The first thing you notice at Cote D’Or Beach is how the water shifts colour through the day — pale turquoise in the morning, deeper blue by mid-afternoon when the tide pushes in. It sits on the north side of Praslin, the second-largest island in Seychelles at 38.5 km², and it’s the most popular stretch of sand on the island for a reason. Restaurants, hotels, bars, and sunbeds line the shore, so you don’t have to pack a full picnic or worry about finding shade.
This article covers what makes Cote D’Or worth your time, how it compares to other beaches on Praslin, and the practical details that matter when you’re travelling with family. It’s written for anyone weighing up where to base themselves on the island — whether you’re on a tight itinerary or looking for a relaxed few days by the water.
Cote D’Or Beach, also called Anse Volbert, is the most popular beach on Praslin and the most developed stretch of coast in Seychelles for visitor amenities.
Cote D’Or is a solid choice if you want easy access to food, accommodation, and sunbeds without a rental car. It won’t win the “most beautiful beach in Seychelles” award — that title belongs to Anse Lazio or Anse Source d’Argent — but it’s the most practical base for a family stay on Praslin. The main drawback is the tide: by 3 p.m. the water reaches the upper shore, so you’ll need to use the road to move between sections of the beach.
| Spot | Best For | Standout Feature | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cote D’Or Beach | Families, convenience, sunbeds | Dense cluster of restaurants and hotels right on the sand | Half-day to full day | Walk the beach before 3 p.m.; use the parallel road after the tide comes in |
| Anse Lazio | Scenic beauty, snorkelling | Granite formations at the western end with good snorkelling | Half-day | Arrive by 9 a.m. — the small parking lot fills fast |
| Anse Georgette | Quiet, picturesque setting | Secluded cove with calm water and soft sand | Half-day | Access is via the Constance Lémuria Resort; call ahead to register |
Cote D’Or Beach (Anse Volbert)
Cote D’Or is the most developed beach on Praslin, and that’s exactly what makes it useful. The shore runs for about a kilometre along the northeast coast, backed by a line of hotels, guesthouses, and casual restaurants. You can rent a sunbed, grab a cold drink, and let the kids paddle in the shallow water without needing to plan ahead.
The main thing to know is the tide. Every day around 3 p.m. the water rises to the upper edge of the sand, so you can only walk the full length of the beach in the morning and early afternoon. After that, you use the road that runs parallel to the coast. It’s not a dealbreaker — it just means you organise your day around the tide rather than ignoring it.
Anse Lazio
Anse Lazio is the beach you see on postcards — wide arc of soft sand, framed by granite boulders, with water that shifts from pale green to deep blue. It’s on the northwest coast of Praslin, about a 20-minute drive from Cote D’Or, and it’s often named one of the best beaches in the world. It’s also completely public and free to visit.
The snorkelling at the western end, around the granite formations, is the best on the island. Two beachfront restaurants serve Creole meals in the €20–45 USD range. The car park is small, so arriving by 9 a.m. is the smart play — especially during peak season. If you have mobility issues, note that there’s a short walk from the bus stop to the sand, and the path isn’t paved.
Anse Lazio’s car park fills by 9 a.m. during high season. If you miss it, park at the bus stop turnout at the end of the road and walk the 15-minute path to the beach — the walk is flat and passes through coastal vegetation.
Anse Georgette
Anse Georgette is the quiet sibling of Anse Lazio. It’s a small cove on the northern coast, surrounded by granite boulders and backed by the Constance Lémuria Resort. The water is calm, the sand is soft, and the setting feels more private than the island’s bigger beaches.
Access is the main hurdle. The beach sits on resort property, so you need to register at the security gate or call ahead to get through. If you’re staying at the resort, you can walk straight down. Day visitors are welcome, but the number of passes is limited, so it’s worth phoning in the morning. There are no public facilities — bring everything you need.
Anse Georgette has no shade and no food vendors. If you arrive without water, snacks, and an umbrella, you’ll be heading back to the road within an hour. It’s a beautiful spot, but it demands preparation.
If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of Praslin’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare beachfront access against the trailheads and ferry terminals.
