How to get to the Rock Pool on Mahe (Ros Sodyer) – Seychelles
A complete guide to visiting the incredible tidal pool called Ros Sodyer, also known as Mahe Rock Pool in Seychelles. Are you looking for an adventure on the incredible island of Mahé in the Seychelles? You have found the right page! In this quick guide I will give you a complete overview of Ros Sodyer near Anse Takamaka, also known as Mahe Rock Pool. I'll give you two options on how to get here, as well as some photos from my trip that I hope will inspire you to visit this natural attraction on Mahe. #20 in 26 Best Activities…
How to get to the Rock Pool on Mahe (Ros Sodyer) – Seychelles
A complete guide to visiting the incredible tidal pool called Ros Sodyer, also known as Mahe Rock Pool in Seychelles.
Are you looking for an adventure on the incredible island of Mahé in the Seychelles? You have found the right page! In this quick guide I will give you a complete overview of Ros Sodyer near Anse Takamaka, also known as Mahe Rock Pool.
I'll give you two options on how to get here, as well as some photos from my trip that I hope will inspire you to visit this natural attraction on Mahe.
#20 in 26 best things to do in Mahé
alt="Jump into the Mahe Rock Pool">
alt="Nature trail hike from Anse Takamaka">
alt="Mahé Rock Pool">
About Mahe Rock Pool
This incredible geological formation is located on the rocky coast of Mahé Island. It is a saltwater tide pool that fills with the rising tide. At low tide you can swim in the pool or even jump from the rocks above.
The official name is Ros Sodyer, and it is a natural phenomenon, that is, not man-made. You can reach the pools via a short nature trail hike from Anse Takamaka (more below).
After speaking to my local friend Roddey, who grew up on Mahé, I have now learned that the locals don't like to call Ros Sodyer the "Mahe Rock Pool". That's because the official rock pool is located in the north of the island, called the Machabee Rock Pool.
However, in this guide I'm using both names as most people looking for the Rock Pool on Mahe will be much more interested in the beautiful Ros Sodyer rather than the official Machabee.
Tip: Visit at low tide for the best experience.
alt="Rock Pool Mahe, Ros Sodyer near Anse Takamaka, Seychelles">
The ultimate Seychelles travel resource
Looking for more Seychelles travel guides and inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive travel guides that will serve as a great resource for your trip.
– 50 Things to Do in Seychelles – Seychelles Accommodation Guide – 18 Best Beaches in Seychelles – 10 Best Islands in Seychelles – 15 Best Hikes in Seychelles
How to get to the Rock Pool on Mahé?
There are two ways to get to Mahe Rock Pool.
The first and easiest option is to book this famous hiking tour on Viator to Rock Pool (Tripadvisor Award of Excellence). This trip includes hotel pickup and a guided nature trail tour to Rock Pool. This is great as you'll also learn a lot about Seychelles' endemic species from a qualified, local guide.
This tour has many reviews and an overall 5/5 star rating, making it one of the top rated tours on the island.
alt="Rock Pool Mahe, Ros Sodyer near Anse Takamaka, Seychelles">
The second way to get to Mahe Rock Pool is to take a taxi or bus to Anse Takamaka Beach. There are several buses that run all over the island and it only costs SCR 14. However, you need to check with the stand or bus station in Victoria for the correct route to Anse Takamaka.
Anse Takamaka is one of the most beautiful beaches on Mahé, so make sure you time your visit to enjoy it!
Tip: If you prefer to rent a car on Mahé, compare prices on Discover Cars first. If you book in advance you can often find great prices.
alt="Rock Pool sign on Takamaka Beach, Mahé">
Where is Mahe Rock Pool (Ros Sodyer)
If you choose the independent option, you can find the exact location of Ros Sodyer or the famous Mahe Rock Pool below.
Once you arrive at Anse Takamaka, you will find signs at the southern end of the beach indicating the trailhead. There is also a large parking lot here between tropical trees and palm trees.
