The famous and beautiful beach of Anse Intendance in the south of Mahé offers around 800 metres of powdery white sand and huge breakers. Because there is no protective reef here, the waves are much bigger than on most other beaches on the island, making it more suitable for surfing than swimming most of the time. During the southeast trade winds, the waves can reach fearsome heights, but during the northwest trade winds, the sea is calmer. This beautiful beach is also popular for sunbathing.
Here there is a powder-fine light-coloured sandy beach embedded in lush green vegetation with scattered granite rocks and clear turquoise water.
The beach is not protected by a reef in most parts and therefore during the south-east monsoon there are high and powerful waves with currents. The beach is therefore not fully recommended for swimming.