The granite viewpoint known as Point de vue sur Anse Major sits roughly 2 kilometres into the Anse Major Nature Trail, about 45 minutes from the trailhead in Bel Ombre. The gazebo with two benches overlooks the full curve of the bay below — pale sand, turquoise water, and the open Indian Ocean beyond.
The viewpoint above Anse Major shows the full bay layout before the final descent — a perspective you cannot get from the beach itself.
The viewpoint is the real payoff of this hike, not the beach. The walk takes about 45 minutes at a steady pace, the trail is moderate with rocky sections, and the view from the gazebo beats anything you will find on the sand below. Plan your timing so you have daylight for the return — the trail is unlit and the granite gets slippery after dark.
Day hikers
Photographers
Couples seeking quiet views
The Anse Major Nature Trail: a 45-minute walk through forest and granite
The trail starts at the end of Bel Ombre Road, next to the last bus stop of the Bel Ombre line. A sign marks the distance and difficulty level, and the first 500 metres follow a steep paved road with jungle on one side and houses on the other. A public shower is available along this paved section — useful for a quick rinse before the return.
At the top of the hill, an unofficial viewpoint opens up via a short rock-hopping detour. The main path continues past a water pump and follows a rocky escarpment with the sea on your right. Silhouette Island stays visible for most of the walk. Small birds, lizards, and butterflies appear on the quieter stretches, and endemic species such as the Seychelles Kestrel, Seychelles Bulbul, and Seychelles Sunbird are regularly spotted along the route.
Start by 8 a.m. The trail gets hot by mid-morning, and the light at the viewpoint is sharpest in the first few hours after sunrise. You will also avoid the boat crowds that arrive from Beau Vallon later in the day.
The trail crosses a distinctive granite landscape known as glacis, with sections where you walk directly above the sea. A cave-like formation called Ros Legliz sits along the route, and at one point the path passes between granite monoliths with clear water streams running through. The footing is rocky and uneven throughout — proper walking shoes with grip are non-negotiable, and sandals or flip-flops will make the walk uncomfortable.
The route is out-and-back: you return the same way you came. Most visitors complete the round trip in 3 to 4 hours including time at the viewpoint and beach.
Point de vue sur Anse Major: the viewpoint that makes the walk worth it
Just before the final descent to the beach, the trail opens onto a wooden gazebo with two benches. This is the official viewpoint, and it offers a complete panorama of Anse Major Bay — the white sand crescent, the granite boulders at both ends, the water shifting from light turquoise to deeper blue, and the open Indian Ocean stretching to the horizon. On clear days, distant islands are visible across the water.
The viewpoint sits roughly 50 metres above sea level. The ocean colour looks best from this height, and the perspective shows the full layout of the bay in a way that the beach itself cannot match. It is a natural place to pause, take photographs, and assess the sea conditions before deciding whether to descend for a swim.
The descent from the viewpoint to the beach is short but requires care. The boulders after the gazebo can be slippery, and at high tide the sea pushes into a small pond near the bottom — you may need to get your feet wet to reach the sand.
Anse Major beach: what you find below the viewpoint
The beach itself is a small crescent of white sand framed by palms and dense tropical vegetation. Granite boulders mark both ends of the cove, and the water is clear and inviting when conditions are calm. There are no shops, restaurants, or rental services — bring everything you need with you, including water, snacks, sun protection, and snorkel gear if you plan to explore underwater.
Swimming depends entirely on the sea conditions of the day. On calm days the water is clear and shallow near the shore, but depth increases quickly. Rough days call for staying in the shallows or skipping the swim altogether. Snorkelling is decent but not the strongest spot on Mahé — the rocky edges of the bay offer more to see than the sandy centre, with parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish around the coral patches. Bring your own mask and snorkel since no rentals are available.
A freshwater pool fed by water from the granite mountains sits near the beach — a rare feature that you cannot reach by car, and a good spot to cool off if the sea is too rough for swimming.
Dolphins are sometimes spotted offshore, and the beach can feel remarkably private, though it is not guaranteed to be empty. Boat arrivals from Beau Vallon start arriving from late morning onward.
Getting there: hike, boat, or both
Most visitors reach Anse Major by hiking the nature trail from Bel Ombre. Public buses run regularly from Victoria and Beau Vallon to the Bel Ombre terminal, and taxis know the location. The bus schedule for Mahé is available through the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation. Parking at the trailhead is very limited — only a few spots reserved for a nearby restaurant — so a taxi or bus is the more reliable option.
