4 Secluded and Non Touristy Places You Shouldn’t Miss in Mahe, Seychelles

photography by: Omri Westmark

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Completely engulfed by the blue vastness of the Indian Ocean, the archipelago-nation of Seychelles is one of those romantically fantasized heavens, dominated by coconut trees and golden beaches. Over the years, its enticing image captured the imagination of many holiday seekers, prompting the construction of dozens of world class resorts, many of which star regularly at top Instagram accounts as the ultimate nook, where infinite serenity is accompanied by all amenities you can possibly think of. Therefore, it might come as a surprise, but Seychelles is far more than just its five-star beachfront hotels, bestowed with wild getaways that even the adventurists among us will find as fascinating.

Copolia Trail

Excluding the oceanic expanse, any visitor who has just arrived in Seychelles would probably notice that Mahe’s most prominent geographical feature is by no doubt the string of lush mountains, covering extensive parts of the Island. Home to endemic biome and introduced species alike, for the most part, the formidable mountainous rainforest serves as a backdrop for sunbathers in one of the island’s iconic resorts, rarely opt to explore what lies inside.

Encompassing roughly 20% of Mahe, Morne Seychellois National Park is the country’s largest land based protected area, created as part of a national effort to preserve the island’s fragile eco-system that was largely damaged as a result of deforestation and introduction of invasive species.
Several hiking trails across the park provide a glimpse for Seychelles’ natural heritage, of which Copolia Trail is by far the most rewarding, culminating in a breathtaking panoramic vista from a 500 meters peak, that will leaved even the most experienced adventurists among us jaw-dropped.


Copolia’s starting point is located just off Sans Soucis Road, next to a small entrance booth. The trail is opened daily from 8:00 to 16:00, while entrance entails a 100 SCR admission fee (around 5 USD).

photography by: Omri Westmark


The 1.6 kilometers hiking trail is well marked, featuring concrete stairs and clear wooden demarcation that make the intense 242 meters climb a rather convenient and pleasant experience.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The infrastructure along the trail includes also elevated walkways and wooden benches, definitely useful when you need a short break after ascending the steep slope.

photography by: Omri Westmark


When walking around the rainforest, all sorts of endemic flora are visible, with some having strikingly vivid colors that any beholder will find as charming.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Scattered all along the walking route, educational signs provide info about the forest’s animal and plant species.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The trail also has signs indicating the direction and distance left to its end, placed 200 meters away from each other, excluding the last three.

photography by: Omri Westmark


You might mistake it for an obstacle course, but the wooden planks and the ladder are part of the trail, and also one the reasons that makes it so adventurous and fun.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Finally after a long and excruciating climb, the end of the trail is just 50 meters away, located on a granite plateau 500 meters above sea level.

photography by: Omri Westmark


A view towards Sans Soucis Road and the rainforest reveal a bird’s-eye perspective of the tree canopies, interestingly, if you carefully pay attention, it’s possible to spot large fruit bats commuting through the forest in search of their next meal.

photography by: Omri Westmark


There is no better way to relax after sweaty ascending than to sit in a hut, protected from the equatorial sun.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Greeting exhausted hikers is Copolia trail’s undoubted no.1 highlight, the unbelievably outstanding vista of the country’s largest population center and surrounding islands. A large sign, mapping all points of interest indicates where to look and what you actually see.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The panoramic view offers an aerial glimpse of Seychelles International airport, the reclaimed island of Eden, the capital city, Victoria and its surrounding islands, including Moyenne.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Among the visible sites are Victoria’s downtown, main cemetery and harbor, while slightly further away are Seychelles cluster of wind turbines, supplying 8% of the island’s electricity consumption annually.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The edge of the granite plateau, on which the lookout is situated, is covered by plenty of endemic shrubs, that despite occasionally concealing some of the view, contribute a sense of uniqueness and localness that offsets the visual obstacle.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The oddly shaped land mass along Mahe shoreline is Eden Island, artificially created from reclaimed land, home to a large community of expats that, interestingly enough, is centered around an outdoor shopping center with a large “SPAR” supermarket, not something you would expect to find at a small speck of land in the middle of the Indian Ocean.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Police Bay

