Beach & Sun Seychelles
Your complete guide to the world's most beautiful island beaches
You're standing on Anse Source d'Argent. Granite boulders taller than houses frame powder-white sand. The water is so clear you can count fish from shore.
Seychelles has 115 islands and more dream beaches than you'll ever visit. Some are famous—Anse Lazio, Beau Vallon, Anse Intendance. Others require a boat, a hike, or simply turning left where everyone else turns right.
The water hits 28°C year-round. No wetsuits needed. Snorkelling straight off the beach is standard. Marine parks protect the best reefs.
Peak season April-May and October-November. But honestly, there's no bad time. Just pick your trade wind.
La Digue Beaches—the iconic trio
Anse Source d'Argent is the postcard. Giant granite boulders, shallow turquoise lagoons, soft sand. Access through L'Union Estate (100 SCR entry). Best early morning before day-trippers arrive from Praslin.
Grand Anse and Petite Anse are wilder—bigger waves, fewer people, no facilities. A 20-minute walk or bike ride from La Passe. Swimming can be rough during southeast monsoon (May-October).
Anse Cocos requires a 30-minute hike from Grand Anse. No crowds, natural rock pools, Robinson Crusoe feeling. Bring water and snacks—nothing here but beach.
La Digue itself runs on bicycle time. Rent one at the ferry pier (150 SCR/day), ride sandy paths between beaches. No need to rush. The island is 5km long.
Stay on La Digue for the early mornings and late afternoons. Day visitors leave by 4pm. You get the beaches to yourself.
Praslin Beaches—luxury meets nature
Anse Lazio regularly ranks among the world's best beaches. White sand curves between granite headlands, good snorkelling on both sides. Restaurants for lunch. Gets busy midday—arrive before 10am.
Anse Georgette is harder to reach but worth it. Walk through Constance Lemuria golf course (call ahead) or hike from Anse Lazio. Pristine, quiet, protected cove.
Côte d'Or (Anse Volbert) is Praslin's main beach strip—hotels, restaurants, water sports, boat trips to nearby islands. More developed but convenient.
Combine Praslin beaches with Vallée de Mai. Morning in the UNESCO forest, afternoon on Anse Lazio. Perfect day.
Ferries to La Digue depart from Praslin multiple times daily. Easy island hopping base.
Mahé Beaches—variety and access
Beau Vallon is the main beach—2km of sand, water sports, restaurants, Wednesday night market. Tourist-friendly but still beautiful. Best sunset views.
Anse Intendance on the south coast is wild and dramatic. Big waves, strong currents—swimming can be dangerous but the scenery is stunning. Great for walks and photography.
Anse Royale is calmer, good for families. Reef protects the bay. Local restaurants nearby.
Anse Soleil is a small hidden cove. Steep access road. One beach restaurant. Excellent snorkelling. The kind of beach you keep to yourself.
Mahé has dozens more beaches. Rent a car, explore. Some require short hikes—Anse Major (1 hour walk), Anse Takamaka (easy access). Each has its own character.
Outer Islands—beyond the main three
Curieuse Island is a short boat trip from Praslin. Giant tortoises, mangrove trails, and beautiful empty beaches. Half-day trips include barbecue lunch.
St. Pierre is a tiny granite island perfect for snorkelling. Glass-bottom boat trips from Praslin stop here. Postcard-perfect but no facilities—just rocks, palms, fish.
Cousin and Cousine are nature reserves. Seabird colonies, nesting turtles, pristine reefs. Guided visits only. Conservation fees support protection efforts.
For serious seclusion: Bird Island, Denis Island, or Desroches require flights or long boat transfers. Expensive but utterly private beaches.
Day trips to nearby islands are easy to book from Praslin or Mahé. Most include snorkelling, lunch, and beach time. Ask your hotel.
🌟 Top Beach & Sun Experiences
🏖️ Anse Source d'Argent, La Digue
The world's most photographed beach—giant granite boulders, shallow lagoons, powder sand. Go early morning. Entry via L'Union Estate (100 SCR). More info →
🌊 Anse Lazio, Praslin
Consistently ranked among the world's best beaches. White crescent, clear water, granite headlands. Great snorkelling both sides. Arrive before 10am for quiet. More info →
🐠 Snorkelling at St. Pierre
Tiny granite island near Praslin. Crystal water, abundant fish, iconic palms on rocks. Boat trips include multiple snorkel stops. Underwater cameras essential. More info →
🏝️ Island Hopping by Ferry
Mahé-Praslin-La Digue triangle. Regular ferries, stunning views, easy island hopping. Book Cat Cocos in advance during peak season. More info →
🐢 Curieuse Island Day Trip
Giant tortoises roam free. Mangrove boardwalk, secluded beaches, barbecue lunch included. Half-day trips from Praslin. Perfect wildlife-beach combination. More info →
🌝 Sunset at Beau Vallon
Mahé's main beach faces west. Perfect sunsets, beach bars, Wednesday night market. Relaxed vibe, easy access from Victoria. More info →
💡 Insider Tips
- 📅️ Best beach weather April-May and October-November—calm seas, less wind, clearest water between monsoon seasons
- 🌡️ Water temperature stays 27-29°C year-round. No wetsuits needed. Even rainy season is warm.
- 🚲 La Digue runs on bicycles—rent at the ferry pier. No taxis, few cars. The slow pace is the point.
- 💰 Bring cash (Seychelles rupees) for beach entrance fees, small restaurants, and bicycle rentals. Cards work at hotels but not everywhere.
- ⚠️ Southeast monsoon (May-October) brings rougher seas to south-facing beaches. North-facing beaches stay calm.