Location and character
Anse Marie Louise lies in the southeast of Mahé, right next to Anse Forbans. This attractive sandy beach is perfect for picnics, yet for the average tourist it sits a little off the beaten track.
It is a fairly long beach with plenty of shady spots. The reef offshore keeps the sea calm and shallow, which makes it good for a gentle paddle. There are some patches of seagrass in the water.
The beach runs seamlessly into Anse Forbans, and some people see it simply as an extension of it. It is about 425 metres long and roughly 15 metres wide. Takamaka trees and coconut palms screen it from the road, with large granite boulders scattered between them. It is the last easily accessible beach before the wild southern tip of Mahé. Old maps call the area Pirate's Bay, because pirates could anchor here in shelter.
There are usually only a few visitors. At weekends, especially on Sunday afternoons, locals gather here for picnics. Fishing boats lie in the bay, and the fishermen land their catch here.
Getting there
By car
From Victoria, head south along Bois de Rose Road and the Providence Highway past the airport, then keep following the coast road, East Coast Road.
The Anse Forbans Chalets stand at the southernmost end of the road. Just after them an unsurfaced track branches off, and you follow it to the next beach. There are a few places to park right by the beach under the trees. The drive takes about 45 minutes. The short gravel stretch is bumpy, so drive slowly and do not leave anything valuable visible in the car.
By bus
Bus: route 5 Baie Lazare via Takamaka. Routes and numbers are occasionally changed, so check the current timetable of the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation before you travel. Get off at the Anse Forbans stop. From the road it is only a few minutes on foot.
The buses are cashless, so you need a travel card or the SPTC app. Cards are available at the airport, at SPTC offices and in many small shops. Fares change, and current prices are on the SPTC website. At weekends and on public holidays, expect noticeably fewer services.
On foot
If you are staying at Anse Forbans or swimming there, simply walk south along the beach.
Swimming and snorkelling
The water is shallow and usually calm. Swimming is best at high tide. At low tide many stones and pieces of broken coral are exposed, and getting into the water is unpleasant. Beach sandals or water shoes are a good idea, as small bits of coral also lie in the sand. Check the tide table before you visit: the high tide rises higher in the early afternoon than in the morning.
The beach is good for snorkelling from October to May. From June to September seagrass often drifts in and collects in the shallows. The southeast trade wind also blows during these months, and strong currents can develop beyond the reef.
Facilities
According to recent reports, there are no restaurants, toilets or sun loungers right on the beach. Shade, on the other hand, is plentiful. Bring drinking water, snacks, a beach mat and a bag for your rubbish. You can get food and drinks at the nearby guesthouses at Anse Forbans or at snack stalls along the coast road. Opening hours change often, so ask locally if you need to.
Tips and surroundings
It is best to come in the morning, when it is quiet and the heat is still bearable. Time your arrival around the tide: Anse Marie Louise is at its prettiest at high tide. If you are exploring the south-east of Mahé, the beach combines nicely with a walk at Anse Forbans.
| Beach | Location |
|---|---|
| Anse Forbans | Directly to the north, about 0.5 km, reached on foot along the beach |
| Anse Bougainville | Around 1 km north of Anse Forbans |
| Anse Parnel | About 1.5 km away, secluded and quiet |
| Anse Takamaka | Further west along the south coast |
