×

Seychelles🇸🇨 | beachesAnse Royalelong stretch, local eateries, gentle waves | things to do and best time to go

Explore Anse Petite CourExplore Anse Saint Sauveur

Backpacking in Anse Royale
👍 Recommendedbeach ranked #10
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated May 27, 2026

Here’s what nobody tells you until you’re sunburned and snackless: Anse Royale’s best trick is its proximity to actual, affordable food. You can walk off the sand and grab a samosa or a cold Seybrew without needing a taxi or a trust fund. Anse Royale sits on Mahé’s southeast coast, a quick bus ride from Victoria, but worlds away from the resort bubble. The beach itself? Clean, with soft sand and a reef that keeps the water calm—great for swimming and lazy snorkeling, not so much for surfing. It draws a mix of locals and budget travelers, so you won’t feel like an intruder or a walking ATM. Compared to the postcard-perfect (and pricier) Beau Vallon, Anse Royale feels more lived-in, less curated, and—on a good day—just as beautiful.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Seychelles Travel Guide.
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
towns
villages
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #10 beach in Seychelles
Why visitors keep coming back

Anse Royale beach in Seychelles is a must-stop for backpackers, and here’s why. First off, the laid-back atmosphere is like a warm hug after a long trek. You can kick off your shoes, sink your toes into the sand, and just breathe.

Affordability is another win. While some beaches might charge you an arm and a leg for a sunbed, here you can lounge for free, maybe splurging on a local snack from a nearby vendor.

The social scene is buzzing, too. You’ll find fellow travelers swapping stories and locals sharing laughs, making it a perfect spot to connect.

Plus, it’s not just about swimming; Anse Royale serves as a connector along the coastal route. It’s a pause that recharges your spirit before you tackle the next leg of your adventure. So, grab a coconut, kick back, and soak it all in.
Want to include Anse Royale in your Seychelles route?
Create a personalized Seychelles itinerary that includes Anse Royale and the places that fit your trip — based on your travel style, budget, and available time. Get your route in seconds.

Generate my trip

💡 HighlightsThe experiences that define the visit

  1. Shoreline snorkeling with resident turtles (Day) — Anse Royale’s shallow lagoon and seagrass patches are right off the sand, so you don’t need a boat to swim with green turtles that graze close to shore; it’s relaxed, safe water for long, lazy snorkel sessions.
  2. Fringing reef and coral gardens (Day) — A reef runs near the bay and drops into colorful coral bommies and little swim-throughs; it’s compact and easy to explore even if you’re a beginner, which makes spotting vivid reef fish and small critters almost guaranteed.
  3. Kayaking or stand-up paddling the sheltered lagoon (Day) — The bay is protected and usually glassy, perfect for paddling out to the reef edge, checking isolated rock outcrops, or quietly following fish and rays without needing fancy gear.
  4. Tide-pooling and rock-reef exploration
read more 👉
  1. Shoreline snorkeling with resident turtles (Day) — Anse Royale’s shallow lagoon and seagrass patches are right off the sand, so you don’t need a boat to swim with green turtles that graze close to shore; it’s relaxed, safe water for long, lazy snorkel sessions.
  2. Fringing reef and coral gardens (Day) — A reef runs near the bay and drops into colorful coral bommies and little swim-throughs; it’s compact and easy to explore even if you’re a beginner, which makes spotting vivid reef fish and small critters almost guaranteed.
  3. Kayaking or stand-up paddling the sheltered lagoon (Day) — The bay is protected and usually glassy, perfect for paddling out to the reef edge, checking isolated rock outcrops, or quietly following fish and rays without needing fancy gear.
  4. Tide-pooling and rock-reef exploration (Day) — At the rocky ends of the bay, low tides expose pools full of shrimp, crabs, juvenile fish and interesting coral fragments—great for kids, macro photos, or a slow, curious wander.
  5. Local Creole beach vibe and fresh seafood stalls (Day) — The village-feel along the beach road means small family-run spots and market stalls serving freshly caught fish and Creole bites; it’s a low-key, authentic way to eat where locals go rather than touristy beachfront chains.
  1. Moonlit beach walks and stargazing (Night) — With a long shallow shoreline and a quieter stretch of coast, a night walk here is peaceful; when the moon’s out the lagoon glows and the sky is often clearer than in the busier parts of Mahé.
  2. Occasional turtle nesting watches (Night) — Sea turtles sometimes come ashore to nest; local groups or guesthouses sometimes organise gentle, informative patrols or guided walks—check locally and join one to learn and to avoid disturbing wildlife.
  3. Relaxed beachfront dining after sunset (Night) — Nightlife in Anse Royale is mellow: think candlelit tables, fresh seafood, and cold drinks by the sand rather than loud clubs—perfect for unwinding after a day in the sun.
  4. Night fishing or nocturnal reef trips (Night) — Local operators offer short night fishing or guided reef trips to see nocturnal creatures; it’s a different perspective on the same reef you snorkel by day—arrange on the spot if you’re keen.
  5. Rare bioluminescence glimpses (Night) — On very calm, clear nights you might spot faint bioluminescent flickers in the surf or when you disturb shallow water; it’s not guaranteed, but when it happens it’s quietly magical.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Anse Royale

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Weather, crowds, and seasonal trade-offs


  • Topic: Weather – The best window is April to May and October to November. These shoulder months dodge the heavy rains of the monsoon season (December to March) and the cooler, windier months (June to September). Expect highs around 29-31°C (84-88°F), perfect for beach lounging without turning into a roasted marshmallow.

