Location and character
Anse Soleil in the south of Mahé is a very pretty bay, well suited to swimming and snorkelling. It has a wide sandy beach framed by large, shady trees. The beach is very photogenic and a popular spot for a weekend picnic. Getting here takes you a little off the beaten track, but it is worth the extra effort. There is also a small beach café serving excellent seafood.
You will find fine, powder-white sand, turquoise water, plenty of palms and a lovely view across the bay and along the coast. This beach belongs in every holiday photo album! It is popular with visitors and locals alike. Even so, it stays manageable: it is a small beach and rarely crowded.
Getting there and access
By car
From Victoria it is about 45 minutes' drive and just under 30 kilometres.
- Head south along Bois de Rose Avenue. At the roundabout in Roche Caiman (Victoria South Petrol Station), take the third exit and cross the island via La Misère Road.
- In Grand Anse, turn left at the petrol station and follow the coast road.
- Shortly after the Michael Adams Gallery, turn right into "Anse Soleil Road". Follow the sign for "Kempinski".
- Drive past the hotel entrance as far as the "Four Seasons Hotel" and, just before its entrance, take the road downhill to the right. From here, look out for parking spots at the side of the road.
Alternative route: At the Roche Caiman roundabout go straight on (second exit) along the Providence Highway, past the airport, and on the East Coast Road to Anse Royale. There, turn right at the church onto Les Canelles Road. In Anse Boileau on the other side of the island, turn left and continue as described above.
By bus
Route 6B Anse Soleil via Les Canelles (the bus stop is about 200 m from the beach). Buses run here fairly infrequently. The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation timetable (valid from June 2026) lists, among others, a weekday service leaving Victoria at 09:55 via Les Canelles and Anse Soleil to Dame Le Roi. At weekends and on public holidays buses run less often, so sort out your return journey before you set off. According to recent reports, payment on the bus is cashless, and visitors need a card, which is sold at the airport, for example.
The last stretch to the beach
To reach the beach, you walk straight through the "Chez Julien Restaurant", across the grounds and down the steps to the sand. It is also a good place for lunch. According to guests, the beach café is now run by new operators and is sometimes referred to as "Hidden Cove Café". The name and opening hours may change; it is usually open at lunchtime.
Swimming and snorkelling
The water gets deep fairly quickly here, and the waves can be higher. When the sea is calm, the beach is suitable for swimming and snorkelling. Especially at high tide, the seabed drops away steeply not far from the shore. Stay close to the beach and you should generally have no problems. Keep an eye on children and less confident swimmers.
The fact box above shows which months are usually calm. Even so, check the sea conditions on the day before you get in with mask and snorkel. Snorkelling is best around the rocks at the edge of the bay.
Facilities
Tips and surroundings
At weekends locals gather here for picnics; during the week it is quieter. Plan at least half a day at the beach, ideally with lunch at the café. The café is not part of any beach charge: access to the beach is free and you only pay for what you eat and drink. Ask about current prices.
Petite Anse is nearby: Petite Anse. Other beaches in the south and south-west of Mahé include Anse Takamaka, Baie Lazare and Anse Intendance. On the way back it is worth stopping at the Le Jardin du Roi Spicegarden or the Michael Adams Gallery. You can find more about the island on the Mahé page.
