The best things to do on La Digue are to hire a bicycle and cycle the car-free island, visit Anse Source d'Argent, the famous beach of granite boulders and shallow turquoise pools within L'Union Estate, and explore the old plantation with its giant tortoises. Cross to the wilder east coast for the dramatic Grand Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Cocos, climb to the Nid d'Aigle viewpoint, and snorkel the sheltered headlands. La Digue is reached by a short fast ferry, usually via Praslin, and staying a night lets you feel it empty after the day boats leave.
La Digue is the Seychelles of the postcards, a small, slow, car-free island where you swap the engine for a bicycle and time seems to loosen. There is not a long list of attractions here, and that is the charm. The joy of La Digue is in the riding, the beaches and the unhurried pace. Here is how to spend your days.
Cycle the island
The first thing to do on La Digue is hire a bicycle, because it is how the island moves. The terrain is mostly flat near the coast, the distances are short, and pedalling between beaches under the palms is one of the simple great pleasures of Seychelles. Bikes are easy to hire near the jetty, and they turn the whole island into an easy day out.
Anse Source d’Argent
The island’s, and arguably the world’s, most photographed beach sits within the old L’Union Estate. Anse Source d’Argent is a series of shallow, sheltered turquoise pools framed by enormous, sculpted granite boulders. The light is loveliest in the morning and the late afternoon, and the calm shallow water makes it a gentle place to swim and wade among the rocks.
L’Union Estate
The gateway to Anse Source d’Argent is the old coconut and vanilla plantation of L’Union Estate, a window into the island’s past. You can see the colonial plantation house, an old copra mill, and a group of giant tortoises, all on the way to the beach. A small entry fee covers the estate and the beach beyond.
The quieter beaches
Cross to the wilder east coast and the crowds thin out. Grand Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Cocos are dramatic, beautiful beaches reached by a short walk or ride. The water here can be powerful, especially in the southeast trade-wind season, so they are often more for the scenery and the sense of escape than for swimming. Check conditions before you go in.
More to do
- Climb to Nid d’Aigle. The island’s highest viewpoint rewards a steep ride and walk with a sweeping panorama.
- Snorkel the headlands. The rocks at the ends of the sheltered beaches gather fish.
- Just slow down. A long lunch, a hammock and an afternoon swim is a perfect La Digue day.
How to visit La Digue
La Digue is reached by a short fast ferry, usually via Praslin, and many visitors come for a day trip, though staying a night or two lets you feel the island empty out after the day boats leave. Check the ferry schedule for your crossing, and if you are staying over, browse our directory for the island’s guesthouses and small hotels.
Frequently asked questions
What is there to do on La Digue?
Hire a bicycle and cycle the car-free island, visit the famous Anse Source d'Argent and the L'Union Estate plantation with its giant tortoises, explore the wilder east-coast beaches, climb to the Nid d'Aigle viewpoint, and snorkel the headlands.
Is La Digue worth visiting for a day?
Yes, La Digue makes a wonderful day trip, easily reached by a short ferry via Praslin. Staying a night or two is even better, as the island empties and quietens once the day boats leave.
How do you get around La Digue?
By bicycle. La Digue is largely car-free, and hiring a bike near the jetty is how the island moves. The terrain is mostly flat near the coast and the distances short, making it an easy and beautiful way to travel.
What is the most famous beach on La Digue?
Anse Source d'Argent, within the L'Union Estate, a series of shallow turquoise pools framed by huge granite boulders. It is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, loveliest in the morning and late afternoon light.
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