Port Launay National Park on Mahé: beaches, activities and how to visit

Port Launay Marine National Park is one of the most beautiful natural attractions on Mahé Island and one of the best places in the Seychelles for snorkeling, diving and relaxing on secluded beaches.

The reserve was created to protect coral reefs, mangrove forests and the rich underwater world. Today, visitors come here to see the crystal-clear lagoon, colourful corals, more than 150 species of tropical fish, sea turtles, rays and, in season, even whale sharks. A special feature of Port Launay is that it is the only marine national park in the Seychelles that can be reached both by land and by sea.

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Beaches in Port Launay Park

Port Launay Marine Park is located on the south-west coast of Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles, and delights visitors with its magnificent untouched natural landscape. Some bays are entirely dedicated to luxury tourism and are home to secluded hotels. But many of the reserve's paradise beaches are accessible to everyone.

There are eight beautiful beaches in the park. The main beach, Port Launay, is one of the most beautiful on Mahé. It is a popular place for picnics and barbecues, with tables available. Here, under the shade of a takamaka tree, you can spend hours doing nothing while listening to the sounds of the ocean. This public beach is known for its powdery white sand and inviting turquoise waters, making it an ideal place for sunbathing and relaxation.

The beach is quite spacious, so even at the height of the tourist season you can find a quiet place to relax. Still, come here early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful time on the beach. Families with children will appreciate the calm shallow water. Bring snorkeling equipment with you, as you may not find a rental centre. Bring food for a picnic as the choice of restaurants is limited.

Do not forget to walk along Port Launay Beach at sunset to enjoy the breathtaking views. Closer to sunset, the beach is covered in rose gold, turning everything into a fairy tale. Port Launay is conveniently located among Mahé's main tourist routes, making it easy to reach infrastructure and enjoy local cuisine in nearby restaurants.

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Things to do in Port Launay National Park

Port Launay attracts visitors not only with its beautiful beaches, but also with the opportunity to discover the underwater world of the Seychelles. You can spend an entire day here, combining relaxation by the ocean with active entertainment and marine excursions.

Whale shark watching

One of the main reasons to visit the park is the opportunity to see whale sharks. From October to April, these marine giants come to the coast of Mahé following concentrations of plankton. During organised sea excursions, you can observe the largest fish on the planet in their natural habitat.

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Snorkeling and diving

The coral reefs of Port Launay are considered some of the best preserved in the Seychelles. While snorkeling and diving, you can see bright corals, tropical fish, sea turtles, rays and other inhabitants of the Indian Ocean.

The national park has rules for protecting the ecosystem, so during independent snorkeling and diving it is recommended to follow the established restrictions and not damage the coral reefs.

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Kayaking and boat trips

The calm lagoon is perfect for kayaking, canoeing and glass-bottom boat trips. This is one of the best ways to discover the nature of the park, see the mangroves and observe marine life without going underwater.

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Sea cruises

Port Launay is included in the routes of many yacht and catamaran excursions around Mahé Island. Cruises in the afternoon are especially popular, when you can swim in the calm lagoon and watch the sunset overlooking granite rocks and the tropical coast.

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Walks along the coast

If you want to spend the day on land, take a walk along the scenic coast of the national park. The routes run along beaches, mangrove forests and small bays with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. It is a great place for a picnic, relaxation and photography, especially in the morning or before sunset.

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How the coral reefs of Port Launay are being restored

Today, Port Launay Marine National Park is not only a popular place for snorkeling and diving, but also one of the centres for coral reef restoration in the Seychelles.

At the end of the 20th century, the park's ecosystem was seriously affected by a strong El Niño event. An abnormal rise in ocean temperature led to mass bleaching and death of corals, which provide a home for hundreds of species of fish and other marine life.

In recent years, the Seychelles authorities, together with environmental organisations, have been actively restoring the reefs. Special metal structures are installed on the seabed and fragments of living coral are attached to them. Over time, they grow and gradually form new reefs.

One of the most notable projects was an initiative carried out in April 2024. At that time, 75 reef structures forming the silhouette of a hawksbill sea turtle were installed in Port Launay. Around 450 fragments of Acropora and Pocillopora corals were attached to them. These species have a high growth rate and adapt better than others to changes in water temperature.

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Where to stay in Port Launay

Port Launay Marine National Park is a secluded place with not many hotels. In this remote corner of the Seychelles there is the five-star Constance Ephelia. It is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the clear blue water.

Constance Ephelia

The resort covers an area of 120 hectares between two scenic beaches on Mahé Island and is surrounded by mangrove forests, tropical gardens and the shores of the marine reserve. Thanks to this location, guests can enjoy a beach holiday and explore the natural attractions of the park at the same time.

Resort facilities:

• 285 suites and villas located on the northern and southern coasts of the peninsula;
• spacious Constance Spa surrounded by mangroves;
• 5 restaurants and bars serving international, Asian and Creole cuisine;
• 5 outdoor swimming pools;
• fitness centre, tennis courts and squash courts;
• boutiques with clothing, souvenirs and products by local artisans;
• non-motorised water sports centre.

Different categories of accommodation are available - from spacious suites to luxury villas with private pools. The most exclusive is the three-bedroom Presidential Villa of around 980 m², located on a hillside with panoramic ocean views.

When choosing a room, it is worth considering the characteristics of the resort's location. The northern beach has calm water and minimal tides, making it more suitable for swimming and family holidays. The southern coast is more exposed to wind and ocean waves, but attracts visitors with beautiful scenery and a feeling of seclusion.

Constance Ephelia

How to get to Port Launay Park

You can rent a car in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. The park is a 30-minute drive from the city. The scenic road passes through La Misère on the north-west coast of Mahé. The second option is to visit the park by boat. It is located south of Baie Ternay Marine Park, from which it is separated by Cap Matoupa.

Cost: the entrance fee to Port Launay Marine Park is around 15 dollars for visitors aged 12 and over.

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