Two of Mahé's most visited beaches sit just 5-6 km from Papaya Guesthouse. Both are stunning, both are easy to reach, but they offer very different experiences. Here's an honest comparison from someone who's lived with both on his doorstep for years.
Grand Anse — the big, dramatic one
Grand Anse is exactly what the name suggests — a grand, sweeping stretch of white sand backed by palm trees and low hills. It's one of the longest beaches on Mahé and rarely feels crowded, even in peak season.
The waves here can be powerful, especially from May to September during the southeast monsoon. That makes it fantastic for body surfing and walks, but be mindful of the current — it's not always the best for small children or nervous swimmers during rough season.
There are a couple of small restaurants at the southern end, and the famous Grand Anse police station (one of the more photographed buildings in Seychelles) is nearby. The drive from Papaya Guesthouse takes about 10 minutes.
Takamaka — the sheltered, photogenic one
Takamaka (sometimes called Anse Takamaka) is smaller, more intimate, and better protected from swells. The water is calmer most of the year, making it a better choice for snorkelling and swimming with kids.
The setting is cinematic — enormous takamaka trees overhang the sand, creating natural shade. It's the kind of beach that looks like a screensaver. There's good snorkelling near the rocks at either end, especially in the calmer months.
It's about 12 minutes from the guesthouse by car, slightly further than Grand Anse but absolutely worth the extra few minutes.
Which one should you visit?
Honestly? Both. They're close enough that you can do one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. But if you're choosing:
- Go to Grand Anse if you want space, dramatic waves, long walks, and a "wild coast" feeling.
- Go to Takamaka if you want calm water, snorkelling, natural shade, and a more intimate setting.
- With young children? Takamaka, especially from December to March when the water is calmest.
- For sundowners? Grand Anse — the sunset over the open ocean is hard to beat.
Getting there from Papaya Guesthouse
Both beaches are on the southwest coast of Mahé. By car, Grand Anse is about 5 km (10 minutes) and Takamaka is about 6 km (12 minutes). The local bus also runs along this route — the stop is just meters from our door. Ask Garry for the current schedule or about car rental options.
Tip from Garry: Don't skip the little beach bars. They're the best way to eat like a local — grilled fish, rice, and a cold SeyBrew.
Stay in the heart of it all
Papaya Guesthouse is centrally located in Mahé, which means every beach on the island is within reach. Grand Anse and Takamaka are the closest, but we can point you to a dozen more hidden spots that most tourists never find.