TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN MAHE, SEYCHELLES

With these must-visit spots, you’ll be all set to experience the best of Mahe—and get a clear idea of what to budget for along the way.

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Mahe, the largest island in Seychelles, is where most visitors begin their adventure.

With the country’s only international airport, Mahe is the perfect starting point to explore stunning beaches, lush nature, unique culture, and incredible cuisine.

Before you dive into the island experience, make sure to fill out your Seychelles immigration form online—it’s only about $10 USD per person if you do it ahead of time, but waiting until you land could cost you around $75 USD each.

Now that you’ve got that covered, let’s get into the fun stuff! Here are the top things to do in Mahe to help you plan your perfect island escape.

Curious how to save on your Seychelles vacation while still enjoying the best experiences? > Download the Explore Seychelles Travel Guide

Anse Intendance

This south coast beach is known for its dramatic waves and soft, powdery sand.

Anse Intendance is not always ideal for swimming due to the currents, but it’s perfect for sunbathing, strolling, or spotting sea turtles during nesting season (October to March).

If you’re looking for a seemingly untouched beach, this is the spot.

Beau Vallon

Located on the northern coast, Beau Vallon is a lively, popular beach with plenty to do.

Swim, snorkel, or enjoy the local food stalls lining the beach. It’s a great place for catching sunsets. You’ll also find more of a social scene here, making it one of Mahe’s busiest beaches.

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Port Glaud Waterfall

Escape the beach crowds and head to Port Glaud Waterfall, a privately owned escape on the west side of the island.

It’s easy to reach this waterfall in just about two minutes from the parking lot.

The waterfall has a small swimming area, and for a little adventure, you can climb around to catch the view from above in under 10 minutes.

Make sure to leave before 4 PM when the site closes, and bring cash to pay the $4 USD entry fee.

Grand Anse Beach

About 15 minutes from Port Glaud, you’ll find Grand Anse Beach. This beach has some of the softest sand I’ve ever stepped on—seriously, it’s like walking on Play-Doh.

The blue waters stretch endlessly, making it a perfect spot to unwind. While swimming isn’t always ideal due to strong currents, the serenity and soft sand more than make up for it.

Anse Royale Beach

Known for its iconic granite boulders, Anse Royale is a picturesque beach on the southeast coast.

While the waves can get rough during high tide and sargassum may appear at times, it’s a great beach for a scenic stop or a picnic.

Be sure to check the tide schedule for calmer waters – I had fun in the waves, but when the tides were rough, I was definitely getting tossed around! It can be dangerous, so it’s best to visit when conditions are safer.

Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market

The Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market is a must-stop in Victoria, Mahe’s lively capital.

Built in 1840, this historic market offers a colorful selection of fresh produce, spices, and locally-made souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to check out and spend your remaining Seychellois rupees before heading to the airport or ferry.

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Anse Takamaka

One of the main attractions near Anse Takamaka is Ros Sodyer, an incredible natural rock pool. But getting there requires some effort.

The 40-minute hike starts at a nearby hotel, Chez Batista Villas, where my husband got directions from a staff member.

The path isn’t well marked, so at first, it’s easy to second-guess whether you’re going the right way.

He kept following what seemed like the most logical route, climbing over rocks, and eventually started spotting white arrows that confirmed he was on the right track.

About halfway through, he even encountered a steel ladder to climb.

The reward? A crystal-clear pool tucked between the rocks, unexpectedly filled with colorful fish.

However, timing is crucial. You should only attempt this hike during low tide—high tide makes it too dangerous to visit Ros Sodyer, so check the tide schedule before heading out.

Even if you skip the 40-minute hike to the rock pool, Anse Takamaka itself is a beautiful beach, and that’s exactly what I enjoyed while my husband ventured out.

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Takamaka Rum Distillery

If you’re in Seychelles, you’ve got to sample the local flavors, and that includes the famous Takamaka rum.

The Takamaka Rum Distillery offers free tours where you can learn about the distillery’s history and how the rum is crafted. If you’re into rum—or even just curious—it’s definitely worth a visit.

After the tour, you can opt for a rum tasting for about $10 USD per person.

National Botanical Garden Mahe

If you’re interested in the local flora, head to the National Botanical Garden in Victoria. The garden is home to the famous coco de mer, the world’s largest nut, as well as giant Aldabra tortoises.

Entry costs around 250 SCR (~$20 USD) per person, and is a great stop for all the nature lovers.

Police Bay Beach

If you’re in search of something remote and untouched, drive south until you reach Police Bay.

It’s an isolated, wild beach with almost no one around, and the shifting shades of blue water make it a stunning sight.

This beach is also a sea turtle nesting site, so you might catch a glimpse of them if you visit during nesting season between October and March.

How Much to Budget for Your Top 10 Things to Do in Mahe

When planning your trip to Mahe, it’s helpful to have an idea of how much each activity might cost.

Here’s a quick breakdown of the potential expenses to help you plan your budget.

Beaches (Anse Intendance, Beau Vallon, Anse Takamaka, etc.) – Free
Mahe is famous for its stunning beaches, and the good news is, they’re all free to access! You’ll just need to budget for transportation to get to these locations.
Port Glaud Waterfall – Around $5 USD
This privately owned waterfall is a unique spot, but there’s a small fee to access the site. Make sure to bring cash, as cards are not accepted here.
Takamaka Rum Distillery Tour – Free (Rum Tasting: ~$10 USD)
The tour itself won’t cost you anything, but if you’d like to sample the local rum, budget around $10 USD per person for the tasting.
National Botanical Gardens – ~$20 USD
One of the pricier activities in Mahe, but it’s well worth it for the chance to see the famous coco de mer and giant tortoises.
Ros Sodyer (Rock Pool) – Free
While the natural rock pool is free to visit, you’ll need to budget for any transportation to reach the starting point of the hike. We recommend having a car rental to explore all of Mahe, which cost us ~$54 USD per day.

Final Thoughts on Things to Do in Mahe

Whether you’re seeking adventure or a laid-back beach day, Mahe offers a mix of experiences that capture the essence of Seychelles.

Keep this list bookmarked to make the most of your time on the island and explore everything Mahe has to offer!

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FAQs

Which part of Mahe is best?

The South has the best, and most beautiful, secluded beaches like Anse Intendance and Police Bay.

Why is Seychelles so expensive?

Seychelles is remote, and most goods are imported, driving up costs. It’s also a high-end tourist destination, with luxury accommodations and exclusive experiences that contribute to the higher price tag.

How to reach Seychelles easily?

The easiest way to reach Seychelles is by flying into Mahe International Airport (SEZ), which is well-connected to major cities in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Direct flights from these regions are common.

What kind of food do they eat in Seychelles?

Seychellois cuisine is a fusion of Creole, African, French, and Indian influences. Expect dishes with fresh seafood, coconut milk, rice, curries, grilled fish, and tropical fruits.

Explore Seychelles Travel Guide

If you’re looking to dive deeper into your Seychelles adventure, don’t miss our Explore Seychelles Travel Guide.

It’s packed with even more recommendations for Mahe, plus insider tips for La Digue, Praslin, and Platte Island, including how to save money.

Whether you’re after hidden beaches, scenic hikes, or local spots to grab a bite, this guide has you covered. It’s the perfect way to make the most out of your time in this tropical paradise, without spending hours researching.

Get the guide and explore Seychelles like a pro—stress-free and ready for anything.