Port Glaud
Port Glaud at a Glance
Costs: Moderately expensive - $100-180/day - small resorts and self‑catering villas; groceries pricier than mainland.
Safety: Safe with basic precautions - quiet coastal district; low violent crime but occasional petty theft.
Best Time: Apr-May, Oct-Nov - calmer seas and pleasant weather for boat trips.
Why Visit Port Glaud?
Port Glaud draws travelers who want marine access and quieter beaches on Mahe’s northwest coast. Boats to Thérèse Island and snorkeling in Port Launay Marine Park are popular, while village restaurants serve Creole grilled fish and tropical fruits. Evenings often bring informal music gatherings and a relaxed pace that highlights island hospitality.
Best Things to Do in Port Glaud
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
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
Island
Cerf Island
Small Seychellois island with beaches and hotel resorts
Port Glaud Bucket List
Don't Miss
Port Launay Marine National Park - Protected bay with seagrass beds, snorkeling trails, and frequent turtle sightings.
Cap Ternay - Rocky headland offering good dive sites and coastal walking routes.
Anse Major Hike - Scenic coastal hike from Bel Ombre to Anse Major’s secluded beach and snorkeling.
Hidden Gems
Moyenne Island - Tiny island with a pirate museum, tortoise colony, and shaded trails.
Tidal Turtle Spots - Walk along tidal flats to spot resting green turtles and small shorebirds.
Small Local Cafés - Seaside cafés serving fresh fish, salads, and strong Seychellois coffee to go.
Day Trips
Sainte Anne Marine Park - Island-hopping boat trips to marine park’s reefs, picnic beaches, and snorkeling coves.
Beau Vallon and Victoria - Short drive to Beau Vallon beach and Victoria’s markets and botanical gardens.
Nearby Cities #
Best Time to Visit Port Glaud
The best time to visit Port Glaud 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.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2319 mm/year), wettest in January.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 368 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 3.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
| February | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 30° | 272 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.0 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.1h |
| March | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 31° | 187 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 3.4 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 25° - 31° | 31° | 179 mm | some cloud | 77% | 3.5 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 11.9h |
| May | Very Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 151 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| June | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 102 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 6.8 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.7h |
| July | Very Good | 24° - 28° | 26° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 6.0 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| August | Very Good | 23° - 28° | 26° | 139 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.4 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| September | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 26° | 146 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.3 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.0h |
| October | Very Good | 24° - 29° | 27° | 187 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.1 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.1h |
| November | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 208 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 12.2h |
| December | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 288 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.3 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.3h |
How to Get to Port Glaud
Port Glaud on Mahé is accessed via Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) with onward travel by taxi, rental car or public bus from Victoria. Coastal roads and short drives connect the bays and beaches in this area.
Seychelles International Airport (SEZ): The international airport on Mahé is the gateway for Port Glaud and other north-west Mahé locations. Taxi transfer to the Port Glaud area usually takes 25-40 minutes; airport taxi fares commonly fall in the 250-350 SCR (≈US$18-25) range. Shared shuttles are available for lower cost but with longer travel times.
(No other international airports on Mahé): Use Victoria harbour for ferry connections to other islands.
Train: No passenger railway exists in Seychelles.
Bus: Mahé’s public buses operate from Victoria and serve routes around the island, including stops that serve Port Glaud. Bus fares are modest (typically 7-15 SCR) and services are a budget-friendly way to travel during daytime hours.
How to Get Around Port Glaud
Port Glaud is readily reached by taxi or rental car from SEZ for convenience; buses are the inexpensive option for daytime travel. Ferries connect Mahé to other islands if you plan cross-island trips.
- Taxi (~250-350 SCR (airport to Victoria)) - Taxis are the most convenient way to reach Port Glaud from the airport or Victoria, especially with luggage. Taxis can be metered in town; agree a fare for remote drop-offs or returns to the airport.
- Car rental (~SCR 400-1,200/day) - A rental car is useful for exploring Port Glaud’s beaches and nearby viewpoints at your own pace. Roads may be narrow and hilly - a small vehicle is easier to handle and park.
- Public bus (~7-15 SCR) - Public buses run between Victoria and stops around Mahé, providing an economical way to reach Port Glaud. Buses are slower than private transfers and can make numerous stops en route.
- Inter-island ferry (Varies by operator) - If your itinerary includes other islands, ferries depart Victoria harbour for Praslin and La Digue. Check operators and book ahead during peak season.
- Walking - Local beaches and short coastal trails are best explored on foot. Use sun protection and carry water on longer walks or rocky shorelines.
Where to Stay in Port Glaud
Budget
Port Glaud / West Mahé - $40-150/night
Port Glaud village has a handful of small guesthouses; for the greatest budget choice, consider staying in Beau Vallon or central Mahé and drive west.
Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel - Affordable beachfront rooms in Beau Vallon
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino - Lower-cost option by the sea
Mid-Range
Beau Vallon / Port Launay - $150-300/night
Mid-range resorts are nearby on Mahé’s coasts rather than inside Port Glaud. These provide pools, restaurants and easy booking for activities and island tours.
Constance Ephelia - Full-service resort with family facilities
Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa - Comfortable seaside accommodation
Luxury
Baie Lazare / Petite Anse - $350+/night
Luxury hotels are outside Port Glaud; book resorts on Mahé’s prime beaches for premium facilities and arrange a short transfer to visit Port Glaud.
Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare - Luxury resort with spa amenities
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles - High-end villas and private beach
Where to Eat in Port Glaud
Coastal & Creole
A relaxed coastal food scene focused on freshly caught seafood, village markets and simple Creole cooking.
- Port Glaud Market - Catch of the day and local produce
- Port Glaud Eateries - Small restaurants by the coast
- Takeaway Stalls - Quick Creole meals and snacks
Picnic & Beach Supplies
Pick up supplies or stop at a beach café for a light meal - ideal after snorkeling and swimming.
- Local Grocers - Supplies for beach picnics and self-catering
- Beach Cafés - Light lunches and refreshments
- Food Stalls - Popular spots near swimming beaches
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Port Glaud’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Port Glaud
Nightlife in Port Glaud is quiet, with most activity at hotels and beachfront restaurants. There aren’t dedicated nightlife districts in the village.
Shopping in Port Glaud
Shopping is basic - small grocery shops and resort boutiques. For markets and a wider selection of crafts, plan a trip to Victoria.