The Best Beaches to Visit in Seychelles: A Tropical Paradise

If you're a beach lover, Seychelles should be at the top of your list of travel destinations. This archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean is a paradise with a perfect combination of natural beauty, tranquility, and adventure. With more than 115 islands, Seychelles boasts some of the world's most stunning beaches, ranging from secluded coves to vast expanses of pristine coastline.

Seychelles is known for its crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and palm-fringed beaches, providing a picturesque setting for relaxation, water sports, and exploration. The beaches here are beautiful and diverse in their geography and offerings. Some are perfect for sunbathing and swimming, while others are ideal for snorkeling, diving, and surfing. In this article, we'll explore the top beaches in Seychelles, each with unique charm and character. We'll also provide information on what to pack for a beach vacation, the best hotels to stay in Seychelles and answer frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to this stunning destination. So, get ready to soak up the sun, feel the sand between your toes, and let the waves soothe your soul as we take you on a journey to the best beaches in Seychelles.

An Overview of Seychelles

Seychelles is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. It is an archipelago of 115 islands, many of which are uninhabited. The capital of Seychelles is Victoria, located on the main island of Mah. The official languages are English, French, and Creole; the currency is the Seychellois rupee. Seychelles has a rich history, with influences from various cultures such as African, French, British, Indian, and Chinese.

Why Seychelles is a Great Beach Destination

Seychelles is a fantastic beach destination because of its stunning natural beauty. The beaches in Seychelles are some of the most beautiful in the world, with crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and palm trees. The marine life in Seychelles is also incredible, with over 1,000 species of fish and other aquatic animals such as sea turtles, dolphins, and whales. Seychelles also has a warm tropical climate, making it a perfect beach destination all year round.

Best Time to Visit Seychelles

The best time to visit Seychelles is from April to May or October to November. During these months, the weather is warm, and the seas are calm, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The peak tourist season in Seychelles is from December to January and July to August, so it is best to avoid these months if you want to avoid crowds and high prices.

Top Beaches to Visit in Seychelles

Seychelles has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and here are some of the top ones you should not miss:

Anse Source d'Argent

Anse Source d'Argent is located on La Digue Island in Seychelles and is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. The beach is known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and massive granite boulders that create stunning formations.

Best places to explore near the beach:

Visitors can explore the nearby Veuve Reserve, a protected area home to the endangered Seychelles paradise flycatcher. Visitors can also rent a bike or hike to nearby beaches, such as Anse Marron or Anse Fourmis.

Best places to stay:

La Digue Island has several accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. Some popular places to stay include Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort and Spa, Patatran Village Hotel, and Le Repaire Boutique Hotel.

Best activities to do:

Anse Source d'Argent is a great destination for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Visitors can also explore the beach's stunning granite formations, hike to nearby beaches, or rent a bike to explore the island.

Anse Georgette Beach

Anse Georgette is located on Praslin Island and is considered one of the country's most beautiful and secluded beaches in Seychelles. The beach is surrounded by lush vegetation and granite boulders and offers visitors a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

Best places to explore near the beach:

Visitors can explore the nearby Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique flora and fauna. Visitors can also take boat tours to islands such as Curieuse Island or St. Pierre Island.

Best places to stay:

Many accommodation options are near Anse Georgette, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. Some popular places to stay include Constance Lemuria, Raffles Seychelles, and Paradise Sun Hotel.

Best activities to do:

Anse Georgette is a great destination for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Visitors can also explore the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve or take a boat tour to nearby islands. The beach is also famous for snorkeling and diving; visitors can explore the surrounding coral reefs.

Anse Lazio Beach

Anse Lazio is located on Praslin Island in Seychelles and is considered one of the world's most beautiful and pristine beaches. The beach is known for its white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning granite boulders.

Best places to explore near the beach:

Visitors can explore the nearby Curieuse Island, home to giant Aldabra tortoises and mangrove forests. Visitors can also take a boat tour to nearby islands such as Cousin Island or Aride Island.

