Location and character
Anse aux Poules Bleues, on the south-west coast of Mahé, is a quiet, shady beach next to Anse à la Mouche, whose beach disappears at high tide, and it is well worth a visit. You can park under the big takamaka trees. The water is shallow and ideal for families with children or keen snorkellers.
The sand here is more yellowish-beige, and the sea is calm with few waves. The takamaka trees give plenty of shade. Numerous small fishing boats lie at anchor here. The Michael Adams Studio is within walking distance of the beach and should not be missed. The dominant colours are various shades of green, blue and turquoise. The artist's children have also exhibited their work here.
At around 700 metres long and roughly 15 metres wide, the beach is modest in size and is not one of those that draw visitors from far afield. That is partly because of its better-known neighbours, Anse à la Mouche and Anse Soleil. If you are looking for peace and quiet, this is the right place.
Getting there
By car
Directions
Start in Victoria and take Bois de Rose Avenue heading south. At the roundabout in Roche Caiman (Victoria South Petrol Station), take the third exit and cross the island via La Misere Road. When you reach Grand Anse, turn left at the petrol station. From here it is just under 20 minutes along the coast road heading south. The beach is a little hidden behind the coastal vegetation. A useful landmark is a small fruit stall on the left-hand side of the road, right by a raised zebra crossing.
Alternative route: follow the east coast to Anse Royal. At the church turn right and cross the island via Les Canelles Road. When you arrive in Anse la Mouche, turn left. From there it is about 5 more minutes.
Both routes take about 40 minutes. There is enough parking between the beach and the road. Space is limited, so please keep driveways and boat access clear.
By bus
There is a bus stop near the beach. The current timetable of the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) shows which route serves the coast road near Baie Lazare and when it runs. According to reports, fares on the buses are paid cashless with a bus card, which is available from sales points in the village, among other places. Check the current fares before you travel.
Swimming and snorkelling
The bay is shallow and sheltered, and the waves stay small. The seabed is muddy in places, so water shoes are a good idea. There is a reef at the edge of the bay, but snorkelling there is best on calm days with good visibility. There is no known lifeguard, so keep an eye on the water depth yourself if you have children with you.
The strip of sand is narrow and gets narrower still at high tide. If you need room to lie down, plan your visit around the tides. Seaweed can wash up between June and September. The fact box at the top of the page shows which months are the quietest.
Facilities
Tips and what is nearby
Combine your beach visit with the Michael Adams Studio, where you will find screen prints, watercolours, postcards and calendars. The studio is both a home and a gallery. A short email to confirm an appointment is appreciated, and coach groups cannot be accommodated.
| Day | Opening Hours Michael Adams Studio |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 10:30 to 13:00 and 13:30 to 16:00 |
| Saturday | 10:30 to 12:00 |
| Sunday and public holidays | closed |
The neighbouring bays offer more beaches to choose from, in order of distance: Anse à la Mouche and Anse Soleil with its café, plus Anse Louis, Baie Lazare and Anse Takamaka. For an overview of the island, see the Mahé page.
