Anse Boileau 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.
Anse Boileau at a Glance#
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.
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.
Best Things to Do in Anse Boileau#
Anse Boileau Bucket List#
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 24°C to 31°C. Heavy rainfall (2302 mm/year), wettest in January.
January
January is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (369 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (275 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (188 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (179 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (155 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Regular rainfall (99 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Regular rainfall (87 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
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August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (131 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (144 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (185 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (205 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (285 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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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.
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.
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#
Mahé is best navigated with a mix of public buses for cheap, local travel and taxis or a rental car for flexibility. For trips to other islands use scheduled ferries or short domestic flights; plan and book inter-island travel in advance during busy periods.
- Taxi (~250-350 SCR (airport to Victoria)) - Taxis are the quickest way to reach small Mahé towns from the airport or between villages when schedules are tight. Taxis are metered in Victoria/at the airport; agree a fare for longer trips outside town. Expect straightforward fares but higher rates late at night and for island-to-island transfers that include boat segments.
- Car rental (~SCR 400-1,200/day (varies by vehicle and season)) - Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore Mahé’s roads and reach beaches and viewpoints on your own schedule. Roads on Mahé can be steep and narrow; drive carefully. Book in advance during high season - insurance and fuel are extra.
- Public bus (~7-15 SCR) - Public buses on Mahé are the cheapest option for getting around; they run frequently between Victoria and most coastal communities. They are inexpensive, reliable for daytime travel, and a good way to experience local life, but expect slower journeys and possible crowding during peak hours.
- Inter-island ferry (Varies by route and operator) - Catamaran ferries and fast ferry services connect Mahé (Victoria) with Praslin and La Digue on scheduled services. Ferries are the main option for day trips to the neighbouring islands; schedules vary by operator and season so check timetables and book ahead in high season.
- Domestic flights (Varies by route) - Air Seychelles and small domestic carriers operate short flights from Mahé to some outer islands. Flights are quick and useful if you’re tight on time, but are costlier than ferries and carry luggage limits and schedule constraints.
- Walking - Walking is excellent around small towns and beaches - many accommodations are within easy walking distance of local shops and the shore. Wear sun protection and sensible shoes for uneven paths.
Where to Stay in Anse Boileau#
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.
Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino - Lower-cost rooms near Beau Vallon beach
Coral Strand Smart Choice Hotel - Simple sea-view rooms, Beau Vallon location
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.
Savoy Seychelles Resort & Spa - Comfortable rooms and beach access
Constance Ephelia - Family-friendly resort with several restaurants
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.
Kempinski Seychelles Resort Baie Lazare - Luxury resort with pools and spa
Four Seasons Resort Seychelles - High-end villas, private beach and service
Where to Eat in Anse Boileau#
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
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.
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.
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.