Seychelles is well known for its pristine beaches and relatively calm water, a getaway for vacationists who wish to spend most of their time swimming and relaxing in the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean. However, at the far reaches of Mahe’s southern tip lies a completely different kind of beach, where sunbathers and tourists are rarely seen, Police Bay and Petite Police are perhaps the island’s most isolated beaches, devoid of any kind of hustle and bustle.
Unlike other beaches throughout the Island, the water here is wavy and deep, making it unsuitable for swimming, yet what makes the area inadequate for swimmers is exactly why it’s a perfect location for big wave surfing, a rather uncommon sight in the archipelago.


The southern tip of Mahe is home to both Petite Police and Police Bay, while the former is mostly rocky, dominated by granite boulders and coral formations.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The island’s main road network is directly linked solely to Petite Police, thus anyone making his way to Police Bay, whether by car or by foot must go first through Petite Police.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Petite Police has choppy waters, rigid surface and a rainforest backdrop, all coalescing into one breathtaking scenery, while despite being inhospitable for leisure, provides a great hot spot for photographers.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Reaching Police Bay by vehicle entails a challenging drive through extremely narrow dirt road, which during rain-time becomes a mud trap.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The access to the beach itself is via a narrow sandy path traversing through coastal vegetation.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Besides a handful of enthusiastic wave surfers, the beach is mostly empty, immersed in an infinite natural peacefulness.

photography by: Omri Westmark


If you get lucky enough, you’ll witness an outstanding rainbow, making the experience even more powerful.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The blurry footprints are the beach’s only evidence of human activity, as its isolation keeps any structures, boats and infrastructure out of sight.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Take note that the rough and wavy nature of this place requires an extra caution when entering the ocean, even if it’s only a couple of meters away.

photography by: Omri Westmark


A panoramic view of the sandy strip of beach, punctured by numerous footprints.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The forested cape on the western part of the beach separates Police Bay from Petite Police, adding a dramatic setting for both beaches.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Suffice to say, the sunsets in Police Bay are absolutely stunning, so make sure to coordinate your time accordingly, before the Seychellois sun is setting.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Rock Pool (Ros Sodyer)

Nestled on a faraway granite formation at Mahe’s southwestern side, Rock Pool, aka Ros Sodyer, is a natural tide pool marvelously carved out of the rock, situated only meters away from the ocean. Due to its sheer lack of accessibility, the site is practically deserted most of the time, making it a true hidden gem.
While the isolated pool is definitely the highlight of any excursion to the site, reaching it entails an adventurous trek in a rainforest, a fascinating activity by its own right.


Any trip to Rock Pool starts at Chez Batista Resort where they’ll happily direct you into the right entrance point which is often illusive and hard to find, as it’s located on a small backyard of a privately owned villa.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Take note that the walking path to Rock-Pool closes at 6PM, yet it’s warmly suggested to come no later than noon-time, since the sky starts getting darker at around 17:15 and you wouldn’t want to find yourself walking in the middle of a rainforest with dim sunlight.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The vast majority of the 45 minutes path is through a thick jungle with occasional ascents.

photography by: Omri Westmark


If you’ve expected a monotonic rainforest hiking, think again, since the trail is peppered with interesting granite formations and viewpoints, with a stunning glance of the ocean.

photography by: Omri Westmark


While some of us would be amused at a sight of giant spider lurking in the woodland, the arachnophobes among you should be extra careful if they don’t want to bump into one of those critters during the hike.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The occasional glimpses of Anse Takamaka’s crystal clear waters contrast the rainforest hike and make it far more enjoyable.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Unfortunately, the trail is poorly marked, so much so, that at a certain point it seems as if you reached a dead-end, where a large pile of rocks simply blocks the rest of the path. Well, in this specific case, you should carefully climb over the boulders, as the trail continues afterwards.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Good walking shoes are a must for Ros-Sodyer’s climbing and walking, while any other form of footwear could be risky if taking into account the granite smooth surface, nevertheless, during rainy day, even the world’s best shoes won’t be enough to cope with the site’s slippery rocks.

