🏝️Seychelles Unvarnished: An Honest Review of Côte d'Or Beach (Anse Volbert) on Praslin + 3 Life Hacks
Côte d'Or Beach (aka Anse Volbert) on Praslin Island strikes a balance between postcard-perfect Seychelles beauty and developed infrastructure. Having spent time here, I can confidently say that this is the best place on the island for a classic beach holiday, strolls, and excursions.
Below, I've provided a detailed analysis of all the pros, cons, and important nuances that will help you plan the perfect day on this coast.
The beach's main advantages
· Pristine sand and spaciousness: The coastline stretches for almost 2.5 kilometers. The sand here is dazzling white, fine, and has a flour-like consistency. It barely gets warm in the sun, making it comfortable to walk barefoot.
· Safe swimming without waves: The bay is protected by a coral reef and neighboring islets (including the picturesque Chauve-Souris). Strong waves are rare here, and the entry into the water is very gentle and gradual. This is a great place for families with children and for those with limited water skills.
· Developed infrastructure: Unlike the wild Anse Lazio or Anse Georgette, Côte d'Or is the center of Praslin's tourist life. Hotels, restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, grocery stores, car rentals, and diving centers are located right on the beach and across the road.
· Starting point for excursions: You can rent a boat right from the shore or book a tour to the iconic turtle island of Curieuse or the tiny granite islet of Saint-Pierre for amazing snorkeling.
Nuances and disadvantages to be aware of
· Shallow water at low tide: At low tide, the water recedes very far. To wade even waist-deep, you'll have to walk about 50-70 meters from the shore. For active swimming, it's best to choose high tide.
· Seasonal seaweed: During the southeast trade winds (usually from June to September), the ocean can wash seaweed onto the shore, temporarily losing the perfect clarity of the water at the water's edge.
· Sandflies: As on many Seychelles beaches, invisible midges can live in the shade of trees or on dry seaweed. Their bites don't begin to itch terribly until the next day.
· There are also quite a few stingrays here, but they mostly arrive in the morning and evening. I was even stung by one and had to go to the hospital. So be careful when entering or exiting the water, watch your step, and shuffle your feet to disperse them.
Helpful life hacks for tourists
1. Mosquito repellent: Buy regular coconut oil at a local store. Apply it to your skin before lying on the sand, and the flies simply won't bite you. Alternatively, use thick repellents.
2. Where to find the best location: To get away from moored boats and pushy tour sellers, head to the right (eastern) part of the beach, closer to the Paradise Sun Hotel. The shore there is cleanest, widest, and calmest.
3. Snorkeling on your own: If you're a good swimmer, at low tide you can take your own mask to the islet of Chauve Souris, which is located directly opposite the central part of the beach. Many colorful fish swim near its granite rocks.
Verdict: Côte d'Or may not have the huge, dramatic boulders of Anse Lazio, but it's the most comfortable, versatile, and friendly beach on Praslin.
Following posts will include reviews of other Seychelles beaches.
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“🏝️Seychelles Unvarnished: An Honest Review of Côte d'Or Beach (Anse Volbert) on Praslin + 3 Life Hacks
Côte d'Or Beach (aka Anse Volbert) on Praslin Island strikes a balance between postcard-perfect Seychelles beauty and developed infrastructure.”@Aleksandr_N07 · 21 hours ago