Anse Royale Travel Guide

City Coastal district on Mahé island, popular beaches

Anse Royale offers a gentle bay, reef swimming, and a seaside market where locals sell vanilla, fish, and street snacks; it’s popular for family beaches and calm snorkeling.

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.

In This Guide

Why Visit Anse Royale?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

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Population

3,818

Infrastructure & Convenience

Regular buses, small shops, English signs and services available.

Popularity

Attracts families, snorkelers, and the university community.

Known For

long sandy bay, snorkeling, coral reef, University of Seychelles campus, local markets, Creole restaurants, turtle nesting spots, coastal walking paths

The University of Seychelles' main campus is located in Anse Royale.

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.

Top Things to Do in Anse Royale

All Attractions ›

Morne Seychellois National Park

Largest Seychellois national park covering mountainous rainforest

National Park

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

Island

Morne Seychellois

Highest peak in Seychelles within national park

Mountain

Cousine Island

Private island nature reserve for seabirds and turtles

Island

Sainte Anne Marine National Park

Marine national park protecting coral reefs and islands

National Park

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.

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

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 Royale #

Climate

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.

Best Time to Visit

AprilMayMarch

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 (372 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

372 mm

Rainfall

3.5 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.5

UV Index

Extreme

12.2h daylight

February

February is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Heavy rain (276 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

30°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

276 mm

Rainfall

3.7 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 (190 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

76 Very Good

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

24° – 31°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

190 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 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (176 mm).

78 Very Good

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

28°C

Temperature

25° – 31°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

176 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 (147 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

31°

Feels Like Hot

27°C

Temperature

25° – 30°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

147 mm

Rainfall

4.6 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 (96 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

76 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

24° – 29°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

96 mm

Rainfall

6.1 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

23° – 28°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

87 mm

Rainfall

6.2 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 (133 mm), partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.

72 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

23° – 28°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

133 mm

Rainfall

6.2 m/s

Wind

Breezy

2.3

UV Index

Extreme

11.9h daylight

September

September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (141 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

26°

Feels Like Warm

26°C

Temperature

24° – 29°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

141 mm

Rainfall

4.7 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° – 29°

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 (211 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

24° – 30°

80%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

211 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 (291 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

27°

Feels Like Warm

27°C

Temperature

23° – 30°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

291 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

2.6

UV Index

Extreme

12.3h daylight

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.

By Air

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.

By Train & Bus

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 walkable along the bay; beaches, eateries and basic shops are within easy reach on foot. The island’s bus network serves the area, and taxis or rental cars give quicker access to other parts of Mahé. If you plan to explore more remote beaches, a car or scooter is helpful.

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.

Regional

Creole

Pizza

Local

Burger

International

Fish & Chips

Grill

Coffee Shop

Cake

Fish

Curry

African

Chicken

Seafood

Breakfast

Tea

Asian

Diner

Kreol

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.