Best places to stay:

Many accommodation options are near Anse Lazio, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. Some popular places to stay include Constance Lemuria, Raffles Seychelles, and Paradise Sun Hotel.

Best activities to do:

Anse Lazio is a great destination for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Visitors can also explore the nearby Curieuse Island or take a boat tour to other nearby islands. The beach is also famous for snorkeling and diving; visitors can explore the surrounding coral reefs. Additionally, visitors can hike to the nearby viewpoint at Anse Madge for stunning views of the beach and surrounding area.

Beau Vallon Beach

Beau Vallon Beach is a popular destination located on the northern coast of Mahe Island in Seychelles. It is one of the most visited beaches in the country, known for its clear blue waters, white sand, and stunning sunsets.

Best places to explore near the beach:

Many attractions and places to explore near Beau Vallon Beach, including the Ste Anne Marine National Park, where visitors can snorkel and dive to explore the vibrant marine life. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the surrounding area to see the island's unique flora and fauna. The Victoria Market is also a short drive away and offers visitors a chance to shop for local crafts and souvenirs.

Best places to stay:

Many accommodations are near Beau Vallon Beach, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. Some popular places to stay include Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa, Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel, and Carana Beach Hotel.

Best activities to do:

Beau Vallon Beach is a great destination for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can hire local fishermen to take them on a fishing trip. Additionally, visitors can explore the nearby hills and forests by hiking to other nearby beaches and viewpoints.

Anse Royale Beach

Anse Royale is a beautiful beach located on the southeastern coast of Mahe Island in Seychelles. It is one of the longest beaches on the island and a popular destination for tourists and locals.

Best places to explore near the beach:

There are many attractions and places to explore near Anse Royale, including the nearby Anse Forbans and Anse aux Pins beaches. Visitors can also visit the local Takamaka Bay Distillery, where they can learn about making rum and sample some of the local drinks. Additionally, the Jardin du Roi Spice Garden is a short drive away and allows visitors to explore the island's unique flora and fauna.

Best places to stay:

Many accommodation options near Anse Royale include hotels, resorts, and guesthouses. Some popular places to stay include Kempinski Seychelles Resort, Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel, and Crown Beach Hotel Seychelles.

Best activities to do:

Anse Royale is a great destination for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking. The beach is also a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can hire local fishermen to take them on a fishing trip. Additionally, visitors can explore the nearby hills and forests by hiking to other nearby beaches and viewpoints.

Anse Cocos Beach

Anse Cocos is a stunning beach on the southeastern coast of La Digue Island in Seychelles. It is accessible via a scenic hike through the island's lush forests, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.

Best places to explore near the beach:

Aside from the beach itself, visitors can explore the nearby Anse Marron, which is another secluded beach accessible only on foot. The Nid d'Aigle viewpoint is also nearby, offering panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean. Visitors can also hike to the nearby Grande Anse beach, another beautiful spot on the island.

Best places to stay:

Visitors can find accommodation options in nearby villages and towns because Anse Cocos is located on La Digue Island. Some popular places to stay on the island include La Digue Island Lodge, Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie Resort and Spa, and Pension Hibiscus.

Best activities to do:

Anse Cocos is a popular destination for a romantic vacation in Seychelles. You can do swimming, snorkel, and sunbathe and also explore the nearby forests and hills by hiking to other nearby beaches and viewpoints. The beach is an excellent spot for a picnic, and visitors can also take a boat tour of the surrounding area to see the island's unique flora and fauna.

Anse Takamaka Beach

Anse Takamaka is a beautiful beach on the southwestern coast of Mahe Island in Seychelles. It is known for its serene atmosphere, turquoise water, and golden sand. The beach is named after the Takamaka tree that grows abundantly.

Best places to explore near the beach:

Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Anse Intendance, another stunning beach just a short drive away. The Seychelles Tea Factory is also nearby, where visitors can tour and learn about tea production in Seychelles. Additionally, visitors can explore the nearby Morne Seychellois National Park, home to many endemic species of flora and fauna.