A yellow taxi boat called Happiness operates along the northern coast, typically departing from Beau Vallon when sea conditions allow. The boat ride follows the shoreline and reaches Anse Major quickly. You can arrange a one-way boat return to avoid hiking back the same route, but confirm the pickup point and return time directly with the operator. The service is weather-dependent and departures are roughly hourly from late morning. Contact Happiness at +248 254 04 54 to arrange in advance rather than assuming a boat will be waiting.
The trail has no lights. Once the sun goes down, the combination of uneven granite, roots, and potentially wet surfaces becomes genuinely dangerous. Start your return hike with at least two hours of daylight remaining — even if you are tempted to stay for sunset.
Some visitors hike in and take the boat back, which splits the difference between earning the beach and saving energy. Whichever direction you choose, carry cash in Seychellois rupees or USD — the boat operators and any trailhead purchases are cash-only.
What to bring and how to prepare
The hike is moderate — it does not require serious fitness or hiking experience, but the rocky footing demands attention and good footwear. Pack a small backpack with at least one litre of water per person, a snack, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), a light rain jacket for sudden tropical showers, and sturdy walking shoes with grip. A headlamp or small flashlight is smart insurance even if you plan to return before dark.
The drier months from May to September offer the most reliable conditions — less humidity, fewer surprise downpours, and calmer seas for swimming and snorkelling. April and October can work but conditions are more changeable. November to March brings heavier rain and rougher seas that make both the trail and the beach less enjoyable. Peak tourist season falls in July and August, when the trail and beach see more visitors; the shoulder months of May, June, and September offer a better balance of good weather and fewer people.
Before you go: Anse Major viewpoint
How long does it take to reach the viewpoint from the trailhead?
At a steady pace, the viewpoint is about 45 minutes from the Bel Ombre trailhead. The full round trip including time at the viewpoint and beach typically takes 3 to 4 hours, depending on how long you stop for photos and swimming.
Do I need a guide for the walk?
No. The trail is clearly marked and well-used, and most visitors complete it independently. If you prefer a structured outing, private guided tours are available that include hotel pickup and a paced hike with stops at the viewpoint and beach. Private guiding can be especially useful if you are short on time or unfamiliar with the trail access.
What is the best time of year to visit the viewpoint?
May to September offers the most reliable weather — drier conditions, calmer seas, and clearer views from the viewpoint. April and October are possible but more variable. The November-to-March wet season brings heavier rain and rougher seas that can make the trail slippery and the swimming less appealing.
Is the viewpoint suitable for children?
The trail is moderate and suitable for children who are comfortable with uneven, rocky ground and some uphill and downhill sections. The viewpoint itself is a safe, enclosed gazebo. Small children may tire on the return hike, so plan frequent breaks and keep expectations realistic.
Can I visit the viewpoint and skip the beach?
Yes. The viewpoint sits just before the final descent to the beach, and you can easily pause at the gazebo, take in the view, and head back up the trail without going down to the sand. This makes for a shorter round trip of about 2 hours if you are short on time or prefer to skip the swim.
The walk that changes how you see the bay
The viewpoint above Anse Major does not reveal itself from the road or from a boat. It requires the 45-minute walk through forest and over granite, past the cave and the water pump and the constant views of Silhouette Island, before the bay finally opens up from the gazebo. That sequence — earning the perspective by moving through the landscape — is what separates this viewpoint from a roadside stop. If you are planning a day on Mahé’s northwest coast, the walk to the viewpoint is worth building your morning around. For more Seychelles coastal hikes with similar payoff, read our guide to hiking trails with ocean views on Mahé.
References
Story Seychelles. “Anse Major Seychelles.” Story Seychelles, 2025. ↗
Seychelles Travel Tips. “Anse Major.” Seychelles Travel Tips, 2025. ↗
Runaway Mag. “Hiking to Anse Major Beach in Seychelles.” Runaway Mag, 2025. ↗
The Seychelles Guide. “Relaxed Hike to Anse Major, Mahé, Seychelles.” The Seychelles Guide, 2025. ↗
For more Mahé hiking routes, see our guide to Morne Seychellois National Park trails. If you are planning a longer trip across the islands, our customisable Seychelles island-hopping itinerary can help you connect Anse Major with other beaches and viewpoints around Mahé and beyond.
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