Location and character
This small beach lies in Glacis, on the northwest coast of Mahé, close to the Sunset Beach Hotel. It has fine, powdery sand and crystal-clear water, and is everything you imagine a tropical beach to be. In the distance you can see the islands of Silhouette and North Island.
Framed by palms and other trees, the beach is small and usually quiet. As the name suggests, the sunsets here are especially beautiful. The beach faces west onto the open sea, so the sun goes down directly over the water, at around 6 pm all year round. Visitors recommend the northern end of the beach for watching the sunset.
Getting there
By car
| Starting point | Distance and time |
|---|---|
| Airport | approx. 18 km, around 30 minutes depending on traffic |
| Victoria | approx. 15 minutes by car |
| Beau Vallon police station | approx. 3.5 km, straight on towards Glacis |
| Beau Vallon (on foot) | about 30 minutes, according to visitor reports |
Directions: From the clock tower in Victoria, head towards the traffic lights and turn onto Revolution Avenue at the lights. Continue on the main road up the hill and down the other side until you reach Beau Vallon police station. At the junction by the police station, turn right towards Glacis and drive straight on for about 3.5 km, passing the Hilton Seychelles Northolme Resort & Spa on your left. Then look out for the Sunset Beach Hotel, also on the left.
Parking and walk to the beach
Just past the Sunset Beach Hotel, on the left-hand bend, there are a few places to park at the roadside. From there a small, partly tarmacked path leads down to the beach. You can reach it either by this path from the main road or on foot via a flight of steps from the hotel car park. The path is narrow and easy to miss. There is no dedicated beach car park, and at weekends and in good weather the spots along the road fill up quickly. Park so that the bend stays clear, and do not leave any valuables in the car.
By bus
Bus: Route 20 Glacis via Anse Etoile (continuing via Beau Vallon to Victoria) or Route 22 Glacis via Beau Vallon (continuing via Anse Etoile to Victoria).
The “Sunset” bus stop is close to the beach. Services run throughout the day, with a separate, sparser timetable at weekends. Check the current timetable of the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation before your return journey, especially if you want to stay until sunset. Alternatively, book a taxi.
Swimming and snorkelling
The water gets deep fairly quickly, there are a few rocks here and there, and the waves can be high. Close to the shore the seabed drops away steeply. There are also larger rock-free areas where swimming is good. When the sea is rough, expect currents.
Which months are calm
On the west side of Mahé the sea is generally calmer during the south-east trade wind season (roughly May to September). During the north-west monsoon (roughly December to February) bigger waves reach the beach, and one visitor reports high waves in December. Even then the same advice applies: watch the water for a while before you go in.
Snorkelling
Framed by palms and trees, this lovely beach is excellent for swimming and snorkelling. The snorkelling is particularly good around the rocks below the hotel, and turtle sightings are common here. You will find most of the fish at the southern end of the beach, by the rocks. Visibility varies: on calm days the water is very clear, but when there is a swell it can turn murky. Bring your own mask and snorkel, as there is no rental on the beach. Keep your distance from turtles and do not feed the fish.
Facilities
There is plenty of shade, especially in the morning. On some days a blond Rasta sets up his jewellery stall on the beach, selling locally made necklaces and bracelets.
Tips and nearby
- Come in the late afternoon, when the sun is lower and the light turns soft. Plan your journey back before dark, as the coastal road is winding.
- For snorkelling, mornings with a calm sea are best.
- Take your rubbish away with you.
Nearby you will find Beau Vallon Beach with its restaurants and water sports, Anse Glacis and North East Point. Further south, Anse Major can only be reached on foot or by boat. Walkers will find trails above the coast in the Morne Seychellois National Park. You can find more beaches on the Mahé page.
