Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended. While clicking these links won't cost you anything, they will help us keep this site running and free for everyone.
If there’s one place that feels like stepping into paradise, it’s the Seychelles. Soft white sand, huge granite boulders, swaying palm trees and water so clear, it almost doesn't look real. On our trip, discovering picturesque beaches quickly became one of our favorite ways to explore.
In this guide, I’ll take you through the best beaches in Seychelles, covering the islands of Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
The best beaches in Mahe
Mahe is the largest island in the Seychelles and home to the capital, Victoria, but beyond the city, you’ll find some of the most stunning and diverse beaches in the country.
Chloe Butcher
1. Beau Vallon Beach
Beau Vallon is one of the most popular beaches in Mahe and is where a lot of beachfront resorts and apartments are located. We stayed at Sables d'Or Luxury Apartments which was right on the beach, so this made it easy to explore and watch the sunset.
It's a long stretch of beach with soft sand, calm waters and a lively atmosphere, so it's perfect for beach days, swimming and water activities. If you're looking for a beach that's easily accessible with plenty of restaurants and beach bars, this is the place to be.
2. Grand Anse
Grand Anse is a stunning beach on the west coast of Mahe surrounded by lush green mountains. It's much quieter than other beaches on Mahe but is still easily accessible via car or bus.
Chloe Butcher
However, there can be big waves and strong currents here, making it better for beach walks and photography rather than swimming. But if you’re after a more secluded spot away from the busier beaches, Grand Anse is a great choice.
3. Petite Anse
Petite Anse is pure tropical perfection - a small, pristine beach with powdery white sand and calm turquoise water. This cove is a part of the Four Seasons resort but you can still access the beach for free through the resort, you just have to register once you arrive.
You can park outside the hotel for free and its a short 10 minute walk down a hilly road to the beach. It’s well worth the effort for one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in Mahe.
4. Anse Major
Anse Major is one of the most secluded beaches on Mahe and is perfect if you love an adventure, as you can only reach this beach by boat or by hiking. The trail takes you through Morne Seychellois National Park and takes about an hour each way.
You'll be rewarded with a stunning, secluded beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear water and you might even have it to yourself. Just make sure to pack enough water and snacks as there's no facilities once you reach the beach.
The best beaches in Praslin
Praslin, the second-largest island in the Seychelles, is where the scenery becomes even more beautiful, with the white sand beaches framed by towering granite boulders and swaying palms.
Chloe Butcher
1. Anse Lazio
Anse Lazio holds the title of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and I completely understand why. It's picture perfect with its white sand contrasting with the turquoise water, green palm trees and granite boulders.
It's a great spot for swimming, snorkelling and photography, though it can get busy during the day. However, you can find more secluded spots by walking down the beach, through bits of jungle and over boulders!
We spent hours finding hidden coves and peaceful spots to take some photos of the beautiful landscapes. There are also restaurants near the parking area, so you can spend the whole day here with food and drinks nearby.
2. Cote d’Or Beach
Cote d’Or Beach (also known as Anse Volbert) is one of the most popular beaches in Praslin, mainly because it's where a lot of the resorts and hotels are, including Paradise Sun Hotel, the resort we stayed at.
It's a beautiful long, peaceful beach which is perfect for swimming or renting kayaks or paddle boards. We had free kayak rentals at our resort, so we took one out at sunset and paddled around the calm waters.
The beach is lined with a few restaurants, bars and local shops, so it's ideal for sunset drinks or dinner.
3. Grand Anse
Not to be confused with Grand Anse on Mahe, this beach on Praslin’s southwest coast is wide, wild and peaceful. The waves are usually stronger here, so it’s not ideal for swimming, but it’s perfect for long beach walks and watching the waves crash on the shore. If you’re looking for a quiet sunset spot away from the crowds, Grand Anse is a great choice.
4. Anse Georgette
Anse Georgette is a secluded, postcard-perfect beach with bright white sand and incredibly turqoise water. Access is limited as the beach is located through the grounds of the Constance Lemuria Resort.
You'll have to book in advance to visit the beach and once accepted you can take the 2o minute walk though the golf course down to the beach.
Although it requires some effort to visit, it's a stunning secluded beach that is less busy than other beaches in Praslin.
