A complete travel guide to visiting the incredible tidal pool named Ros Sodyer, also commonly referred to as the Mahe Rock Pool in the Seychelles.
Are you looking for an adventure on the incredible Mahé Island of the Seychelles? You’ve found the right page! In this quick guide, I’ll give you a complete run-down on Ros Sodyer near Anse Takamaka, also known as the Mahe rock pool.
I’ll give you two options for how to get here, as well as some photos from my trip that I hope will inspire you to visit this natural attraction on Mahe.
#20 in 26 Best Things to do in Mahe
About the Mahe Rock Pool
This incredible geological formation is located on the rocky coast of Mahé Island. It's a saltwater tidal pool, which fills up with the rising tide. During low tide, you can enjoy a swim in the pool or even cliff-jump into it from the rocks above.
The official name is Ros Sodyer, and it is a natural phenomenon, meaning not man-made. You can reach the pools via a short nature trail hike from Anse Takamaka (more below).
After speaking to my local friend Roddey, who grew up on Mahé, I have now learnt that locals don't like to call Ros Sodyer the "Mahe Rock Pool". That's because the official rock pool is in the north of the island, which is pinned as Machabee Rock Pool.
However, in this guide, I am using both names because most people looking for the Rock Pool on Mahe will be much more interested in the beautiful Ros Sodyer, and not the official Machabee.
Tip: Visit at low tide for the best experience.
How to Get to the Rock Pool on Mahe
There are two options for getting to the Mahe Rock Pool.
The first, and easiest option is to book this famous hiking tour on Viator to the rock pool (Tripadvisor badge of excellence). This trip includes hotel pick-up and a guided nature trail tour to the rock pool. This is great as you'll also get to learn a lot about endemic species of the Seychelles from a qualified, local guide.
This tour has loads of reviews and an overall 5/5 stars, making it one of the best-rated tours on the island.
The second option for how to get to the Mahe Rock Pool is to take a taxi or a bus to Anse Takamaka Beach. There are several buses running around the island, and this only costs SCR 14. However, you'll need to ask around at the stand or at the bus station in Victoria for the correct route to Anse Takamaka.
Anse Takamaka is one of the most beautiful beaches on Mahé, so make sure you time your visit to enjoy it as well!
Tip: If you'd prefer to rent a car on Mahé instead, make sure to first compare prices on Discover Cars. You can often find great prices if you book in advance.
Where is the Mahe Rock Pool (Ros Sodyer)
If you're taking the independent option, below you'll find the exact location of Ros Sodyer, or the famous Mahe Rock Pool.
Once you arrive at Anse Takamaka, you'll find signs on the southern end of the beach indicating the trailhead location. There's also a large car park here amongst tropical trees and palms.
Related: How to Get to Anse Major Beach
The Ultimate Seychelles Travel Resource
Looking for more Seychelles travel guides and inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive guides that will serve as a great resource for your trip.
The Hike to Ros Sodyer Rock Pool
- Hiking Distance: 2.2 km return (1.35 mi)
- Duration: 45-60 minutes return
- Elevation: Undulating (100 m total gain)
- Difficulty: Easy
The nature trail to the Mahe Rock Pool begins at the southern end of Anse Takamaka Beach. To begin, you'll have to walk through private property, which almost looks as if you're about to walk through somebody's yard. Enter, turn left, go through the gate, and you'll see the trail clearly into the jungle.
The hike itself is quite easy, as long as you have a general level of fitness. However, there are some undulating sections and some others where you'll need to climb a steel ladder to get up to the next bit. This is not difficult by any means but could throw some people off.
The nature trail is quite beautiful as you walk through the jungled sections. Towards the end, you'll walk up onto the rocks with views over the Indian Ocean. Continue on and keep an eye out for markings indicating the way to the pool.
The Mahe Rock Pool (Ros Sodyer), only becomes visible right at the end, where you required to descend a rocky surface towards the ocean. I'd imagine this could be quite slippery following heavy rainfall.
Also nearby: Sauzier Waterfall and the Morne Blanc Nature Trail
What to Expect At Ros Sodyer
After a sweaty hike to the rock pool, it was an easy decision to jump right in to cool off! The Ros Sodyer rock pool is a perfectly round, tidal pool at the very edge of the cliff and shielded from behind by a wall of rock.
The pool is very deep. I dove down to try to touch the bottom and I'd say that it is at least 3.5 meters in depth.
I was quite lucky when visiting as I had timed the tides perfectly (low tide), and I had the entire Mahe rock pool to myself! So, I spent about one hour cooling off in the pool and jumping off the wall behind it. The jump is about 3 meters if you launch off the very top. This is by no means a huge jump, but fun nevertheless.
Remember, when cliff jumping, always do a depth check first!
Where to Stay on Mahé
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
More Reasons to Visit Mahé Island, the Seychelles
I hope you've enjoyed this quick guide to visiting the Mahe Rock Pool, also known as Ros Sodyer, at Anse Takamaka on Mahé Island, the Seychelles.
While you're here on my blog, make sure to check out one or two of my other posts. I've spent a great deal of time documenting and photographing my adventures around the islands and I've got loads of spots and tips to share with you. If you're going to visit more islands in the Seychelles, make sure to read my guide to Praslin and my guide to La Digue as well for more great tips!