

 

Anse Patates

 

On the northern most tip of La Digue, Anse Patates is close to Patatran Village and borders the longer beach of Anse Gaulettes. Blessed with soft white sand and calm seas, it is well suited for both swimming and snorkelling

 

Anse Pierrot

 

When walking along the famous Anse Source d’Argent, continue across the small river until you reach Anse Pierrot. This beach is slightly narrower than Source D’Argent and its rocks are less photogenic, but it has the same shallow warm waters and the advantage of privacy.

 

Anse Severe

 

Anse Severe is a quiet spot, well suited for sunbathing and swimming. It is the first beach that you will come to along the road if you turn left from the jetty. There are two small hotels along its shore, but the beach is never busy.

 

Anse Source d’ Argent

 

Anse Source d'Argent is reputed to be the most photographed beach in the world. With its soft white sand, clear turquoise water and huge granite boulders sculptured by the elements and time itself, it is not difficult to see why photographers and film makers still love to come here. The sea is sheltered by the reef, and is very calm and shallow, with only sand underfoot which makes it safe for children. The access to this beach is via L'Union Estate and a small entrance fee is payable.

 

Anse Union

 

This beach is part of the L’Union Estate, a plantation open to the public. Along its shore are the secluded L'Union Estate Chalets where famous names such as British Prime Minister Tony Blair have holidayed. The small boat-building yard, a traditional craft of La Digue, also used to share its shores but is now sadly closed. The sea here is good for swimming and for snorkelling.

 

Grand Anse

 

A picturesque beach with huge waves and surrounded by large granite rocks, the sea is unfortunately not for swimming, and there are signs on the seashore warning of the dangers of swimming here. Although the sea may look inviting there is an extremely strong undertow, so do not be tempted.

 

Petit Anse

 

A large beach for one named petit! This is the sister beach to Grand Anse and can be reached by walking across the rocks from Grand Anse, following the footpath. Swimming here is also as dangerous, but it is a secluded beach for sunbathing or picnicking.

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