Location and character
Anse Boileau beach on the south-west coast is a narrow strip of sand beside shallow water, close to the coast road. You often see fishermen emptying their traps here, and small boats pulled up along the shore.
Anse Boileau is a genuine, long-established fishing village with a school, a health centre, a police station and several small shops. The beach runs for about 2 km along a gently curving bay. It is a quiet beach with no beach facilities, and usually only a handful of people about.
Getting there
By car
Turn left at the international airport and follow the main road south via Anse aux Pins. After passing the Anse aux Pins police station (on your left), drive on for about 1½ km until you see the turning for Montagne Posée on your right (next to a football pitch). Turn right here onto Montagne Posée Road, which climbs over the hill and down to Anse Boileau on the other side of the island. The whole journey is about 9 km.
In the Seychelles you drive on the left. The mountain road is winding and in places narrow, so take it slowly, especially on the bends.
By bus
You can reach Anse Boileau on buses run by the state bus company SPTC from the bus terminal in Victoria. Both routes end at Anse Boileau Clinic, and the beach is on the coast road close by.
| Line | Route | Travel time from Victoria (depending on trip) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Victoria, Montagne Posée, Anse Boileau | just over 1 hour |
| 2A | Victoria, Anse Royale, Mt Plaisir, Anse Boileau | around 70 minutes |
Parking and on foot
Next to the beach there are several parking spaces, which as far as we know are free to use. Several guesthouses are nearby, so many visitors simply walk. Do not leave any valuables visible in the car.
Swimming and snorkelling
Because the water is shallow, everything here depends on the tides. The middle section of the beach at high tide is the best place for a swim. It is best to come on days when high tide falls around midday. At low tide the seabed is exposed for a long way out. At very high tide the narrow beach can disappear for a while, so check the tide table before you visit.
The waves are small, which makes the beach well suited to children. The seabed is mostly sandy, with a few muddy patches, so water shoes are a good idea. You can snorkel in the shallows at high tide, but it is best to bring your own equipment. Keep your distance from the fishermen's boats and do not touch any traps that have been set.
Facilities
There are no sun loungers or rental services on the beach itself. Trees along the shore give natural shade. Reports differ on whether the toilets at the beach can be used, so it is safer to plan on using facilities in the village. Take water, sun protection and snacks with you. You will find shops in the village, as well as small snack stalls.
There are two places to consider for a meal. The restaurant Chez Plume belongs to the guesthouse Auberge d'Anse Boileau. According to the guesthouse, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 noon, with last orders at 8.30 pm, and it is closed to outside guests on Mondays. BiBi Take Away & Cafe on Montagne Posée Road is about 100 m from the main road. Opening times change from time to time, so check beforehand.
Tips and nearby
Come at high tide and check the return bus before you set off. Combine the beach with a walk through the village, which is the best way to see fishing life. These are the neighbours along the coast:
- Anse Louis: a small bay with slightly bigger waves, a good 250 m away, with a car park and bus stop.
- Anse à la Mouche: a calm bay, a short way further on.
- Anse Soleil: a small bay on the south-west coast.
- Anse Petite Boileau: not accessible by car, reached on foot along a path.
- Morne Seychellois National Park: walks in the hills behind the village.
You will find more beaches on the island on the Mahé page.
