Anse Major Beach
Earn your white sand: hike to Mahé's wild northwest cove
About
Anse Major sits at the end of a clifftop trail on Mahé's northwest coast, reachable only on foot or by boat. The beach stretches roughly 150 metres of white sand, framed by massive granite boulders that tumble into crystal-clear water. Dry scrub clings to the hillside behind it, and the silence is broken only by waves and birdsong. There are no facilities here — no sunbeds, no beach bar, no bins — just raw coastal Seychelles the way it looked before the resorts arrived. It's wild, it's beautiful, and it demands a little effort.
How to get there
The main approach is a 45-minute hike from Danzil, at the end of Bel Ombre Road — follow the northwest cliff trail daily. Free informal parking is available at the Danzil trailhead. Alternatively, arrange a boat transfer on demand from Bel Ombre or Beau Vallon. An entry fee of 150 SCR applies; Seychelles residents and children under 12 are exempt, with fees going toward protected area management.
Who it's for
For couples
The hike-only access keeps visitor numbers low, making Anse Major one of the few places on Mahé where you can genuinely have a beach to yourselves — pack a picnic, find a granite boulder to sit on, and stay as long as you like.
For families
The rocky granite trail is completely inaccessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs, and the 45-minute hike over uneven terrain rules it out for very young children. Older kids who are confident hikers will enjoy the adventure, but come prepared with water, sun protection, and a clear plan — there is no help on site if something goes wrong.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Anse Major is not for everyone, and that's exactly the point. The 150 SCR entry fee, the 45-minute hike over granite, the total absence of facilities — these are filters, not flaws. What they protect is one of the quietest, most unspoiled stretches of white sand on Mahé. The crystal-clear snorkelling water is the payoff for the effort. Come between November and April for calmer seas, avoid June through August when the southeast trade winds make the trail exposed and the sea choppy, and treat the no-trace rule as non-negotiable. This is a protected area, and it shows.
What to do
The crystal-clear water makes snorkelling the main draw once you arrive. The trail itself falls within the boundary of Morne Seychellois National Park, about 4 km away, which also offers the Ros Lepa Trail for those who want more hiking. Beau Vallon Beach, 3 km away, provides a complete contrast — watersports, beach bars, and easy road access — if you want to round out the day.
The massive granite boulders at either end of the beach are the signature shot — position yourself low on the sand to frame the crystal-clear water between the rocks.
The clifftop trail offers a bird's-eye view of the full white-sand cove that works best in the late morning before the sun moves overhead. A close-up of the dry scrub coastal landscape against the sea captures the wild, unmanicured character of the place.
Where to eat
There are no food options at Anse Major, so pack everything you need. The closest options are Treasure Cove Hotel at 2.5 km and Seselwa, serving Kreole cuisine, at 3.4 km. For something more varied, Hilton Labriz Gastrolounge offers burgers, local dishes, seafood, and tapas about 3 km from the trailhead.
Where to stay
Treasure Cove Hotel, 2.5 km away, is the most convenient base for an early start on the trail. For a more private stay, Villa La Cachette at 3.6 km and 360° Degrees Villa at 4.4 km offer smaller-scale options close to the northwest coast. Hilton Seychelles Northholme Resort & Spa is 6.4 km away for those who want a full resort experience after a day on the trail.
Photography
The granite boulders framing the beach make the strongest compositions — shoot from the water's edge in the morning when light hits the rock faces from the east. The clifftop trail also offers elevated views back toward the cove; pause on the descent for wide shots of white sand against crystal-clear water.
Good to know
Carry every piece of rubbish back out with you — there are no bins on the trail or at the beach. Bring enough water for the full round trip; there is nothing to buy once you leave the trailhead. The trail crosses granite boulders and can be slippery and exposed in heavy rain, and there is no mobile signal along the trail section, so tell someone your plan before you go. Strong currents and waves can occur, especially at high tide or on rougher days — check conditions before entering the water, and exercise real caution. Sun protection is essential; the path offers no shade.
Map
Nearby places
Treasure Cove Hotel
Hilton Labriz Gastrolounge
Seselwa
Cyann
Kabana
Treasure Cove Hotel
Villa La Cachette
360° Degrees Villa
Villa Vanilla
Hilton Seychelles Northholme Resort & Spa
Morne Seychellois National Park
Beau Vallon Beach
Victoria Clock Tower
Things to see around Bel Ombre
Morne Seychellois National Park
Largest national park in Seychelles; trailhead for Anse Major falls within its boundary
Beau Vallon Beach
Main beach of Mahé with watersports and beach bars, accessible by road from Glacis
Victoria Clock Tower
Iconic miniature replica of London's Vauxhall Clock Tower in the Seychelles capital
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.
Nearest beaches
Reviews of this beach
- No reviews yet, what a shame — leave yours and share your experience.
Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.