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To me, Seychelles is the synonym of a lush tropical scenery with stunning white sand beaches with clear azure waters. Every single beach I visited there displayed these characteristics and then some more.
Not a single beach I saw disappointed me, but with so many beaches to choose throughout its 115 islands, sometimes it’s hard to decide on which one to visit – especially if you have a short time there.
For that reason, I decided to list my top ten beaches in the main three islands of Seychelles – Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
As you’ll see, these beaches, or “Anse” in Seychellois Creole, have a unique charm and have the potential to be the highlight of any trip to this country. For me, they certainly were.
1. Anse Intendance – Mahe
This is my absolute favorite beach to swim in all of Seychelles. It is a long white sand expanse with some of the most beautiful crystalline turquoise water you can find in this world.
Since reefs do not protect it, you get some incredible waves, which makes it an excellent beach to surf or even body surf.
But, for anyone not interested in surfing, just sunbathing and swimming in Anse Intendance is just as peaceful as it is in any other calm beach. This beach is also one of the few in the island of Mahe where turtles still nest.
Careful swimming here between June and September, as the water can be rough with stronger currents.
2. Anse Source d’Argent – La Digue
While Anse Intendace is my favorite beach in the Seychelles, Anse Source d’Argent is, in my opinion, the most beautiful beach in the islands. In fact, the island of La Digue is the beach Mecca of Seychelles.
Recognized by the National Geographic as the world’s most photographed beach, this stunningly beautiful beach hides unique views at every corner. It is not just a beach; it is an adventure too.
You hike, pass through giant boulders, discover beautiful spots for yourself to lay on your own, and then some open spaces with bigger white sand strips.
The beach’s shallow waters are ideal for paddling with small children as they are protected by coastal reefs. It is also good to snorkel around its boulders and reefs. And, of course, be ready to feel young at heart again and climb those rocks!
Understandably, since this is the most famous beach in La Digue, you should expect to have some company. But, if you arrive there early in the morning or mid-afternoon, you’ll be able to grab a spot of shade among the rocks.
3. Anse Lazio – Praslin
This is Praslin’s most famous beach, and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful in the country. In fact, it is currently at the #4 spot in TripAdvisor’s Best Beaches In The World List.
The crystal clear azure waters, mixed with its granite boulders coming out of the seabed and white sand shore, make this a gorgeous spot to relax, swim, and snorkel. Since a reef does not protect it, you can watch the rhythmic waves crash and break on the boulders, making a spectacle of the beach itself.
This beach is pure bliss but go early, as it is very popular and can get crowded. But, crowded in Seychelles does not compare to crowded in Miami, Rio de Janeiro, or Cancun. There’s still the opportunity to get a spot to relax and have your space.
If you go from June to September, keep in mind there are strong currents there. If you’re spending a long time at the beach, reserve a spot on arrival at Bonbon Plume, the beach-facing restaurant where you can enjoy some delicious chicken, fish, and vegetable curry at a reasonable price.
4. Grand Anse – La Digue
This might be the second most visited beach in La Digue. In my opinion, it is almost like Anse Intendance in Mahe, but with a more open scenery where instead of lush trees you have a bushier and mountainous background where the sand ends.
Perfect waves animate the azure waters, which makes this beach an excellent spot to surf, buggy, and bodysurf.
The bike ride through the forest to get to Grand Anse is a welcomed extra, yet a bit challenging on the way back as there’s a steep uphill you must pedal through.
5. Anse Georgette – Praslin
I loved visiting this beach. This is Anse Lazio’s sister beach but smaller and practically empty since it is secluded. Of course, the more secluded the beach, the harder it is to get to it.
In this case, the beach lies behind Constance Lemuria Resort and Mont Plaisir. But still, it is accessible, as all beaches in Seychelles are public.
There are two ways you can reach the beach. The easy way is through the resort, but you have to make a reservation with them ahead of time to pass through the property to reach the beach.
They only allow a limited number of people through their grounds, so I recommend calling (+248 4 281 281) or emailing at least a day or two ahead to grab a spot. It takes about 20 minutes each way from the resort gate to the beach, crossing through the golf course.
Alternatively, you could hike Mont Plaisir from about the entrance of the resort and end on the beach. It takes about an hour each way, but the hike experience is worth it. The trail “opening hours” are from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
As with all other beaches in the country, take your time relaxing on the sand and swimming in its beautiful warm waters.
6. Beau Vallon – Mahe
While this is the most touristy beach in Mahe, it is a perfect beach to watch the sunset.
You can go there mid-afternoon, enjoy a few watersports including jet-skis, canoes, and such; then relax to watch the picturesque setting of the sun over Silhouette Island, and end your beach time on one of the many beachside restaurants serving fresh seafood and local dishes.
Baobab Pizza is also a good choice to sit down, eat, and have a beer, all while watching the sunset.
7. Petite Anse and Anse Cocos – La Digue
These two beaches are side by side and located just next to Grand Anse – the “beach triplets” of La Digue. Since Grand Anse is the first beach you reach after biking through the forest and the most accessible of the three, it is the most “crowded.” (again, not that crowded)
Petite Anse, on the other hand, is only reachable by hiking along the bushes behind Grand Anse. This already makes it a bit more secluded and “exclusive.” It is just as beautiful as Grand Anse, but with fewer people.
Want even fewer people? Hike a bit more to reach Anse Cocos. Same setting, but virtually empty. Your “private” beach.
8. Port Launay Beach – Mahe
Another excellent beach to go swimming since it is well protected by stunning granite boulders, leaving the water calm and current free.
This is a great beach to picnic with the family as you can relax on that fine powdery white sand while enjoying the views of the beautiful cove. This is also a favorite beach in Mahe, and it tends to get crowded during the weekends.
9. Anse Parnel – Mahe
My favorite moment about Anse Parnel was driving along the coastal road (south to north) and suddenly spotting this beautiful stretch of sand right in front of me, giving me a view of the beach from above, right before the road turned right to take me down to it.
This quiet beach is mostly shaded thanks to its many palm trees jutting over the sand, which is good if you’re looking to relax without getting sunburned with the mid-day sun.
If you’re lucky, you’ll see turtles coming in and out of the water. Luckily, I did! Behind the beach, you’ll find Surfers Restaurant, which is a good spot for lunch and dinner.
10. Anse Takamaka – Mahe
If you’re looking for a quiet beach in Mahe, then this is a good choice. This long stretch beach might not be the best one to swim due to its corals, but it still offers some good spots to bathe and snorkel.
The best thing about Anse Takamaka is that you can relax with almost no one around you while enjoying the stunning granite boulders dotting the white sand shore and crystalline water.
There’s the popular Chez Batista Kreol restaurant by the southern end of the beach, where you can dine on authentic Creole food.
As you saw, all of these beaches are different. Some are ideal for snorkeling, others for swimming, and other are simply visually stunning. Each is worth visiting for their own reason, and they all have the potential to be a highlight of your trip.
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