The granite islands of the Seychelles showcase a unique combination of ancient rock formations, soft sands, and coral reefs. These juxtapositions make for some stunningly beautiful beach settings. The sandy strands of this island archipelago beckon to be explored where turquoise and cobalt seas are rich with fish-laden coral gardens, and dolphins and turtles swim freely to join snorkelers exploring the reefs.
Anse Source D’Argent, La Digue Island
At Anse Source D’Argent, large granite boulders separate the beach into a series of small, pink sand cul-de-sacs allowing space for quiet moments. This beach is famous for its weathered rock monoliths, some of which are the remains of the 500-million-year-old mountain range that broke off from the continent of Asia. In addition to its unique scenic qualities, Anse Source D’Argent offers calm swimming and snorkeling conditions within the sheltered waters of an encircling coral reef. One of the most photographed beaches in the world, you would expect to see plenty of visitors, time your visit for early morning and you might be there alone with nature.

Beau Vallon, Mahé Island
One of the most popular beaches on the island of Mahé is Beau Vallon. This half-mile stretch of sand is known for its panoramic views, which also takes in the nearby Silhouette Island. The calm waters allow for kayaking, and water skiing and there is a specified area for swimming. More energy and plenty of socializing and activities happen along these sands among both visitors and locals. The beach is flanked by a village of the same name, and a number of diving and water sports centers have cropped up along the waterfront. Another favorite attraction is the glass bottom boat tour of nearby reefs.

Anse Lazio, Praslin Island
On the northwest corner of Praslin Island, Anse Lazio is known for its wide swath of powder-fine sand. The headlands of Chevalier Bay shelter the beach from ocean swells, and palms and clusters of takamama trees provide shade. Large granite boulders ubiquitous in the Seychelles add drama to the landscape. At both ends of the bay, snorkelers can explore coral reefs and large granite rocks beneath the surface. After sunning and swimming, beachgoers in the know retire to a table at the nearby Chevalier Bay Guest House, which serves up unique and tasty seafood offerings such as garlic lobster, octopus burgers, and prawn cakes.

Port Launay, Mahé Island
The beach at Port Launay is the centerpiece of its namesake marine park. Tucked within a protected bay on the west coast of Mahé Island, this is the only marine reserve in the Seychelles that can be reached by both land and sea. The park is home to several beaches and small offshore islands. Here, the calm ocean is ideal for swimming and snorkeling and is backed by sandy shores and ample shade. The horseshoe-shaped arc of white sand is popular with locals and visitors alike, and a number of tour operators provide small boats for fishing, diving, and snorkeling excursions.

Grand Anse, La Digue Island
Beachgoers seeking a bit of seclusion can follow a foot or cycling path to Grand Anse, which is the longest beach on the island of La Digue. If swimming is part of the plan, however, you’ll want to visit between November and March, when strong offshore currents created by seasonal monsoons have ceased, and seas are calmer. However, there is no offshore reef offering protection from the open ocean so enjoy the scenery and check out the one eatery. You may need to bring your own refreshments because there are no beach bars in sight.

Anse Cocos, La Digue Island
Getting to one of the most pristine beaches in the Seychelles requires a bit of effort. From Grande Anse, which is itself remote, walkers will spend a half hour scrambling along a footpath to reach Anse Cocos. Anse Cocos was one of the first settlements on La Digue and remnants of abandoned buildings can be seen along the way and from the beach. The views alone are well worth the hike. Once there, the golden sand and shallow natural pools may be all yours. The beach is backed by palms offering respite from the sun making it an ideal location for a day at the beach. Though not known as a swimming beach due to strong currents, bathers can take a refreshing dip in protected pools formed by encircling boulders at the far end of the beach.
