Discover powder white sand, tropical palm trees, coral reef, and crystal clear waters in this unmissable list of the 18 best beaches in the Seychelles.
The Seychelles is the definition of tropical island paradise. Located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, this archipelago is home to some of the most beautiful and unique beaches in the world.
But, with so many amazing Seychelles beaches to choose from, it’s hard to find the time to visit them all! After spending loads of time exploring and photographing these amazing granitic islands, I’ve formulated this shortlist of the 18 best beaches in the Seychelles to get you inspired!
- 18 Best Beaches in the Seychelles
- 1. Anse Major, Mahe
- 2. Petite Anse, Mahe
- 3. Anse Marron, La Digue
- 4. Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue
- 5. Beau Vallon Beach, Mahe
- 6. Anse Lazio, Praslin
- 7. Anse Royale, Mahe
- 8. Anse Pierrot (Robinson Crusoe Beach), La Digue
- 9. Anse Intendance, Mahe
- 10. Grand Anse, La Digue
- 11. Port Glaud Beach, Mahe
- 12. Cote D’Or Beach (Anse Volbert), Praslin
- 13. Anse La Passe, Silhouette Island
- 14. Anse Cocos, La Digue
- 15. Anse Takamaka, Mahe
- 16. Anse Georgette, Praslin
- 17. Anse St Jose, Curieuse Island
- 18. Cocos Island Beach, Cocos Island
- Where to Stay: Best Seychelles Beach Accommodation
- About this Seychelles Beaches Guide
- Tips for Visiting the Seychelles Beaches
- More Seychelles Travel Guides & Blogs
18 Best Beaches in the Seychelles
1. Anse Major, Mahe
While I haven't compiled this list in any particular order, Anse Major really is up there with the absolute best beaches in the Seychelles.
Anse Major beach is a pristine, white sand beach with crystal clear, deep, turquoise water. You’ll find it located on the northwestern end of Mahe Island. However, to get here, you’ll need to complete a relatively short but scenic nature trail walk.
Book in advance: Anse Major Guided Trail Hike
That’s the only way to get here. Anse Major is one of the most remote beaches on Mahe, with no roads leading to it!
Let me tell you though, this is easily one of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles. The mountain backdrop is out of this world! Take a look at some of the drone shots I captured from this spot below.
2. Petite Anse, Mahe
The second beach on this roundup of the Seychelles best beaches is a little-known paradise that can be found on the western corner of Mahe Island.
Petite Anse is just a short fifteen-minute walk over a tiny hill from Grand Anse, another amazing Seychelles beach that just missed this top 18!
This soft powdery, white sand beach is quite small (hence the name) but is unarguably one of the most pristine beaches in the Seychelles.
While Petite Anse is within the Four Seasons Hotel (one of the best places to stay on Mahe), the good news is that it is open to the public. However, this beach is known to have quite large and high waves, especially when the southeast trade winds blow during the months of May and September.
But, if you’re looking for a relaxing spot with a great view, or perhaps trying to catch one of those famous Mahe sunsets, Petite Anse is definitely up there with one of the best spots on the island!
3. Anse Marron, La Digue
While it was once a hidden-gem, Anse Marron has quickly become one of the most sought-after beaches on La Digue island. However, not everyone gets out here. That's because this remote beach is tucked away on the far, southern end and requires a bit of an adventure to reach.
However, once you arrive, you’ll soon discover why this particular beach has become so famous. Large boulders scatter this tiny, isolated beach, leading into some of the clearest water you’ll find in the Seychelles!
Getting here yourself is definitely not recommended and I’ve been told many tourists have gotten lost trying to find the way. Instead, you can book a guided walking tour to Anse Marron on Viator. This has dozens of 5-star reviews and is actually one of the best-rated tours on the island, so make sure to book in advance.
Book: Guided tour to Anse Marron
Plan Where to Stay in the Seychelles in 2023
Wondering where to stay in the Seychelles? Don't miss these up-to-date accommodation guides.
4. Anse Source D'Argent, La Digue
Okay, I'm sure you won't find a single Seychelles beach guide that doesn't mention Anse Source D'Argent.
This is the Seychelles' most prominent beach, made famous globally for its incredible granite rock formations, silky white-sand shores, and clear shallow waters.
You’ll also discover a shallow, protected lagoon just off its shores, making it one of the safest beaches to swim on the island.
