Surfing in the Seychelles: the Best Places for Extreme Water Lovers

The Seychelles' shallow continental shelf and weak southwesterly swells make it difficult to call the Seychelles the world's best surfing archipelago. Most spots are suitable for beginners, but professionals still need to find the right current. Constant winds make the islands one of the popular destinations for this extreme sport. The Seychelles has a dozen "undulating” coastlines that are definitely worth experiencing for anyone who considers themselves a surfer.

Popular surf spots are located off the coast of Mahe and Praslin. These are the largest islands of Seychelles, which are located closer to the equator, and therefore have a warm climate and more conditions for surfing. In this article we will talk about the best coasts for surfing, the seasonality of winds and learning to surf in the Seychelles.

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Features of Surfing on Mahe

The large island is often chosen for a varied holiday. The large territory of Mahe, its natural and historical heritage, allow you to saturate your vacation with new impressions every day. Among surfers, the main island of Seychelles also ranks first. The most consistent waves can be found on the east side coasts, while the west side can have inconsistent waves but with better returns. At the most popular surf spots In Mahe you will find equipment rental points. There is also a licensed school on the island with instructors.

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The most popular surfing beaches on Mahe

Grand Anse

An ideal place for both experienced breakwaters and beginners. The height of the waves that are created by the breaks in the reefs reaches a maximum of 2 meters. Grand Anse is on the northwestern coast of Mahe. This is the longest and narrowest coast of the island. The beach is ideal for walking, but swimming may be limited due to strong undercurrents, which is a plus for surfing.

Nearest hotel: Le Jardin des Palmes.

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Carana Beach

In the north of Mahe there is a beach with calm waves, but the entrance to the water is quite steep, so the place is not so crowded. When it comes to surfing, Karana Beach is ideal for beginners.

Nearest hotel: Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove.

Le Meridien Fisherman's Cove

Anse Intendance

A beautiful 800-meter beach with crystal water and seasonal surfing. The winds here are quite capricious, so either there is an excellent current and high waves, or there are none at all. Great for beginners.

Nearest hotel: Banyan Tree.

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Anse Bougainville

Small coastline near Anse Forbans. A place where you can catch great waves almost all year round.

Surf season on Mahe

The most optimal time for hunting for the best waves on the coasts of Mahe will be the period of the southeast monsoons. This is the end of spring - mid-summer, from May to July.

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Surfing on Praslin

On a picturesque Praslin, 48 kilometers from Mahe, has gorgeous beaches, national parks with rich flora and fauna, an excellent choice of accommodation and all the infrastructure. There are also surfing beaches and water equipment rental points on the island.

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Anse Lazio

During the northwest monsoon, surfers flock to Anse Lazio, the island's most popular beach. It is easy to get here by car and public transport. Ans Lazio is included in the Praslin excursion tour program as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Seychelles archipelago. Both professionals and beginner wave conquerors will be able to test their strength in surfing here. The open reef and southeast winds create optimal surfing conditions in the spring.

Nearest hotels: La Reserve Hotel, L'Archipel, Paradise Sun.                     

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Anse Georgette

A small coastline in the northwest of the island that is most suitable for surfing in February and the spring months. This spot is preferred by beginners due to the small waves. The place is not crowded and very beautiful.

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Anse Kerlan

Excellent surf can be caught on the beach near the most popular hotel in Praslin - Constance Lemuria. Here, from March, clean waves and stable surf through an open reef are available, even in light winds. Besides the board, on Anse Kerlan offers good kite riding.

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When to surf Praslin

Praslin is best for surfing during the northwest monsoon winds, from October to December.

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Surfing on La Digue Island

Exotic La Digue has stunning coastlines, some of which are suitable for surf lovers. The island has several attractive surf spots.

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Grand Anse

Not the most popular beach on La Digue among the vacationers. Grand Anse is famous for its beauty and is a place of pilgrimage for photographers. But there is no shade on the coast, and the waters are deep and stormy due to the lack of a protective reef. Not comfortable for swimming, but ideal for surfing.

Grand Anse on La Digue is suitable for professional surfers, but less experienced ones are better off trying their hand at calmer spots, for example Cross Pier and Pointe Camille.

Except Grand Anse, advanced surfers choose La Dighe Coast Pointe Canon and Anse Banana.

Nearest hotel: La Digue Island Lodge.

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Anse Patates

In the north of La Diga is a secluded place that cannot be missed. Anse Bay Patates is quite miniature, but very picturesque. Fantastic rock formations against a backdrop of white sand and emerald water attract hunters for the best photos in the Seychelles. There is also excellent snorkeling and surfing. The bay does not have a coastal reef, so the tides are quite strong and the waves rise quite high.

Nearest hotels: L'Ocean, Le Domain de l'Orangeraie.

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When to surf La Digue

The best period for surfing on the island of La There will be a season of southeast trade winds, that is, spring-summer.

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Surf Schools in Seychelles

Seychelles is the most suitable destination for beginner surfers. The islands have many coastlines protected by outer reefs, where you can catch small waves and learn the basics of surfing. Anyone who has decided to try themselves in this exciting activity is recommended to start by finding an instructor.

The Surf House

In the resort area of Baie Lazare (Mahe Island), on the premises of the luxurious Kempinski Seychelles Resort, the only licensed surf school in the Seychelles, with experienced, internationally qualified water sports instructors. iSurf Seychelles offers quality training for beginners and practicing surfers, as well as classes for children from 5 years old. The aquatic center has a store where you can purchase or rent equipment.

Kempinski Seychelles Resort

How much does surfing cost in Seychelles ?

The cost of board rental is 35 euros, regardless of time. That is, this can be the price for either one hour of operation or for the whole day.

Regarding lessons with surf instructors:

• 1 lesson for beginners - 235 euros (3500 SCR) - theoretical part on land and 2 hours on the water.
• 1 lesson for intermediate surfers - 170 euros (2500 SCR).
• 1 lesson for advanced surfers - 135 euros (2000 SCR).

If you want to capture moments of discovering surfing, you can order a photo session for 35 euros.

Surfing in the Seychelles will be an unforgettable experience.

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