Beau Vallon
Mahé's long north-west beach
- Beach
About Beau Vallon
Beau Vallon is the long, busy beach on the north-west coast of Mahé, with hotels, restaurants and water-sports operators along the sand. It faces north-west, so it is the sheltered side of the island from about May to September, when the south-east trades make the south and east coasts rough.
The same orientation makes it exposed in the north-west monsoon, roughly December to March. GOV.UK warns that west-coast beaches are dangerous in that season and that Beau Vallon may have dangerous rip currents when the sea is rough, with few lifeguards. The FCDO also asks visitors to take extra care in Beau Vallon at night and not to leave valuables on the beach. Silhouette Island is on the horizon at sunset.
Good to know
- Type
- Beach
- Best for
- Beach, Swimming, Families, Sunset
- Family friendly
- Yes
Best time to visit
Sheltered in the south-east trades (May–September); exposed and rough in the north-west monsoon (December–March)
Nearby beaches on Mahé
Other shores worth the trip — tap through to each beach's guide.
© Photo by Datingjungle on Unsplash Anse Royale
A beach on the east coast of south Mahé, close to the airport; exposed in the south-east trades from about May to September.
© Photo by Philipp (picture_scape) on Unsplash Anse Takamaka
A sandy bay on Mahé's south-west coast with a restaurant behind the beach; check the sea before swimming, as the south of the island is exposed.
© Photo by Davide Robetti on Unsplash Anse Intendance
A wide bay of sand and granite on Mahé's south coast, with big surf; GOV.UK says beaches at the southern tip are not safe for swimming.
Beau Vallon on the map
This beach is the larger gold pin; the other gold dots are nearby beaches on Mahé (numbered by island rank) — toggle them with the Filters control.
Beau Vallon · Nearby beaches on Mahé · 4 beaches