Anse Soleil
A small, sheltered cove tucked into the granite of Mahe’s south-west, reached by a steep little road. Calm turquoise water, big warm boulders and a beach café make it many people’s favourite hideaway.
The reward at the end of the hill
Anse Soleil is proof that the best beaches are often the ones you have to work a little for. It sits on the south-west corner of Mahe, and the last stretch of road down to it is steep and narrow enough to put some drivers off, which is exactly why the cove stays quiet. What waits at the bottom is a small, pretty crescent of soft sand framed by the huge rounded granite boulders that make Seychelles beaches so distinctive.
Because the bay is small and partly sheltered, the water is usually calmer and clearer than the big open beaches of the south, and the swimming is easy for much of the year. It is a place to settle in for a few hours rather than a quick photo stop.
Snorkelling, shade and a cold drink
The granite that frames the cove continues underwater, and there is decent snorkelling around the rocks at either end when the sea is calm, with reef fish moving through the shallows. Natural shade is limited on the sand itself, so the shade of the boulders and the palms behind is worth claiming early on a busy day.
Right by the beach sits the long-running Anse Soleil Cafe, a simple, well-loved spot for grilled fish and a cold drink with your feet almost in the sand. Having a proper kitchen this close is part of why people happily spend a whole afternoon here.
Getting there
The cove is close to Anse Soleil and the neighbouring Petite Anse and Anse la Liberte area on the south-west coast. The access road is steep with a rough final section, so take it slowly, and a car with a bit of ground clearance makes the last stretch more comfortable. It is well worth the small effort.
Know before you go
| Where | South-west coast of Mahe, down a steep access road |
| Type | Small sheltered granite cove with a beach cafe |
| Swimming | Usually calm and clear, one of the easier south-west swims |
| Snorkelling | Good around the boulders at each end when the sea is calm |
| Food | The Anse Soleil Cafe sits right on the beach |
| Getting there | Steep narrow road at the end, drive slowly |
| Best for | A half-day swim and lunch away from the crowds |
What visitors say
★ 4.8 · 561 Google reviews★★★★★Anse Soleil Beach is a beautiful and peaceful spot, perfect for snorkeling and relaxing. The water is crystal clear and offers a fascinating underwater world with plenty of fish to observe. Due to its more secluded locat…
Mag. Massimiliano Magnini · via Google
★★★★★What a gem! It’s a beautiful beach, and when we were there (February 2026) the waves were strong but very fun the be in. End of the afternoon the fruitbats get out and circle above the trees right behind the beach, so ni…
zevenen70 · via Google
★★★★★Calm beach that good for swimming…beautiful but a bit of walk down from main parking unless you can chance to park it further down
Tindy L · via Google
★★★★★Anse Soleil is a calm and picturesque beach with soft sand, clear turquoise water and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a swim away from crowded spots. Just a few steps from the shore, Anse Soleil C…
Mauritian_feed · via Google
Anse Soleil is one of the gems of the south-west, easy to fold into a guided tour of the southern coves and beaches. Base yourself on Mahe to reach this side of the island without a long drive.
Traveller favouriteWild South full-day guided tourfrom €128 per groupBook this tourTours via Viator, stays via Booking.com. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Anse Takamaka · Anse Intendance · Tom Bower’s Studio
A hired car with a little ground clearance makes the steep final road much easier, and getting down early rewards you with the calmest water and first pick of the shade under the boulders.