Tip: Anse Source D’Argent is located within the L’Union Estate (Union Estate) on La Digue Island. So, you’ll need to pay an entry fee of 115 SCR to access the beach. However, I'd say that it's a Seychelles rite of passage to visit this spot and it's definitely worth checking out the estate too.
5. Beau Vallon Beach, Mahe
Beau Vallon is a popular tourist hub on the Island of Mahe.
That’s because there really is a lot going on down here, from sprawling restaurants and beach-side bars with live music, to amazing waterfront resorts and hotels.
You'll find this Seychelles beach on the calm, northwest side of the island. This beautiful beach is well-protected by fringing coral reefs, resulting in calm waters. As a result, this amazing strand is perfect for swimming, snorkeling and water sports such as kitesurfing, windsurfing, jet ski riding, and scuba diving.
This beach also provides some of the best views of Silhouette Island and the blue Indian Ocean.
Also, there is a weekly Bazaar held every Wednesday and on the last Saturday of the month at Beau Vallon. Definitely head down to experience a local Seychellois market where you can try delicious food and purchase fresh fruit.
My Hotel Pick in Beau Vallon: Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort
6. Anse Lazio, Praslin
This next beach is truly one of the Seychelles' most beautiful. Nestled in a cove on Praslin’s northwest coast is a breathtaking beach with some of the bluest water on the planet.
Anse Lazio, Praslin Island’s most famous beach, is an epic tropical paradise complete with a row of coconut-filled palms above pristine white sand. It's certainly a picturesque paradise, complete with iconic, weathered granite boulders.
Anse Lazio is often referred to as Praslin’s most beautiful beach and is almost always advertised as the poster boy for the island.
Getting to Anse Lazio is quite easy from the main tourist strip at Cote D'Or. But, it will involve booking some transport due to the remote location.
If you’re short on time then a good idea is to book this day trip which also visits the other Praslin Island highlight: Vallée de Mai.
7. Anse Royale, Mahe
Another amazing beach you'll find on Mahe's east coast is Anse Royale.
This is one of the Seychelles' prettiest beaches. Here, beach lovers can enjoy swimming in peace due to the clear, shallow waters and a protective row of coral reefs.
Additionally, if you’re looking for a beach to go snorkeling at, this is a great option. The azure waters here make it quite spectacular, especially at high tide.
You’ll find it’s also quite easy to get to from Victoria or Eden Island, with a regular bus service running down the east coast and a stop within walking distance of the powdery, white-sand shores.
This is quite a popular beach, located in a small village with the same name. Nearby, you'll find the famous Takamaka Rum Distillery, which is the site where the first Seychelles spice garden was established, all the way back in 1772!
Rental Cars on Mahé
If you're looking to explore the main island of Mahé, it's a good idea to rent your own vehicle. However, I recommend booking this well in advance if you want to secure a good rate as rentals are every limited during the peak season.
That's why I recommend using DiscoverCars to compare prices across different companies on Mahé.
8. Anse Pierrot (Robinson Crusoe Beach), La Digue
If you're a fan of the classic french movie Robinson Crusoe, then you'll definitely want to make a stop at this epic beach!
Anse Pierrot, which is now often referred to as Robinson Crusoe Beach, is an isolated beach just up the coast from Anse Source D'Argent.
This is the site where the famous film was set and where Robinson Crusoe survived on his "deserted island". While fans might be disappointed to find out that the site was in fact not on its own island, the truth is that this beach is in fact quite deserted.
That's because the only way to get here is via boat or kayak, since there are no roads or tracks. If you're planning to visit Anse Source D'Argent, then I highly recommend booking the Crystal Kayaks tour, which will actually make a stop at this amazing beach!
9. Anse Intendance, Mahe
One of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles is located on the southwest corner of Mahe Island. It's known as Anse Intendance, and it's a beautiful long stretch of white sand in a quaint, secluded cove.
This is one of those destinations where photos really don’t do justice! Anse Intendance features a dense row of beautiful, tropical palm trees and amazing turquoise water that will seriously blow you away!
Transportation is quite easy, with regular buses running past its bus stop, just a few meters from the beach. Something to note though is that when the trade winds blow in May-September, Anse Intendance can get some of the most seaweed coverage.
However, this is the best time for surfing as the swell at Anse Intendance can get quite impressive!
10. Grand Anse, La Digue
By now, you'll undoubtedly have realized that La Digue has some of the best beaches in the Seychelles! Although not the most popular, my personal favorite beach is Grand Anse.
This is not to be confused with Grand Anse on Mahe or on Praslin (it seems every island has a Grand Anse).
