Anse Boileau Travel Guide

City City in Seychelles with beautiful beaches

On Mahé’s west coast, Anse Boileau is a fishing village with nearby reef snorkeling, trailheads into Morne Seychellois, and modest beachfront restaurants serving freshly caught fish.

Main image
Costs
Moderately expensive - $100-180/day
Guesthouses and local eateries keep costs lower than resorts.
Safety
Low violent crime; petty theft risk
Calm fishing‑village environment; secure at night with usual precautions.
Best Time
Best in shoulder seasons Apr-May, Oct-Nov
Less rain, calmer seas, fewer tourists.
Time
Weather
Population
4,183
Infrastructure & Convenience
Taxis and rental cars easiest; basic shops and English widely used.
Popularity
Attracts day‑trippers and nature seekers, not large resorts.
Known For
rocky west‑coast beaches, fishing‑village atmosphere, snorkeling spots, Anse Major hike access, Creole cuisine, scenic viewpoints, whale watching (seasonal), local markets, granite boulders
The Anse Major hiking trailhead is accessed from the Anse Boileau area.

Why Visit Anse Boileau? #

On Mahé’s windward shore the fishing village atmosphere and palm-fringed coves make Anse Boileau a draw for travelers seeking low-key island life and outdoor access. Hike the nearby Anse Major trail, snorkel rocky reefs, and sample Creole dishes like grilled fish and octopus curry at waterside stalls. Music and dance remain central to local life, with nightly Sega rhythms and community gatherings that spotlight Seychellois culture.

Top Things to Do in Anse Boileau

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Anse Boileau Beach - Shallow reef, sunset views, local fishermen launching boats from sandy shore.
  • Morne Seychellois National Park - Forest trails and high ridges offering panoramic views across Mahé's interior.
  • Anse Intendance - Powerful surf, long white sand beach popular for strolls and sunbathing.
Hidden Gems
  • Anse Boileau Morning Fish Market - Morning fish market where fishermen sell fresh catch and local gossip.
  • Morne Blanc Trail - Short steep hike rewarding with sweeping views toward Victoria and the east coast.
  • Anse Major Hike - Coastal hike to tiny Anse Major, excellent snorkelling in calm, clear water.
Day Trips
  • Sainte Anne Marine National Park - Short boat trip to islands with coral reefs, picnic beaches, and glass-bottom boats.
  • Victoria - Capital city with Sir Selwyn Clarke Market, colonial architecture, and Botanical Gardens.

Best Time to Visit Anse Boileau #

The best time to visit Anse Boileau 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
May - September · 24-28°C (75-82°F)
Breezy, drier months-great for sailing, snorkeling and sunbathing; seas can be choppier but visibility remains good and beaches are less crowded.
Northwest Monsoon
November - March · 26-31°C (79-88°F)
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
April & October · 25-30°C (77-86°F)
Calmest seas, best underwater visibility and fewer jellyfish-ideal for diving and snorkeling; expect warm, settled weather and great light for photos.

Best Time to Visit Anse Boileau #

Climate

Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2302 mm/year), wettest in January.

Best Time to Visit
MarchMayJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
24°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (369 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

369 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

February

February is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (275 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
27°C
Temperature
25° 30°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

275 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

March

March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
78%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

188 mm
Rainfall
3.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (179 mm).

70 Very Good

Comfort

32°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 31°
77%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

179 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

May

May is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

31°
Feels Like Hot
28°C
Temperature
25° 30°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

155 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.2
UV Index
Extreme
11.8h daylight

June

June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Regular rainfall (99 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

76 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 29°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

99 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.7h daylight

July

July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (87 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 28°
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

87 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.8h daylight

August

August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 28°
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

131 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

September

September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
24° 29°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

October

October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (185 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

185 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

November

November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (205 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

205 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

December

December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (285 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

27°
Feels Like Warm
27°C
Temperature
24° 30°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

285 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.3h daylight

How to Get to Anse Boileau

Most visitors arrive at Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé; the capital Victoria is the island's travel hub. Local travel on Mahé is by public bus, taxi or rental car; ferries and short domestic flights link Mahé with other islands.

By Air

Seychelles International Airport (SEZ): The main international gateway, located on Mahé about 11 km east of Victoria. Taxi from SEZ to central Mahé towns (Victoria area) typically takes 20-30 minutes; expect roughly 250-350 SCR (about US$18-25) for a metered taxi directly to town. Shared airport transfers and private transfers are common - shared minibuses are usually cheaper (roughly 100-200 SCR) but take longer.

(No other major airports on Mahé): For travel to other islands there are short domestic flights from Mahé (see transport card below) and ferry services from the capital Victoria harbour.

By Train & Bus

Train: There is no passenger rail service in Seychelles.

Bus: Mahé has a public bus network with Victoria as the hub (the main bus stops are around Victoria market/jetty area). Typical fares on Mahé are low - commonly around 7-15 SCR for single journeys depending on distance. Buses connect Victoria with many Mahé communities; expect 20-60 minutes on-bus between Victoria and coastal towns such as Anse Boileau or Port Glaud depending on traffic and route.

How to Get Around Anse Boileau #

Anse Boileau is compact and easy to explore on foot - beaches, a few shops and guesthouses are close together. There is regular public-bus service along Mahé’s west coast linking to Victoria; taxis, private transfers and car or scooter rentals are common if you want to reach more beaches or interior trails. Bring cash for small vendors and allow extra time for buses and winding roads.

Where to Stay in Anse Boileau #

Budget
West Mahé (Anse Boileau / Beau Vallon) - $40-150/night
Anse Boileau itself has very few formal budget hostels; most inexpensive options are small guesthouses or self-catering units. Wider choice appears in Beau Vallon, a short drive away.
Mid-Range
Beau Vallon / Baie Lazare - $150-300/night
Expect a handful of comfortable hotels and boutique stays within a short drive. Mid-range resorts cluster at Beau Vallon and Baie Lazare, offering more facilities and dining.
Luxury
Baie Lazare / Petite Anse - $400+/night
High-end resorts are not located in small Anse Boileau itself but on nearby Mahé beaches. Luxury options offer private beaches, spas and full-service amenities for a pricier stay.

Where to Eat in Anse Boileau #

Local Food
Simple Creole flavours around the bay - fresh-caught fish, local fruits and small family-run takeaways.
  • Anse Boileau Market - Village market stalls with fresh fish and produce
  • Anse Boileau Takeaways - Small roadside shops serving Creole plates
  • Local Food Stalls - Informal stalls offering grilled seafood
Beachside & Casual
Casual dining right by the water - quick Creole meals, snacks and chilled drinks for beach days.
  • Beachside Lunch Spots - Casual cafés close to the shoreline
  • Snack Bars - Light bites and cold drinks near the beach
  • Creole Takeaways - Quick, affordable Creole meals

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Anse Boileau's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional
Creole
Pizza
Burger
Local
International
Fish & Chips
Chicken
Coffee Shop
Fish
Curry
Grill
Seafood
Breakfast
Cake
Diner
Pasta
African
Barbecue
Sandwich

Nightlife in Anse Boileau #

Nightlife in Anse Boileau is quiet and low-key. Expect a few guesthouse or beach-side restaurants serving dinner and occasional live music; late-night clubbing and bars are found mainly in Victoria or at larger resorts.

Shopping in Anse Boileau #

Shopping in Anse Boileau is basic: a handful of small grocery shops, roadside stalls and a few souvenir stands. For a fuller selection of crafts, fresh produce and island souvenirs head into Victoria and the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market.

Nearby Cities #