PETITE MARIE LOUISE
A tiny, near-perfect hidden beach on the south-east of Mahé. Sheltered, clear and framed by granite, this little gem earns some of the highest praise of any beach on the island.
A little gem
Petite Anse Marie-Louise is one of those small, secret beaches that reward the traveller who goes looking. Tucked into the south-east coast of Mahe near Anse Royale, it is compact, quiet and quietly spectacular, the kind of intimate granite-framed cove that feels like a private discovery. It draws some of the warmest reviews of any beach on the island, and once you find it, it is easy to see why.
Sheltered boulders, pale sand and clear, calm water give it a gentle, jewel-like beauty. Because it is small and a little hidden, it stays peaceful even when the better-known beaches are busy, and it makes a perfect spot to swim, snorkel and simply linger.
Snorkelling and swimming
The protected, rocky setting often keeps the water calm and clear, which makes for lovely, easy swimming and, on settled days, rewarding snorkelling among the granite close to shore. As always on this coast, judge the sea when the wind is up, but for much of the year this little cove is as gentle as it is beautiful.
It sits close to Anse Royale, the spice garden and the string of south-eastern beaches, so it slots naturally into a slow day exploring this warm and rewarding corner of the island.
Know before you go
| Where | South-east coast of Mahe, near Anse Royale |
| Type | Small, sheltered, hidden granite cove |
| Swimming | Often calm and clear, gentle and easy on settled days |
| Snorkelling | Rewarding among the granite close to shore on calm days |
| Good for | Peace, swimming, snorkelling, a real hidden-gem find |
| Best time | Calm days, mornings for the clearest water |
What visitors say
★ 4.9 · 50 Google reviews★★★★★Best beach on Mahe. Crystal clear water, white sand and amazing palm trees sourounding the beach. As the access to the beach is more complex we were there alone which made the experience even better. I recommend to follo…
Ola Jankowska · via Google
★★★★★Amazing beach only accessible by walking around 15 minutes through the jungle. We were completely alone there in the middle of the day
Max Poth · via Google
★★★★★Very secluded, only accessible by boat or foot (small hike through jungle and tall grass). Gorgeous views, granite rocks and coconut palms. Pay attention to tides and currents. Shallows are rocky and covered with see gra…
Paul · via Google
★★★★★Hidden gem. Perfect when it’s low tide. When it’s high tide you can still relax between the lush green environment, but not on the beach. We were alone for the whole day and saw no one ! The way there is a bit overgrown,…
vedior10 · via Google
This little cove is one of the quiet rewards of exploring the south-east, close to Anse Royale and the spice garden. Stay nearby to find it at its calmest and have it almost to yourself.
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 Royale · Fairyland Beach · Anse Parnel
Come early on a calm day and bring a mask. Petite Anse Marie-Louise is small and sheltered, so the clear morning water and the granite close to shore make it one of the loveliest quiet swims and snorkels on the south-east.
