Anse Royale

Anse Royale is the beach that shows you everyday Seychelles rather than brochure Seychelles. It runs along the south east coast of Mahe through a working village, with a school, shops and local takeaways set back from the sand, and people using the beach as part of ordinary life. That gives it a relaxed, lived in feel that the polished resort bays do not have, and it is all the better for it.

What makes it genuinely useful is the reef. A fringing reef sits offshore and shelters the lagoon, so the water here is usually calm and clear and good for a real swim, a welcome contrast to the powerful surf beaches on the south and west coasts. There is also a small island just off the beach that you can reach on calm days, and the shallow reef around it makes for easy, pleasant snorkelling without needing a boat trip.

It is not a beach for daybeds and cocktails, and that is the point. Shade comes from the line of takkamaka trees rather than rented loungers, and refreshment comes from the local takeaways and shops along the road rather than table service on the sand. For some visitors that simplicity is exactly the appeal, a place to swim, snorkel and eat a cheap local lunch without anyone trying to sell you a sunbed.

Use Anse Royale as your calm swimming and snorkelling stop on a tour of the south east, and combine it with the wilder beaches nearby for contrast. Bring water and reef safe sun cover, keep an eye on conditions around the island, and enjoy the local pace. For organised daybeds and clubs elsewhere on Mahe with current spend bands, see our Seychelles beach clubs directory.