If you are planning a trip to the Seychelles, visiting the island La Digue should be at the top of your list. While there are about 115 islands in the Seychelles, La Digue is arguably the most sought after.
The island itself is only about four square miles but it packs a lot inside the coastlines. Some of the best beaches in the world are on this island, making it well worth the visit.
When you arrive, you will immediately fall in love with the beautiful turquoise waters, stunning granite rocks that are perfectly positioned around the coastline and the beautiful coral reefs.
All that to say – one simply doesn’t visit the Seychelles and not visit La Digue! You would be doing yourself a disservice.
Practical information for Visiting La Digue
- Because of the islands size and landscape, you will notice there aren’t many cars. This is not the mode of transportation, even for locals. Everyone rides a bike or walks.
- There are a few taxis and buggies (golf carts) that you can hire to get around, which I highly recommend if you are short on time and want to see a lot. I rented a buggy for 6 hours for 2000 Seychellois Rupees.
- La Digue is home to 18 beaches, but you probably cannot cover them all in a day. The ones you should visit if you are short on time are: famous Anse Source d’Argent and Grand Anse (my personal favorite).
- Currency: Seychellois Rupees. There is an ATM on the island and everything is done mostly in cash.
- Languages spoken: English, French and Seychellois Creole (you will hear this most commonly spoken but English is widely spoken).
- Local cuisine is creole.
- Local beer is SeyBrew.
- Local rum is Takamaka.
- If you are visiting for the day, bring your towel, plenty of sunscreen, snacks, water, etc. You can get food and drinks on the island but always be prepared with water in case you are at a remote beach.
Grand Anse Beach
Getting to La Digue
While La Digue is a highly sought after island destination, you may be surprised to know that there is not an airport, so you will arrive to the island by boat.
The other two main islands are Mahe and Praslin, which have a ferry service, but you do need to book in advance to guarantee a seat as it can sell out. Boats will arrive at La Passe Pier in La Digue for drop off and pick up.
If you wanted to go another route, you could fly to Praslin from Mahe and then take the ferry. This is the more expensive route, but it is a fun way to see Seychelles from above and ride in a small plane (15 minute flight).
Lastly, if you stay at Six Senses Zil Pasyon, the boat ride (not a ferry) is 10 minutes from there (this is how I got to La Digue).
La Passe Pier
Getting around La Digue
As I mentioned above, there are the two primary ways of exploring the island: by bike and on foot.
One thing to note is that the island is mostly dirt roads and there will be areas if it has rained, that will have a lot of water. There were a couple beaches and areas I approached where it had rained earlier in the day and it was quite a path of flooded muddy water.
I would keep that in mind when thinking about shoe choices and wardrobe.
But you can rent a buggy and get a great tour from a local who will know far more than you could ever learn on your own because they live there and know the island very well.
Things to do
Arguably the best thing to do in La Digue is visit Anse Source d’Argent. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Please note – the beach looks very empty at low tide. It is best to visit at high tide – make sure to check on those times.
See the Aldabra Giant Tortoises at Union Estate Park. You will need to pay to get in here. I paid 150 Seychellois Rupees per person. If you are planning to visit Anse Source d’Argent, the beach is also in here.
Rent a clear kayak at Anse Source d’Argent and paddle around the granite rocks. You will see the building below when approaching the beach.
Visit the Notre Dame Church. If you are already visiting Anse Source d’Argent, it is very close upon exiting.
Ride your bike around the island. It is nearly impossible to get lost – so when in doubt just keep peddling. You never know what hidden gem you may find.
Hike the interior of the island. Not so surprisingly, this beautiful island has beautiful hikes inside of it that should not be missed. Some of the best hikes include: Anse Marron Trail and Eagle’s Nest Trail.
Spend a day at Anse Marron! This beach, unlike many of the others, requires a jungle hike to visit. *Please be advised that you should get a guide to do this – it is suggested locally.
Don’t skip Grand Anse Beach! The water is a bit more aggressive but it is so beautiful!
Tours
If you love to book tours (like me), I pulled the best ones you can book.
From Mahe – this tour is of Praslin AND La Digue. Transfer and lunch will be included.
From Mahe – boat trip to La Digue and bike rental
From Mahe – Praslin and La Digue day tour and Creole lunch
From Praslin – Cocos, Felicite and La Digue islands tour
From Praslin – boat trip to La Digue with bike rental
Cocos Island
Where to stay
You can easily do a day trip to La Digue via boat but I can say my biggest regret was not planning to stay for a day or two. I could have stayed and enjoyed so much more of the island and took my time.
La Nautique – considered to be the best place to stay on the island, you will find a bit of luxury and outstanding views.
Chateau St Cloud – this beautiful place was actually one of the first buildings on the island!
Packing list for La Digue
Here are a few things I think are worth taking!
- Drone – if you want those iconic beach shots from above with the granite rocks, bring a drone. That is how I got all of mine.
- Underwater photos and videos – this is what I use when snorkeling reefs, shooting clear waters and capturing marine life.
- Reef safe sunscreen – please protect the marine life and coral reefs if you are going into the water. One way to do that is by wearing a reef safe sunscreen.
- Flat water bottle – it fits easier in my bag and I love it.
- Waterproof wet bag – I use this everywhere! You can put wet suits, towels, etc., in it and it won’t get everything else wet.
- Hair towel scrunchies – these are amazing after swimming or even a shower. They absorb water very quickly.
- Waterproof camera bag – you can use this for multiple cameras and/or anything you want. If it starts to rain, at least you know you can keep your valuables dry.
- Mesh beach bag – you can see what’s in your bag and it will dry fast if anything gets wet since it isn’t a solid thick fabric
Anse Source d’Argent
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