Location and character
Surrounded by the Marine National Park, this unspoilt beach is very popular with divers and sailors. Unfortunately it cannot currently be reached by car, as the road leading to the beach is closed to visitors.
Its position in one of the most remote corners of Mahé makes Baie Ternay a wonderfully quiet spot for those lucky enough to stroll on the white coral sand and explore the little bay.
The bay lies on the west coast, about 5 km south-west of Beau Vallon, between two hills that border the Morne Seychellois National Park. The Marine National Park was established on 11 June 1979 and covers roughly 0.8 km². Because the bay offers good shelter in south-easterly winds, yachts like to anchor here. It is managed by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA); you may still come across the former name, SNPA, in older reports.
Getting there
By boat
The SPGA describes the park as an area with no direct access by coastal road. The usual way in is over the water. Boat charters, dive centres and tour operators offer trips, often combined with snorkelling and a barbecue on the beach. Most operators are based at Beau Vallon. The journey along the west coast also shows you bays that cannot be reached from the road, as well as Morne Seychellois, the highest mountain in the Seychelles.
On a booked tour the park entry fee is usually included in the price. Check beforehand, and agree a firm time for the return trip, because at the bay there is no road, bus or taxi.
By land
Access and the walking route are not clearly established. The park lies at the end of the coastal road near Port Launay, and according to visitor reports the road is very narrow, poorly maintained and hardly suitable for oncoming traffic. Some travellers describe parking at a barrier and walking about 500 to 600 m through mangroves. Whether this path is currently open to visitors cannot be confirmed. Do not count on it and plan to arrive by boat. A bus connection all the way to the bay is not confirmed.
Entry and fees
| Position | Price (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee to Baie Ternay and Port Launay, non-residents aged 12 and over | Rs 200 |
| Overnight mooring, per yacht | Rs 250 |
Swimming and snorkelling
The water is shallow and calm, with shallow coral reefs running through it. That makes the bay one of the best snorkelling spots on the west coast. According to the SPGA, there is a chance of seeing whale sharks, dolphins and sea turtles. There is no guarantee of that.
The bay is calmest during the south-east monsoon, roughly from May to October, when it also serves yachts as a sheltered anchorage. After heavy rain the water close to the shore can be cloudy. Reports suggest the beach shrinks considerably at high tide, so plan your visit with the tides in mind. The shoreline is partly stony, and water shoes are a good idea, especially for children.
Facilities and tips
Baie Ternay is a nature park without infrastructure. There is no café, no rental station and no reception area.
Nearby
A little way to the south lies Port Launay, which belongs to the same protected area, with the Port Launay Coastal Wetlands and Anse Port Glaud. If you are looking for restaurants, shops and a livelier atmosphere, you will find them at Beau Vallon. You can find more of the island's beaches on the page about Mahé.
