Overview
Île aux Vaches is a small island off Grand Anse on Mahé. Its full name is Île aux Vaches Marines, and in English it is called Vache Island. It lies off the west coast of Mahé and belongs to the Grand Anse district. It is a rocky lump of granite of only about 4.7 hectares, rising to a height of around 54 metres, with only sparse vegetation. The island is uninhabited, and there is no hotel, no restaurant and no landing point for visitors.
So Île aux Vaches is not a destination for a beach day, but something to look at from the shore or from a boat. If you like seabirds and the wild granite coastline of the west side, it fits easily into a day on Mahé.
Name and risk of confusion
The name means roughly "Island of the Sea Cows". This refers to the dugongs, which once lived in the waters of the region. Bird Island in the north was also once known as Île aux Vaches, and the name turns up on maps and in travel accounts for both islands. The island off Grand Anse has nothing to do with the resort in the north. In the Chagos archipelago in the Indian Ocean there is also an Île Vache Marine. That, too, is a different island.
Getting there and getting around
The view from Grand Anse
The easiest way to see the island is from the coast at Grand Anse. The long beach, usually almost deserted, lies on the west side of Mahé. If you come by hire car, park by the road right next to the beach. Watch out for the bump in the road as you pull off. You can also reach Grand Anse by public bus, and you will find the current connections on the page Travelling by bus in the Seychelles. For more beaches in the area, see Dream Beaches.
By boat
There is no ferry service and no regular excursion traffic to Île aux Vaches. We were unable to confirm whether, or under what conditions, landing there is permitted. So count on a pass-by only. If you book a boat trip along the west coast of Mahé, ask the operator whether the island is on the route. You will find offers under Boat Trips.
Nature and sights
The water around the island is not for inexperienced swimmers. The west coast of Mahé is open to the ocean, and during the south-east trade wind season in particular the surf can be strong. Between Île aux Vaches and the coast there are also rocks known as Les Trois Dames. They are mostly hidden by breaking waves. Keep away from the area in small boats.
International diving portals list a dive site called "Île au Vaches" near Mahé, with granite boulders, corals and plenty of reef fish. If you would like to dive there, ask a local dive centre about current conditions. For general information, see Dive Sites and Diving & Snorkelling.
Accommodation, food and practical tips
You cannot stay overnight or eat on Île aux Vaches itself. To visit the area, it is best to stay on the west coast or elsewhere on Mahé. You will find accommodation under Holidays on Mahé and restaurants under Restaurants on Mahé.
For a trip to Grand Anse, bring water, sun protection and provisions, as the beach is little developed. For information on money, banks and cash machines, see Money & Banks. In an emergency, Hospital, Clinics & Emergency Numbers lists the most important numbers.
Day trip or overnight stay
Île aux Vaches is a day destination, more a stop along the way than an outing in its own right. Plan it together with Grand Anse and the rest of the west coast of Mahé. If you are looking for larger islands with birdlife that welcome visitors, Cousin, Aride or Bird Island are better choices. For an overview, see the page Islands of the Seychelles.
