Mahe Island

The island of Mahé is the main and largest island of the archipelago and is the most frequently visited by tourists. The international airport is located here, so the transfer is not far.

Buses run regularly between Victoria and the island’s most popular beach, Beau Vallon. The last bus leaves at 7:30 PM; later than that, you can only get around by taxi (about 70 Rs; it is advisable to negotiate and clarify the fare before getting in). You can also reach the east, west, or south coast by bus from Victoria. The fare is 4 Rs and is paid to the driver.

There are 68 beaches on the island. At almost every one of them, you can rent equipment for snorkeling, diving, surfing, windsurfing, or water skiing. Boat trips with yachts or motorboats also depart directly from the beaches.

Beau Vallon – the largest, most famous, and most visited beach, is located just 3 km from the capital, Victoria. All local “life” is concentrated here, nightlife pulses, and the most important tourist infrastructure is available. The waves do not get big here because the local reef acts as a breakwater. There are platforms in the ocean from which you can jump, and local hotels also allow non-guests to use their beach and bar. In the village of Beau Vallon, where the road from Victoria branches off at an intersection to the west (Bel Ombre) and to the northeast (Glacis), there is a gas station, a Barclays Bank ATM, an internet café, and a police station. Numerous small shops line the road along the beach and the road to Bel Ombre.

South of the airport, you can find several beautiful, wild bays and secluded beaches, for example, Fairyl Beach, which is known for excellent snorkeling. Also located here are the beaches of Anse Forbans, Anse Bougainville, and Anse Royale, which are protected by a coral reef, so you can swim in calm water and snorkel safely there.

The west coast of Mahé is wilder, more picturesque, and rich in beaches. The road leading from Anse Takamaka bay to Port Launay harbor is famous for its magnificent views of the coast, where everyone can find a bay and a beach to their liking. From here, you can also easily reach the east coast via picturesque roads that lead through the center of the island. In the local Police Bay, for example, you should not swim – it is dangerous. However, it offers a breathtaking view of surfers; it is worth bringing a picnic basket.

Further west follow the beautiful beaches of Anse Takamaka, Anse Gaulette, and Anse à la Mouche. Harder to reach are the isolated beaches of Anse Soleil and Anse Petite – a jeep is required here, but the beaches hidden between palm trees and the sea rich in marine life are worth the effort. Grand Anse beach is suitable for surfers with good waves, but from May to September, you should be careful there – the water is very rough due to the monsoon winds.

Victoria – the smallest capital in the world, with a colorful market and two main streets, at the intersection of which stands a miniature copy of London’s Big Ben. The most important sights: the famous Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the Natural History Museum, Craft Village, where artisans exhibit their work, the tiny History Museum, the Mont Fleuri Botanical Garden, and the Orchid Garden. Here you can also visit the workshop of Michael Adams, a famous artist of the Seychelles, whose paintings are literally worth their weight in gold to connoisseurs. You can also stroll through the Sir Percy Selwyn Clarke central market to get to know the local way of life and purchase affordable souvenirs.

Halfway from Victoria to Port Glaud, 2 km from Anse Royale beach, lies the Royal Garden “Le Jardin du Roi” (Tel.: 371-313, admission 25 Rs, opening hours: 10:00–17:00). A beautiful spice garden and the entire park can be explored on a walk along picturesque paths and trails. The plantation house located on the park grounds is interesting with a one-room museum and a nice restaurant with a magnificent view of the coast.

Another interesting sight is the Craft Village (free admission, opening hours: 9:30–17:30, Tel.: 376-100). There are several shops here with arts and crafts and souvenirs, ship models, pottery, and coconut products. You can also eat here at the restaurant Vye Marmit (Tel.: 376-155, opening hours: Mon–Sat 11:00–21:00, main courses from 75–150 Rs). And a few minutes from the Craft Village, you can reach the Creole Institute Lenstiti Kreol, which is housed in a beautiful colonial building.