Location and character
Anse Takamaka, on the south-west coast of Mahé, combines clear turquoise water, a broad stretch of sand and a lovely mountain backdrop. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Mahé and often appears on postcards. There is plenty to do here: swimming, snorkelling and even stand-up paddleboarding in the calm, shallow water.
Anse Takamaka is a wonderful subject for photographs: powder-white sand, palm trees and a turquoise sea. The beach is about 400 to 500 metres long and enclosed by granite boulders at both ends. It takes its name from the takamaka trees that line the sand.
At the end of the beach you will find the well-known Creole restaurant "Chez Batista". It stands at the southern end of the beach and belongs to a small family-run hotel.
Getting there and parking
By car via the east coast
From Victoria, drive all the way down the east coast and, at the Anse Forbans Chalets, cross the hill at Quatre Bornes to the west side of the island. You come out directly at Anse Takamaka. The journey takes about 50 minutes. In the Seychelles, traffic drives on the left.
By car via the west coast
Alternatively, take Bois de Rose Avenue to the Roche Caiman roundabout (Victoria South Petrol Station), take the third exit and continue via La Misère to the west coast. At the Grand Anse Petrol Station turn left and follow the coast road to Anse Takamaka. The journey takes about 1 hour.
Parking
There is parking along the roadside, but spaces are limited. Chez Batista has another car park, which is best used if you are dining at the restaurant.
By bus
Bus: Route 5 Baie Lazare via Takamaka. The bus stop is only a few metres from the beach. The service departs from Victoria Bus Terminal. According to the June 2026 timetable, it runs on weekdays from about 5:50 am to 7:10 pm, and the journey to Takamaka takes a good hour. At weekends a separate timetable applies. Check the times in advance, especially for the return journey, in the SPTC timetable.
Swimming and snorkelling
The sea is relatively shallow, with a rocky bottom in places. Waves can be high, with strong surf. When the sea is calm, the beach is suitable for snorkelling.
There is no protective reef. The easiest place to enter the water is near Chez Batista, between a few coral blocks and stones. The southern end by the rocks is also good for swimming and snorkelling. The northern part is narrow at high tide and shelves steeply. At high water there is little sand left there to lie on.
| Period | Conditions |
|---|---|
| May to July | Waves sometimes very high, swimming and snorkelling often not advisable |
| August to September | Southeast trade winds, still noticeable surf |
| October to April | mostly calmer sea, best time for snorkelling |
Facilities
Shade is provided by the takamaka trees and palms at the edge of the beach. For food and drink there is Chez Batista, known for its Creole cooking and a buffet on Sundays. It is best to ask the restaurant directly about opening hours and reservations, as the sources I found gave differing information more than once. I know of no sun lounger rental on the beach, so bring your own sun protection and towel. There is no reliable information about toilets.
Tips and surroundings
Anse Takamaka combines well with other beaches on the south coast: Anse Intendance with its heavy surf, Anse Soleil and Petite Anse. Other beaches in the area are Anse Gaulette, Baie Lazare and Anse Louis. If the sea at Anse Takamaka is too rough, one of these bays makes a good alternative. According to guidebooks, there is also an enclosure with giant tortoises nearby. You can find more about the island on the Mahé page.
