Location and character
Anse Baleine is a small, fairly secluded beach in the south-east of Mahé. Shallow water and gentle, inviting waves create a relaxed atmosphere that tempts many locals to come for a beach picnic. The name is French: "anse" means bay and "baleine" means whale.
The beach lies between Anse Royale and Anse Forbans, directly beside the coast road, and at roughly 40 by 15 metres it is very small. Coconut palms and granite boulders scattered along the shore and in the water give it its character. Because the Surfers Beach restaurant is close by, the bay is sometimes referred to by that name as well.
Getting there
By bus
A bus route runs past the beach on the South Coast Road, and from the stop it is only a few steps. Travel reports mention routes 5 and 5A, which run from the bus station in Victoria via Anse Royale towards the south. Which route is currently in service and how often it runs is shown in the up-to-date timetable of the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation. At weekends and on public holidays the buses run less often. If possible, pay with a BusKarte or the app: several recent reports say that paying cash on the bus is no longer possible everywhere.
By car or taxi
The beach lies a few kilometres south of Anse Royale on the coast road, about 300 to 400 metres before the Surfers Beach restaurant if you are coming from the north. There is little space at the access to the beach. Reports mention limited spots at the roadside, and some say room for only one vehicle. Park so that neither the road nor the access path is blocked. Getting here by taxi or hire car is straightforward, but if you are travelling with several vehicles, have a fallback plan of moving to the larger beach at Anse Royale.
On foot
From the neighbouring beaches and accommodation in Anse Royale and Anse Forbans you can reach the bay on a walk along the road. There is no pavement to speak of, so watch out for traffic and bends.
Swimming and snorkelling
The water is shallow and the waves are usually small. That makes the bay a good place for families with children and for paddling. A reef offshore and granite boulders in the water shape the seabed, which consists of sand and stones. At low tide it becomes very shallow, and you cannot wade far out. Snorkelling is possible at the reef right in front of the beach and is considered pleasant as long as the water is calm.
According to beach guides, seaweed is washed ashore from June to September. This is the period of the south-east trade wind, which hits the south-east coast of Mahé head on. In the other months the water is usually calmer, and the fact box shows the calm months for this beach. If the sea gets too rough on a given day, a switch to the west coast is a good idea, for example to Anse Takamaka.
Facilities and surroundings
There are no sun loungers or toilets on the beach itself. If you want to stay all day, bring water, food and sun protection, just as many locals do when they come for a picnic. You will find restaurants and shops on the neighbouring beaches along the main road. Anse Royale is the largest village in the area, with a petrol station, a hospital and banks. The Surfers Beach restaurant is nearby, but check the current opening hours on the spot.
| Beach | What to expect there |
|---|---|
| Anse Royale | Long, lively beach with a village, shops and restaurants |
| Anse Parnel | Small beach, restaurants nearby |
| Anse Bougainville | Small, quiet beach between Anse Baleine and Anse Royale |
| Anse Forbans | Shallow water, several accommodations, popular with families |
| Anse Intendance | Wild, photogenic beach in the south, surf usually strong, swimming often dangerous |
Tips
- Check the tides before you set out. At low tide the beach is wider, but high tide is better for swimming.
- Come in the morning if you want sun on the beach. In the afternoon the bay lies in shade.
- Combine your visit with a day on the south-east coast: Anse Royale, Anse Forbans and Anse Marie Louise are close to one another.
- You will find more beaches on the island on the page about Mahé.
