Location and character
Anse à la Mouche is a large, open beach on the south coast of Mahé, the biggest island of the Seychelles. Unlike the better-known beaches, it sees few visitors. With a beach about 1.5 kilometres long, you are sure to find a quiet spot to relax on the sand or under one of the many takamaka trees. The name literally means "Fly Bay".
You will often see fishermen on the beach, and occasionally windsurfers or kitesurfers. At low tide the fishing boats lie on the sand, and the bay becomes a popular subject for photographers. The waist-high wall between the road and the beach invites you to linger, and if you like, you can strike up a pleasant conversation with the locals, who also sit there and relax from time to time.
Like all beaches in the Seychelles, Anse à la Mouche is public and open to everyone. That includes the stretch in front of the beach hotel (Canopy by Hilton Seychelles Resort), which is particularly well kept.
Getting there
By car
Start from Victoria. From there, drive towards the international airport, which is on the east side of Mahé at Point Larue. Continue south and stay on the main road as far as Anse Royale. Carry on for about 1 kilometre to the end of the village, until you see the green signs for Les Canelles. Turn right onto the road to Les Canelles and follow it over the hill to the junction on the west side of the island. Turn left at the junction and the beach is on your right, straight ahead. The total journey takes about 25 minutes.
In the Seychelles, traffic drives on the left. The road over the hill is winding, so allow plenty of time.
By bus
The SPTC bus route 2C runs from Victoria via Cascade and Les Canelles to the stop at the roundabout near Anse à la Mouche, so it takes the same mountain road as the drive by car. Route 6 to Baie Lazare also uses the road via Les Canelles. There are more services on weekdays than at weekends, and noticeably fewer on Saturday and Sunday. Check the current timetable before you set off, especially for the return journey in the evening.
Parking and walking
There are several parking areas along the road, and the bus stop is also close by. From the car park it is only a few steps to the beach. Do not leave valuables visible in the car.
Swimming and snorkelling
As a bay, Anse à la Mouche has very shallow, calm water, which makes it ideal for snorkelling and even for inexperienced swimmers or children, as long as they stay close to the shore.
How good the swimming is depends strongly on the tides. At high tide the strip of sand is narrow, while at low tide it becomes very wide. The water stays shallow throughout. At low tide you have to walk a long way out to swim. When wading, there is only a small sandy area free of coral and seagrass. Shoes with firm soles are a good idea. If you want to swim in peace, it is best to go in around high tide. You can find tide tables on the internet or at your hotel.
Facilities
Besides a few small holiday houses, there are restaurants and shops nearby, which makes Anse à la Mouche ideal for a day at the beach. Bring water and sun protection.
Tips and surroundings
Anse à la Mouche works well as a stop on a drive through the south of Mahé. If you want some variety, there are more beaches nearby: Anse Boileau to the north, and Baie Lazare, Anse Takamaka and Anse Soleil to the south. The wild Anse Intendance can also be reached from here, although swimming there is considerably riskier. You can find all the island's beaches on the Mahé page.
If you want to experience the bay in peace, come at low tide, when the fishing boats lie on the sand, and stay until high tide for a swim.
