Anse Volbert (Côte d’Or)
Praslin’s easy-going main beach. A long, calm, palm-backed stretch on the north-east coast, lined with hotels and restaurants, with a little snorkelling islet floating just offshore.
Relaxed 2.5-km.-long white-sand beach with snorkeling, boat excursions, resorts & restaurants.
The sociable heart of Praslin
Anse Volbert, better known by its old name Cote d’Or, is the beach where much of Praslin’s visitor life happens. It runs in a long, gentle arc along the north-east coast, backed by casuarina and palm trees and lined with hotels, guesthouses, dive shops and casual restaurants. The water is usually calm and shallow for a good way out, which makes it one of the easiest and most family-friendly swims on the island.
It is a working, living beach rather than a wild and empty one, and that is its appeal. You can walk a long way along the sand, hire a kayak or a paddleboard, arrange a boat trip, or simply settle in with lunch and a swim within reach of everything you need.
St Pierre and the water
Just offshore sits the tiny granite islet of St Pierre, a classic postcard of boulders and palms that is one of the best-known snorkelling spots in the area. Local boats run out to it and to the wider reefs, and the calm bay makes launching easy. Back on shore, the shallow, sheltered water is gentle enough for children and relaxed swimmers for much of the year.
Because so many operators are based here, Cote d’Or is also the natural jumping-off point for excursions to Curieuse, La Digue and the surrounding islands, which makes it a practical base as well as a pleasant one.
Know before you go
| Where | North-east coast of Praslin |
| Type | Long, calm main beach with hotels, restaurants and watersports |
| Swimming | Shallow and sheltered, good for families for much of the year |
| Snorkelling | The St Pierre islet offshore is a well-known spot |
| Activities | Kayaks, paddleboards, dive shops, boat trips to nearby islands |
| Facilities | Plenty, restaurants and shops line the bay |
| Best time | Anytime for a calm swim, mornings for glassy water |
What visitors say
★ 4.4 · 469 Google reviews★★★★★Nice beach with nice view of sunset. But not many people go there to swim. We found it good for just sitting and having a nice time with each other.
Anushruti sethi · via Google
★★★★★I liked this beach best on Praslin. No expensive parking fees, supermarkets km walking distance (for fresh, cool drinks), lots of space on the beach, plenty of shade if needed and good water
Florian “The Cycling Giant” Immerenga · via Google
★★★★★Visited praslin for a day trip for my birthday from mahe. We were recommended this beach by a juice bar at the port. Short bus journey & oh my this beach is absolutely stunning. Very quiet white sands crystal turquoise…
Joanne Taylor · via Google
★★★★★This was one of our favorite beaches in Praslin and the entire Seychelles.The water has the most beautiful turquoise color, the sand is soft like flour, and the beach is wide and peaceful, with no crowds at all. The only…
Izabella Maria · via Google
Côte d’Or is the best base on Praslin, close to the boats for St Pierre, Curieuse and La Digue and to the Vallée de Mai. Stay along the bay to have the beach and the excursions on your doorstep.
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Nearby Curieuse Marine Park · Vallée de Mai · Anse Lazio
Base yourself here if you want the easiest Praslin. The calm swimming, the St Pierre snorkelling trip and the boats to Curieuse and La Digue are all within a short walk of the sand.
