Anse Royale
Anse Royale at a Glance
Costs: Moderately expensive - $100-170/day - affordable guesthouses near a long sandy bay; restaurants still pricey.
Safety: Safe and family‑friendly - low crime area with local families and university presence.
Best Time: Apr-May, Oct-Nov - warm seas and fewer visitors make snorkeling better.
Why Visit Anse Royale?
A long shallow bay and calm coral gardens make Anse Royale an easy choice for swimmers and families who value relaxed seaside charm. Paddle or snorkel over reef flats, visit the local Sunday market for Creole stews and fresh tropical fruit, and explore nearby mangroves and hiking trails. Cultural life centers on Creole cuisine and island festivals, so evenings bring live music and community feasts.
Best Things to Do in Anse Royale
National Park
Morne Seychellois National Park
Largest Seychellois national park covering mountainous rainforest
Island
Mahé
Seychelles' main island, cultural and administrative center
Island
Silhouette Island
Large granite island with endemic wildlife and beaches
Island
Moyenne Island
Small Seychelles island, marine reserve and conservation site
Island
Frégate Island
Private Seychelles island noted for endemic wildlife
Mountain
Morne Seychellois
Highest peak in Seychelles within national park
Island
Cousine Island
Private island nature reserve for seabirds and turtles
National Park
Sainte Anne Marine National Park
Marine national park protecting coral reefs and islands
Anse Royale Bucket List
Don't Miss
Anse Royale Beach - Curved bay with shallow lagoon ideal for families and gentle snorkeling.
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens - Historic botanical gardens home to giant tortoises and extensive tropical plant collections.
Anse Royale Reef - Fringing reef close to shore where snorkelers commonly see parrotfish and rays.
Hidden Gems
Anse Royale Turtle Areas - Early-morning visits to turtle feeding areas where hawksbill turtles loaf and feed.
Anse Forbans - Secluded cove with rocky shoreline and tide pools perfect for exploration.
Local Creole Eateries - Small family-run eateries serving Creole seafood dishes and perfect local hospitality moments.
Day Trips
Sainte Anne Marine National Park - Short boat hop to islands with snorkel sites and picnic beaches.
Praslin and Vallée de Mai - Ferry to Praslin to walk Vallée de Mai, home to rare coco de mer.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Anse Royale
The best time to visit Anse Royale is during the southeast trade wind season (May-September) when it’s drier, breezy and ideal for beaches and sailing. April and October are excellent shoulder months with calm seas and top diving visibility; avoid the peak rainy period (November-March) if you want consistently sunny days.
Southeast Trade Winds
Breezy, drier months-great for sailing, snorkeling and sunbathing; seas can be choppier but visibility remains good and beaches are less crowded.
Northwest Monsoon
Hot, humid days with frequent heavy showers and rougher seas; expect afternoon storms and higher humidity, still fine for culture but less reliable for snorkeling.
Intermonsoon
Calmest seas, best underwater visibility and fewer jellyfish-ideal for diving and snorkeling; expect warm, settled weather and great light for photos.
Anse Royale's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2305 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 372 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 276 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Very Good | 24° - 31° | 31° | 190 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.3 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 31° | 176 mm | some cloud | 77% | 3.6 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 147 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 96 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.1 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| July | Very Good | 23° - 28° | 26° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 6.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| August | Very Good | 23° - 28° | 26° | 133 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.2 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 141 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 4.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 185 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 211 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Very Good | 23° - 30° | 27° | 291 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.2 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
How to Get to Anse Royale
Anse Royale on Mahé is accessed via Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) and the transport hub in Victoria. Local buses, taxis and rental cars connect Anse Royale with the capital and other parts of the island.
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ): The international airport on Mahé, the closest air access for Anse Royale and other Mahé communities. Journey time by taxi to south-east Mahé (Anse Royale area) is typically 25-40 minutes; expect airport taxi fares in the band of 250-350 SCR (≈US$18-25). Shared/minibus transfers are a cheaper option and operate to central Victoria and some southern routes.
(No additional international airports on Mahé): For cross-island travel use ferries or domestic flights as required.
Train: Seychelles has no passenger rail network.
Bus: Mahé’s bus network runs from Victoria and serves the island’s east and south coasts, including Anse Royale. Single fares are modest (commonly 7-15 SCR). Bus journeys to the south-east take longer than a direct car trip but are the most economical option.
How to Get Around Anse Royale
Anse Royale is easiest reached by taxi or car from SEZ; public buses are cheap and work well for budget travellers. Use ferries or domestic flights if you’re extending your trip to other islands.
- Taxi (~250-350 SCR (airport to Victoria)) - Taxis are the fastest and most convenient door-to-door option from the airport and between Mahé towns. Agree the fare or use the meter; airport taxis are easy to find on arrival. Night and out-of-town fares are higher.
- Car rental (~SCR 400-1,200/day) - Self-driving on Mahé gives you the freedom to visit beaches and interior viewpoints on your own schedule. Roads are narrow in places - hire a compact car for easier handling and parking. Check insurance and fuel policies carefully.
- Public bus (~7-15 SCR) - Public buses link Victoria with the east and south coasts; they’re affordable and frequent during the day. Bus travel is slower than driving door-to-door but economical and safe for solo travellers on a budget.
- Inter-island ferry (Varies by operator) - Ferries from Victoria provide access to Praslin and La Digue for day trips or overnight stays. Timetables and availability vary seasonally; book ahead during peak months.
- Walking - Anse Royale and nearby beaches are best explored on foot once you’re based in the area - paths can be sandy or rocky so wear suitable footwear and sun protection.
Where to Stay in Anse Royale
Budget
Southeast Mahé (Anse Royale / Beau Vallon) - $40-140/night
Anse Royale itself has only a few small guesthouses and self-catering units. For the widest budget selection, consider staying in nearby Beau Vallon or central Mahé.
Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel - Simple beachfront rooms at Beau Vallon
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino - Budget-friendly option with beach access
Mid-Range
Beau Vallon / Port Launay - $150-300/night
Mid-range options tend to be resort-style stays a short drive away, offering better facilities, beach access and organized excursions around Mahé.
Constance Ephelia - Family-friendly resort with varied activities
Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa - Comfortable rooms and shoreline setting
Luxury
Baie Lazare / Petite Anse - $350+/night
Luxury resorts are located off Anse Royale in better-developed coastal pockets on Mahé. Expect villa options, exclusive beaches and full concierge services.
Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare - Luxury pools, dining and spa services
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles - Private villas and top-level amenities
Where to Eat in Anse Royale
Creole & Seafood
Anse Royale’s simple food scene highlights fresh seafood and Creole home cooking from local markets and cafés.
- Anse Royale Market - Fresh fish, fruit and Creole ingredients
- Anse Royale Eateries - Small restaurants serving Creole dishes
- Beachfront Food Stalls - Grilled seafood close to the sand
Markets & Takeaways
Markets and bakeries keep things simple - pick up fresh bread, fish or a plate to eat on the beach.
- Local Takeaways - Affordable meals to grab and go
- Village Bakeries - Fresh bread and pastries each morning
- Food Stalls - Popular spots for quick Creole plates
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Anse Royale’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Anse Royale
Nightlife is modest - mainly hotel restaurants, bars and occasional live-music nights. For a wider selection of bars and late-night venues, head to Victoria or larger resorts.
Shopping in Anse Royale
Expect small local shops and a few craft sellers; larger shopping trips go to Victoria’s markets and shops. Beachside stalls sell souvenirs and locally made items in season.