Baie Lazare: A Perfect Destination for Nature Lovers

Baie Lazare sits on the southwestern curve of Mahé, roughly a 40-minute drive from Seychelles International Airport along narrow, winding roads that cut through dense hillside vegetation. The district holds several of the island’s most accessible beaches, yet it receives noticeably fewer visitors than the more developed northern coast around Beau Vallon. According to travel guides covering southern Mahé, the area combines long golden beaches with forested hillsides and a handful of small-scale art studios and markets — a combination that suits travellers who want variety without long drives between stops.

This article covers the main beaches, nature reserves, practical logistics, and local quirks of Baie Lazare. It draws on visitor reports and local guides to give a clear picture of what works, what doesn’t, and who will get the most out of a stay here.

Orienting yourself in Baie Lazare

Baie Lazare district covers the southwestern corner of Mahé, from the airport road junction at Anse Royale down to the coast at Anse Takamaka. The main road hugs the shoreline in places and cuts inland through hillside plantations in others, so drive times between beaches are shorter than the map suggests — roughly 10 minutes from Anse Soleil to Petite Anse on a clear day. The roads are narrow and unlit after dark, and potholes are common after heavy rain.

The district has no single commercial hub. Most daily errands — groceries, pharmacy, ATM — require a trip north to Anse Royale, which has supermarkets, cafés, and a longer beach with relatively calm water. The trade-off is that Baie Lazare’s beaches feel less crowded than those closer to Victoria, and the sunset views over the ocean are unobstructed from most of the western-facing coves.

Beaches, trails, and local stops

The beaches in Baie Lazare are the main draw, but they differ significantly in character. Knowing which one suits your plans saves time on the winding coastal road.

Baie Lazare Beach and Anse Soleil

Baie Lazare Beach is the district’s main public beach — a long arc of soft white sand with calm turquoise waters that make it ideal for swimming and sunset watching. A few small takeaways and beachside spots sell fresh grilled fish and cold drinks, though the selection is limited compared to the restaurant strip at Anse Royale. Just north, Anse Soleil Beach is a favourite among locals for its reliable swimming conditions and views across the bay toward the Kempinski Seychelles Resort. The beach has no shade structures, so bring an umbrella or plan for late afternoon when the sun drops behind the hills.

Petite Anse and Anse Intendance

Petite Anse is a small cove near the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, with clear waters that are good for snorkelling. The beach is accessible to the public — all Seychelles beaches are free and open to everyone, including those on hotel grounds — but the parking area is small and fills by mid-morning. Further south, Anse Intendance offers a wide stretch of sand and powerful waves that make swimming dangerous on all but the calmest days. The surf here is consistent, and the undertow is strong. It is a dramatic beach for walking and photography, but not one for floating or paddling.

Anse Forbans and the eastern coves

Anse Forbans sits on the eastern side of the peninsula, closer to Anse Royale. The beach is generally better for snorkelling than for relaxed swimming — the water is clear and the coral patches hold reef fish, but the shoreline has more rocks and less sand than the western beaches. A few self-catering chalets and apartments are clustered near the beach, including Captain’s Villa and Chalets d’Anse Forbans, which work well for travellers who want kitchen facilities and direct beach access without resort prices.

Practical planning for Baie Lazare

Getting the logistics right matters more here than in more developed parts of Mahé. The district’s spread-out layout and limited services mean a little planning goes a long way.

Getting there and getting around

From Seychelles International Airport, the drive to Baie Lazare takes roughly 40 minutes via the winding coastal road through Anse Royale. A rental car is the most practical option — taxis are available but expensive for multiple trips, and public buses run infrequently along the south coast route. For travellers arriving from Praslin or La Digue, the Cat Cocos ferry from Praslin arrives at the Victoria terminal on Mahé’s north coast, followed by a 45-minute drive south. The ferry from La Digue to Mahé costs around €60 per adult and takes one hour.

Best time to visit

The dry season from May to October offers the most reliable weather for beach time and hiking, with southeast trade winds keeping humidity lower and skies clearer. The wet season from November to April brings heavier rainfall, especially in January and February, but the water visibility for snorkelling is often better during these months because runoff stirs up fewer sediments in the sheltered coves. The trade-off is that some of the coastal trails become slippery and less enjoyable after prolonged rain.

