Location and character
As the name North East Point suggests, this beach lies in the north east of Mahé. It is about 2 km long and made up of several small stretches of beach. The sand is fine. At weekends in particular, it is a popular beach with locals.
This rocky, wind-lashed stretch of coast is a stark contrast to the quiet sandy bays on the opposite side of the island. The beaches close to the main road are narrow strips of white sand with rocks close to shore and a reef. Only one or two of the more sheltered coves along this stretch are suitable for swimming, but the main beaches are ideal for long exploratory walks.
The width of the beach changes with the seasons, and in some months it is much narrower. To counter erosion, a pilot project was carried out here with Japanese support (JICA): sand was added along about 360 m opposite KreolFleurage.
Getting there
By car
This stretch of coast is about 10 minutes' drive from Victoria. From the Bicentennial Monument (also known as "trwa zwazo") in Victoria, follow 5th June Avenue north along the coast for about ten minutes until you reach the beach in front of KreolFleurage, which extends as far as the rehabilitation centre. The beach lies right beside the road, and there is plenty of roadside parking.
There is no designated car park. Park only where you will not obstruct traffic, and do not leave valuables in the car.
By bus
Two routes run by the state bus company SPTC pass the beach. Both start at the bus terminal in Victoria.
| Line | Route | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Route 20 | Glacis via Anse Etoile | Round trip: Victoria, Anse Etoile, Glacis, Beau Vallon, back to Victoria |
| Route 22 | Glacis via Beau Vallon | Returns to Victoria via Anse Etoile |
Tell the driver that you want to get off at North East Point. There are fewer buses on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays than on weekdays. According to the timetable (valid from June 2026), the last buses leave Victoria at around 7 pm on weekdays. You will find current times in the SPTC timetable.
Swimming, snorkelling and waves
There are rocks and coral in the water in places, so water shoes are a good idea. The waves can sometimes be quite high. The water also gets deep quickly, and there are currents. Children and nervous swimmers should only go in at the more sheltered spots and under supervision.
The waves make the beach a destination for surfers. The reef is shallow, and sea urchins and rocks are the usual hazards, so surfing here is better left to the experienced. The south-east trade wind blows from roughly May to September. In these months wind and waves are usually at their strongest, which surfers and kiters appreciate. For swimming, it is generally calmer in the transitional months, such as April, October and November. The sea can change a lot from one day to the next.
North East Point is not the first choice for snorkelling. It is not worth it when the sea is rough, and when the water is calm you should stick to the more sheltered spots and avoid the reef and the rocks. Other beaches on Mahé are much better for this.
Facilities
Tips and what is nearby
The beach is well suited to a walk that can be combined with a visit to Victoria. If you are looking for calmer water for swimming, you will find it further west along the north coast, for example at Beau Vallon Beach or Carana Beach. A hiking trail leads to Anse Major.
Opposite the beach you will find KreolFleurage Parfums, where fragrances are made from essential oils sourced in the region. According to the Seychelles Tourism Board, the perfumery is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm and on Saturday from 9 am to 2 pm, and closed on Sundays. Other sources give slightly different times, so allow some leeway. You can also find information about the shop from the Seychelles Tourism Board.
On the way back to Victoria, you can stop at the Bicentennial Monument or the Sir Selwyn-Clarke Market.