The Grand Anse I'm referring to is found on the southeast corner of the island. This stretch of white sand drops quickly into deep, turquoise waters and is one of the most relaxing places on earth.
This is an excellent beach for swimming as the water is much deeper than the lagoon at Anse Source D’Argent. However, the surf can pick up and strong currents can occur here. So, it's best only for confident swimmers. There are also a few nice hiking trails near Grand Anse, which I'd highly recommend adding to your list of things to do here.
11. Port Glaud Beach, Mahe
Port Glaud is located at the end of the scenic, cross-island road connecting Victoria to the west coast.
This quaint village is seriously beautiful, and much quieter than other parts of Mahe Island.
Port Glaud beach itself is usually deserted, but the view over Port Launay National Park is quite spectacular. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a great beach for snorkeling, the beautiful Port Glaud and Port Launay National Park has some of the best on the island. What you'll want to do is to look for coral reef patches along the shore, especially around L’Islette Island.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit the Mission Lodge or hike the Morne Blanc Trail, then cooling off afterwards at Port Glaud beach is an excellent idea. Also, make sure to include a stop at Sauzier Waterfall, and perhaps Del Place Restaurant afterward as well.
12. Cote D'Or Beach (Anse Volbert), Praslin
Cote D'Or beach, also known as Anse Vorbert, is Praslin's main tourist and resort hub.
Here, you'll find a long stretch of palm trees, white sand, and clear, shallow waters. There are amazing resorts and beach hotel at almost every inch of this beach, since this is where most people book their accommodation on the island.
Since this beach is very long, you can enjoy those memorable sunrise or sunset walks. There are also a famous set of bent palm trees found right in front of “Galerie Passerose” which is a great spot if you want to take some tropical vacation photos.
Best Resort on Cote D'Or: Acajou Resort
13. Anse La Passe, Silhouette Island
Here's a new one. Silhouette Island isn't exactly one of the main visited islands of the Seychelles. However, that doesn't mean it's not worth visiting.
In fact, Silhouette Island is the perfect place to stay in the Seychelles, especially for a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experience.
There's only one main resort on this island of only 200 inhabitants, and it's the incredible Hilton Labriz Resort & Spa. This resort is right on the shores of Anse La Passe, which is a spectacular white-sand beach with a majestic mountain backdrop.
14. Anse Cocos, La Digue
Coming in at number 14 on this list of the absolute best beaches in the Seychelles is Anse Cocos on La Digue Island.
This beach is unique in a few ways.
Firstly, you'll need to take a short nature trail hike from Grand Anse to reach it. This makes it more secluded than some of the other beaches.
However, let me tell you, that short walk is definitely worth it! This long, white sand beach has one of the most unique swimming spots on the island. It's known as the Anse Cocos rock pools.
Really though, it's just a sheltered lagoon amongst giant granite boulders. But, the crystal clear water here is absolutely superb, and one of the best beaches for swimming in the Seychelles!
15. Anse Takamaka, Mahe
If you find yourself exploring the incredible island of Mahe, make sure to float across to the southwest coast. Here, you'll find Anse Takamaka beach, a picture-perfect tropical paradise that definitely belongs on a postcard.
The name comes from the rows of tropical takamaka trees that line its shores. Takamaka trees are native to the granitic islands of the Seychelles and can grow up to 20 meters in height. The beach itself is very quaint, and much quieter than some of the other popular beaches in the Seychelles.
Also, if you make your way here, ensure you visit Ros Sodyer Rock Pool (tidal pool). This coastal attraction is quite unique and definitely worth visiting on a calm day at low tide.
16. Anse Georgette, Praslin
Anse Georgette is another impeccably gorgeous Seychelles beach located on the north-west side of Praslin Island. This is often referred to as an alternative to Anse Lazio. However, I'd recommend giving both a visit!
Anse Georgette is a much more quiet and laid-back beach than Anse Lazio but the truth is that it's equally as beautiful.
However, to get to Anse Georgette you’ll either need to stay at the Constance Lemuria Resort, or take a scenic 1-hour trial through the jungle. This trail picks up from the west end of Anse Lazio beach and climbs a hill before dropping back down to Anse Georgette.
17. Anse St Jose, Curieuse Island
This next Seychelles beach is located on Curieuse Island, which is a beautiful island just off the coast of Praslin.
St Jose Beach is a long stretch of white sand dropping into shallow water with a long stretch of fringing reef. This is one of the best beaches near Praslin for snorkeling and you can often spot cruising turtles and even some friendly little reef sharks here.
