The largest Island in Seychelles archipelago, located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa, is Mahé. Its landscape is characterised by granite peaks like the Morne Seychellois and white-sand beaches like those in the well-known resort region of Beau Vallon. The capital of Seychelles, Victoria, is located on the island and is distinguished by its Creole architecture and vibrant covered market, which sells items including fruit, apparel, and seafood. 

You can reach Mahe,

By air: The largest airport is Seychelles International Airport on the island of Mahe, near the capital city of Victoria.

By train: There are no railways on Mahe Island.

By road: You can reach Mahe Airport, and from there you can take the road.

Top 10 Mahe places to visit

Beau Vallon

The largest and busiest beach in Seychelles, Beau Vallon, is on the island of Mahe, around 3 kilometres from Victoria. It is well-known for snorkelling, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, scuba diving, and jet skiing and has white beaches and crystal-clear water. The only beach in Seychelles that allows motorised water activities is Beau Vallon. 

There are several beach vendors, stores, hotels, and restaurants along Beau Vallon’s coastline. Because most tourists stay close to Beau Vallon, the region has a developed infrastructure for tourists. This area’s shallow water is perfect for swimming. There are several hiking paths nearby; you can ask the locals for their top recommendations. Avoid missing the Bazar Labrin, a popular weekly bazaar for local foods held every Wednesday after sunset.

Timings: 4 AM – 9 PM

Entry Fees: Free

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See also: Places to visit in France

Morne Seychellois National Park

On Mahe island in Seychelles, there is a national park called Morne Seychellois. It makes up more than 20% of the island and spans 3045 hectares. Seychelles bulbul, Seychelles swiftlet, Seychelles Scops-owl, Seychelles blue pigeon, and Seychelles sunbird are just a few rare birds found in the park’s deep mountainous woods. 

You may also find the 1-centimetre long tiniest frog in the world. The trekking and birding are the highlights. Some of the most satisfying walks in the area may be found atop Morne Seychellois, the highest peak in Seychelles. The length and complexity of these routes vary, and they provide expansive vistas. The centre region of the park, which is roughly ten kilometres long and four kilometres wide, is only reachable by footpaths.

Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Entry fees: 100 INR

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See also: Places to Visit in Vietnam for a fascinating trip

Eden Island

The Mahe port islands’ Eden Island, an artificial island developed with funding from Dubai and has protected bays and beaches, is situated about 3.5 kilometres from Victoria. The island’s opulent Eden Bleu Hotel is well known for having prime ocean views. Additionally, the island features a marina for yachts, bars, restaurants, and shops. Only on Eden Island in Mahe are foreigners allowed to own land, and there are also waterside mansions for sale. 

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Anse Marie-Louise

Anse Marie Louise, a serene beach surrounded by turquoise ocean and lovely sand, is located southeast of Mahe. Anse Marie is considered an extension of Anse Forbans because it is so close. Anse Marie is not as crowded as other beaches on Seychelles Island because it is one of the final beaches on the island.

Anse Marie Louise in Mahi is an excellent place for swimming and snorkelling because of the calm atmosphere and shallow water. There are several coral reefs in the bay. Therefore, going into the water is safe. Locals periodically swarm Anse Marie Louise, but few visitors visit the beach. 

Timings: 8 AM -4 PM

Entry fees: Free

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Anse Intendance

Anse Intendance, one of the gorgeous beaches in Seychelles, is situated south of Mahe. The beach is picturesque with mangroves, enormous granite formations as a backdrop, fluffy white sand and a turquoise sea. Additionally, it is one of the few Seychelles beaches where turtle nests are frequently seen. Anse Intendance is more suited for surfing than swimming since it lacks reefs and has bigger waves. 

Anse Intendance is a well-liked picnic location with plenty of foliage offering decent cover. However, whether strolling or unwinding on the beach, watch out for fallen coconuts. On the isolated beach, there is only one resort, the Banyan Tree, and it offers visitors a luxurious sanctuary. The months of October through March are ideal for beach trips. The beach is next to a sizable parking park.

