The ranked guide · Updated for 2026 · By locals who beach-hop weekly

The 18 best beaches in Seychelles, ranked and mapped

Seychelles has over 60 named beaches across 115 islands. Some are world-famous, others are hidden coves you might have entirely to yourself. This is the complete ranked guide across Mahé, Praslin and La Digue: every beach photographed, scored, pinned on Google Maps, and explained honestly, including how to get there and whether you can actually swim.

Quick answer: The top-rated beaches in Seychelles are Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue) for its iconic granite boulders, Anse Lazio (Praslin) for raw beauty, and Anse Intendance (Mahé) for dramatic wild surf. Most of the best beaches are not reachable by bus: on Mahé, 8 of the top 10 need a car, and Praslin's two famous beaches have no bus at all. A rental car from €45/day with free airport and jetty delivery is the only way to explore them freely.
Jump to the ranking Rent a car from €45/day
18 beachesAcross 3 islands
Every onePinned on Google Maps
11 of 18Unreachable by bus
All publicEvery beach, by law
Mahé · 10 beaches

The best beaches on Mahé

The main island has the greatest variety: busy sunset stretches, reef-calm family bays, and deserted coves at the end of mountain roads. The access chip on each card tells you honestly how to get there.

1 Beau Vallon beach on Mahé, the most popular sunset beach in Seychelles
North Mahé · 1.5 km stretch · Sunset-facing

Beau Vallon

4.7SeyBooking score

The most popular beach on Mahé and the social centre of the island. A long crescent of white sand facing west, which makes it the best sunset spot on the island. Calm, shallow water year-round, safe for families and children. Restaurants, bars and water sports operators line the beach: the only "beach town" atmosphere in Seychelles.

Best for: Families, sunsets, swimming, snorkelling, restaurants Facilities: Full: restaurants, showers, water sports, shops Map: -4.6211, 55.4278 · Open pin
Bus OK · Route 22A Swimming: calm year-round
2 Anse Intendance wild surf beach with palms in south Mahé, Seychelles
South Mahé · 500m · Wild surf

Anse Intendance

4.8SeyBooking score

Dramatic, untouched and powerful: the beach that makes people fall in love with Seychelles. Towering waves crash onto pristine white sand backed by coconut palms and lush green hills. No restaurants, no umbrellas, no crowds, just raw natural beauty. The surf can be strong, especially June to September, which adds to the spectacle even if you don't swim. One of the best beaches on earth for photography.

Best for: Photography, nature lovers, experienced swimmers Facilities: None, bring water Map: -4.7857, 55.5005 · Open pin
Car needed Caution: strong currents Jun–Sep
3 Anse Royale reef-protected swimming bay on the east coast of Mahé
East Mahé · 600m · Sheltered bay

Anse Royale

4.5SeyBooking score

A sheltered, calm bay on the east coast, protected by a reef that makes it one of the safest swimming beaches year-round. Popular with local families and visitors who prefer calm water over surf, with several restaurants and small shops nearby. Also one of the most popular beaches for beach weddings: the gentle conditions and soft light suit ceremonies at any hour.

Best for: Families, calm swimming, weddings, snorkelling Facilities: Restaurants, small shops Map: -4.7406, 55.5070 · Open pin
Bus OK · Route 2A Calm year-round (reef-protected)
4 Baie Lazare beach with granite boulders in southwest Mahé, Seychelles
Southwest Mahé · Granite boulders

Baie Lazare

4.6SeyBooking score

Massive granite boulders frame a stretch of fine white sand on the southwest coast, creating natural swimming pools and shaded spots. The afternoon light here is spectacular: the granite acts as a natural reflector, making it one of the best beaches for photography. Quieter than Beau Vallon, more accessible than Anse Intendance, and a favourite with returning visitors who know the island well.

