Location and character
Anse L’Islette, also known as Port Launay South, lies in the north-west of Mahé in the Port Glaud district.
It sits opposite the small island of the same name and is one of the two main beaches of the Constance Ephelia Resort. It is a pretty bay with views of the island and water so shallow that you can walk across to it. The beach is very attractive and is best reached through the hotel grounds, but strong swimmers tend to prefer Port Launay or Baie Ternay, where the water is deeper and the snorkelling is excellent.
This is a long stretch of white sand with relatively shallow, calm water, which makes it a perfect spot for families with children. The view is superb: mountains on one side, turquoise sea on the other, and two islands just offshore, L’Islette (you can even walk out to it at very low tide) and, beyond it, Thérèse. The beach belongs to the Ephelia hotel, but like all beaches in the Seychelles it is open to the public.
L’Islette lies about 250 metres off the coast. It is a granite island covered in vegetation which, according to Wikipedia, is privately owned. Ask locally whether you are allowed to set foot on it before you walk across. As the bay faces west, the sun sets over the sea here in the evening.
Getting there
By car
From Victoria you can either take the rather winding Sans Souci Road (you can make a short stop on the way at the Mission Lodge viewpoint) as far as Port Glaud and turn right there. Or take Bois de Rose Avenue in Roche Caiman, turn right at the roundabout (Victoria South Petrol Station) and follow La Misere Road to Grand Anse. There you turn right at the petrol station and follow the coast road. Shortly after the restaurant “Del Place” you will find plenty of parking.
By bus
All routes terminating at Port Launay stop nearby. Get off after the “Del Place Restaurant”. The timetable of the state bus company SPTC lists, among others, route 13 (Victoria to Port Launay) and route 14 with its variant 14A. Current times are on the SPTC website.
Access to the beach
The most convenient way to reach the beach is through the hotel grounds. Older descriptions mention a small river with mangroves that separates the beach from the village and can be waded across. Check the water level on the spot, and if in doubt ask about access at the hotel entrance.
Swimming and snorkelling
The water is very shallow and works well for children playing in the shallows. It is less suitable for swimming, and at low tide not at all. If you want to swim properly or snorkel, head to Port Launay or Baie Ternay, both in the marine national park.
The tides set the rhythm of the day here. At low tide the seabed lies exposed far out, and at very low tide the way to L’Islette leads through knee-deep water. Check a tide table beforehand and allow for the tide coming back in. Water shoes are useful in the shallow area.
The west coast of Mahé generally lies in the lee of the south-east trade wind, which blows from about May to October. In those months the sea here is usually calmer. During the north-west monsoon (roughly December to February) there can be more wind and swell.
Facilities
Tips and surroundings
Sauzier Waterfall
From the beach, Sauzier Waterfall is about 15 minutes away on foot. Cross the main road by the “St Peter and Paul Church” and follow the smaller tarmac road for about 5 minutes (keep left).
There are two falls. The lower one can be reached on an easy path and you can swim in its pool. A short, steep climb through the forest leads to the upper one. The rocks are slippery, so wear sturdy shoes. After rain the waterfall carries much more water. There are no facilities on site, so take drinks with you. Travellers report people on the path who claim that access is closed and offer another route for money. Follow the description above.
Nearby
- Port Launay and Baie Ternay: deeper water and good snorkelling.
- Anse Trusalo: an unspoilt natural beach with a view of L’Islette.
- Anse Port Glaud and Port Launay Coastal Wetlands: mangroves and quiet stretches of coast.
- Mission Lodge and Morne Seychellois National Park: views and walking trails in the hills.
- Tea factory: the destination of bus route 14A from Port Launay.