Practical Section: Choosing Between Praslin’s Beaches
The three main beaches on Praslin serve different purposes. Picking the right one depends on how you want to spend your day — and how much preparation you’re willing to do.
Cote D’Or vs. Anse Lazio vs. Anse Georgette
| Factor | Cote D’Or | Anse Lazio | Anse Georgette |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parking | Street parking, rarely full | Small lot, fills by 9 a.m. | Resort gate, limited day passes |
| Facilities | Restaurants, sunbeds, bars | 2 restaurants, no sunbeds | None |
| Snorkelling | Average | Excellent (west end) | Good |
| Crowds | Moderate | Busy by late morning | Quiet |
| Best time | Morning (before 3 p.m. tide) | Early (before 9:30 a.m.) | Anytime (call ahead) |
Getting around Praslin
The main road runs the perimeter of the island, and a shortcut crosses the middle near the Vallée de Mai. You can reach all three beaches by car or taxi. Buses run along the main route, but the stop for Anse Lazio leaves you with a 15-minute walk to the sand. Renting a car for a day or two gives you the most flexibility — especially if you plan to visit multiple beaches in one day.
Seasonal timing
May to October brings the southeast trade winds, which means calmer seas on the northern beaches (Cote D’Or, Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette) and rougher conditions on the south coast. November to April is the wetter season, but rain usually comes in short bursts. The best all-round window for beach days is June to September.
- Cote D’Or is the best base for families — restaurants, sunbeds, and shallow water within walking distance of most guesthouses.
- Anse Lazio offers the best scenery and snorkelling, but demands an early start and a willingness to rough it without sunbeds.
- Anse Georgette is the quietest option, but requires advance planning and a self-sufficient packing list.
- The afternoon tide at Cote D’Or changes how you use the beach — plan your walk before 3 p.m.
Before You Go: Praslin Beach Questions Answered
Do I need a rental car to visit these beaches?
Not strictly, but it helps. Buses run along the main road, and taxis are available on Praslin. If you’re staying at Cote D’Or, you can walk to the beach. For Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, a car saves time and gives you flexibility.
Which beach is best for snorkelling?
Anse Lazio, by a clear margin. The granite boulders at the western end create sheltered pools and attract reef fish. Bring your own mask and fins — there are no rental kiosks on the beach.
Is Cote D’Or crowded?
It can be, especially during school holidays and between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The beach is long enough that you can find a quieter spot by walking a few hundred metres from the main hotel section. The afternoon tide clears the beach earlier than at other spots.
What’s the biggest downside of Anse Georgette?
Access restrictions and no facilities. If you arrive without registering or without supplies, you’ll have to turn around. It’s a beautiful beach, but it requires more effort than the other two options.
Why Cote D’Or Earns Its Spot on Your Itinerary
Cote D’Or doesn’t try to be the most dramatic beach in Seychelles. What it offers is something more useful for most travellers: a reliable, easy day by the water with everything you need within walking distance. The tide keeps the beach honest — you can’t ignore it, but you can work with it — and the range of accommodation means you can find a room that fits your budget. For a family stop on Praslin, it’s the kind of base that makes the rest of your trip run smoother. If you’re planning a longer stay across the island, a seven-day Seychelles itinerary can help you fit Cote D’Or alongside the island’s other beaches without rushing.
References
North Abroad. “Praslin Island Seychelles Travel Guide: Best Beaches & Things to Do.” North Abroad, 2024. ↗
Story Seychelles. “Seychelles Tourist Attractions: Iconic Beaches & Must-Visit Islands.” Story Seychelles. ↗
Ready for Takeoff. “The Nicest Beaches on Praslin Island, Seychelles.” Ready for Takeoff. ↗
The Broke Backpacker. “Best Places to Visit in Seychelles.” The Broke Backpacker, 2024. ↗
If you’re exploring more of Seychelles beyond the beaches, you might enjoy reading about Praslin’s Vallée de Mai and its ancient Coco de Mer forest, or checking out kid-friendly beaches, activities, and resorts across the islands. For a different angle on the island’s wildlife, the wildlife encounters guide to birds, turtles, and marine life is a good companion piece.
Explore Places to Stay in Seychelles
Feel free to zoom in and out of the map to explore the area and find the best place to stay for your trip.
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