Shortboard, Bodyboard
Best for
Beginner to Advanced
Skill Level
Ocean
Spot Type
Quiet
Crowd Level

This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.

About this spot

About

Anse Kerlan is a small, exposed beach/reef break on Praslin’s northwest coast with a sand-and-rock bottom and artificial rock breakwaters that separate smaller sandy pockets. The break is described as producing both right and left waves over flat rocks and sand, with an overall “ordinary to fun” power that stays generally workable when conditions line up. Surf is reported to be relatively consistent but not uniform through the year: summer can trend flatter, while the spot is most reliable when driven by southwest swells and southwest winds. It can work across all tides, though higher water is often safer for beginners because it provides more water over the rocky sections near shore. Typical rides are short, with good days extending to roughly 50–150 meters. Crowds are consistently described as very low—often empty on weekdays and only a few surfers on weekends—so it’s a good choice when you want a quieter session in a tropical setting. Wave quality is reported as good and wave shape is generally peeling. Safety is the key concern. Multiple sources emphasize that the water remains deep and waves can be strong, with rocks and reef patches near shore; children are specifically called out as unsafe here. In addition to rocky sections, currents can occasionally be an issue (including rip currents depending on swell intensity), and conditions can become rough in January during the northwest monsoon season.

  • Both left and right waves
  • Uncrowded/low-profile conditions
  • Works on southwest swells and southwest winds
  • Beginner-accessible when choosing safer tide conditions (higher water)
Great for
Surfing shortboardSurfing bodyboardBeginners
What's great
  • Uncrowded/low-profile surf spot, often empty on weekdays
  • Waves break both right and left and generally offer short-to-medium rides
  • Best windows are tied to southwest swells/winds with surf available across all tides
Heads up
  • Exposed location and rocky bottom can make sessions hazardous
  • Water can be deep and strong waves make it unsafe for children
  • Wind reliability is reported as low
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
SW
Wind Range
5–15 kts
Reliability
low
Gust Factor
Light gusts
Best Months
April, May, September, October

Water & beach

Water Type
Ocean
Beach
Sand
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Generally small; works from under 1m and can hold up to around 2m.
Chop Level
Light chop — Chop expected to worsen with onshore/messy wind conditions.
Launch
Small — Accessible within a 5-minute walk; collection of small sandy beaches separated by artificial rock breakwaters.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
25–30 °C
Water Temperature
24–31 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: rash guard
Crowds by Season

Generally empty to very low crowds year-round.

Storm/Rain Season

December to February (rainy season / northwest monsoon).

By sport

What to expect for each.

SurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A relatively consistent, uncrowded spot that produces both right and left waves over a sand-and-rock bottom, with surf that tends to be more active on southwest swells. Works across all tides, often improving toward high tide. Exposed with an overall exposed character and a beach/reef mix bottom near the edges.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
SW
Swell Height
0.5–2 m
Optimal Tide
All tides — Surf-spot guidance also indicates best tide position can be high; beginners are advised to choose higher water for more coverage over rocks.
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed character; subject to local swell/wind conditions.
Wind Effect
Southwest winds are favorable/optimal; northeast winds can be onshore and messy.
Bigger Swell
Can hold up generally to around 2 meters, but may close out on very large swells.
Wave Quality
Good — Wave quality reported as good.
Wave Power
Moderate — Described as ordinary to fun; also moderate.
Wave Shape
Peeling
Peel Speed
Medium — Also described with peeling waves.
Ride Length
Short — Typically short; ~50–150m on good days, and short (<50m) normally.
Typical Ride Length
50–150 m
Ride Length Details
Short (<50m) normally; can reach 50–150m on good days.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Anse Kerlan in the full forecast view.

Anse Kerlan wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
3–11 ktsGusts 14 kts
Direction
SE130°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2511 kts
Windy days
0/712 kts or more
Waves
0.5–0.7 m8s period
Temperature
27–29 °C

Over the next 7 days, Anse Kerlan is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 14 kts. The prevailing direction is SE. Waves run 0.5–0.7 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

What to know before you launch

Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.

Hazards

  • erosion
  • flat rocks
  • submerged rocks
  • strong waves
  • deep water
  • deep water and strong waves (unsafe for children)
  • shallow reef sections
  • potential for strong currents during large swells
  • artificial rock breakwaters
  • scattered rocks and shallow reef patches
  • rip currents (occasional, depending on swell intensity)
  • reef
  • sharks
Ability Level: Beginner to Advanced
Recommended Safety Gear
LeashBoots

Rescue & support

Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — No dedicated spot rescue confirmed; emergency response via local services and regional rescue resources.
Emergency Info
Nearest hospital is in Baie Sainte Anne on Praslin Island. Emergency number: 999.
Localism / Vibe
None — Localism level reported as none / low-friction.

Rules of the spot

Standard surf/water safety and etiquette applies; avoid letting children enter the water due to strong waves and deep water/rocks.

Local Tips
  • High tide is generally safer for beginners to ensure more water over the rocky sections.
  • Unsafe for children due to deep water and strong waves.
  • January (northwest monsoon) can be rough; swimming may be difficult.
  • Access is often through paths near the local golf resort area.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Grand Anse Praslin
Nearest Town
Grand Anse
Parking
Limited public parking near the beach access paths.
Public Transport
Local bus network serves the main road near Anse Kerlan; taxis and rental cars are common.
Access
Take the dirt road to the left before the Lemuria Golf Resort; access is within a 5-minute walk.
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Seychellois Creole, English, French
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Several guesthouses and high-end resorts are located within walking distance or a short drive.
Food & Drink
Small local shops and resort restaurants are located in the vicinity.
Equipment Rental:
No dedicated surf rental shops found directly on the beach; visitors should bring their own gear.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Anse Kerlan?

The best overall months at Anse Kerlan are March, April, May. The best wind months are April, May, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Anse Kerlan?

Anse Kerlan works with SW winds.

What skill level is Anse Kerlan suitable for?

Anse Kerlan suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner.