Anse Major
A hidden beach with no road to it. You reach this granite-framed cove on the north-west of Mahe on foot, along a scenic coastal trail, and the walk is half the reward.
Earned, not driven to
Anse Major is one of the special ones precisely because you cannot drive there. The beach lies on the wild north-west coast of Mahe, cut off by headlands, and the only ways to arrive are on foot along the Anse Major trail or by boat from Beau Vallon. That barrier keeps it quiet and unspoilt, a real reward at the end of an hour’s walk rather than a lay-by you pull into.
The trail starts near the end of the road at Bel Ombre and follows the coast, crossing open granite glacis with wide views over the sea before dropping to the cove. It is not a hard walk but it is a real one, exposed to the sun on the rock sections, so shoes, water and a hat matter.
The cove at the end
The beach itself is a classic Seychelles picture, soft sand held between big granite boulders, clear water and a backdrop of green hills. On calm days the snorkelling around the rocks is good and the swimming pleasant, though like all the more open coasts it deserves respect when there is swell. There are no facilities, so whatever you want to eat or drink you carry in, and you carry your rubbish back out.
Many visitors make it a loop, walking in one way and arranging a boat back to Beau Vallon, which turns a beach visit into a proper little half-day adventure along one of the finest stretches of coast on the island.
Know before you go
| Where | North-west coast of Mahe, reached from Bel Ombre near Beau Vallon |
| Access | On foot along the Anse Major trail, or by boat from Beau Vallon |
| Trail | Around an hour each way, coastal path over open granite |
| Swimming | Pleasant on calm days, respect any swell, snorkelling around the rocks |
| Facilities | None, carry water, food and your rubbish out |
| Bring | Grippy shoes, water, hat, sunscreen, reef-safe if snorkelling |
| Best time | Morning, in dry settled weather for safer rock and calmer sea |
What visitors say
★ 4.6 · 473 Google reviews★★★★★📍 Anse Major Beach – Seychelles Anse Major is truly one of the most stunning hidden gems in Mahé. The journey to reach the beach is an experience in itself — whether you choose the scenic hiking trail or arrive by boat,…
Mauritian_feed · via Google
★★★★★Gorgeous, gorgeous little beach. Only accessible via a hike or a water taxi. Bring your goggles with for some snorkeling!
Janet Cunningham · via Google
★★★★If you go to this beach, please bring some cat food with you. 🙏 At the back of the bar property there is a cat living there with a kitten. Both look very thin and unhealthy. When we saw them today, they looked very hungr…
K. K. · via Google
★★★★★The hike is strenuous but really beautiful and well worth it! The small beach is stunning and gets somewhat busy during the day (for the Seychelles). We loved the snorkelling there, although we only saw fish.
Birgit Spalt-Zoidl · via Google
The Anse Major trail starts near Beau Vallon, and a guide keeps the coastal walk easy and safe while you enjoy the views. Base yourself around Beau Vallon in the north to reach the trailhead in minutes.
Guided coastal hikeRelaxed private hike to Anse Majorfrom €69 per groupBook this hikeTours via Viator, stays via Booking.com. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Beau Vallon · Sunset Beach · Victoria Clock Tower
Start early and carry more water than you think you need. The granite sections are hot and exposed by mid-morning, and there is nothing to buy at the beach, so a shaded early walk is far more pleasant.
