The southeastern coast of Mahé holds a stretch of shoreline that few visitors to Seychelles ever reach. Anse Forbans sits roughly 20 kilometres from Victoria, a 30- to 40-minute drive through coastal roads lined with coconut palms and tropical flora. The beach is known for soft white sand and remarkably clear water that stays calm most of the time, sheltered by striking rocky formations that act as natural barriers against strong currents. With a rating of 8.3 out of 10 from 842 votes, it ranks as the 17th best beach on Mahé.
The sheltered cove offers calm water and accessible coral reefs just offshore, but no facilities, shade, or lifeguards.
This article covers what to expect at Anse Forbans — how to get there, where to snorkel, nearby attractions, and the practical limitations that come with a beach this quiet. If you are weighing whether to add it to a Mahé itinerary, the answer depends on what kind of beach day you want.
Anse Forbans is worth the drive for swimmers and snorkelers who want clear water and few people. The caveat: there are no restaurants, no sun loungers, and no shade beyond what the casuarina trees provide. Come prepared with water, snacks, and reef-safe sunscreen, or the lack of basic amenities will cut your visit short.
Orientation on Mahé’s Southeast Coast
Anse Forbans occupies a small bay on the southeastern shore of Mahé, far from the hotel-heavy northwest coast where Beau Vallon Beach draws most of the crowds. The beach itself is a mix of sand and stones near the waterline, with paths leading from nearby villages through verdant landscapes for walking or cycling. The coastal vegetation — coconut palms, casuarina trees, and native shrubs — provides some natural shade, but nothing structured.
The southeast coast receives less development than the rest of Mahé. That means quieter beaches, but also fewer services. The nearest village, Takamaka, has a few small shops, but the beach itself has no facilities. Public transport from Victoria drops you on the main road, leaving a short walk through the vegetation to reach the sand.
Snorkelers who want shore access
Travellers avoiding crowds
Self-sufficient beachgoers
Swimming, Snorkeling, and the Shoreline
The main draw at Anse Forbans is the water. The calm sea, protected by rocky outcrops, makes for safe swimming conditions on most days. Swimming just 10 metres offshore puts you above vibrant coral reefs where parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish are common. During certain seasons, visitors might spot sea turtles or occasional dolphins passing through the bay.
The reefs are accessible directly from the shore, which removes the need for a boat or a guide. Snorkelers can wade out and float over the coral heads without navigating strong currents, though the seabed near the shore is a mix of sand and stones — water shoes help.
Copolia Trail and Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden
Two inland attractions sit within a short drive of the beach. The Copolia Trail, located next to Anse Forbans, offers a steep hike through the Morne Seychellois National Park with views across the east coast. The trail is open from 11 am to 6 pm. Higher up in the hills, Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden provides a walk through spice plants and fruit trees, with a small café and shop. It is open from 10 am to 6 pm and sits close enough to combine with a morning swim.
Anse Baleine is 1.4 km north of Anse Forbans, and Anse Intendance is 2.7 km west. Both are accessible by coastal footpath, making it possible to visit three beaches on foot in a single afternoon.
Practical Planning for Anse Forbans
Getting to Anse Forbans requires either a rental car, a taxi, or the public bus from Victoria. The bus drops you on the main road, after which a footpath through the vegetation leads to the beach. Driving yourself offers more flexibility, especially if you plan to visit multiple beaches or the Takamaka Rum Distillery on the same trip. The road is sealed, but narrow in sections — nothing a standard hire car cannot handle.
The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from May to October, when the southeast trade winds keep the sea calm and the skies clear. The wetter months from November to April bring more rain and higher humidity, though the water temperature stays warm year-round. Mornings are the quietest time; by midday, a handful of other visitors may arrive, but the beach rarely feels crowded.
| Season | Conditions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Dry (May – October) | Calm sea, clear skies, southeast trade winds | Snorkeling, swimming, hiking |
| Wet (November – April) | Higher humidity, occasional rain, warmer water | Fewer visitors, lower accommodation rates |
No lifeguards, no shade structures, and no emergency services nearby. If you swim alone or venture far from shore, you are on your own. The nearest medical facility is in Victoria.
What to Bring and What to Know Before You Go
Anse Forbans demands self-sufficiency. Pack drinking water, snacks, a hat, and reef-safe sunscreen. A dry bag keeps valuables sand-free, and water shoes make the stony seabed more comfortable. If you plan to snorkel, bring your own mask and fins — there is no rental shop on site.
The beach is not signposted from the main road. Look for a gap in the vegetation near a low stone wall. Parking is limited to the roadside verge. Leave nothing visible in the car.
Local Etiquette and Customs
Seychellois beaches are public by law, and locals use Anse Forbans on weekends and public holidays. Keep noise levels moderate, take all rubbish with you, and avoid walking through the vegetation beyond established paths — the coastal ecosystem is fragile. Topless sunbathing is not common here; swimwear is fine, but cover up when walking inland.
- Bring everything you need for the day — no shops, no shade, no services at the beach.
- Combine Anse Forbans with the Copolia Trail or Takamaka Rum Distillery for a full-day southeast coast itinerary.
- Visit during the dry season (May–October) for the calmest swimming conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anse Forbans
Is Anse Forbans safe for swimming?
Yes, most days. The rocky formations shelter the bay from strong currents, and the water stays calm. No lifeguards are present, so assess conditions yourself before entering.
During the wet season, runoff can reduce visibility and stir up sediment near the shore, making the water less appealing for swimming.
How do you get to Anse Forbans without a car?
The public bus from Victoria to Takamaka village stops on the main road near the beach. From there, a short footpath through the vegetation leads to the sand. Taxis from Victoria cost roughly SCR 400–500 each way.
Buses run every 30–60 minutes, but the last return to Victoria departs Takamaka before 6 pm — plan accordingly or risk waiting for a taxi that may take time to arrive.
Are there coral reefs at Anse Forbans?
Yes. Vibrant coral reefs sit just offshore, accessible by swimming 10 metres from the beach. The reefs host parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, with occasional sea turtle sightings.
The coral is shallow enough for surface snorkeling, but the stony seabed near the shore makes water shoes essential for comfort.
What is the best time of year to visit Anse Forbans?
The dry season from May to October offers the calmest sea, clearest skies, and best snorkeling conditions. The wet season from November to April brings more rain and humidity, but fewer visitors.
Water temperature stays above 26°C year-round, so the main tradeoff is between weather comfort and crowd levels — not swimming suitability.
Can you walk to other beaches from Anse Forbans?
Yes. Anse Baleine is 1.4 km north along the coast, and Anse Intendance is 2.7 km west. A coastal footpath connects them, making a beach-hopping walk possible.
The path is unmarked in places and can be overgrown — wear sturdy footwear and carry water, as there are no stops along the way.
Anse Forbans holds its value precisely because it demands something of its visitors. The absence of infrastructure is not a flaw — it is the feature that keeps the beach quiet, the water clear, and the experience closer to what the southeast coast of Mahé looked like before tourism arrived. For travellers willing to pack a cooler and navigate an unmarked footpath, the reward is a stretch of shoreline that feels genuinely separate from the rest of the island. Local tips for experiencing Seychelles beyond the resorts often start with beaches like this one.
Sources and further reading
Anse Forbans: Location, features, and nearby attractions. Maarco Francis, 2024.
Anse Forbans Beach guide: Nearby attractions and practical information. Travel Triangle, 2024.
Anse Forbans ratings, coordinates, and nearby beaches. Beach on Map, 2024.
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