Anse St Jose is easily accessible from Praslin by taking the snorkeling day trip (the best tour on the island).
Perhaps the biggest reason why I'd recommend visiting this island on a day trip is that it houses the largest sanctuary in the inner Seychelles islands for the giant Aldabra Tortoise. You’ll see them walking around freely on the island, where they are protected and a successful breeding program is in place.
If you want to see giant tortoises on your trip to the Seychelles, this is what you'll want to do!
Book in advance: Day trip to Curieuse Island
18. Cocos Island Beach, Cocos Island
To round up this beach guide, I'll finish up with Cocos Island beach.
This is a tiny island located near the islands of La Digue and Praslin. While you can't stay here, it is the best beach to go snorkeling in the Seychelles! As a result, many people make their way here on a day trip from Praslin or La Digue.
Cocos Island is abundant with schooling fish and a few cruising green turtles. The beach itself is a narrow string of white sand connected by large granite boulders.
Cocos Island is very small but neighbors Felicity Island, which is usually included if you book a boat trip from Praslin. The link to the one below also visits La Digue as part of an awesome full-day island hopping adventure.
Book in advance: Cocos Island & Felicity Island Snorkeling Trip
Where to Stay: Best Seychelles Beach Accommodation
Most people visit the Seychelles for the world class beaches on offer. If this sounds like you, then I'll help you out further by giving you some personalized recommendations for where to stay near the beach.
Beach Accommodation on La Digue Island
La Digue is quite a small island and you can get anywhere on a bicycle within 20-30 minutes. You'll find a lot of hotels on the west side of the island near the jetty but only a few along the narrow stretch of coastal road on the mostly inhabited eastern side.
On La Digue, there are a wide variety of hotel and resort offerings ranging from relatively "budget friendly" self-catering lodges to incredible luxury resorts.
Below is a quick summary of the best picks.
- Amazing Chateau: Hotel Chateau St Cloud (Mid-Range) - This is where I stayed on La Digue and I can personally recommend it as one of the best accommodation options on the island. This three-star hotel is perfect as a mid-range option as the location is excellent– just a little out from the main area on a quiet street that is close enough to both the incredible southwest beaches and the port.
- Waterfront Hotel: Le Nautique (High-end) - Rated as one of the best waterfront accommodations on La Digue, Le Nautique is a luxurious offering combining traditional Creole architecture with modern comforts including king-sized beds and rain-showers. Here, you'll also discover an amazing outdoor restaurant and beautiful garden surrounds.
- Self Catering: Dream Holiday (Budget) -located on the northern end of the island very close to the ferry terminal. Offers queen rooms with air-conditioning, TV, private bathrooms, and even a balcony. This is a great option if you're visiting La Digue on a budget while comfort and location are still a priority for you.
- ...9+ more top hotel picks on La Digue
Beachside Accommodation on Praslin Island
Praslin is the second largest of the inner islands and flaunts some incredible hotels and resorts. Being a little sleepier than Mahe, Praslin caters to the more relaxed crowd.
The main area to stay in Praslin is along Cote D'Or Beach. This is the main tourist strip with plenty of hotels and beachside resorts. However, there are also great resorts and accommodation options all over Praslin, including Anse Lazio.
- Amazing Beachside Resort on Cote D'Or: Acajou Beach Resort - Acajou is a beautiful resort offering 4-star accommodation right on the doorstep of the white sands of Cote D'Or. I had the pleasure of staying here and honestly, it was one of the best resorts I've ever stayed at. Acajou offers ocean views rooms, a swimming pool, and some of the best fine dining on the island.
- Luxury Honeymoon Suites: Constance Lemuria - Tucked away between 3 of the best beaches on Praslin, this luxury, 5-star resort is ranked as one of the best honeymoon resorts in the Seychelles. Attached is a luxury spa center complete with a hot tub and sauna set in a palm and bamboo forest.
- Budget Self Catering: Treasure Island Retreat - Those looking to enjoy nature and save a few pennies on accommodation and food, opting for a self-catering stay on Praslin is a good bet. The best one you'll find on the island is Treasure Island Retreat. This hotel offers seafront apartments on Anse Kerlan, each complete with king-sized beds and a fully-equipped kitchen, and a furnished terrace or balcony.
- ...7+ More Top Picks in this Praslin Accommodation Guide
Beachside Accommodation on Mahe Island
Mahé is the main island and home to Victoria, the capital city of the Seychelles. It's the largest of the inner islands and has several great places to stay. Here is a quick area guide with the top 4 accommodation recommendations below.