Best for: Photography, couples, secluded feeling Facilities: Limited, nearby hotels Map: -4.7484, 55.4838 · Open pin
Car needed Generally calm, monsoon currents
5 Anse Soleil hidden golden cove on the west coast of Mahé, Seychelles
West Mahé · Hidden cove

Anse Soleil

4.7SeyBooking score

A small, intimate cove tucked away on the west coast, reached by a narrow road winding through the hills. Anse Soleil feels like a secret: a curve of golden sand framed by palms and granite, with one small restaurant (Anse Soleil Beachcomber) serving excellent Creole food. Arrive before noon to claim a spot. No bus service, so a rental car is the only way in.

Best for: Romantic escapes, Creole lunch, quiet swimming Facilities: One restaurant Map: -4.7615, 55.4654 · Open pin
Car needed Good: sheltered cove
6 Anse Takamaka beach with leaning coconut palms in south Mahé, Seychelles
South Mahé · Coconut palms

Anse Takamaka

4.7SeyBooking score

Postcard-perfect: a wide arc of sand lined with tall coconut palms that lean out over the water at exactly the angle you see in travel magazines. The trees provide natural shade and a small stream enters the sea at one end. Quieter than Anse Intendance just around the corner, with slightly calmer water. One of the best beaches on Mahé for a late-afternoon picnic.

Best for: Picnics, shade under palms, photography Facilities: Very limited Map: -4.7903, 55.5040 · Open pin
Car needed Generally OK, some currents
7 Anse Major remote beach at the end of the coastal hiking trail, Mahé
Northwest Mahé · Remote hiking trail

Anse Major

4.6SeyBooking score

The reward at the end of a 45-minute coastal hiking trail from Danzil, near Beau Vallon. No road access at all: you hike or take a boat, and that isolation means you may have the entire beach to yourself. Crystal-clear, calm water perfect for snorkelling. Bring everything you need, since there are no facilities. Park your rental car at the trailhead in Danzil.

Best for: Adventurers, snorkelling, solitude Facilities: None, bring water and snacks Map: -4.6296, 55.3923 · Open pin
Hike · 45 min from Danzil Excellent: calm and clear
8 Petite Anse pristine cove at the Four Seasons Resort, southwest Mahé
Southwest Mahé · Resort beach

Petite Anse (Four Seasons)

4.7SeyBooking score

Located within the Four Seasons Resort but accessible to the public, since all Seychelles beaches are public by law. A small, pristine cove surrounded by lush vegetation, maintained beautifully by the resort. Drive to the Four Seasons entrance and walk through; staff will direct you. One of the most Instagram-worthy beaches on Mahé.

Best for: Instagram, couples, quiet luxury Facilities: Resort facilities for guests Map: -4.7397, 55.4673 · Open pin
Car needed Variable: can have currents
9 Police Bay wild untamed beach at the southern tip of Mahé, Seychelles
Far south Mahé · End of the road

Police Bay

4.4SeyBooking score

The southernmost beach on Mahé, literally the end of the road. A wild, untamed beach with powerful waves and no development at all. Not for swimming, since the currents are dangerous, but the rugged beauty is unforgettable. Walk south from Anse Intendance along the coast or drive to the end of the road past Quatre Bornes. You will almost certainly be alone.

Best for: Nature, solitude, dramatic scenery Facilities: None Map: -4.8047, 55.5113 · Open pin
Car needed No swimming: dangerous currents
10 Port Launay marine park bay with calm water for snorkelling, Mahé
Northwest Mahé · Marine park

Port Launay

4.6SeyBooking score

A calm, sheltered bay on the northwest coast inside a marine national park. The water is clear and home to sea turtles, which you can snorkel with right from the shore. Between October and January, whale sharks have been spotted here. The Constance Ephelia Resort sits at one end, but the beach is public and accessible by car.

Best for: Snorkelling, sea turtles, calm water Facilities: Limited, resort nearby Map: -4.6494, 55.3884 · Open pin
Car needed Excellent: calm bay
The honest arithmetic

8 out of 10 Mahé beaches require a car

Bus service only reaches Beau Vallon and Anse Royale reliably, and the last bus leaves at 7 PM, long before sunset at the southern coves. A rental car from €45/day with free airport delivery turns this whole list into your itinerary.

