Location and character
Anse Matelot is a small sandy cove that can be reached from the L’Archipel hotel on a short walk. Thanks to its somewhat remote position, it is often deserted. It is suitable for swimming.
The cove lies in the north-east of Praslin on the east coast, barely half a kilometre from the hotel as the crow flies. The nearest larger bay is Anse Gouvernment, about 1.3 km away. Because the route overland is awkward, most visitors arrive by boat. As an east-coast beach, Anse Matelot gets the sun in the morning. There is no sunset over the sea here.
Getting there
By car to the L’Archipel hotel
At Praslin airport, turn left onto the main road towards Grand’ Anse (4 km). Then turn left and drive through the Vallée de Mai to Baie Ste. Anne. Turn left after the bank (in Karl's day this was still Barclays Bank, today the branch is called Absa) and drive about 2 km to the Côte d’Or, until you reach the signpost for the L’Archipel hotel (on your right). The journey takes about 20 minutes.
Whether non-guests may park at the hotel is best checked with reception in advance.
By bus
SPTC buses on Praslin leave from Baie Ste. Anne. In the published timetable (as of publication, November 2021), the Côte d’Or was served by route 63. From the stop, follow the signpost to the hotel. No bus goes as far as the cove itself. Current times are available from SPTC, and general advice on the page Travelling by bus in the Seychelles. Fewer buses run at weekends and on public holidays.
On foot from the hotel
At low tide the beach can also be reached on foot. A path is said to lead from the eastern end of the bay at Anse Gouvernment to the cove in about 15 minutes. It runs over granite rocks and is considered not without risk.
By boat
The beach is easy to reach by boat. From Anse Volbert the trip takes about 10 minutes. Ask at your accommodation or at the boat operators on the Côte d’Or about a trip, and agree the price and return time beforehand.
Swimming and facilities
Anse Matelot is suitable for swimming and, with so few visitors, is peaceful. The water level changes with the tides, and it is shallower at low tide. Currents and seagrass depend on the wind and the season. Depending on the wind, seagrass and driftwood wash up on Praslin's east side. The calmer months are shown in the fact box, and you will find general advice under best time to visit. Do not expect a lifeguard here.
According to the information available, there is hardly anything on the beach itself. Bring drinking water, sun protection and snorkelling gear, and take your rubbish away with you. Food and drink are available at the restaurants of the L’Archipel hotel, including La Feuille d’Or in the main building and La Gigolette on the beach at Anse Gouvernment. If you are not a guest, ask beforehand.
Tips and what is nearby
| Beach | Distance (straight line, approx.) | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Anse Gouvernement | 1.3 km | Calm, shallow bay by the L’Archipel hotel |
| Anse La Blague | 2.9 km | Quiet beach, water level strongly dependent on the tides |
| Anse La Farine | 3.7 km | Only accessible by boat, shallow bay |
You can combine a visit with a day on the Côte d’Or or a boat trip to Curieuse and St. Pierre. Other beaches on the island are Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette in the north-west, as well as the Vallée de Mai. For an overview, see the page on Praslin.
