Grand Anse Mahe
Seychelles Beach Dangers

"A fateful day in Seychelles on a most glorious beach
  A day in the life of Sir John Thorp - Governor of Seychelles"

Grand Anse Mahe Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in all Seychelles - a mile long of fine white sands and magnificent azure blue sea greet you with the thundering sounds of breakers crashing on the beach rhythmically. It doesn't get much better than that for a lazy day at the beach.

Just lie there in the sun all day and soak it up - the sun the ambience, the warmth... And relax. That's what most do on a beautiful Sunday here in Seychelles when all shops are closed downtown. And Grand Anse Beach is indeed beautiful and inviting...

These surely were the reasons that the late Sir John Thorp, Governor of Seychelles, found himself there with his family and friends on that fateful Sunday.

We rank Grand Anse Beach Mahe one of the top 10 beaches of Seychelles out of hundreds. On Mahe Island it ranks in the top 3 out of over 70 beaches. How can one fault this beach? I, for one, cannot find any flaw here.

The sea is inviting, the surf calls but are you ready for what's in store? Ready to face the power under that facade? We have ventured into the surf there. But only once and, of course, with some trepidation knowing its bad name among the locals.

They know the time of year and the state of the tide when the sea off Grand Anse Beach should be given a wide berth. But, truth be told, this is the time that the sea beckons and calls at its loudest. Should you heed the call?

Grand Anse Mahe Seychelles by skywalker

It may be a great place for surfing, but come prepared to fight the elements. Never surf alone under these conditions, and make sure your lifeline to the surfboard is strong. This is your Lifeline! Did I hear you say, "You're a good swimmer?" So what?

The last Governor of Seychelles (British) to be buried in the Seychelles was Sir John Thorp, in 1961. He lies close to Jean-Baptiste Queau De Quincy (the last French administrator of Seychelles over a century before) in the grounds of the State House in Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles.

Sir John Thorp came to an untimely end when he pitched himself against the elements of Grand Anse Mahe Beach on that glorious Sunday afternoon on 13th August 1961. Everybody says he was a good swimmer, and still in the prime of life - only 49.

On that dark day it was a double drowning at Grand Anse. In a single blow, the sea off Grand Anse Mahe had vanquished both the Governor of Seychelles and his friend, the Financial Secretary (Mr Boulle). It appears one tried to help the other and both perished... And yet they were both strong swimmers!!!

Grand Anse Beach Mahe by skywalker

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This page has been written to remind you that the sea off the better beaches of Seychelles can be dangerous. You need to be aware of the dangers. You've got to realise that massive forces are what created the beach.

And it continues to get built in cycles - non-stop. The finer the sand, the more power it took to build the impressive beach. So you've got to be very careful where  you get into the sea. This is why all Seychelles beach resorts and Seychelles beach hotels have swimming pools.

The best of nature is wild. The sea can be likened to a lion. You wouldn't mess around with a wild lion or a crocodile, would you? ...No, not unless you are a crocodile wrestler. So admire the beautiful sea at the beach just like you would a lion on the hunt - at a safe distance.

 

Unless you are a power surfer, the sea off most beautiful beaches at certain times is to be admired only. Whenever you get the urge, ask... If you don't see the locals swimming there, it's for a reason. They know. Always remember Sir John Thorp, the late Governor of Seychelles and his friend... May they rest in peace! Amen.

The same advice goes for most of the top beaches of Seychelles. Be especially careful at the top 2 beaches of La Digue Island. Yes of course they are beautiful, and enticing - the more reason to be careful.

Grand Anse Beach Mahe Seychelles

They too have seen more than their fair share of drowning... One, a person I knew personally - trying to rescue a visitor to these shores! We care... I don't want to sound morbid but this is about you - about your  safety.

Seychelles beaches are generally safe but you should be aware that there is an occasional drowning off some of the better beaches.

Here we tell you as it is...

There are of course very safe beaches in Seychelles for swimming and snorkelling. And the good news is there are more of these.

We want you to have a safe holiday in Seychelles. Once you are fully informed come with the whole family. You'll have a blast on the best beaches in the world - Yes in the Seychelles.

Grand Anse Mahe Beach is a surfers' beach, not for swimming at certain times of the year. It is a magnificent beach, nonetheless. Come enjoy this superb beach, one of the top 3 beaches of Mahe. Breathtaking! Awesome!

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