Rent a car on Mahé, from €45/day
Praslin · 4 beaches

The best beaches on Praslin

Praslin is home to two of the most famous beaches in the world, and there is no public bus to either of them. We deliver rental cars free to the Praslin jetty, timed to your ferry.

11 Anse Lazio on Praslin, consistently rated among the world's best beaches
North Praslin · Consistently rated world's best

Anse Lazio

4.9SeyBooking score

Regularly voted among the most beautiful beaches on earth. A wide crescent of powdery white sand framed by two headlands of enormous granite boulders, with water transitioning from pale turquoise to deep blue. Good snorkelling around the rocks at both ends, and a small restaurant (Bonbon Plume) at one end. Arrive early, since it gets busy by mid-morning. The drive from Baie Sainte Anne takes about 20 minutes on a winding road through the hills.

Best for: Everyone: the beach you must not miss Facilities: One restaurant, toilets Map: -4.2930, 55.6963 · Open pin
Car needed Good: some current east side
12 Anse Georgette secluded beach behind Constance Lemuria on Praslin
North Praslin · Secluded, within Constance Lemuria

Anse Georgette

4.9SeyBooking score

Hidden behind the Constance Lemuria golf course, Anse Georgette is one of the most exclusive-feeling beaches in Seychelles. Access is through the resort grounds: drive to the entrance and walk through, since all beaches in Seychelles are public by law. No crowds, no vendors, no noise. Just white sand, turquoise water and granite sculpted over millennia. A favourite for wedding ceremonies (additional venue fee applies).

Best for: Solitude, romance, weddings Facilities: None on the beach Map: -4.3065, 55.6800 · Open pin
Car + walk through resort Good: calm and clear
13 Côte d'Or Anse Volbert, the longest beach on Praslin, Seychelles
East Praslin · Longest beach on the island

Côte d'Or (Anse Volbert)

4.5SeyBooking score

The longest beach on Praslin and the main tourist strip, with hotels, restaurants, dive centres and shops lining the road behind the sand. Calm water, good snorkelling, and views across to Curieuse Island. A practical base, though for the real Praslin experience you rent a car and drive to Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette.

Best for: Convenience, facilities, snorkelling Facilities: Full: hotels, restaurants, shops Map: -4.3092, 55.7497 · Open pin
Near jetty · walkable Calm year-round
14 Anse La Blague quiet local beach on southeast Praslin, Seychelles
Southeast Praslin · Quiet, local favourite

Anse La Blague

4.3SeyBooking score

A quieter alternative to Côte d'Or, tucked away on the southeast coast. No crowds, no hotels directly on the sand: a genuine local beach where you can sit under a takamaka tree and watch the boats come in. A short drive from Baie Sainte Anne.

Best for: Quiet relaxation, local atmosphere Facilities: None Map: -4.3220, 55.7660 · Open pin
Car needed Calm: shallow
No bus. No excuses needed.

No bus to Anse Lazio. No bus to Anse Georgette.

The two best beaches on Praslin require a car, and we deliver yours free to the Baie Ste Anne jetty, timed to your Cat Cocos ferry. Step off the boat, pick up the keys, be at Anse Lazio in 20 minutes.

Rent a car on Praslin, free jetty delivery
La Digue · 4 beaches

The best beaches on La Digue

La Digue is a car-free island: you get around by bicycle or on foot, and it's home to the most photographed beach in the world. Reach La Digue by Cat Cocos ferry from Praslin (15 minutes) or Mahé (90 minutes).

15 Anse Source d'Argent granite boulders on La Digue, the world's most photographed beach
West La Digue · The world's most photographed beach

Anse Source d'Argent

5.0SeyBooking score

The most iconic beach in the Indian Ocean. Enormous sculpted granite boulders, some the size of houses, create a labyrinth of tiny coves, shallow pools and hidden stretches of pink-tinged sand. The water is knee-deep and crystal clear for dozens of metres out. Access is through L'Union Estate (small entry fee); cycle from La Passe jetty in 10 minutes. Best in the late afternoon when the light turns golden and the day-trippers have left. A top location for wedding photography (surcharge applies).

