La Digue Island is a small granitic island located off the coast of Praslin in the Seychelles archipelago. Known for its laidback atmosphere, picturesque beaches and natural beauty, La Digue offers visitors a quintessential Seychelles island experience.
Here are some key highlights of this tropical paradise:
- With an area of only 10 sq km, La Digue can be easily explored by bicycle or on foot. No heavy motorized vehicles are allowed on the island.
- Traditional ox carts still ply the island, adding to its old-world charm. Taking an ox cart ride is a must-do here.
- The beaches of La Digue with their granite boulders and turquoise waters are legendary. Anse Source d’Argent is considered one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
- Snorkeling and diving reveal a stunning underwater world around La Digue with coral reefs, fish, turtles and even sharks.
- La Digue is home to rare wildlife like the paradise flycatcher, Seychelles sunbird and Aldabra giant tortoise. Birdwatching is popular.
- Cool down with fresh coconut water or seafood barbecues on the beach after a day of exploring. Creole cuisine is a highlight.
How to Get to La Digue Island
The only way to get to La Digue is by boat, as the island has no airport.
From Praslin: Frequent catamaran ferries make the 15-20 minute crossing to La Digue from Praslin. Ferries run throughout the day starting early morning.
From Mahe: Catamarans and slow ferries take about 1 hour to reach La Digue from Mahe. You can take a ferry from Mahe to Praslin first and then hop on the La Digue ferry.
By Air: To reach Praslin or Mahe, you can fly internationally to Seychelles International Airport on Mahe from destinations like Dubai, Mumbai, Johannesburg etc. From there take a domestic flight to Praslin.
Top Attractions & Things to do on La Digue
1. Cycle Around the Island
Hire a bicycle and cycle around this tiny island to get a feel of life here. Peddle past coconut groves, vanilla plantations, villages and beaches. Stop enroute for picnics, swims or just to take in the views.
2. Visit L’Union Estate
This historic plantation estate gives you a glimpse of the colonial past and local industries of La Digue. See the copra mill, vanilla plantation, botanical garden and giant tortoises here. Don’t miss the cemetery with tombs of the original settlers.
3. Relax on the Legendary Beaches
Famed for their mix of pink granite boulders and ivory sand, La Digue’s beaches are sublime.
Anse Source d’Argent is the most famous with aquamarine waters lapping against huge weathered rocks. Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to visit when crowds are less.
Grand Anse, Petite Anse, Anse Cocos on the southeast coast are also spectacular beaches worth spending time at.
4. Spot Rare Birds
La Digue is a birder’s delight with rare endemic birds like the paradise flycatcher and Seychelles sunbird.
The Veuve Nature Reserve in the island’s interior harbours the paradise flycatcher and other indigenous birds.
5. Snorkel & Dive
Snorkel right off the beaches of La Digue, especially on the protected western coast. Spot colorful fish, sea turtles and even reef sharks.
Scuba diving around La Digue reveals stunning coral reefs, walls and caves. Advanced divers can see whale sharks and manta rays.
6. Take an Ox Cart Ride
Taking a ride in a traditional ox cart is a fun way to explore areas of La Digue like L’Union Estate. The gentle pace lets you enjoy the scenery.
7. Watch the Sunset
Watching the sunset is a favorite activity on La Digue. Head to a west facing beach like Grand Anse or Anse Source d’Argent in the late afternoon.
The thatched cafe at Belle Vue Viewpoint offers breathtaking sunset views overlooking the ocean.
8. Visit La Passe Village
The main village on the island with colorful Creole houses, shops, restaurants and a ferry jetty. Visit the morning market to shop for fresh produce and souvenirs.
Don’t miss the fruit bat colony near the jetty especially at dusk when they are most active.
9. Hike to Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint
For panoramic views of La Digue, take the short hike up to Eagle’s Nest Viewpoint on top of the island’s highest peak. Look out for the track start near La Passe village.
10. Indulge in Creole Food
Sample authentic Creole cuisine and fresh seafood during your stay. Don’t miss local dishes like octopus curry, grilled fish and coconut curries.
Best Beaches on La Digue
With a coastline ringed by coral reef, La Digue is blessed with a number of spectacular beaches that rank among Seychelles’ best.
Anse Source d’Argent – The most famous beach on the island with huge pink granite boulders dotted along its length. The classic postcard view of La Digue.
Grand Anse & Petite Anse – Two beautiful coves linked by a coastal path, featuring reef-sheltered turquoise waters.
Anse Cocos – A long stretch of palm-fringed beach on the south east coast. Safe for swimming with a small reef offshore.
