Anse Kerlan
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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)
- 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
- 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
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
Generally empty to very low crowds year-round.
December to February (rainy season / northwest monsoon).
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- 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.
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.
Other spots in the area
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
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
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.