Best for: Photography, wading, exploring granite formations Facilities: Cafe at L'Union Estate Map: -4.3726, 55.8273 · Open pin
Bicycle + entry fee (L'Union Estate) Shallow wading, not deep swimming
16 Grand Anse wild ocean-facing beach on La Digue, Seychelles
Southeast La Digue · Wild and powerful

Grand Anse

4.7SeyBooking score

A long, sweeping beach on the wild side of La Digue, facing the open ocean. Strong waves, untouched sand, and not a building in sight. Swimming is dangerous here due to powerful currents, but the scenery is stunning. From Grand Anse you can walk 15 minutes along a coastal trail to Petite Anse and then on to Anse Cocos, each more beautiful than the last.

Best for: Scenery, hiking, photography Facilities: Small snack shop Map: -4.3776, 55.8418 · Open pin
Bicycle · 20 min from La Passe No swimming: dangerous currents
17 Anse Cocos hidden beach with natural rock pool on La Digue, Seychelles
East La Digue · Hidden natural pool

Anse Cocos

4.8SeyBooking score

The hidden gem at the end of the trail. Walk from Grand Anse through the forest for 30 minutes and you arrive at a beach with a natural rock pool sheltered from the open ocean. The pool is safe for swimming even when the main beach has dangerous surf, and you will likely have it to yourself. Bring water and snacks, since there is nothing here but nature.

Best for: Adventure, natural swimming pool, solitude Facilities: None Map: -4.3650, 55.8490 · Open pin
Hike · 30 min from Grand Anse Natural pool safe; main beach dangerous
18 Anse Sévère calm snorkelling bay near the jetty on La Digue, Seychelles
North La Digue · Best snorkelling

Anse Sévère

4.6SeyBooking score

The best snorkelling beach on La Digue: a small, sheltered bay just north of the jetty where colourful fish, rays and sea turtles can be spotted right from the shore. Calm water year-round. Bring your own snorkel or rent one nearby. A popular location for intimate beach wedding ceremonies.

Best for: Snorkelling, sea turtles, calm swimming Facilities: Nearby restaurants Map: -4.3493, 55.8288 · Open pin
Bicycle · 5 min from La Passe Excellent: calm and sheltered
Good questions

Seychelles beaches: FAQ

What is the best beach in Seychelles?

It depends on what you want. Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue) is the most iconic and photographed. Anse Lazio (Praslin) is consistently rated the most beautiful for its scale and colour. Anse Intendance (Mahé) offers the most dramatic wild scenery, and Beau Vallon (Mahé) is the best all-rounder with restaurants, sunset views and calm water.

Do I need a car to visit the best beaches in Seychelles?

On Mahé and Praslin, yes. The majority of the best beaches have no bus service, including Anse Intendance, Anse Soleil, Baie Lazare, Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. A rental car from €45/day with free delivery to the airport or jetty is the only practical way to explore them. On La Digue, you get around by bicycle.

Is it safe to swim at Seychelles beaches?

Most beaches are safe, but several have strong currents, particularly south- and west-facing beaches during the southeast monsoon from June to September. Anse Intendance, Grand Anse (La Digue) and Police Bay can have dangerous surf, so always check local conditions. Beau Vallon, Anse Royale, Côte d'Or and Anse Source d'Argent are calm year-round.

Which island has the best beaches?

La Digue has the most photogenic beaches. Praslin has the most stunning individual beaches in Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette. Mahé has the greatest variety, from busy tourist beaches to completely deserted coves. Most visitors island-hop to see all three, taking the Cat Cocos ferry between them.

Are all beaches in Seychelles public?

Yes. Every beach in Seychelles is public by law, including those in front of luxury resorts like the Four Seasons (Petite Anse) and Constance Lemuria (Anse Georgette). You may need to walk through resort grounds, and staff will direct you.

From €45/day · No deposit · Free airport & jetty delivery

18 beaches. One set of keys.

The best beaches are off the bus route, and the light is best after the last bus has gone home. A rental car gives you the freedom to beach-hop all day and stay for sunset. Unlimited mileage, insurance included.

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