Port Launay Coastal Wetlands

Port Launay Coastal Wetland is the first Ramsar wetland in the Seychelles and a protected mangrove area. Since 22 November 2004 it has been designated to protect the coast of Port Glaud, covering 121 hectares. It is among the finest mangrove wetlands on the main island of Mahé, and all seven mangrove species found in the region grow here. Between Port Launay and Port Glaud lies the last continuous belt of mangroves on the west coast of Mahé. The mangroves along the shore help to stabilise it, and the upland parts of the site, granite terrain with high drainage, play an important role in the local hydrology.

The coastal zone offers fish ideal spawning grounds, a nursery, food and shelter. It is also home to some endemic Seychelles species, such as the goujon (Seychelles killifish) and the freshwater fish known as macanbale. The habitat is also said to be important for the little-known Seychelles sheath-tailed bat, of which only four active roosting caves are known, one of them in this area, and for the Seychelles fruit bat. Both are classed as critically endangered.

The streams feeding the wetland support several endemic species of spiny lobster. Fishermen use the area to catch octopus. The site is often used for educational activities with school children, especially around World Wetlands Day.

From Victoria, take Revolution Avenue towards Beau Vallon, turn left onto Bel Air Road after the Barrel Disco and follow it uphill to Sans Soucis Road. Sans Soucis Road winds through lush vegetation, past the viewpoints at Rochon Dam, Mission Lodge and the Tea Factory, all the way to Port Glaud on the west coast. The route runs through Morne Seychellois National Park, is full of bends and takes its time.

Once there, turn right onto Port Launay Road heading north. After a few minutes you pass the ‘Del Place’ restaurant. Shortly afterwards you can park opposite the church. From here, follow the road on foot for a few hundred metres to the north. On the right-hand side you will find a wooden boardwalk and a sign reading ‘Port Launay Mangrove Forest’. Here you can cross the mangrove forest without getting your feet wet.

Route 14 (Port Launay via Sans Soucis) and Route 13 (Port Launay via La Misère) run from Victoria. According to the bus company's overview, there is also Route 9 via Les Canelles. Get off at Port Launay and walk to the church; the boardwalk is a few hundred metres north of it. Buses are not frequent during the day, so check the current timetable and the return journey with the operator beforehand: SPTC timetable.

If you like, you can follow the path from the end of the mangrove forest on to the Sauzier Waterfall. Visitors report about one kilometre from the main road and a short, rocky path down to the pool. The water is cooler than the sea, the fall carries noticeably more water after rain, and the current can then be strong. Sturdy footwear is better than flip-flops, as the stones are slippery.

The most pleasant time is the morning, when it is still cool and the buses are running back. The waterfall is most impressive after rain, and in long dry spells it often carries hardly any water. Stay on the boardwalk, do not break off mangrove roots and do not take away any fruit or plants, as the area is internationally protected. In the afternoon the beaches tend to be busier, so if you want a quiet visit, come earlier.

Right on Port Launay Road is the Del Place restaurant with a beach bar on the bay. It is best to check opening hours and reservations directly on the spot beforehand. The sunset over the bay is a popular evening destination. The beaches of Port Launay and Anse Port Glaud are close by. Directly next door is the Constance Ephelia hotel, whose guests can book guided kayak tours through the mangroves. You can find more about the island on the Mahé page.