La Digue, Seychelles

La Digue is one of the most enchanting islands in Seychelles. Known for its crystal lagoons, slow island rhythm, and iconic granite boulders, La Digue feels like a place where time has paused. This small island, part of the Seychelles Islands, is home to some of the most photographed beaches in the world and offers a perfect escape for travellers who value peace, nature, and authenticity. Whether you’re cycling along palm-lined roads, swimming in clear shallows, or savouring Creole cuisine, La Digue promises an experience that’s both grounding and unforgettable.

How to Get to La Digue

Reaching La Digue is part of its charm. Most travellers arrive by ferry, either from Mahé or Praslin. From Mahé, you can take the Cat Cocos ferry to Praslin, followed by a short 15-minute Cat Rose ferry to La Digue. The journey offers striking views of turquoise seas and scattered granite islands. Ferry schedules vary with the Seychelles tourism seasons, so checking the Seychelles ferry schedule in advance is recommended. There’s no airport on La Digue, making the ferry the primary and most scenic way to arrive.

Once on the island, bicycles or electric bikes are the main form of transport. Renting one from a local La Digue bike rental shop is both practical and enjoyable, as it allows you to explore every beach, trail, and café at your own pace.

Discovering La Digue Island

Anse Source D’Argent

Anse Source D’Argent is often called the most beautiful beach in the world. Its pale sand, giant granite boulders, and shallow turquoise waters make it perfect for swimming and photography. Located within L’Union Estate, the beach is also ideal for snorkelling, especially in the morning when the sea is calm and clear. The lagoon’s vibrant marine life and soft coral gardens make it one of the highlights of Seychelles travel.

Grand Anse and Petite Anse

On the island’s eastern side, Grand Anse stretches wide and wild, framed by cliffs and swaying palms. It’s an excellent spot for surfing or long walks along the shoreline. A short hike over the hill brings you to Petite Anse La Digue, a quieter cove that’s ideal for peaceful sunbathing or a secluded picnic. Both beaches showcase La Digue’s raw coastal beauty and are perfect for travellers seeking solitude.

Anse Cocos

Further along the trail from Petite Anse lies Anse Cocos, a crescent-shaped beach with shallow natural pools and soft white sand. The hike itself is part of the adventure, winding through lush tropical forest and offering sea views along the way. Anse de Cocos is one of the best places for snorkelling in La Digue, especially near the rock pools at the beach’s far end.

Anse Patates and Anse Reunion

Anse Patates, located near the northern tip, is a small but stunning beach ideal for swimming and photography. The nearby Anse Reunion, close to the main village, offers calm waters and some of the best sunset views on the island. It’s also near many guesthouses, making it a convenient base for exploring.

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Where to Stay in La Digue

Accommodation in La Digue ranges from guesthouses to boutique resorts. For comfort and style, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie and La Nautique Seychelles offer elegant stays with direct beach access and spa facilities. Domaine Les Rochers and Chalets d’Anse Reunion are mid-range choices known for friendly hosts and local charm. Budget travellers often choose Pension Hibiscus La Digue or Fadine Self Catering for their affordability and homely feel. Wherever you stay, you’ll be within easy cycling distance of beaches, restaurants, and shops.

Activities and Things to Do in La Digue

• Beach hopping between Anse Source D’Argent, Grand Anse, and Anse Cocos

• Snorkelling in La Digue’s shallow reefs and lagoons

• Diving in La Digue and nearby sites like Sister Islands and Marianne Island

• Hiking the coastal trails between Grand Anse, Petite Anse, and Anse Cocos

• Cycling in La Digue through coconut plantations and quiet backroads
• Watching the sunset from Anse Reunion or a coastal café
• Exploring Creole culture and architecture at L’Union Estate

For those seeking more adventure, island hopping around the Seychelles Islands can include day trips to Praslin or Curieuse Island.

Tips for Visiting La Digue

• The best time to visit La Digue is during the Seychelles dry season (May to October) when seas are calm and skies are clear.

• Always carry water and sun protection when cycling or hiking, as shade is limited on some routes.

• Respect the natural environment — avoid touching corals and dispose of waste properly.

• Ferry tickets should be booked early, especially during peak Seychelles tourism periods.

• Many shops close early, so plan meals and supplies in advance.

FAQs

Q: How do you get from Mahé to La Digue?
Take the Cat Cocos ferry from Mahé to Praslin, then the Cat Rose ferry from Praslin to La Digue.

Q: Is La Digue suitable for families?
Yes, the beaches are safe, calm, and family-friendly, especially Anse Reunion and Anse Source D’Argent.

Q: Can I rent an electric bike in La Digue?
Yes, electric bikes and regular bicycles are widely available for rent across the island.

Q: Is swimming safe at Grand Anse?
Swimming is possible but should be done cautiously due to stronger waves and currents.

Q: What is the best time to visit La Digue?
The dry season from May to October offers ideal weather for cycling, swimming, and photography.

Q: Are there budget guesthouses in La Digue?
Yes, options like Fadine Self Catering and Pension Hibiscus La Digue provide comfortable stays at affordable rates.

Q: Do I need cash on La Digue?
Some small shops and cafés accept cash only, so it’s wise to carry Seychellois rupees.

Conclusion

La Digue, Seychelles, is a place where nature and simplicity meet in perfect harmony. With its beaches, bicycles, and welcoming atmosphere, the island invites visitors to rediscover the joy of slow travel. Whether you’re snorkelling at Anse Source D’Argent, cycling to Grand Anse, or enjoying a Creole dinner at sunset, La Digue’s charm lies in its peaceful rhythm and timeless beauty.