photography by: Omri Westmark


After climbing the pile of rock and crossing a triangular passage, you’ll reach a rocky plateau with a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.

photography by: Omri Westmark


A panoramic view of the granite plateau.

photography by: Omri Westmark


In order to get to the pool itself you need go further down, where you’ll see a set of murky paddles.

photography by: Omri Westmark


A small rocky islet off the coast.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Across the edge where the murky pond lies, you’ll come across Rock Pool at its full glory.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Facing the Indian Ocean, this natural Jacuzzi offers a truly singular experience that probably refutes any pre-conceived notion about the common type of vacation in Seychelles. Ironically, the inaccessibility that makes this site so charming and unique, also turns it into a challenging place to find and get to.

photography by: Craig Hoareau @craiggholland/Instagram


Swimming in Rock Pool is recommended only during low tide, when there isn’t any risk of being washed away by a strong wave.

photography by: Craig Hoareau @craiggholland/Instagram


Top Soleil Beach

The northwestern part of Mahe is home to pristine coves, adorable small villages and smiling fishermen roaming around, holding their catch of the day with bare hands, however, tourists often tend to stay around Beau Vallon, refraining from exploring the island’s northern tip.

Tucked away near the main coastal road, Top Soleil Beach is the ultimate secluded nook to enjoy a relaxing afternoon, dipping in the water while gazing at the sunset.
Whereas Top Soleil Beach is the apex of any visit to this part of the Island, it’s far from being the only reason to travel around, as non-touristy beaches with plenty of hectic activity and impressive public buildings along the North Coast Rd. provide an authentic glimpse to the Seychellois rural lifestyle.


Just a few minute walk from Top Soleil, Glacis Beach serves as a hub for fishermen before making their way into the ocean, brimming with locals selling their daily catch to passersby.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The church of St.Jean-Baptiste is a typical example of local Christian architecture, featuring both European and African motifs, while also incorporating native building materials like coral stones and seashells.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Most Seychellois people adhere to different sects of Christianity, a legacy from the times the archipelago was under French and British rule.

photography by: Omri Westmark


There are two main ways of getting into the beach, one of which is through a staircase near a private resort and the other is by a metal gate on the main parking lot.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The beach itself is a golden strip of sand, part of a well-hidden cove that never gets too crowded with people like the more southern beaches along Beau Vallon.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The cove is dotted with bending coconuts trees, some of which might have clusters of coconuts, so make sure you don’t sit directly underneath if you don’t want to get hit by a falling one.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The waters of Top Soleil range from complete calmness to choppy waves depending on the weather and tide. When wavy, it’s definitely not suitable for swimming or any kind of aquatic activity.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The nearby private resort overlooks the cove, interestingly, since all beaches in the Seychelles are public, no private landlord can restrict entry from a person who wish to enjoy this natural resource.

photography by: Omri Westmark


A panoramic view of Top Soleil Beach.

photography by: Omri Westmark


Like many beaches throughout the Seychellois archipelago, Top Soleil is bounded by two mini rocky capes with lush vegetation and granite boulders.

photography by: Omri Westmark


If you look carefully enough, you’ll manage to spot the islet of L’ilot, dramatically jutting out of the ocean. Some dedicated drone enthusiasts capture aerial breathtaking views of this small speck of rock, available both on YouTube and Instagram.

photography by: Omri Westmark


The northern part of the beach has an elevated platform from which an outstanding vista of the cove is revealed.

photography by: Omri Westmark


If it wasn’t clear by now, the sunsets in Top Soleil are absolutely not to be missed.

photography by: Omri Westmark