The Best Beaches in La Digue
La Digue was our favourite island and had some of the most wild and secluded beaches in the Seychelles. Most of the beaches on La Digue require a bit of exploring or cycling to reach, but the adventure is part of the magic.
Chloe Butcher
1. Anse Source d’Argent
This is one of the most iconic beaches in the Seychelles and is a must-visit for anyone stepping foot on La Digue. You might recognise it for its giant granite boulders surrounding the white sand and turquoise water. It's a very popular spot for transparent kayaking and beach photography!
It’s located within L’Union Estate, so there’s a small entrance fee (around SCR 150), but it’s worth every penny. We'd recommend visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon as the beach can get busy!
Check out our full guide to Anse Source d’Argent if you're planning a trip 👇
Chloe Butcher
2. Grand Anse Beach
Grand Anse is a beautiful beach on the south coast of La Digue, known for its powerful waves and unspoiled scenery. Swimming here can be dangerous because of strong currents and big waves, but it’s the perfect place for dramatic ocean views, photography and feeling completely surrounded by nature.
Tip: Combine a visit to Grand Anse with a hike to Petite Anse and Anse Cocos for a full beach-hopping adventure.
3. Petite Anse Beach
Right next to Grand Anse is Petite Anse, another stunning beach that feels remote and untouched. It’s quieter than Grand Anse and offers the same landscapes of giant granite boulders, soft sand and crashing waves.
Much like Grand Anse, swimming here can be dangerous so just be careful! It's accessible via a short 10 minute jungle trail from Grand Anse.
4. Anse Cocos Beach
Anse Cocos feels like a hidden paradise. It’s only accessible by foot, with a hike from either Grand Anse or Anse Fourmis, but the walk is beautiful and completely worth it. The beach is wild and dramatic with strong waves, but there’s a natural rock pool at the far end where you can swim safely.
We found that having a local guide made it so much easier to access some of the more remote beaches. If you’re looking to do the same, we recommend booking a guided tour.
5. Anse Marron
If you’re up for adventure, Anse Marron is a must. This beach can only be reached by hiking with a guide (highly recommended, as the trail is tricky and involves climbing over rocks). We did our hike with Sunny Trail Guide and it turned out to be one of the most memorable adventures of our trip.
The two-hour hike to Anse Marron took us through dense jungle, over granite rocks and past hidden coves. After relxing and enjoying a fruit platter, we continued on for another two hours, following the coastline and passing more stunning secret beaches like Anse Pierrot, before arriving at the iconic Anse Source d’Argent.
6. Anse Pierrot
Anse Pierrot is a more secluded beach, located near Anse Source d’Argent but with far fewer visitors. You can reach it by walking through the water at low tide (bring water shoes), by kayaking along the water or via a guided hike (like we did).
This beach is incredibly stunning and is perfect if you want to escape the crowds and have a tropical paradise to yourself.
The beaches on La Digue have to be our favourite photo spots in the Seychelles - but if you're looking for more, we have a guide you can read here 👇
Chloe Butcher
Is it safe to swim in the sea in Seychelles?
Yes, swimming in the sea is generally safe in Seychelles, especially at popular beaches with calm, shallow waters like Beau Vallon, Anse Source d’Argent, and Cote d’Or Beach.
However, some beaches, particularly on the west and south coasts, like Grand Anse (both on Mahé and La Digue), can have strong currents and powerful waves, making swimming dangerous.
Always pay attention to warning signs, ask locals for advice and avoid swimming alone or in rough conditions. And on the subject of safety, make sure you don't forget to protect yourself with travel insurance!
Are Seychelles beaches public or private?
All beaches in the Seychelles are public, even the ones in front of luxury resorts, everyone has the right to access them!
Can you snorkel from the beaches in Seychelles?
Yes! You can snorkel from most of the beaches, like Anse Lazio, Anse Source d’Argent and Anse Major, with plenty of fish and coral reefs from the shore.
What is the best time of year to visit the beaches in the Seychelles?
The Seychelles is great to visit year round, but in general the best months to visit for beaches and water activities are between April to July and September to November. The months vary for particular activities but in general you can expect calmer seas, clearer water, drier weather and fewer crowds.
Seychelles Travel Resources
Planning a trip to the Seychelles? Check out our recommended travel resources for the best attractions, flights, hotels & more.
Find the best resources 👉
Member discussion