Small, clean, relatively uncrowded Seychelles surf does exist, but Mahé suffers from a long, shallow shelf and sits too far W for the normal groundswell angles in the Indian Ocean.
It’s extremely inconsistent, relying on a major S swell to hit, or for consistent onshore winds to create surf on the few exposed beaches. However, it’s an island of outstanding natural beauty, granite rock and lush mountains, with narrow coastal strips of gorgeous white-sand beaches.
When to Go
The SE trades produce consistent 2-4ft (0.6-1.2m) wind chop on the east coast, but it is mostly unsurfable. Occasional SE to SSW groundswells hit the islands in winter and produce quality reefbreak surf if they wrap around to the west coast, where SE trades blow offshore at some spots. N windswell is a long shot and no cyclone has ever hit Mahé. Water is warm in summer, but winter trades can force temperatures to dip well below the average to 20ºC (68ºF). There are two different tides a day, with a max range of 1.5-2m.
Surf Spots
Statistics |
J
|
F
|
M
|
A
|
M
|
J
|
J
|
A
|
S
|
O
|
N
|
D
|
dominant swell |
N -NE |
N -SE |
N -SE |
N -SE |
N -SE |
N -NE |
swell size (ft) |
0-1 |
1-2 |
2 |
2-3 |
1-2 |
0-1 |
consistency (%) |
20 |
40 |
50 |
60 |
40 |
20 |
dominant wind |
NW -NE |
NW -NE |
SE -SW |
SE -SW |
SE -SW |
W -NW |
average force |
F2-F3 |
F2-F3 |
F3 |
F4 |
F4 |
F3 |
consistency (%) |
79 |
44 |
79 |
91 |
71 |
43 |
water temp (C) |
28 |
28 |
27 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
wetsuit |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
boardshorts |
|
Travel Information
Weather
From May to Oct, temps average 27°C (80ºF) and 8 hrs sunshine per day. From Oct to Dec and Mar to May, there are light variable breezes, calm seas and higher temps/humidity. From Dec to Mar, the period of fluctuating NW-NE winds brings frequent tropical rain, high humidity and average temps of 28°C (82ºF).
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Lodging and Food
Most hotels are in the surfless Beau Vallon area; try Coco d’Or Hotel ($165/dbl) or Augerine Guesthouse ($185/dbl). Victoria has several options. Numerous luxury resorts/hotels to choose from around the island. Camping is forbidden. Expect $20-30 for a basic meal; try some authentic Creole cuisine.
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Nature and Culture
World-class sailing, diving, snorkelling, and fishing. Nightlife is limited to the entertainment at hotels and a few nightclubs. There are many species of flora and fauna unique to the island. The mountains offer some scenic hikes.
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