- Victoria and Eden Island for nightlife
- Beau Vallon for beaches and restaurants
- Private islands for the ultimate island experience
Top Accommodation Picks
- Top pick on Mahé: Eden Bleu Hotel (Eden Island) - The Eden Bleu Hotel is one of the best places to stay if you're looking to be close to the Victoria and on Eden Island. It's an amazing contemporary hotel on the foreshore of Eden Island's prestigious marina.
- Mid-range resort: Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort - This beautiful, beachfront resort and casino combo offers elegantly furnished rooms with all the facilities you could ever want. Here, you'll find a large pool, three restaurants, a pizzeria, a fitness center, PADI diving center, and a tennis court.
- Budget self-catering Studio: Precious Residence - If you want to explore Mahé on a budget, then self-catering accommodation is your best bet. Precious Residence is an apartment with excellent reviews (9.5/10), offering budget apartments equipped with free WiFi, air conditioning, and a kitchenette on Grand Anse (west coast).
- Ultimate getaway: JA Enchanted Island Resort - Looking for the ultimate Indian Ocean getaway? JA Enchanted Island Resort is an impeccably beautiful resort located on a tiny private island on the footsteps of the St Anne Marine Park.
- ...10+ More Top Recommendations in this guide to where to stay on Mahé
About this Seychelles Beaches Guide
In this travel guide to the Seychelles best beaches, I've included picks from a few different islands in the main, inner island group. If you're still thinking about planning a Seychelles vacation, you might want to read my guide breaking down which islands to stay at.
Otherwise, I've also written a comprehensive travel guide to Mahe Island, Praslin Island, and La Digue Island to get you inspired. Below, you'll also find independent posts breaking down the absolute best beaches in the Seychelles by island.
Tips for Visiting the Seychelles Beaches
Before you go beach hopping in the Seychelles, check out these quick and useful tips!
The Best to go Beach Hopping in the Seychelles
Situated near the equator within the subequatorial climatic zone, the Seychelles enjoys a tropical and stable climate with a constant temperature range between 25-35°C.
As a result, you can generally expect sunny weather year-round with no risk of cyclones. However, there are periods of seasonal rainfall which tend to begin in December and finish in March.
Many sources say that the best time to visit the Seychelles beaches is during the months of April and May and October and November. However, I visited in December and as you can see from the photos, I enjoyed excellent weather!
How to Get to the Other Inner Islands from Mahe
If this beach list has overloaded you with options, don't worry.
Traveling and island hopping in the Seychelles is actually very easy. In fact, I would recommend that everyone should visit more than one island to get the most out of their experience.
How to get to Mahe
This is the main island of the Seychelles At Mahe, you'll find the Seychelles International Airport. As a result, most tourists will land here first when flying into the Seychelles.
Tip: Compare flight fares on Skyscanner and CheapOAir to get the best deals.
How to get to Praslin
There are three main options for getting to Praslin Island from Mahe. I’ve written this detailed guide which goes into the details but here’s a quick summary.
Mahe to Praslin Ferry
Taking the Cat Cocos ferry is the most cost-effective and popular way to get to Praslin. It departs from Mahe and takes roughly 1 hour to arrive at Baie Sainte Anne and it costs €50. You can book this online in advance to secure a spot.
Mahe to Praslin Flight
Yes, there’s also a flight and this is what I did. Regular flights are run by Air Seychelles and depart from the Mahe Domestic Terminal (same as the international airport). The plane is tiny, accommodating about 12 people. What’s great about this option is you’ll get to see the islands from the air on a scenic flight that lasts about 10-15 minutes.
How to Get to La Digue
Again, there are two similar options to get to La Digue to start exploring the amazing Seychelles beaches here. Here's the complete guide.
Mahe to La Digue Ferry
Firstly, you could take the Cat Cocos (fast ferry) directly to La Digue Island from Mahe, which costs roughly €60 and takes 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Mahe to Praslin Flight > Ferry to La Digue
Your second option is to take the Air Seychelles scenic flight to Praslin, then take the Cat Rose to La Digue Island. This is a scenic option and includes a breathtaking low-flying flight over the islands.
More Seychelles Travel Guides & Blogs
And that's a wrap for this massive list of the absolute best beaches in the Seychelles! I really hope that it's inspired you to visit this amazing tropical archipelago.
While you're here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other articles. I've written loads more guides and travel reports from my experiences on the islands and beaches.