Location and character
Anse Trusalo lies on the west coast of Mahé, close to Port Glaud. It has an unrivalled view of the island of L’Islette just offshore. This remote, rarely visited stretch of coast is ideal for travellers who want peace, nature and authenticity, far from mass tourism. In clear weather you can also see the mountains of the Morne Seychellois massif behind the bay.
Anse Trusalo is one of the last unspoilt beaches on Mahé. Whether for swimming, strolling, taking photos or simply switching off, the setting and the stillness are what make the place. The view of the island of L’Islette gives the bay a special atmosphere. At low tide, L’Islette can sometimes be reached on foot.
Getting there and access
| Path | Distance and duration | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Car from Victoria | approx. 17 kilometres, about 30 minutes | Limited parking at Port Glaud |
| Bus from Victoria | Route 13 or 14 to Port Glaud | Bus stop near the Del Place Restaurant |
| Walking path from Port Glaud | approx. 15 minutes along Anse L'Islette | Rock passage only at low tide, river crossing |
By car
Start in Victoria, the capital of Mahé, and take Bel Air Road uphill towards Sans Soucis Road. This route has plenty of viewpoints, such as the Rochon Dam and the historic Mission Lodge. For walkers, trails in the Morne Seychellois National Park begin here, including Copolia, Trois Frères, Salazie, Casse-Dent, Morne Blanc and the popular Tea Tavern Trail.
Continue along the road to the west coast. There you reach the village of Port Glaud, where you turn right. You can park just past the Del Place Restaurant, opposite the church. Space is limited, so park in a way that keeps the road clear.
By bus
The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) runs from Victoria to Port Launay via Port Glaud: route 13 via La Misère and route 14 via Sans Soucis. The bus stop is right next to the Del Place Restaurant. Departure times are in the current SPTC timetable (June 2026). Times differ between weekdays and weekends, so check the last return bus in particular.
On foot from Port Glaud
From the parking spot, Anse Trusalo is already visible in the distance. On foot you walk along the whole length of Anse L’Islette. On the way you cross a small river that flows into the sea at the beach. A little way upstream is the Sauzier Waterfall. At the end of Anse L’Islette the rocks run straight into the water. At low tide you wade through the shallow sea and so reach Anse Trusalo.
An alternative footpath runs behind the rocks. However, it crosses the grounds of the Constance Ephelia (formerly Ephelia Resort) and is not open to anyone who is not a hotel guest.
Swimming and snorkelling
The water shelves gently, and an offshore reef protects the lagoon. That makes the bay pleasant for swimming, including for families. Because of the rocks and uneven seabed, water shoes are helpful. Occasionally there is seagrass in the water or on the shore, depending on the tides and the season.
From May to October the west coast of Mahé is mostly sheltered from the wind by the mountains, and the sea is usually at its calmest then. From December to February the north-west monsoon brings more rain and swell. For snorkelling, calm water at high tide is best. At the reef spots around L’Islette, only swim out when the water is smooth, and do not touch the reef. For a beach with more snorkelling, head further north to Port Launay.
Facilities and what to bring
Anse Trusalo is a quiet, natural beach with no services. There are no toilets, restaurants, sunbeds or shops right at the beach. Shade is patchy. Bring with you:
- drinking water and snacks
- sun protection and a hat
- water shoes for the rocks and the river
- a bag for your rubbish, please leave nothing on the beach
The beach is not accessible for people with limited mobility: the ground is uneven, and there are rocks and natural paths. The nearest places to buy supplies are in Port Glaud or Anse L’Islette, only a few minutes away by car.
Tips and what is nearby
It is best to come in the morning, which leaves time for the return at low tide. If you want to see the sunset, plan to come back at low water or at dusk with a torch, because the rocky passage is unsafe in the dark.
- Anse L’Islette: the beach you walk across on the way.
- Anse Port Glaud: a beach right by the road in the village, with a lagoon.
- Port Launay and the Port Launay Coastal Wetlands: marine park and wetland to the north.
- Anse Boileau and Anse Major: more beaches on the west coast and in the north-west.
The Sauzier Waterfall is only a few minutes’ walk from the church in Port Glaud. Access is across private land, where according to visitor reports a fee of recently about 50 rupees per person is charged (as of November 2026, please confirm on site). Pay only at the entrance. People who offer a “secret path” or a guided tour along the way often ask for considerably more.
