10 of the best beaches in the Seychelles

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The Seychelles have traditionally been associated with the most beautiful beaches on the planet, framed by timeless granite boulders, the Seychelles islands are atop of the world’s list of romantic destinations, perfect for that lazy tropical retreat.

Here’s our guide to our favourite 10 beaches you must visit whilst in the Seychelles. All the beaches in the Seychelles are open to the public so you really can explore to your heart’s content.

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Port Launay

Port Launay is located on Marine National Park, which is on the north-western coast of Mahé and can be reached by taking the road past Port Glaud.

This stunning beach is great for swimming and especially snorkelling here is excellent, with a wide variety of colourful fish that can be seen in and around the edges of the impressive bay.

There are often beautiful shells and corals to be found along the shoreline, but please remember this is National Park property and it is strictly prohibited to take coral and shells away.

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Anse Royale

The stretch of small rock-fringed coves along the coast of Anse Royale on the southeastern coast of Mahé, from the area known as Fairyland down to the Anglican church at Anse Royale, is an enchanting place for swimming and snorkelling.

The best areas for snorkelling are around the rocks at Fairyland and up to the small island just off the coast, where there are myriad brightly coloured coral fish. The water here is enclosed behind a reef, which keeps out the larger fish and is fairly shallow.

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Beau Vallon

This is Mahé’s most popular resort beach with both visitors and locals alike. This sweeping bay of white sand and clear waters on the north-western coast of Mahé offers a very safe swimming area. With hotels stretched out along its sand, together with water sport and diving centres, this is the beach for those wishing to do something a little more energetic than soaking up the sun.

Beau Vallon is also very safe for children, as there are no strong currents, no rocks or corals underfoot and a lifeguard service is supplied.

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Anse Lazio

Anse Lazio is the most famous beach on Praslin, and rightly so. Well worth the long winding drive from Côte d’Or, Anse Lazio can claim to be the perfect tropical paradise beach and is often listed among the world’s top ten beaches. Beautifully framed by granite rocks, this dream beach has soft white sands leading gently down to calm clear waters with a gentle gradient absolutely perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The Bon Bon Plume and Le Chevalier restaurants are nearby and can provide lunch and refreshments.

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Anse d’Argent

This stunning beach is reputed to be the most photographed beach in the world. With its soft white sand, clear turquoise water and huge granite boulders sculptured by the elements and time itself, it is not difficult to see why photographers and filmmakers still love to come here. The sea is sheltered by the reef, and is very calm and shallow, with only sand underfoot which makes it safe for children.

Apparently international TV ad campaigns have been shot on this beach for Bacardi Rum, Campari and Bounty Chocolate.

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Petit Anse La Digue

A large beach for one named petit! This is the sister beach to Grand Anse and can be reached by walking across the rocks from Grand Anse, following the footpath. Swimming here is dangerous, but it is a secluded beach for sunbathing or picnicking.

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Anse Takamaka

The crystal clear and calm waters of Anse Takamaka are ideal for swimming. The area is also a designated Marine National Park with an abundance of marine life, including turtles.

The luxury Raffles Praslin is only 500 kilometres away from this idyllic beach. The beach is a great place to relax while watching the ghost crabs running along the beachline, or observe curious stingrays, usually swimming in pairs.

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Intendance Beach

Located in southern Mahé, this lovely beach offers half a mile of powder white sand and huge breakers. There is no reef so the waves are much larger than most of the other beaches around the island, making it more suitable for surfing rather than swimming at most times.

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Denis Island

Denis lies 95km north of Victoria, Mahé and 45km from Bird Island, making it one of the most northerly of all the Seychelles’ islands

The beaches on this tiny island are perfect. Expect an oasis of coconut palms and casuarina trees, nestling amidst a shallow lagoon of turquoise waters with sandy beaches.

10-best-beaches-Seychelles-09Anse Coco

This pretty bay on the eastern coast of La Digue is only accessible by foot, either by taking a path from Grand Anse or in the other direction from Anse Fourmis. Because of its more sheltered aspect, this beach, unlike its neighbouring bays of Grand and Petit Anse, is safe for swimmers, but there are still some strong currents, so care does need to be taken.

Do you agree with our favourite 10? What are your favourite beaches in the Seychelles? Join in the conversation on Twitter, we’re @adelto. For our favourite 10 islands in the Seychelles, click here.

Images courtesy of Seychelles Tourism Board, Gerard Larose and Raymond Sahuquet

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