Costs and accommodation

Baie Lazare has a wide price range. Self-catering apartments like Creole Breeze and Red Coconut Self-Catering start at roughly 4,000–6,000 SCR per night for a studio. Mid-range options such as Hillside Retreat and La Residence sit around 8,000–12,000 SCR. At the top end, the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and Kempinski Seychelles Resort charge upwards of 25,000 SCR per night. Le Nautique Luxury Beachfront Apartments in nearby Anse Royale are popular but require booking at least four months in advance, with prices around 25,000 SCR per night.

On the ground: food, etiquette, and practical gear

Baie Lazare’s food scene is small but distinctive. Fresh produce markets appear sporadically along the main road — look for roadside stalls selling mangoes, breadfruit, and grilled fish wrapped in banana leaves. Tiny takeaways serve curry and rice for around 100–150 SCR, and the beachside spots at Anse Soleil and Baie Lazare Beach grill fish to order in the late afternoon. For a sit-down meal, 5 Spices Restaurant inside Club Liberté Casino serves sushi, à la carte dishes, and creative cocktails, with live local bands on Saturday nights.

Local etiquette and customs

Seychellois culture is relaxed but formal in small ways. Greeting shopkeepers and stallholders with a simple “bonzour” (Creole for good morning) before ordering is expected. Swimwear is fine on the beach but not in shops or restaurants — cover up with a sarong or shorts when leaving the sand. Tipping is not mandatory, but rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for good service is appreciated.

What to bring

The sun in Seychelles is intense year-round, even on overcast days. A wide-brimmed hat, reef-safe sunscreen, and a rash guard for snorkelling are essential. The coastal trails are uneven and often muddy — sturdy sandals with a back strap or lightweight hiking shoes make a noticeable difference. For visitors planning to film or photograph the coastline, a compact drone such as the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is light enough to carry on hikes and produces stable footage even in the moderate winds that pick up along the western beaches in the afternoon.

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Frequently asked questions about Baie Lazare

Is Baie Lazare safe for swimming?

Most beaches in Baie Lazare are safe for swimming when conditions are calm. Baie Lazare Beach and Anse Soleil have gentle waves and no strong currents on typical days. Anse Intendance is the exception — powerful surf and undertows make it dangerous regardless of conditions.

Do I need a rental car in Baie Lazare?

Yes, unless you plan to stay at a resort with a restaurant and never leave. The district has no central hub, and the nearest supermarkets and ATMs are in Anse Royale, a 10-minute drive north. Taxis are available but cost roughly 500–800 SCR for a one-way trip between beaches.

Can I visit Petite Anse if I am not staying at the Four Seasons?

Yes. All beaches in Seychelles are public, including those on hotel grounds. You can walk onto Petite Anse from the roadside access point. The parking area is small and fills early, so arrive before 9 a.m. or plan to walk from a nearby beach.

What is the best beach for snorkelling in Baie Lazare?

Petite Anse has the clearest water and the most consistent reef fish sightings. Anse Forbans also has decent snorkelling around the rocky edges, but the water is less clear after rain. Neither beach has rental gear — bring your own mask and fins.

Is Baie Lazare worth visiting if I am staying in northern Mahé?

It depends on your tolerance for driving. The trip from Beau Vallon or Victoria takes 45–60 minutes each way on winding roads. If you want a quieter beach with sunset views and fewer crowds, the drive is worth it. If you only have one or two days on Mahé, the northern beaches are more convenient.

Closing thoughts

Baie Lazare does not try to impress you. The beaches are not postcard-perfect in the way Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue is — they are simpler, less photographed, and more dependent on the time of day and the tide. What the district offers instead is a version of Mahé that feels lived-in rather than curated, where the same stretch of sand can be empty at noon and full of local families by late afternoon. For travellers who want to explore Mahé beyond the resort zones, that is exactly the point.

Sources and further reading

Top things to do in Baie Lazare, Mahé. Inside Seychelles.

South Mahé, Seychelles travel guide. So The Adventures Begin.

Baie Lazare travel moments and tips. Trip.com.