  • Topic: Temperature – Seychelles stays warm year-round, but the real kicker is humidity. It’s sticky from December through March, making even a swim feel like a sauna break. April to November offers more comfortable, less muggy air, ideal for backpackers who prefer sweat-free sightseeing.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Daylight is pretty consistent, roughly 11 to 12 hours daily. No need to race the sun here; you’ll have plenty of time to explore or nap on the sand.

  • Topic:
read more 👉

  • Topic: Weather – The best window is April to May and October to November. These shoulder months dodge the heavy rains of the monsoon season (December to March) and the cooler, windier months (June to September). Expect highs around 29-31°C (84-88°F), perfect for beach lounging without turning into a roasted marshmallow.

  • Topic: Temperature – Seychelles stays warm year-round, but the real kicker is humidity. It’s sticky from December through March, making even a swim feel like a sauna break. April to November offers more comfortable, less muggy air, ideal for backpackers who prefer sweat-free sightseeing.

  • Topic: Daylight Hours – Daylight is pretty consistent, roughly 11 to 12 hours daily. No need to race the sun here; you’ll have plenty of time to explore or nap on the sand.

  • Topic: Crowds – Peak tourist season hits December to January and July to August. If you hate elbow-to-elbow beach vibes, avoid these months. Shoulder seasons bring fewer tourists and a more relaxed pace.

  • Topic: Seasonal Activities – April to November is prime for snorkeling and diving, thanks to calmer seas. Turtle nesting peaks around November, a rare treat if you’re lucky.

  • Topic: Price Fluctuations – Expect prices to spike during the Christmas holidays and European summer breaks. Shoulder seasons offer better deals on accommodation and flights, making your wallet breathe easier.


Pro-tip: Aim for April or October to catch the sweet spot of good weather, fewer crowds, and wallet-friendly prices—because nobody wants to pay a premium just to dodge a rainstorm.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: excellent for travelingMAYMay: excellent for travelingJUNJune: good for travelingJULJuly: good for travelingAUGAugust: good for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: excellent for travelingNOVNovember: excellent for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ 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.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Seychelles
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Seychelles
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Seychelles
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Seychelles
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Seychelles
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Seychelles
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Seychelles
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Seychelles
The digital guide (186 pages) contains:
46 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
Optimized 2, 3 & 5-day travel routes
Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
How to get around
Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
Month by month travel advice
Festivals & national holidays
Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
Honest pros & cons of destinations
Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
Lesser-known places most travelers miss
Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
Best areas to stay
Transport systems explained simply
Common scams & safety advice
SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
Culture & traditions
52 Essential phrases & customs
Festivals worth planning around
Traveler-friendly historical context
Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
Fully downloadable PDF
Works completely offline
Optimized for phone use
Useful in remote areas & buses
Everything in one place
Save weeks of stressful planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.


By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas to stay in Seychelles

Anse Royale Beach is a slice of paradise that attracts backpackers like moths to a flame. If you’re looking for a place to crash, head to the nearby village. It’s buzzing with life, and you’ll find a mix of budget-friendly guesthouses and vibrant hostels. The vibe here is relaxed, making it easy to strike up conversations over a cold Seybrew.

Stay close to the beach for the best of both worlds: sun-soaked days and lively evenings. The local markets are a treasure trove of fresh fruit and street food, perfect for fueling your adventures without breaking the bank.

Avoid the overly polished resorts … read more 👉
Anse Royale Beach is a slice of paradise that attracts backpackers like moths to a flame. If you’re looking for a place to crash, head to the nearby village. It’s buzzing with life, and you’ll find a mix of budget-friendly guesthouses and vibrant hostels. The vibe here is relaxed, making it easy to strike up conversations over a cold Seybrew.

Stay close to the beach for the best of both worlds: sun-soaked days and lively evenings. The local markets are a treasure trove of fresh fruit and street food, perfect for fueling your adventures without breaking the bank.

Avoid the overly polished resorts that cater to honeymooners; they’re more about the Instagram shots than genuine experiences. Instead, opt for spots where you can hear the waves crashing and the laughter of fellow travelers. You’ll find camaraderie and stories that make the grind of travel feel like a shared adventure, not just a checklist.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Anse Royale beach is generally a friendly spot for swimmers, but keep your wits about you. The currents can be playful, especially during high tide, so stick to the areas where locals swim. They know the lay of the land—or water, in this case.

Watch for flags indicating conditions; they’re your best friend. As for marine life, you might spot rays gliding by, but sharks are more like the shy cousins at a family reunion—rarely seen.

The sun can be relentless, so slather on that sunscreen and take breaks under the palms. Theft isn’t rampant, but don’t leave your valuables unattended; it’s a beach, not a vault. Enjoy the waves, but respect the rhythm of the sea.

Other Seychellois beaches near Anse Royale

Explore more nearby:

  • Anse Bougainville—shallow lagoon, local fishing boats, quiet shoreline| 3 km away
  • Anse Takamaka—curved bay, leaning takamaka trees, local restaurant| 5 km away
  • Anse Intendance—powerful surf, open bay, wild vegetation| 6 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Seychelles including Anse Royale and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all beaches

Or checkout all Seychelles has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Country photo of Seychelles

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Anse Royale? Essential. Picture this: soft sand, warm water, and a laid-back vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a postcard. The best surprise? The local food stalls—grab a plate of grilled fish and you’ll think you’ve found paradise. Just a heads-up: it can get crowded. Arrive early to snag your spot and soak in the magic before the selfie sticks invade.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on in-depth research, insights shared by experienced travelers, and feedback from the local travel community in Seychelles. While every effort is made to keep the information accurate and current, conditions can change — so if you spot anything incorrect or outdated, please get in touch.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Get full Seychelles guide •
Instant download • 46 highlights • Full Offline guide