Tropical Paradise: Anse Du Riz, Seychelles

Sometimes, I feel like I'm not going to the same places as other people who leave reviews… My Seychelles guidebook lists this place with one star, labeling it as exceptional. I don't think the authors of my guidebook have actually ever set foot on this island :-) The road there is already awful. It's incredibly narrow with a sheer drop on the left as you approach. Sometimes cars can't even pass each other, and you have to maneuver. It's very, very dangerous, and for that reason alone, a 5-star rating is impossible. You arrive at a barrier that used to be the entrance to the old Marine Park. Locals don't hesitate to lift it to drive right up to the beach. So, parking isn't too difficult; most locals are in Port Launay because they know this cove isn't worth visiting. You walk for about 400 meters surrounded by old, abandoned buildings, giving a rather strange impression. The beach is tiny, and there's some trash washed up by the sea, but not only that… The sea is… a rather unpleasant green, and lots of vegetation is floating on the surface. Since the cove is surrounded by mountains and vegetation, it feels like you're in a mangrove. This impression is confirmed when you get in the water. The temperature is unbelievable, at least 32 degrees Celsius, and it's not even pleasant. You're swimming with vegetation above and seaweed below in about… 1 to 1.5 meters of water… There's no appeal except for the tranquility, except… that this disappears when locals arrive with loud music and their vehicles, drinking. They're obviously on their own property, and I'm not judging anyone, I'm just giving my opinion on the cove. We leave and pass near this "relaxation" spot… cans and trash are on the ground, a mixed impression. In summary… Mahé has many superb coves, favour them and forget this one.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.

Great destination! Enjoyed the open trail and peaceful outdoor atmosphere.