The best sunsets in Seychelles are on the west-facing coasts, where the sun drops into the ocean. On Mahe, Beau Vallon is the easy classic, with quieter sunsets around Port Launay and Bel Ombre on the calm west coast. On Praslin, Cote d'Or and Anse Lazio glow in the late afternoon, and on car-free La Digue the western shore near La Passe is lovely. The hill viewpoints of Mahe give sweeping panoramas. Arrive early, face west, and a hire car helps reach the quieter spots and viewpoints at the right hour.
A Seychelles sunset is one of the great free pleasures of the islands, the sky turning gold and rose over a granite-framed sea, the heat of the day softening into something gentle. The trick to catching the best of them is knowing where to be, because the finest sunsets are on the west-facing coasts where the sun drops straight into the ocean. Here are the best places to watch, and how to make the moment count.
Mahe: the west coast
The western beaches of Mahe are the island’s sunset stage. Beau Vallon, facing northwest, is the easy classic, a long beach where you can watch the sun go down with a drink in hand and somewhere to eat right behind you. Further along the calm west coast, the sheltered bays around Port Launay and Bel Ombre give quieter, more secluded sunsets over the marine-park water.
Praslin: Cote d’Or and the west
On Praslin, the long bay of Cote d’Or and the western beaches catch a beautiful evening light, with the granite and the calm water glowing as the sun sinks. Anse Lazio, on the northwest, is glorious in the late afternoon as the golden hour builds towards dusk.
La Digue: the western shore
On car-free La Digue, the western shore near La Passe and the beaches along that side give lovely sunsets, and there are few finer ways to end a day of cycling than watching the sky change from the sand.
Up high: the viewpoints
For a different perspective, the hill viewpoints of Mahe, reached on a drive up into the Morne Seychellois interior, give sweeping sunset panoramas over islands and ocean. A sundowner with a view from the heights is a memorable change from the beach.
Tips for the best sunset
- Arrive early. Get there well before the sun touches the horizon, as the best colour often comes in the half hour around and after sunset.
- Face west. The west-facing beaches and bays are where the sun sets over the water, which is the shot everyone wants.
- Bring a layer and a drink. A sundowner makes the wait part of the pleasure.
- A hire car helps. It lets you reach the quieter west-coast bays and the hill viewpoints at the right hour.
Photographing the sunset
The golden and blue hours around sunset give the islands their most flattering light, which is why they are prized for photography and beach weddings alike. For a couples session, an engagement, an elopement or a wedding, the sunset on a west-facing beach is hard to beat, and a photographer who knows the timing and the spots will make the most of those few perfect minutes.
Plan your evenings
Build a sunset or two into your trip, on a west-facing beach or a hill viewpoint, and let it become the gentle close to each day. Book a hire car to reach the best spots at the right hour, and if you want to keep the light forever, see our photography and film packages for a sunset session.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to watch the sunset in Seychelles?
On the west-facing coasts. Beau Vallon on Mahe is the easy classic, with quieter sunsets around Port Launay. On Praslin, Cote d'Or and Anse Lazio glow at dusk, on La Digue the western shore is lovely, and Mahe's hill viewpoints give sweeping panoramas.
What time is sunset in Seychelles?
Sitting near the equator, Seychelles has fairly consistent sunset times year round, in the early evening. The best colour often comes in the half hour around and after the sun touches the horizon, so arrive in good time.
Which beaches face west for sunset in Seychelles?
Beau Vallon and the Port Launay and Bel Ombre bays on Mahe, the western beaches of Praslin including Cote d'Or and Anse Lazio at dusk, and the western shore of La Digue near La Passe all catch the sun setting over the water.
Can you do a sunset photoshoot in Seychelles?
Yes, and the golden and blue hours around sunset give the islands their most flattering light, prized for couples sessions, engagements, elopements and weddings on west-facing beaches. A local photographer who knows the timing makes the most of those minutes.
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