Anse Bois de Rose Beach
Praslin's wildest cove, earned by those who hike
About
Anse Bois de Rose is an 80-metre white-sand cove on Praslin's south coast, reachable only on foot through dense forest. The beach wraps around a single dramatic granite slab that rises from crystal-clear water — the kind of feature that stops you mid-step. Fishermen have long used this spot as a rest stop, and that quiet, working-coast energy still lingers. There are zero facilities here: no shade structures, no vendors, no toilets. What you get instead is raw Seychellois coastline, almost entirely to yourself.
How to get there
The only way in is a 25-minute hike from the south coast road in the Grand Anse area — there is no vehicle access and no dedicated parking. Park on the road verge before setting off. The trail is unmarked, so carry a GPS or arrange a local guide before you go; getting lost in dense forest is a real risk. There is no entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
The effort of the hike filters out almost everyone else, so you're likely to have the white sand entirely to yourselves — that kind of solitude is rare even in Seychelles. It's a place to sit on warm granite and do nothing, which is its own kind of luxury.
For families
The difficult trail access, zero facilities, and seasonal swimming risks make this a poor fit for young children or anyone who needs amenities nearby. Anse Consolation, 2km away, is a calm south-facing bay with shallow water that suits families far better.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Between November and March, do not swim here — northwest swell makes the water unsafe and there are no lifeguards or anyone else around to help. Outside that window, Anse Bois de Rose is one of Praslin's most rewarding detours precisely because it demands something from you. The 25-minute hike through forest, the unmarked trail, the complete absence of facilities — these are not bugs, they're the filter that keeps this place empty. The granite slab alone justifies the walk. Snorkeling around it at high tide, with crystal-clear water and no one else in sight, is the kind of experience that's getting harder to find in the Indian Ocean. Come prepared, come in the dry season, and carry out everything you bring in.
What to do
The granite slab at the water's edge is the star attraction — snorkeling around it at high tide reveals the kind of underwater texture you won't find on busier beaches. Just 1.1km away, Ferdinand Nature Reserve is worth folding into the same half-day. The Glacis Noir Trail, 2.1km from the beach, adds another layer of wild south-coast scenery for hikers who still have legs left.
The oversized granite slab half-submerged in crystal-clear water is the defining shot — shoot it from the sand at low tide for full scale.
The forest trail opening onto white sand makes a strong arrival frame if you shoot back toward the tree line. At high tide, the granite surrounded by water reads almost like a sea stack.
Where to eat
Eve Restaurant is the closest option at 2.4km, followed by Cool Licks and Coco Rouge, both around 2.6km away. Les Rochers is another solid choice at 2.7km. Pack your own food and water for the beach itself — there is absolutely nothing on-site.
Where to stay
Chateau de Feuilles, 1.8km away, is the closest base and suits those who want comfort after a rugged hike. Colibri at 2.1km is another nearby option. For something further afield with an eco-leaning, Iles des Palmes Eco Resort is 4.4km from the beach.
Photography
The single large granite slab framed against crystal-clear water is your hero shot — arrive in the morning when light hits the rock face directly. Low tide exposes more of the granite's texture and gives you cleaner foreground for wide compositions.
Good to know
Never visit between November and March — the beach is fully exposed to northwest swell during those months and swimming is not advised. The trail is unmarked, so a GPS device or local guide is not optional, it's essential. Pack out every piece of waste you bring in; there are no bins and no facilities of any kind. Camping is not permitted here.
Map
Nearby places
Eve restaurant
Cool Licks
Coco Rouge
Les Rochers
Feuille D'Or Restaurant
Chateau de Feuilles
Colibri
Acajou
Les Villas D'Or
Iles des Palmes - Eco Resort
Cafe nature trail viewpoint
Ferdinand Nature Reserve
Glacis Noir Trail
Things to see around Grand Anse
Anse Consolation
Calm south-facing bay with shallow water ideal for family swimming
Anse Badamier
Shaded south-coast pocket beach with flat granite shelves
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting the endemic coco de mer palm forest
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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