Location and character
Anse Kerlan, a bay of blue-tinged sand next to the Lémuria Resort, is lined with picturesque granite rocks. The swimming and especially the snorkelling here are excellent. At certain times of year, however, strong currents can occur and carry swimmers out to sea. The hotel can give you up-to-date information and warnings.
The hotel is now called the Constance Lémuria. Its grounds stretch around several bays: the large Anse Kerlan, the small Petite Anse Kerlan on the other side of a rocky headland and, reachable only on foot or by boat, Anse Georgette. The area is quiet and little built up. If you are looking for more life and bustle, you will be better off at Anse Volbert. For an overview of the whole island, see the page on Praslin.
Getting there
By bus
On Praslin, SPTC buses leave from the ferry pier at Baie Sainte Anne. According to the information available, one of the three routes serves the Anse Kerlan stop at the Lémuria. Tell the driver where you are going so that he stops in the right place. On Praslin, fares are increasingly paid by travel card or app, and cash on the bus is not reliable. Timetables change, especially at weekends and on public holidays, so ask your accommodation or the SPTC beforehand. You can find more on the page Travelling by bus in the Seychelles.
By car
There is parking along the nearby main road and next to the hotels on the beach. Visitors with hire cars can also park at the entrance to the resort. The drive from Côte d’Or or Grand Anse takes only a few minutes, and so does the drive from the airport.
| Route | Approximate distance |
|---|---|
| Praslin Airport to resort | about 3 km |
| Bus stop to main gate of the resort | about 5 minutes on foot |
| Main gate to Anse Georgette | 20 to 25 minutes on foot, via the golf course |
Swimming and snorkelling
The snorkelling spots are mainly around the granite rocks that enclose the bay. Fish gather there, and visibility is good when the water is calm. Petite Anse Kerlan is considered more sheltered and calmer than the large bay. At Anse Kerlan itself, despite the reef offshore, the waves can be noticeable at times and the water gets deep quickly. It is therefore suitable for children only when the sea is calm and under supervision.
At certain times of year seaweed lies on the beach, and it can be windy. The fact box above shows which months are calmer. General information on wind and seasons can be found under Climate and weather. If in doubt, ask at the hotel reception about the current conditions before you swim, as Karl advises. For general tips on snorkelling, see Diving and snorkelling.
Facilities
There is very little on the beach itself. Do not expect a kiosk or public sun loungers, and bring water and sun protection. A few trees at the edge of the beach provide shade. Near Petite Anse Kerlan the hotel runs a beach bar with a grill and a restaurant under takamaka trees. Whether day visitors can eat there is something you will learn when you register at the hotel. You can find other places to eat on the island under Restaurants on Praslin.
Tips and what is nearby
Nearby are Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio, both with their granite rocks. The UNESCO World Heritage site Vallée de Mai is about a quarter of an hour away by car. Boat trips to Curieuse and Cousin start from other beaches on the island. Other beaches in the area include Grand Anse and Anse Boudin. You can stay in the area at the hotel or in smaller guesthouses, and you will find a selection under Accommodation on Praslin.
