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Seychelles🇸🇨 | best beachesBest 10 beaches in Seychelles

Beaches in Seychelles are granite-boulder coves with powder sand, and almost all are free and public. The big islands, Mahé and Praslin, suit independent travelers: local buses, guesthouses and a lively mix of swimmers. La Digue is bike-and-ferry easy. Outer islands cost far more. Go early, before 9 a.m., and you will often have the sand to yourself.

By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 18, 2026
Explore the best attractions in Seychelles

Why go?Understanding Their Importance

Seychelles sits on an ancient granitic plateau, which is why its inner islands carry those sculpted pink-gray boulders beside calm, clear water. Coral reefs and headlands shelter many bays, so swimming is easy where the reef breaks the swell. Outside the protected areas, you will still find wide open coasts with real surf.

There is a catch: the country was built around high-end resorts, so lodging is pricey compared with the Indian Ocean neighbors. The saving grace is that beach access is public by law, and self-catering guesthouses keep costs sensible. Know that seaweed can pile up on some shores in certain months, and that strong currents make a few lovely beaches unsafe for swimming. Check conditions locally before you commit.
Why These Made the Cut
The list of best beaches in Seychelles is created based on beauty, vibe, water quality, activities, and surrounding scenery. If you feel a beach is missing in this list, please let us know.

When to go?Optimal Periods for Travel

Best months for Seychelles beaches: The best months are April, May, October and November, when winds drop, seas settle and water clarity is at its peak. Temperatures hover around 27 to 31°C year-round, with sea temperature near 27 to 29°C.
Monsoon seasons and what they mean: From December to February, the northwest monsoon brings the heaviest rain (Mahé can see roughly 350 to 400 mm in January) and warmer, humid days. From June to September, the southeast trade winds are drier but choppier, and weed collects on the southeast-facing shores, so choose sheltered northwest coasts then.
Crowds and prices: Christmas, New Year and July to August push guesthouse rates up by about 20 to 40 percent. Book those periods well ahead. Shoulder months are cheaper and quieter.

beach hoppingTips for Visiting Multiple Destinations

How many days to plan: A trip combining several Seychelles beaches needs 7 to 12 days. The cleanest shape is to start on Mahé, move to Praslin, then finish on La Digue, since the ferries run in that direction and your flight home leaves from Mahé anyway.
Time per stop and transfers: Give Mahé 2 to 3 nights, Praslin 2 to 3 nights and La Digue 2 to 4 nights. The Mahé to Praslin ferry takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, and Praslin to La Digue is about 15 minutes. Mahé to La Digue direct is roughly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Mistakes to avoid: Travelers often rush one night per island, then lose half a day to ferry waiting. They also book the last ferry before a flight. Stay near Mahé the night before you leave and book ferry tickets in advance, especially in peak months.

The ListThe Best beaches of Seychelles

1 Anse Source d’Argent

iconic boulders, shallow lagoon, tidal pools

Navigate winding paths to reach sculpted granite rocks and shallow tidal pools, with changing water levels revealing new scenery throughout the day.

seychelles-beach-anse-source-dargent
© Google |

2 Anse Lazio

turquoise water, granite boulders, shaded picnic spots

Swim in clear water and relax under takamaka trees, with easy access to food stalls and dramatic rock formations at each end.

seychelles-beach-anse-lazio
© Google |

3 Anse Georgette

golf course access, white sand arc, limited entry

Secure permission in advance to enjoy a pristine stretch of sand framed by lush greens and clear, open water ideal for swimming.

4 Anse Intendance

powerful surf, open bay, wild vegetation

Experience strong waves and a broad, untamed shoreline where swimming can be challenging but the scenery feels raw and elemental.

5 Beau Vallon

broad sandy expanse, water sports, market stalls

Join locals and visitors for swimming, paddleboarding, or sampling street food along the island’s most active and accessible beach.

6 Anse Cocos

rocky pools, secluded cove, forested trail access

Reach this remote cove by foot and discover natural pools among granite boulders, with a sense of isolation that rewards the effort.

7 Anse Major

hiking trail access, cliffside views, small sandy cove

Hike a coastal path to reach this compact cove, where dramatic cliffs and limited facilities create a sense of adventure and solitude.

seychelles-beach-anse-major
© Google |

8 Anse Takamaka

curved bay, leaning takamaka trees, local restaurant

Dine on Creole dishes steps from the sand, then swim or relax beneath the shade of trees that give this bay its distinctive name.

seychelles-beach-anse-takamaka
© Google |

9 Anse Patates

compact beach, granite outcrops, guesthouse proximity

Relax on a small, easily accessible beach with striking rock formations and nearby guesthouses, ideal for a quick swim or sunset view.

seychelles-beach-anse-patates
© Google |

10 Grand Anse Beach

long open stretch, strong currents, minimal shade

Walk a wide, exposed beach where swimming is risky due to currents, but the open space and solitude appeal to those seeking quiet.

seychelles-beach-grand-anse-beach
© Google |

11 Anse Royale

long stretch, local eateries, gentle waves

Sample Creole food and swim in mild surf along a lengthy shoreline, popular with both residents and travelers for its easygoing vibe.

