Anse Forbans Beach
White sand, turquoise calm, zero tourist noise
About
Anse Forbans sits on Mahé's undeveloped southeast coast, a quiet stretch of white sand backed by a whispering line of casuarina trees. The water runs turquoise and stays remarkably calm year-round, protected by a shallow reef flat that keeps the surface glassy even when the rest of the island feels breezy. There's no beach bar, no sun-lounger rental, no hawkers — just the soft crunch of sand and the occasional fishing pirogue passing offshore. It belongs to the commune of Quatre Bornes, and it genuinely stays quiet even during peak season.
How to get there
From Victoria, it's a 25-minute drive south along the coastal road — straightforward and doable daily. Bus riders can reach the beach from Victoria in around 45 minutes. Parking is free and informal, roadside along the coastal road. There's no entry fee.
Who it's for
For couples
The near-total absence of other visitors and the shade of the casuarina trees make this a genuinely private stretch — bring a picnic, find a spot under the pines and the beach is essentially yours.
For families
The reef-protected shallow flat keeps the water calm and manageable for children, though parents should note the very shallow low-tide conditions mean a long wade to swimming depth — check tide times before you go.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Anse Forbans is one of those beaches that rewards you precisely because it asks nothing of you — no infrastructure, no noise, no performance. The white sand and turquoise water are the real deal, and the casuarina shade means you're not just baking on an exposed strip. The safety picture is straightforward: swimming is safe, but the very shallow low-tide conditions mean timing matters — go at high tide for a proper swim. It's not the beach for a full resort day out; there are no facilities whatsoever, and you need to be self-sufficient. But for anyone who wants to sit on Mahé's southeast coast and hear nothing but wind in the casuarinas, this is the one.
What to do
A short drive away, Anse Royale offers sheltered reef snorkelling, fishing pirogues and local restaurants — a natural half-day companion to Forbans. If you're curious about history, the former penitentiary is around 2.7km away and worth a look. For something wilder, Anse Intendance — about 5km south — delivers dramatic granite headlands and surf scenery that contrasts sharply with Forbans' calm. The Jardin du Roi Spice Garden, 6km out, adds a cultural and botanical angle with plantation walks and Creole food.
The casuarina tree line looking seaward gives you that rare shot of white sand framed by natural pines with turquoise water beyond — shoot wide at golden hour.
The shallow reef flat at low tide creates glassy reflections of the sky that photograph beautifully in the early morning. From the waterline looking back toward the tree line, the undeveloped coastline reads as genuinely raw and unfiltered.
Where to eat
Les Palmes is the closest option at just 0.3km, convenient for a meal before or after the beach. Surfers Beach Restaurant, about 1km away, covers Creole and international dishes. For something more regional, Chez Batista at 3.5km leans into Creole cooking, while Les Dauphins Heureux at 4km adds pizza to the mix.
Where to stay
Le Relax Hotel is the nearest base at 4.4km, followed by Lazare Picault Hotel at 4.6km. Those preferring self-catering will find Alisee self-catering at 4.9km a practical choice, with Valmer Resort and Alha Villa both within about 5km of the beach.
Photography
The casuarina tree line makes a strong natural frame for wide shots looking out over the turquoise water — early morning light from the east hits this southeast-facing shore cleanly before midday haze builds. At low tide the exposed shallow reef flat creates mirror-like reflections that reward a patient photographer with a wide-angle lens.
Good to know
There are zero facilities here — no toilets, no bins, no fresh water — so carry everything in and carry all waste out. At low tide the water is very shallow for a long stretch, meaning you'll need to wade out a fair distance before reaching swimming depth; plan your visit around higher tide if a proper swim is the goal. The casuarina shade is welcome but bring your own snacks and plenty of water. Leave the beach exactly as you found it.
Map
Nearby places
Les Palmes
Surfers Beach Restaurant
Chez Batista
Les Dauphins Heureux
La Gaulette
Le Relax hotel
Lazare Picault Hotel
Alisee self-catering
Valmer Resort
Alha villa
Things to see around Takamaka
Anse Royale
Sheltered bay with reef snorkelling, fishing pirogues and local restaurants
Jardin du Roi Spice Garden
Historic spice garden with Creole restaurant and plantation walks above Anse Royale
Anse Intendance
Dramatic surf beach with twin granite headlands on the south coast
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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Photo credits
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