Mahé Beaches for Kids: The 5 Calmest, Safest and Most Sheltered from the Wind

Finding the ideal beach in Mahé when travelling with young children takes a bit of local know-how, especially in summer when the south-east trade winds make some bays quite choppy. During our 10-day family stay (check out ourcomplete 10-day Mahé itinerary with kids), we tested the most sheltered bays on the island with our girls Bebe (5) and Ginni (2).

The Top 5 Family-Friendly Beaches in Mahé

1. Sunset Beach (North Coast)

This was the beach we loved most with our girls. Located north of Glacis, it’s a tucked-away bay, ideal in the afternoon and surrounded by granite boulders. The water is calm and clear, the sand is fine and perfect for playing with the kids. Excellent for children’s first attempts at snorkelling: right by the beach there are rocks teeming with fish. This is where Bebe tried a snorkel mask for the first time and swam alongside dad Nico among lots of fish — she couldn’t stop smiling underwater!

2. Anse la Mouche (South-West Coast)

At low tide it turns into a huge, very shallow plateau of water where even 1-2 year-olds can walk in complete safety. Close to handy local takeaways for lunch, including the one we chose twice, Lunch Box (check out ourguide to Creole takeaways in Mahé). We came here twice: the first time at low tide, walking out to the middle of the bay where a sandbank appears and then disappears with the high tide. The second time we caught a moment between high and low tide, and the girls had a blast catching the little waves in total safety.

3. Anse Soleil (South-West Coast)

A small gem protected by granite headlands. The water is as clear as a swimming pool, and just a few metres from shore you can easily spot colourful fish and, if you’re lucky like we were, even stingrays. Great shaded vegetation for afternoon naps. This beach really makes you feel like you’re in the Seychelles! The only downside is that it’s a bit more crowded than others, and parking is genuinely scarce in the area.

QUOKKA TIP: if you’re following your GPS to reach this beach, have faith! A few hundred metres before arrival you’ll find yourself in front of the Four Seasons entrance (from which you can also access Petite Anse, another gem!). There’s a large car park here, half free and half belonging to the casino outside the Four Seasons — don’t stop there, keep going until you reach the beach, where there are other car parks much closer. Especially on the way back with kids, the slope is quite steep.

4. Port Launay Beach (West Coast)

Set within a deep bay inside the marine park and bordered by the Constance Ephelia resort, Port Launay offers dead-flat water and a gently sloping seabed. Remember that in the Seychelles all beaches are public! Even if in some cases you’ll need to walk through a resort to reach them. Here you’ll find natural shade under takamaka trees and fun swings hanging from the branches. If you can, stay until the end of the day: at sunset the beach empties out, tourists head home and only locals remain. It becomes a truly magical moment.

5. Beau Vallon Beach (North-West Coast)

The most developed and lively beach on the island. Miles of golden sand, sea free of sharp coral on the shoreline, and every amenity close at hand (supermarkets, restaurants and pharmacies). We put it last in our top 5 because we’re not big fans of long, wide beaches — we prefer smaller, cosier bays. But here you’ll find plenty of places for a sundowner or dinner while waiting for sunset. Or, like us, chips and beer from the family market straight on the beach.

Getting Between the Beaches: Car Rental

To reach the wilder bays like Anse Soleil or Port Launay, having your own vehicle is essential. We relied onTravel Mate Car Hireto pick up the car straight at the airport. Read our full guide onrenting a car abroad with kids.