Anse Forbans
The verdict on Anse Forbans
- Who it suitsFor couples and families who want a calm, local and uncrowded bay rather than a famous postcard beach with sunbeds and a bar.
- Best spotThe sheltered western end under the casuarina trees stays shaded and calm, and the reef offshore keeps the swimming gentle.
- One thing to knowAt low tide the lagoon is shallow with patches of seagrass, so time a swim for higher water if you want clear depth.
Published 21 January 2026. Last reviewed 21 February 2026
Anse Forbans is the Mahe you find when you drive past the famous names and keep going. It sits on the quiet south east coast near Takamaka, a long gentle curve of pale sand shaded by casuarina and takamaka trees, with a reef lying offshore that takes the sting out of the ocean. There are no sunbed rows, no jet skis and no beach bar pumping music, just a local bay where a few guesthouses face the water and the loudest sound is usually the wind in the trees.
The reef is what defines the swimming. Because it sits across the mouth of the bay, the water inside is usually calm and protected, which makes Anse Forbans reassuring for families and easy for a long float on a settled day. The trade off is depth and texture underfoot. At low tide the lagoon pulls back to a wide shallow flat with patches of seagrass and the odd rock, so it is less the clear turquoise pool of the brochure beaches and more a living, shifting shoreline. Time your swim for a rising or higher tide and it is far more inviting.
Season matters here more than on the sheltered north of the island. This coast faces south east, so during the southeast trade wind months from around May to October it can be breezier, with more chop, drifting seaweed and the occasional cloud of fine sand. From November to April the wind drops, the water settles and the bay is at its best, warm, clear and glassy in the early morning. If you are choosing a base for a south coast stay, this seasonal swing is worth planning around.
Anse Forbans suits travellers who value calm and authenticity over facilities and a scene. Couples wanting a quiet sunset walk, families with young children who want gentle water, and anyone happy to self cater will love it. If your idea of a beach day is renting a daybed and ordering cocktails to the sand, you will be happier at one of the busier bays, and you should treat Forbans as a peaceful place to stay and swim rather than a serviced club beach. For organised daybeds and current spend bands elsewhere on Mahe, see our Seychelles beach clubs directory.
Clubs on and near Anse Forbans
There is no beach club or daybed hire on the sand at Anse Forbans, which is part of why it stays so quiet. A handful of guesthouses sit behind the trees, but service on the beach itself is minimal. For organised clubs and current minimum spend bands elsewhere on Mahe, use the Seychelles beach clubs directory.
No club on the sand
This is a free public bay with no lounger hire or table service on the beach, so the calm and the shade are the whole appeal.
Guesthouses behind the trees
A few small guesthouses face the bay from behind the casuarinas, handy for a base, though none runs a club style operation on the sand.
Anse Forbans, Takamaka, Seychelles
Anse Forbans lies on the south east coast of Mahe near Takamaka, roughly forty minutes by car from Victoria and about twenty five minutes from the airport, following the coast road south past Anse Royale. A hire car is the easiest way to reach it, and there is informal roadside parking along the bay.
Bring water, sun cover and your own shade, because there is little on the sand itself. Aim for a higher tide if you want a proper swim, pack reef safe sun cream for the seagrass shallows, and combine the visit with the wilder beaches further round the south coast for a full day out.
Reserve a daybed near Anse Forbans
Send your details and we will help arrange a beach club booking elsewhere on Mahe near Anse Forbans. We confirm current minimum spend and availability with the venue before you commit. Nothing is charged here.
Anse Forbans FAQ
Is Anse Forbans good for swimming?
Yes, on a higher tide, when the reef sheltered bay is calm and gentle. At low tide it becomes a shallow flat with seagrass, so it is less inviting for a deep swim then. Time your dip for rising or high water.
Why is Anse Forbans so quiet?
It sits on the less visited south east coast away from the famous north beaches, has no club or sunbed hire, and is fronted mostly by small guesthouses. That lack of development is exactly what keeps it calm and local.
When is the best time to visit Anse Forbans?
The calmer northwest season from November to April brings the clearest, stillest water. From May to October the south east trade winds can make this coast breezier with more chop and drifting seaweed.
Are there facilities at Anse Forbans?
Very few. There is no beach club, lounger hire or beach bar on the sand, only a handful of guesthouses set back behind the trees, so bring water, shade and anything else you need for the day.
Is there seagrass at Anse Forbans?
Yes, there are patches of seagrass in the shallows, which is natural and good for marine life. It can be visible at low tide, so wear water shoes if you prefer and swim out to clearer water on a higher tide.