Anse Volbert and Cote d'Or Praslin Essential Travel Guide

Anse Volbert—frequently referred to by its French name, Cote d'Or—spans a significant 2.5-kilometer stretch of the northeast coast of Praslin. Unlike the more dramatic, boulder-strewn shores of Anse Lazio, this beach provides a steady, shallow gradient where the water remains waist-deep for nearly 50 meters from the tide line. The sea temperature typically hovers around 28°C, making it a reliable spot for long-duration swimming throughout the year.

Shoreline Dynamics and Beach Characteristics

The 2.5 Kilometer Shallow Coastline

The beach is characterized by its remarkable horizontal span and the consistency of its white, flour-like sand. Because the bay is sheltered by a series of offshore islets and a distant coral reef, the waves here rarely exceed half a meter in height, creating a natural lagoon effect. This makes the area particularly safe for children—a factor that has solidified its reputation as the premier family beach on Praslin. The central section of the beach is where most activity occurs, but walking toward the eastern end near the L'Archipel hotel reveals much quieter stretches where the vegetation hangs lower over the sand.

Sand Conditions and Seasonal Seaweed

The sand at Anse Volbert is exceptionally fine, often compacting into a firm surface during low tide that is perfect for running or long walks. It is worth observing that the north-easterly trade winds between May and October can bring deposits of seagrass to the shore. While some find this unsightly, it is a natural biological cycle and generally clears by November. The far western edge near the Octopus Dive Centre often stays the clearest during these months due to local current patterns. One minor annoyance involves sandflies, which tend to appear near the vegetation line after heavy tropical rain—bringing a high-DEET repellent is a practical necessity often skipped by casual day-trippers.

Marine Excursions and Nearby Islets

Boat Transfers to Curieuse and St. Pierre

Anse Volbert serves as the primary hub for boat excursions to Curieuse Island and the St. Pierre islet. Most licensed operators congregate on the beach in front of the Berjaya Praslin Resort, where you can negotiate half-day or full-day trips. A standard half-day excursion typically costs approximately 75 Euro per adult, though this excludes the mandatory government landing fee. The Curieuse Island landing fee is currently 20 Euro (roughly 300 SCR) per person, which is payable either online via the SPGA website or at the ranger station upon arrival. These trips are the most efficient way to see the Aldabra giant tortoises and the historic Doctor’s House museum.

Snorkeling at Chauve Souris

Directly offshore from the central beach lies Chauve Souris, a tiny granite islet that sits about 400 meters from the sand. During extreme low tides, it is theoretically possible to wade almost halfway there, though swimming is required for the final stretch. The granite boulders surrounding the islet host a variety of reef fish, including parrotfish and the occasional hawksbill turtle. The water clarity is usually highest in April and October when the monsoon winds shift. If you are not a confident swimmer, it is better to take a kayak—several guesthouses along the road rent them for about 15 to 20 Euro per hour.

Logistics and Practical Planning

Praslin Museum and Local Culture

Located just a few meters behind the main coastal road near the Cote d'Or Footprints apartments, the Praslin Museum offers a raw look at Seychellois heritage. The entry fee is 180 SCR (roughly 12 Euro) and includes a guided walk through a garden containing endemic medicinal plants and a demonstration of traditional coconut husking. It is a small, privately-run institution—don't expect high-tech displays—but the insights into the historical use of the Coco de Mer are far more detailed than what you find in larger tourist brochures. The museum is generally open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily.

Dining and Transportation Near Cote d'Or

The village of Anse Volbert is one of the few places on Praslin where you can find a concentration of services without needing a car. Most restaurants are clustered within a 500-meter radius, offering everything from high-end Italian cuisine to local take-away boxes that cost around 100 to 150 SCR. Getting here from the Baie Ste Anne jetty takes about 15 minutes by car or taxi. The public bus is a much cheaper alternative at 12 SCR per ride, though carrying large luggage on the bus is officially prohibited. For those staying at the western end of the bay, the walk to the main supermarket takes about 10 minutes along a flat, well-lit road.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of a boat trip to Curieuse Island from Anse Volbert?

Licensed operators typically charge 75 Euro for a half-day trip, but you must also pay a separate 20 Euro landing fee to the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority. This fee can be paid in cash at the ranger station on Curieuse or through the official SPGA online portal before departure.

Is snorkeling better at Anse Volbert or the nearby islets?

Snorkeling directly off the beach at Anse Volbert is limited because of the sandy bottom, so the best marine life is found around the granite rocks of Chauve Souris or St. Pierre islet. St. Pierre is better for seeing schools of colorful reef fish, while the area near Chauve Souris often has more varied coral growth.

How do I get from the Praslin ferry jetty to Anse Volbert?

The drive takes roughly 15 minutes and a taxi will cost between 300 and 500 SCR depending on your negotiation. You can also take the public bus for 12 SCR, which runs frequently, but be aware that buses do not allow large suitcases on board for safety reasons.

Are there public facilities like toilets or showers at Anse Volbert?

There are no dedicated public changing rooms or showers directly on the beach, as most facilities belong to the beachfront resorts. Most visitors use the restrooms at the nearby restaurants or the small shopping plaza across the street after purchasing a drink or snack.

When is the best time of day to visit the beach?

Morning visits before 10:30 AM are ideal to avoid the midday heat, as the natural shade from the palm trees recedes quickly as the sun rises. Early morning also offers the calmest water for kayaking out to the nearby islets before the afternoon breezes pick up.