Anse Patates – A lesser visited beach in the north ideal for snorkeling in the shallow reef waters.
Anse La Réunion – Located right by the village, this beach offers good swimming and amenities.
Anse Severe – Small secluded beach tucked between granite boulders in the southwest.
Where to Stay on La Digue
La Digue has a good variety of accommodation options to suit different budgets and needs.
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort – Set in lush gardens, this upscale resort features luxury villas with private pools. Offers spa, tennis, bikes and water sports.
Patatran Village – Charming Creole-style self-catering cottages in a tropical garden setting near Anse Patates beach.
Villa Veuve – Intimate guesthouse with a friendly ambiance, located close to Anse Source d’Argent.
La Digue Island Lodge – Laidback beachfront hotel with a restaurant, directly on Anse Réunion beach. Good budget option.
Le Repaire Boutique Hotel – Stylish boutique property with luxury amenities, situated on Anse Severe beach.
Coco de Mer Hotel – Set on Anse Severe beach, this small hotel offers Creole-style rooms and a restaurant.
Chateau St. Cloud – Historic hotel with tropical garden, rooms with antique furniture, close to Union Estate.
La Passe Guest House – Family-run guesthouse in La Passe village, near the jetty. Offers simple, good value rooms.
Getting Around La Digue Island
One of the delights of La Digue is exploring the island on foot by bicycle or traditional ox cart. There are very few motorized vehicles here.
On Foot – Hiking or walking along the coastal paths is an ideal way to discover the beaches and interior of La Digue.
By Bicycle – Cycling is very popular and bikes can be rented near the jetty or through hotels. Biking allows you to easily tour the island at your own pace.
Ox Carts – Taking a ride in a traditional ox cart is a fun experience. They operate at L’Union Estate and some hotels can arrange rides.
Boat Tours – Join an organized boat tour to visit the best snorkelling spots and nearby islands like Cocos and Felicite.
Taxis – A limited number of taxis are available, mainly used for airport transfers. Rates are fixed by the tourism board.
Best Time to Visit La Digue
La Digue enjoys a generally warm and humid tropical climate year-round. The best time to visit is from March to May and October to December when the weather is driest.
March to May – The hottest months with very little rain. Sea conditions are calm, making it great for boating, snorkelling etc.
June to September – The coolest time of year in Seychelles. Some rainfall and wind, but pleasant for activities.
October to December – The second dry season with lots of sunshine. The sea may be rougher on eastern beaches.
January to February – Wettest time of year with frequent downpours and strong winds. Wildlife watching is good.
Travel Tips for Visiting La Digue
- Don’t forget your camera! The island scenery is breathtaking.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, hats, swimwear and good walking shoes.
- Carry cash as there are no ATMs in La Digue, only one bank.
- Pack light as you may need to walk/cycle to your hotel from the jetty.
- Enjoy fresh coconuts, tropical fruit and seafood during your stay.
- Respect warning signs and don’t swim at dangerous beaches. Strong currents are present on the eastern coast.
- For a more secluded experience, visit in the early mornings and late afternoons when crowds are less.
Frequently Asked Questions about La Digue
What is the local currency of La Digue?
The Seychellois Rupee (SCR) is the currency used on La Digue and all of Seychelles. Most places accept major credit cards too.
Do I need a visa to visit La Digue?
Citizens of many countries like UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia etc. can visit Seychelles and La Digue visa-free for up to 30 days.
Is La Digue worth visiting?
Yes, La Digue is definitely worth a visit for its stunning beaches, laidback vibe and tropical beauty. Its a great place to relax and unwind surrounded by nature.
Does it rain every day in La Digue?
No, La Digue does not get rain every day, although some rainfall can occur year-round. The driest months are March-May and October-December. Brief daily rains are more common during the northwest monsoon from December to March.
What is the best way to see La Digue?
The best way to properly see all of La Digue is by renting a bicycle and cycling leisurely around the island. This allows you to stop anywhere enroute and easily reach key attractions.
Can you swim at all the beaches in La Digue?
No, not all beaches are suitable for swimming due to strong currents. Anse Source D’Argent, Grand Anse and Anse Cocos allow for safe swimming and snorkelling due to an offshore reef. But other beaches on the east coast can have dangerous conditions.
The Takeaway
Peaceful and picturesque, La Digue encapsulates the timeless beauty of Seychelles with its palm-fringed beaches, colorful reefs and laidback pace of life. For an idyllic tropical island vacation filled with biking, snorkeling, beach hopping and breathtaking vistas, La Digue is hard to beat. Its easygoing atmosphere and wealth of natural charms make it a traveler’s delight.
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