12 Anse Petite Cour

protected bay, snorkeling reef, resort setting

Snorkel in calm, shallow water just steps from resort grounds, where a sheltered bay offers reliable conditions for spotting marine life.

13 Anse La Blague

coral fragments, village backdrop, shallow reef

Stroll a coral-strewn beach with views of local homes and shallow reefs, offering a glimpse of daily island life beyond the resorts.

14 Anse Bougainville

shallow lagoon, local fishing boats, quiet shoreline

Watch fishermen at work and wade through calm, shallow waters where the beach’s peaceful atmosphere invites a slow, reflective visit.

15 Anse Saint Sauveur

mangrove edge, shallow flats, coconut palms

Wander a quiet beach lined with palms and mangroves, where shallow water and soft sand create a tranquil, undeveloped setting.

16 Anse Patatran

hotel frontage, shallow entry, panoramic headland

Enjoy gentle swimming and wide views from a beach bordered by a hotel, with easy access and a headland that frames the horizon.

17 Anse Nord d’Est

windswept coast, driftwood, open ocean views

Walk a rugged, wind-exposed shoreline where strong currents and scattered driftwood shape a raw, less-developed side of Mahé.

Think you know Seychelles?

Prove you’re a true local — uncover 7 lesser-known beaches in Seychelles that locals tend to keep to themselves.
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Expert viewInsights from Locals and Experts

How many beaches to visit: I advise six to eight beaches over a week. That is enough to compare coves, reef and open coast without turning the trip into a checklist. More than that and you spend your budget on buses and ferries, not swim time.
Which kind to prioritize: If money is tight, spend your days on the free, public beaches of the inner islands, where a bus ride costs about SCR 10 to 20 (roughly US$1 to 1.50). Choose calm, reef-sheltered bays for snorkeling and families. Choose wide, exposed beaches to look at, and swim there only when flags and locals say so. Private island day trips cost about US$150 to 300 and are worth it only once.
What it costs: Budget about US$90 to 160 a day with a guesthouse room, self-catering, buses and bike rental (around US$8 to 12 a day on La Digue). Some … read more 👉
How many beaches to visit: I advise six to eight beaches over a week. That is enough to compare coves, reef and open coast without turning the trip into a checklist. More than that and you spend your budget on buses and ferries, not swim time.
Which kind to prioritize: If money is tight, spend your days on the free, public beaches of the inner islands, where a bus ride costs about SCR 10 to 20 (roughly US$1 to 1.50). Choose calm, reef-sheltered bays for snorkeling and families. Choose wide, exposed beaches to look at, and swim there only when flags and locals say so. Private island day trips cost about US$150 to 300 and are worth it only once.
What it costs: Budget about US$90 to 160 a day with a guesthouse room, self-catering, buses and bike rental (around US$8 to 12 a day on La Digue). Some spots charge small entry or marine park fees, usually US$5 to 15 a visit. Bring your own snorkel gear; rentals run US$8 to 15.
Safety and etiquette: Strong currents and rip tides catch swimmers on exposed shores, and there are often no lifeguards, so swim where others are. Never leave valuables on the sand, as opportunistic theft happens. Granite boulders are slick, and coconuts do fall, so do not nap beneath palms. Do not touch coral or take shells or sand, which are protected. Toplessness is frowned upon on most public beaches, and modest cover-ups when walking through villages are appreciated.

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutSeychelles Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
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🛏️ Where to stay?Where to Stay in Seychelles

Seychelles has almost no dorm-style hostels, so budget travel here means family-run guesthouses and self-catering apartments, which typically cost around €60 to €120 a night for a double and let you cut costs by cooking your own meals. On Mahé, Beau Vallon has the widest choice and the island’s liveliest evenings with beach bars and restaurants, while Victoria puts you at the hub of the bus network but goes very quiet after dark, and the south around Anse Royale is calm and close to good beaches but car-dependent. On Praslin, Anse Volbert (Côte d’Or) has the most guesthouses and a walkable beachfront, Grand Anse is cheaper and quieter but has a less swimmable shore, and on La Digue the area … read more 👉
Seychelles has almost no dorm-style hostels, so budget travel here means family-run guesthouses and self-catering apartments, which typically cost around €60 to €120 a night for a double and let you cut costs by cooking your own meals. On Mahé, Beau Vallon has the widest choice and the island’s liveliest evenings with beach bars and restaurants, while Victoria puts you at the hub of the bus network but goes very quiet after dark, and the south around Anse Royale is calm and close to good beaches but car-dependent. On Praslin, Anse Volbert (Côte d’Or) has the most guesthouses and a walkable beachfront, Grand Anse is cheaper and quieter but has a less swimmable shore, and on La Digue the area around La Passe keeps you within bike range of the ferry jetty and Anse Source d’Argent, though rooms fill fast in high season.

If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option.

SeychellesMore of Seychelles

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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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