Top Things to do in Mahe Island
Things to do in Mahe Island, Seychelles: The Best Other Outdoor Activities
The Seychelles largest and main island, Mahe is home to the capital of Victoria and about 70,000 people (almost 90% of the nation's total). Still, the island retains its idyllic beauty, with 3,000-foot mountains and scores of gorgeous beaches. Many plants, including the so-called Jellyfish Tree and several rare orchids, are unique to Mahe's shores. The Seychelles Natural History Museum, the Botanical Gardens and the Codevar Craft Centre, all in Victoria, are not to be missed.
Restaurants in Mahe Island
1. Pirates Cove
2. Anse Major
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 233 reviews
Reviewed By JohnWennborg - Lund, Sweden
We walked here upon recommendation by the hotel staff and it was well worth the hike. Let's start with the trail. First, you need to follow the road from Bel ombre bus stop, passed La Scala Restaurant, all the way to the top. Once there you will see the sign for Anse Major Trail. It is quite a hike in the matter that it requires good shoes and lots of water. The actual hike is well marked and easy enough to follow but the heat on a sunny day is tough so make sure to bring lots of water. When we were here in January of 2019 they were building new water supply lines, so sometimes the scenery suffers the consequences of the build but overall it is still a nice walk with beautiful scenery, and the build may have made the trail a little safer from what we have read before. Don't miss the little trail at the very beginning of the trail, after the stairs that gives you a splendid view of the entire Beau Vallon/Bel Ombre bay area as well as Silhouette Island from the cliffs. The hike took us about an hour and fifteen each way. The hike ends at the Anse Major beaches (there are two) and on the way down there is a roofed platform that is perfect for taking nice pictures, once you get there you only have a short 10 minutes walk through the forest until you arrive. The first beach is a little smaller than the second one but offers better shade. Apparently, there is a Taxi boat (Happiness) that frequently visits the beaches (the second one, the larger) but at the time that we visited the sea was too choppy and the taxi boat did not show up, so prepare to walk back as well. The beaches are very nice but the water is full of sharp reefs so if the waves are big and the tide is low it is quite dangerous to enter. Due to the rough sea, we did not get a chance to snorkel but we hear from everyone that it is very very nice along the edges of the small bay. Perhaps next time for us. Please note that there is nothing at the beaches so bring everything you need but as mentioned earlier the reward at the end of the trail is well worth the hike!
3. Spiaggia Anse Soleil
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By Shelleyash - San Diego, United States
To reach Anse Soleil Drive toward the Four Seasons hotel. When you arrive at the security hut take the road to the right. Drive down to green restaurant, park on street not at restaurant. go through gate past restaurant, walk through restaurant parking lot, walk down restaurant stairs to beach. There are rocks for snorkeling on left and right. Small sandy beach with shade, and islands in water. A beautiful beach with shades of blue in water. Also stop by Petite Anse beach it is close and even better. To get there park your car near the security hut and walk down the road past the hut for ten minutes. They have a restaurant, activities, a swing, shells and fine sand. The water is beautiful shades of blue and it is surrounded by lush tropical plants.
4. Anse Forbans
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Reviewed By henryn800
Allmost private beach behind a tree row. Some cottages in a park. short footwalk from parking to the house. Take care of falling coconuts! Self catering, Good equipped kitchen. Some small shops at the coastroad availlable by car. location is at the very scenic south of mahe. Not crowded. The nearby Hilton hotel offers excellent dinner with a rebate for the anse forbans guests..
5. Police Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 35 reviews
Reviewed By Exithamster - Yangon (Rangoon), Myanmar
Police Bay was probably the best beach we have found during our months on Mahé Island. The good thing is that you need to walk 10-15 mins to reach it - which means there are never many people. Especially not during Covid. The waves can be a bit rough thatswhy now and then surfers drop by. On the right (facing the sea) you have slightly more shade and a picturesque old tree over the sea level. Plus the famous rocks. On the left the shade is a bit limited. The water is crystal clear (Feb / Mar) and turquois. If you want to wash the salt water off there is a little lagoon in which you find fresh water - approximately in the middle of the beach. You can snorkel on both sides. Definitely a must see while you are on the island!
