Location and character
This beach in the south, reached by making your way through forest and caves or by boat, has powder-fine white sand, tall coconut palms and large boulders. It lies in the south-east of Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles. It is a short hike from Anse Petite Marie Louise and an ideal spot for a wedding in the Seychelles.
Anse Capucins is one of the few beaches on Mahé with no road access. There are no huts or stalls, and usually only a few people are here. As it sits on the south-east coast, the beach is open to the ocean and the surf is correspondingly strong. People come here to hike, to look around and to enjoy the peace, not to spend the day in the water.
Getting there
On foot from Anse Marie Louise
The usual route starts at Anse Marie Louise in the south-east of Mahé. From the coast road, a concrete access road beside the Chalets d'Anse Forbans leads south and turns into an unpaved track. You pass a marshy area and a small bridge. A marked stone points the way to the beach, and beyond Anse Petite Marie Louise there is another stone with the word "HIKE" on it. Shortly before the end, keep left, where the actual access to the beach is.
The path is moderately to fairly demanding, with roots, rocks and slippery sections, and in places it is overgrown or hidden by fallen palm fronds. The markings (stones, arrows, red ribbons) are not easy to spot everywhere.
| Route | Duration and length (according to hikers) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Anse Petite Marie Louise to Anse Capucins | depending on reports 30 minutes to just over 1 hour per direction | Getting lost quickly costs time, return can take longer |
| Loop from Basen Diri via Anse Capucins to Petite Marie Louise | about 5.5 km, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours estimated | Parts of the loop are heavily overgrown, several hikers advise against the loop |
| Continue to Anse Petite Boileau | longer hike, about 3.5 to 4 hours in total | The connection from Anse Capucins is rough and barely marked |
By car and parking
From Victoria, follow the coast road south past the airport to Anse Forbans; the drive takes about 45 minutes. The unpaved road branches off directly after the Chalets d'Anse Forbans. According to hikers, you can park for free in a small area at the start of the trail. Do not leave any valuables in the car.
By bus
SPTC bus route 5 runs from Victoria via Takamaka to the south, and the "Anse Forbans" stop is not far from the start of the trail. From there you walk the last stretch. You can find current timetables on the SPTC website. Plan your return so that you are sure to catch the last bus.
By boat
According to the Seychelles Tourism Board, the beach can also be reached by boat. The surf is often strong, so check with the boatman beforehand whether a landing is possible in current conditions.
Swimming and weather
Anse Capucins is not suitable for swimming. Several visitors report strong currents and high waves, and even locals advise against bathing. The beach is not suitable for snorkelling either. If you want to cool off, stay in the shallow wash of the waves and do not go any further in. For swimming and snorkelling, you are better off heading to nearby Anse Marie Louise, where an offshore reef protects the water.
The calmer months for this coast are given in the fact box above. Even then, the south-east coast still faces the ocean and will never become a safe bathing bay. For the hike itself, dry days and early mornings work best, as the path is slippery after rain and the humidity is high.
Facilities and tips
There are no toilets, sun loungers, restaurants or shops on the beach. Take everything you need with you and carry your rubbish back out. The only shade comes from the coconut palms at the edge of the beach, so pack sun protection all the same.
Weddings and photos
The Seychelles Tourism Board expressly names Anse Capucins as a wedding location. Because of the walk, it suits small ceremonies or photos with only a few guests better. Check the arrangements and access in advance with your organiser or hotel.
Nearby
For swimming, try Anse Marie Louise, Petite Marie Louise and Anse Forbans. If you want to hike further, Anse Petite Boileau and Police Bay offer more remote beaches. You will find further beaches in the area on the page about Mahé, and the south-west coast with Anse Intendance lies on the other side of the headland.
