Description
The breakwaters are truly a unique feature, and the beautiful views of Cousin, Couisine, and the Seychelles sunset make Anse Kerlan a one-of-a-kind experience in the Seychelles. Anse Kerlan is the name given to this stretch of coastline on Praslin’s north-west edge. Rather than a sweeping, one-piece bay, Anse Kerlan is more a collection of smaller sandy beaches, separated by artificially-placed rocks. These rocks act as breakwaters, and are designed to slow down the erosion process that has affected this region over the last few years. There is a degree of protection afforded to the coast by the offshore coral reef, but the water here is still deep and the waves can be quite strong, making it unsafe for children. Getting to the beach is simple, especially if you are a guest of one of the many nearby hotels and guesthouses. Those who are staying elsewhere on Praslin can reach Anse Kerlan by car, with parking available along the main road nearby, as well as next to the various hotels on the beach. The surrounding area is relatively well-developed too, with numerous shops and restaurants counting amongst the facilities. The beach itself is usually fairly empty, so it is not uncommon to be the sole visitors to this part of Praslin. The scenery is beautiful, as you’d expect of a Seychelles beach, but feels slightly less ‘natural’ than elsewhere due to the artificially-placed rocky formations that separate the different sections of beach. The depth of the water makes it okay for swimming and snorkelling, but the currents can be strong, so be careful. Besides that, the waves here can also be quite strong; strong enough, in fact, to fell some of the trees that line the beach. These fallen trees, contrasting with the sand and the sea, make for some interesting photographs. Anse Kerlan offers many unique features to make it worth a visit. The breakwaters are unlike anything you can find elsewhere on the island, and the general atmosphere of the beach is one of preservation. The excellent views of Cousin and Cousine island, as well as beautiful sunsets and unique beach scenery make this a real beauty of a location, well-worth a visit if you’re in the area.
- 1200m x 20m - size varies, as the beach is really a collection of small beaches
- Generally not very busy
- Deep water - high waves - little seaweed
- Beautiful collection of small beaches on Praslin’s north-west coast
- Sometimes good for snorkelling and windsurfing
- Coral reef
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- WC
- Restaurant
- Shade
- Parking
- Photo-friendly
- Really a series of smaller beaches that have been artificially separated by rocky breakwaters.
- This measure is due to rising sea levels and erosion of the coast. This area of coastline is probably the worst-affected region on Praslin.
- Shops, guesthouses, hotels, and restaurants can all be found in the surrounding area.
- Natural shade provides protection from the sun.
- Despite relatively strong currents, the beach is okay for swimming and snorkelling, as well as windsurfing.
Photo gallery
