Anse Takamaka
One of the most photographed beaches on Mahe. A wide curve of soft sand and leaning palms on the south-west coast, famous for its sunsets and its giant tortoises, and beautiful enough to forgive its moody sea.
A postcard of the south-west
Anse Takamaka is the beach that ends up on the cover of the brochure. It sits on the south-west coast of Mahe, a scenic drive over the hills from the airport side, and it delivers exactly the picture people carry in their heads of Seychelles. A broad sweep of pale sand, palms leaning out over the water, granite boulders at the ends of the bay and a horizon that turns spectacular colours in the evening.
The drive there is part of the pleasure. The southern and western roads wind past a string of lovely coves, and Takamaka is one of the headline stops on any tour of this coast. Many visitors rate it among the finest beaches on the main island.
Tortoises, palms and a warning about the sea
Part of the charm here is unexpected. Giant tortoises are often kept near the beach and greet arrivals, and travellers regularly mention the surprise of being met by these gentle heavyweights before they even reach the sand. Under the takamaka trees that give the bay its name there is deep, welcome shade for the middle of the day.
One honest note matters. Anse Takamaka is open to the ocean, and in the southeast trade-wind season the swell and currents here can be strong. It is glorious to look at and to walk, but it is not always a safe place for a casual swim, so read the water carefully and stay in when it is rough. The beauty is guaranteed. The calm sea is not.
Sunset and a table on the sand
The west-facing bay makes Takamaka one of the great sunset beaches on Mahe, and staying into the evening is the move. There is a long-standing beachside restaurant here where you can settle in with a cold drink and Creole food as the light drops, which turns a beach stop into a proper end to the day.
Know before you go
| Where | South-west coast of Mahe, a scenic drive from the south |
| Type | Wide palm-fringed beach known for scenery and sunsets |
| Swimming | Can have strong swell and currents in the trade-wind season, read the sea |
| Shade | Good natural shade under the takamaka trees |
| Nearby | A beachside Creole restaurant, giant tortoises often kept close by |
| Time to allow | Easily half a day with lunch and the sunset |
| Best time | Late afternoon into sunset, calmest in the northwest-wind months |
What visitors say
★ 4.6 · 867 Google reviews★★★★★Upon entering the Takamaka Beach you will be greeted with lots of tortoises 🐢 it was amazingly huge! The beach is stunning, the currents were tolerable and can swim nicely. There are trees which provided good shade for …
Janelle Laguatan-Perez · via Google
★★★★★Takamaka Beach is a beautiful and peaceful spot, with soft sand, stunning views, and a very relaxing atmosphere. It’s perfect for enjoying nature and spending a quiet day by the sea, and there are nice places nearby to e…
Debora · via Google
★★★★★Lovely beach to take in the views. Waves were strong when we visited, so swimming wasn’t an option.
Bram Wouters · via Google
★★★★★Anse Takamaka Beach is a beautiful beach where you can truly enjoy a relaxing evening. The waves are stunning, and the scenery is peaceful and perfect for watching the ocean. A great place to unwind and enjoy the natural…
Aruna nair · via Google
Takamaka is a headline stop on the south-west coast, best reached on a drive that strings the southern beaches together. A private island tour joins them up, and staying on Mahe keeps this coast within easy reach.
Traveller favouriteFull-day private Mahé island tourfrom €129 per groupBook this tourTours via Viator, stays via Booking.com. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Anse Intendance · Anse Soleil · Takamaka Rum Distillery
Time your visit for the late afternoon. The light on this coast at sunset is the whole reason to come, and a table at the beach restaurant lets you stay for it. Just check the sea before you swim.
