Location and character
On the east side of Praslin, close to the airport, lies Grand Anse, the longest beach on the island. Several hotels overlook the coast along this sweeping bay. Grand Anse has a large, wide beach, and the sea here is well suited to swimming and water sports.
The beach runs alongside the main road, so it is easy to reach from many points. Behind it lies the village of the same name, with shops and restaurants. If you want a quieter day by the water, the long bay has plenty of room away from the hotels too.
Getting there
By car or on foot
Directions:
The beach at Grand Anse begins right where you turn left at Praslin airport, and it runs parallel to the main road as far as the village of the same name.
The hotels on the bay have car parks for their guests. I could not confirm that there is a separate car park for day visitors. If in doubt, ask at the hotel or restaurant before you park.
By bus
Buses run by the state operator SPTC travel along the main road from Baie Sainte Anne through Grand Anse to Côte d’Or. According to local accommodation providers, they run Monday to Friday from about 06:00 to 19:00, every 30 to 45 minutes, with only a minimal service at weekends and on public holidays. Payment is by card only, and drivers do not accept cash. You can read more on the page Travelling by bus in the Seychelles.
| SPTC Visitor Travel Card | Price (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| 1 day, unlimited trips | SCR 100 |
| 4 consecutive days | SCR 198 |
| 8 consecutive days | SCR 363 |
From the airport and ferry
Praslin airport is at the start of the bay. Air Seychelles flies here from Mahé in around 15 to 20 minutes. The ferry from Mahé takes about an hour and docks at Baie Sainte Anne (see Cat Cocos ferry). From there you can continue to Grand Anse by taxi, hire car or bus. For more routes, see Getting around the Seychelles.
Swimming and snorkelling
The beach is at its best during the north-west monsoon, when the sea here is calm and clear. That is roughly from December to March. During the south-east trade winds, seaweed is occasionally washed into the bay. Many of the hotels along the bay therefore offer their guests free transfers during this period to Côte d’Or or to other beaches on the opposite side of the island.
If you are coming to snorkel, it is better to plan a boat trip, for example to Curieuse or to St Pierre. The bay itself is best for swimming and strolling. For general information on seasons and winds, see Climate & Weather and Best Time to Visit.
Facilities
There are no central beach facilities. Sunloungers and parasols generally belong to the hotels. You can get food and drinks at the restaurants and bars along the bay and in the village of Grand Anse. Do not count on public toilets directly on the beach; if in doubt, ask in a restaurant. Bring a sun hat and sun protection if you plan to stay all day.
Tips and what is nearby
It is not far from the beach to the best-known places on the island. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Vallée de Mai is close by. You can reach the beaches of Anse Kerlan and Anse Georgette via the coast road. For access to Anse Georgette, ask beforehand, as the route leads through resort grounds and may change. Anse Lazio can only be reached by bus as far as Anse Boudin, after which it is a walk of about 20 minutes. You will find the long promenade of Côte d’Or at Anse Volbert. For an overview of the island, see the page Praslin.
