Port Launay
The verdict on Port Launay
- Who it suitsFor families and snorkellers who want one of the calmest, most sheltered beaches on Mahe inside a marine national park.
- Best spotA resort occupies part of the bay; the public sand is free, and we route any club style bookings through the directory.
- One thing to knowIt sits in the Port Launay Marine National Park, the water is calm and clear, and whale sharks pass the wider coast seasonally.
Published 16 April 2026. Last reviewed 6 May 2026
Port Launay is one of the calmest beaches on Mahe, and it owes that to its setting. Tucked into the north west coast inside the Port Launay Marine National Park, the bay is well sheltered and backed by green hills, so the water is usually gentle and clear in a way that suits easy swimming and relaxed snorkelling rather than drama or surf.
That protection makes it a good family beach and a pleasant place to float with a mask. The marine park status means the wider area is rich in life, and on calm days the snorkelling near the edges of the bay is rewarding. Seychelles is also known for seasonal whale shark sightings off this coast, which is a genuine highlight when it happens, though it is a natural event and never guaranteed.
Be aware that a resort occupies part of the bay, so it is not a wild, empty beach in the way that a trail only cove is. The public sand is free and open, but you share the setting with hotel guests, and public facilities on the beach itself are limited. For many visitors that balance of calm water and easy access is exactly the appeal.
Use Port Launay as your gentle, sheltered swimming and snorkelling stop on the north west coast, bring your own water, sun cover and mask, and go in the morning for the calmest water. For organised daybeds and clubs with current spend bands elsewhere on Mahe, see our Seychelles beach clubs directory.
Clubs on and near Port Launay
A resort occupies part of the bay at Port Launay, but the public sand is free and open. We do not list specific venues, minimum spends or daybed terms we cannot currently verify, so those are to be confirmed. For organised clubs and current spend bands elsewhere on Mahe, use the Seychelles beach clubs directory.
Hotel frontage within the bay
A resort occupies part of the sheltered bay, with its own frontage and services for guests, and specific terms and any minimum spend to be confirmed.
Public sand at Port Launay
The free public beach alongside, calm and sheltered inside the marine park, used for easy swimming and snorkelling rather than renting loungers.
Port Launay, Mahe, Seychelles
Port Launay is on the north west coast of Mahe, a drive of around forty minutes from Victoria past Port Glaud, following the coast road to the sheltered bay inside the marine national park. It is well signed and one of the easier calm beaches to reach by car on this side of the island.
Parking is informal near the public sand. Bring water, sun cover and a snorkel mask, go in the morning for the calmest water and the best chance of clear snorkelling, and remember that any whale shark sightings are a seasonal natural event rather than a sure thing. Conditions are typical of a sheltered bay rather than guaranteed.
Reserve a daybed near Port Launay
Send your details and we will help arrange a beach club booking near Port Launay. We confirm current minimum spend and availability with the venue before you commit. Nothing is charged here.
Port Launay FAQ
Can you swim at Port Launay?
Yes, easily. It is one of the most sheltered beaches on Mahe, inside a marine national park, so the water is usually calm and clear and good for swimming and snorkelling in normal conditions.
Is Port Launay good for snorkelling?
Yes, on calm days. The marine park setting means the wider area is rich in life, and the edges of the sheltered bay can be rewarding. Bring your own mask and choose a calm morning for the clearest water.
Can you see whale sharks at Port Launay?
Seychelles sees seasonal whale sharks off this north west coast, which is a real highlight when it happens. It is a natural event, so sightings are never guaranteed and depend on the season and conditions.
Is Port Launay a public beach?
Yes. A resort occupies part of the bay, but the public sand alongside is free and open. Public facilities on the beach itself are limited, so bring your own water and sun cover.
How do you get to Port Launay?
By road on the north west coast of Mahe, around forty minutes from Victoria past Port Glaud. It is well signed and one of the easier calm beaches to reach by car on that side of the island.