Location and character
Small and secluded, Carana Beach in the north of Mahé is a sandy beach surrounded by sculpted granite rocks. It is a lovely spot and a popular place for sunbathing.
The cove lies in the Glacis district on the North Coast Road, framed by granite boulders and woodland. The Carana Beach Hotel stands on the beach. The beach itself is public, and you need neither an entrance fee nor a permit. As the cove lies away from the main resort areas, it is usually quiet, and you will often have it almost to yourself.
Getting there
By car
From the Bicentennial Monument (the three bird wings), take 5th June Avenue north and stay on this coast road, passing Kreolfleurage and the Rehabilitation Centre. Then you climb a narrow rise and reach a track that leads to the spot where the Carana Beach Hotel is located.
From the airport the drive takes about 25 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic. There are only a few parking spaces, at the side of the coast road. Park so that the track to the hotel stays clear.
By bus
The area is served by routes 20 (Glacis via Anse Etoile) and 20C (Upper Carana) of the state bus company SPTC. According to the June 2026 timetable, route 20C runs only a few times a day, in the morning and the afternoon. Check the current timetable in advance with SPTC. From the bus stop on the road you still have a short walk. Plan your return carefully, because after the last buses in the late afternoon a taxi is the only option.
Swimming and snorkelling
There is no reef in front of the beach, so in some seasons the waves can be higher than at some other beaches on the islands. This makes it popular for bodyboarding. Take care when swimming.
Without a reef there is no protection from the swell, and the water can be rough near the shore. Visitors report good snorkelling, but also quite high waves. The surf can be too strong for small children. The fact box above shows which months are usually calmer. Watch the surf for a few minutes before you get in, and do not swim far out.
Facilities
As a public beach, Carana Beach has no confirmed facilities of its own. Bring water, sun protection and, if you like, a parasol. The hotel runs a beach bar with a restaurant by the pool. Whether you can stop there as a day guest, and on what terms, is best asked at the hotel beforehand. According to a booking portal, the hotel is closed for renovation from 28 November to 18 December 2026. If you are visiting during that time, be prepared for a beach day without food and drink.
Tips and what is nearby
By car you are quickly at North East Point and at the larger Beau Vallon Beach, which has restaurants and a livelier atmosphere. On foot from Beau Vallon you can reach Anse Major. On the way back towards Victoria, Kreolfleurage is worth a stop. You will find more beaches on the page about Mahé.