See also: How to get to Anse Major Beach
The hike to Ros Sodyer Rock Pool
The nature trail to Mahe Rock Pool begins at the southern end of Anse Takamaka Beach. To start, you have to walk through private property, which almost looks like you're about to walk through someone's yard. Enter, turn left, go through the gate, and you will clearly see the path into the jungle.
alt="Anse Takamaka Nature Trail to Rock Pool">
alt="Gate in front of the Anse Takamaka Nature Trail to the Rock Pool">
The hike itself is fairly easy as long as you have a general level of fitness. However, there are some hilly sections and some others where you have to climb a steel ladder to get to the next bit. This is by no means difficult, but it might put some people off.
alt=“Steel ladder on the Mahe Rock Pool Trail (Ros Sodyer)”>
The nature trail is very beautiful as you walk through the jungle sections. Towards the end, climb the rocks overlooking the Indian Ocean. Keep walking and look for markers pointing the way to the pool.
alt=“Hiking to Ros Sodyer, Mahé Island in the Seychelles”>
alt=“Mahé Island nature trail”>
alt="Mahe Island Nature Trail to Rock Pool">
The Mahe Rock Pool (Ros Sodyer) only becomes visible at the very end, where you have to descend a rocky surface towards the ocean. I would imagine this could be quite slippery after heavy rainfall.
Also nearby: Sauzier Waterfall and the Morne Blanc Nature Trail
What to expect at Ros Sodyer
After a sweaty hike to the rock pool, it was an easy decision to jump right in to cool off! Ros Sodyer Rock Pool is a perfectly round tidal pool on the very edge of the cliff and shielded from behind by a rock wall.
The pool is very deep. I dove down to try to touch the bottom and I would say it is at least 3.5 meters deep.
I was pretty lucky on my visit as I timed the tide perfectly (low tide) and I had the entire Mahe rock pool to myself! So I spent about an hour cooling off in the pool and jumping off the wall behind it. The jump is about 3 meters if you start at the top. It's not a huge jump, but it's still fun.
Remember to always do a depth check first when cliff jumping!
alt="Jump into the Mahe Rockpool">
Accommodation options on Mahé
Mahe is the main island and home to Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles. It is the largest of the inner islands and has several great places to stay. Here is a short travel guide with some recommendations.
Complete Guide: I've written a comprehensive guide to where to stay on Mahé, including a breakdown of the best areas and fantastic resort and hotel recommendations.
- Victoria und Eden Island für das Nachtleben
- Beau Vallon für Strände und Restaurants
- Private Inseln für das ultimative Inselerlebnis
Best selection
Best choice on Mahé: Eden Bleu Hotel (Eden Island)
The Eden Bleu Hotel is one of the best places to stay if you want to be near Victoria and on Eden Island. It is an amazing modern hotel located on the shores of Eden Island's prestigious marina.
Visitors love the infinity pool, clean, modern rooms and world-class restaurant. I stayed at Eden Blue Hotel for 3 nights and it was my favorite accommodation in Seychelles!
alt=“Eden Bleu Hotel, Seychelles”>
Mid-range resort: Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort
This beautiful beach resort and casino combination offers elegantly furnished rooms with all the facilities you could wish for. Here you will find a large pool, three restaurants, a pizzeria, a fitness center, a PADI diving center and a tennis court.
The location is great as it is away from the hustle and bustle of Victoria with lots of lovely beaches and restaurants around.
alt=“Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort and Casino, Seychelles”>
Self-catering budget studio: Precious Residence
If you're looking to explore Mahe on a budget, self-catering accommodation is your best bet. Precious Residence is an apartment with excellent reviews (9.5/10) and offers budget apartments with free WiFi, air conditioning and a kitchenette on Grand Anse (west coast).
alt="Precious Residence Self Catering Resort on Mahé Island, Seychelles">
Ultimate Getaway: JA Enchanted Island Resort
Looking for the ultimate Indian Ocean getaway? JA Enchanted Island Resort is an immaculately beautiful resort on a tiny private island at the foot of St. Anne Marine Park.
The French colonial-style villas feature a private infinity pool, a terrace with panoramic views, and a private walkway to the beach. If you are looking for a unique honeymoon vacation, this is your best choice.
alt="Yes Enchanted Resort, private island accommodation on Mahe Island">
Alternative: Stay on the mysterious Island of Silhouette (Hilton).
alt=“Silhouette Island Private Resort, Seychelles”>
more reasons to visit the island of Mahé in the Seychelles
I hope you enjoyed this quick guide to visiting Mahe Rock Pool, also known as Ros Sodyer, in Anse Takamaka on Mahé Island, Seychelles.
While you're here on my blog, be sure to check out one or two of my other posts. I've spent a lot of time documenting and photographing my adventures around the islands and I have tons of places and tips to share with you. If you want to visit other islands in the Seychelles, be sure to check out my Praslin travel guide and my La Digue travel guide for more great tips!
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