Timings: 24 hrs a day

Entry fees: Free

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Anse Aux Poules Bleues

One of Mahe Island’s less well-known beaches is the Anse Aux Poules Bleues. It is a beautiful area to unwind as it is not bothered by the usual tourist swarm. Although the bottom is occasionally dirty, the water is calm and perfect for swimming here. Nearby galleries and studios in the bay sell the most exquisite works of art. These works frequently represent Seychelles culture and draw inspiration from many aspects of Seychelles island life. The local bus system and self-drive vehicles make it simple to go to the beach.

Timings: 24 hrs a day

Entry fees: Free

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Anse Forbans 

One of Mahe Island’s most isolated beaches, Anse Forbans, is well-known for snorkelling. Here, the ocean is tranquil and teeming with marine life. This also makes it the perfect Mahi place for fishing and swimming. Anse Forbans beach is packed with many lodging options nearby. Due to its tactically advantageous location since it is concealed from view, Anse Forbans and Anse Marie Louise are sometimes referred to as “Pirate Bay.” It is conveniently accessible by local bus or self-drive vehicle.

Timings: 24 hrs a day

Entry fees: Free

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Anse Royale Beach

One of the most well-known beaches is the Anse Royale Beach, found on Mahe Island’s southeast shore. It is a lengthy bay that is divided into smaller beach areas. Typically tranquil, the ocean is perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and windsurfing. The ideal swimming area is between Fairyland and the nearby Anglican Church. While snorkelling is perfect along the stretch from Fairyland to a little island off the coast. 

Summertime, from June to September, is the ideal time to windsurf in Anse Royale. A well-known beachfront restaurant is called Kaz Kreol. Since it is perfect for families, the beach is usually packed.

Timings: 24 hrs a day

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Le Domaine De Val De Pres

On Mahe island, in an artisanal craft community called Le Domaine De Val De Pres, representations of traditional creole culture are on display. It comprises a 19th-century plantation house, the last remaining genuine traditional creole residence. Among the exhibitions are pottery, paintings, model boats, and apparel. Along with 12 artisanal shops, this area is home to the renowned Pomme Cannelle restaurant. The plantation home includes a copy of the servant’s quarters, the traditional kitchen, the kokosei (coco de mer nut remnants used for washing rice), the lavann, and the kapatia. Walking tours are the ideal way to see the hamlet.

Timings: Monday – Saturday; 9:30 AM – 5 PM

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Takamaka Bay

A well-liked tourist destination in Seychelles is the Takamaka Rum Distillery, situated on Mahe Island. A guided tour of the distillery, the old plantation, and the garden, followed by rum tasting, will teach you how rum is made. The La Plaine St. André Restaurant and Bar and a store selling Takamaka rum is also located on the estate.

Timings: Distillery Tour: Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

La Plaine St. André Restaurant and Bar: Tuesday – Saturday: 10 AM – 10 PM

Entry fees: SCR 150

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FAQs

Which are the best water sports to do in Mahe?

Kayaking, surfing, snorkelling, sailing, and scuba diving are the most well-known sports.

What is Mahe's well-known trekking route?

The 1.5km easy Glacis Trois Frères Trail is named after the three spectacular granite boulders that are located here. The views of Mahe, La Digue, and Praslin Island from this walk are breathtaking.

Driving around Mahe Seychelles takes how long?

Driving around the top tourist destinations in Mahe, Seychelles, typically takes a visitor three hours. You may see all 20 of the island's immaculate beaches, dining options, and observation spots in one 3-hour journey.

What in Mahe is well-known?

Mahe Island is well known for a variety of distinctive features, including its lovely hiking paths, abundant wildlife, magnificent beaches, top-notch retail opportunities, exhilarating water sports, and delectable Creole food.