Anse Major
The verdict on Anse Major
- Who it suitsFor walkers who want a wild, road free beach and are happy to hike a scenic granite coast trail in each direction.
- Best spotThere is no club and no road; the reward is solitude and snorkelling rather than any service on the sand.
- One thing to knowThe only way in is a coastal trail from Bel Ombre that takes around an hour each way, with no facilities at the beach.
Published 13 March 2026. Last reviewed 11 May 2026
Anse Major is a beach you earn on foot. There is no road to it at all, only a scenic coastal trail that runs from Bel Ombre along the granite cliffs of the north west coast, taking around an hour each way. That walk is the gatekeeper, and it is exactly why the small beach at the end stays wild and quiet when the road accessible bays are filling up.
The trail itself is a large part of the pleasure. It traces open granite slopes with big views over the sea, through patches of forest, and it is moderate rather than brutal, but it is exposed to the sun and uneven in places. Wear proper footwear, carry plenty of water, and start early before the heat builds, because there is no shade or shop along the way or at the beach.
At the end you get a compact, wild cove with clear water that is good for snorkelling on calm days, when the rocks at the edges hold fish and the visibility is fine. Being open and unsheltered, it can turn lively when the swell is up, so this is a snorkel on settled days rather than a guaranteed swimming pool, and you should read the water carefully before getting in.
Treat Anse Major as a half day walk and snorkel rather than a quick beach stop, and bring everything you need, since there is nothing there. Anyone wanting easy access, loungers or facilities should choose a road beach instead. For organised daybeds and clubs with current spend bands on Mahe, see our Seychelles beach clubs directory.
Clubs on and near Anse Major
There is no daybed club on the sand at Anse Major, and there is no road in. This is a wild, trail only beach where the reward is solitude and snorkelling rather than any service. For organised clubs and current spend bands elsewhere on Mahe, use the Seychelles beach clubs directory.
No club on the sand
There is no table service, kiosk or lounger hire at this trail only cove, so everything you want for the day has to be carried in along the path.
Public sand at Anse Major
The small wild beach itself, free and reached on foot, used for snorkelling and solitude rather than renting loungers or buying food on the sand.
Anse Major, Mahe, Seychelles
Anse Major sits on the north west coast of Mahe and has no road access. You reach it on a coastal trail that starts near the end of the road at Bel Ombre, beyond Beau Vallon, and the walk takes roughly an hour each way along the granite cliffs with fine sea views.
Park near the trailhead at Bel Ombre, wear footwear with grip, and carry plenty of water, food and sun cover, as there is nothing along the trail or at the beach. Start early to avoid the midday heat, snorkel only when the water is calm, and take everything you bring back out with you.
Reserve a daybed near Anse Major
Send your details and we will help arrange a beach club booking near Anse Major. We confirm current minimum spend and availability with the venue before you commit. Nothing is charged here.
Anse Major FAQ
How do you get to Anse Major?
On foot only. A coastal trail starts near the end of the road at Bel Ombre, beyond Beau Vallon, and runs along the granite cliffs to the beach, taking around an hour each way. There is no vehicle access.
Is the Anse Major trail difficult?
It is moderate rather than hard, but it is exposed to the sun and uneven in places, with some ups and downs over granite. Wear good footwear, carry plenty of water, and start early before the heat builds.
Can you swim and snorkel at Anse Major?
Yes, on calm days, when the clear water and the rocks at the edges make for good snorkelling. It is open and unsheltered, so it can turn lively when the swell is up, and you should read the water before getting in.
Are there facilities at Anse Major?
None. There are no shops, toilets or shade huts along the trail or at the beach, so you must carry your own water, food and sun cover, and take all your litter back out with you.
Is Anse Major worth the walk?
For walkers and snorkellers, yes. You get a scenic clifftop trail and a wild, quiet cove that road beaches cannot match. Anyone wanting easy access, loungers or facilities should choose a road beach instead.