Best places to stay:

Many accommodation options near Anse Takamaka include resorts, hotels, and guesthouses. Some popular places to stay include Kempinski Seychelles Resort, The H Resort Beau Vallon Beach, and Constance Ephelia Resort.

Best activities to do:

Anse Takamaka is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. Visitors can also enjoy water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking. The beach is a popular spot for fishing, and visitors can hire local fishermen to take them on a fishing trip. Visitors can also hike in the nearby Morne Seychellois National Park or explore the local culture by visiting nearby villages and markets.

Grand Anse Beach

Grand Anse is a pristine beach on the southeastern coast of La Digue Island in Seychelles. It is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with its long stretch of white sand, turquoise water, and granite boulders that make for stunning photo opportunities.

Best places to explore near the beach:

There are many attractions near Grand Anse that visitors can explore. One of the most popular is the Veuve Nature Reserve, home to the endangered Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher. Visitors can also take a short hike to Belle Vue, which offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean.

Best places to stay:

Although there are not many accommodation options near Grand Anse, visitors can find some great guesthouses and small hotels nearby. Some popular places to stay include Le Repaire Boutique Hotel, Villa Authentique, and Chalets D'Anse Reunion.

Best activities to do:

Grand Anse is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, but visitors can also explore the nearby coral reefs by snorkeling or diving. The beach is also an excellent spot for fishing, with many local fishermen offering boat tours. Visitors can also take a bicycle tour of the island to see its unique flora and fauna and learn about the local culture.

Anse Volbert Beach

Anse Volbert, also known as Cote D'Or, is one of the most popular beaches in Seychelles, located on the northeastern coast of Praslin Island. This stunning beach is known for its crystal-clear water, white sandy beach, and palm trees that provide shade to visitors. Anse Volbert is also known for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and bars offering various cuisines and drinks.

Best places to explore near the beach:

Visitors can explore the nearby attractions, including the Valle de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rare coco de mer palm trees, and Curieuse Island, which is home to giant tortoises and a breeding ground for hawksbill turtles.

Best places to stay:

Many accommodation options near Anse Volbert include hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments. Some popular places to stay include Paradise Sun Hotel, Berjaya Praslin Resort, and Le Duc de Praslin.

Best activities to do:

Anse Volbert offers many activities, including swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving. Visitors can also rent kayaks, paddleboards, or jet skis to explore the beautiful coastline. The beach is also great for beach volleyball and other water sports. Additionally, visitors can take a day trip to nearby islands, such as La Digue, for hiking and exploring the local culture.

Conclusion

Seychelles is a beach paradise that offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking sun, sand, and adventure. The beaches we've highlighted are just the tip of the iceberg, as plenty more hidden gems are waiting to be discovered in this idyllic destination. From swimming with turtles to exploring local culture, Seychelles has something for everyone.

As you plan your trip to Seychelles, pack sunscreen, swimwear, and comfortable shoes for exploring. And don't forget to check out Leisure for more updates and inspiration on the best places to visit in Seychelles and beyond. With its stunning beaches, warm hospitality, and diverse culture, Seychelles will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today and experience the magic of Seychelles for yourself!

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Seychelles beaches?

The best time to visit Seychelles beaches is between April and May or October and November when the weather is pleasant and the sea is calm.

Do I need a visa to visit Seychelles beaches?

Visitors from most countries do not require a visa to visit Seychelles beaches. However, it is recommended to check the visa requirements before traveling.

Are the Seychelles beaches safe for swimming?

Yes, Seychelles beaches are generally safe for swimming. However, checking the local conditions and following the lifeguard's instructions is advisable.

What should I pack for a trip to Seychelles beaches?

When packing for a trip to Seychelles beaches, it is recommended to bring light clothes, sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, and comfortable shoes to explore nearby attractions. Don't forget your swimwear, snorkeling gear, and camera to capture the stunning views.