Mahé Island is the main and largest island of the Seychelles archipelago and the usual arrival point for most visitors.
Mahé Island is 28km long by 8km wide and contains the capital, Victoria. 90% of the population live in Victoria which is home to the international airport.
If you have the time on your holiday, Mahé Island is certainly worth a look. Inland becomes mountainous and dense rainforests shrouded in mist can be found. The island’s highest peak is Morne Seychellois, which offers good hiking and stunning scenery. There are 70 beaches and all the water sports on offer.
The most popular beaches on Mahé are Anse Intendance & Beau Vallon.
The famous Intendance beach in southern Mahé offers half a mile of powder white sand and huge breakers. There is no reef so the waves are much larger than most of the other beaches around the island. This makes it more suitable for surfing rather than swimming at most times.
During the southeast trade winds, the waves can reach fearsome heights; but in the northwest trade wind season, the sea is calmer. This beautiful beach is also a popular spot for sunbathing.
Beau Vallon is Mahé’s most popular resort beach with both visitors and locals alike. This sweeping bay of white sand and clear waters on the northwest coast of Mahé; offers a very safe swimming area. With hotels stretched out along its sand, together with water sports and diving centers; this is the beach for those wishing to do something a little more energetic than soaking up the sun.
Beau Vallon is also very safe for children; as there are no strong currents, no rocks or corals underfoot, and a lifeguard service is supplied. During the south-eastern trade winds, the sea is extremely calm and the beach is at its absolute best.
A leisurely tour of the island by car will take 2 to 2 1/2 hours and reveal the lion’s share of Seychelles’ accommodation facilities, places of cultural interest, and other attractions.
