Ever wondered where those jaw-dropping photos of giant granite boulders and turquoise water were taken? They are from Anse Source d’Argent beach in La Digue, the most photographed beach in the world.
I’ve visited this beach numerous times, so I created this guide on how to visit Anse Source d’Argent beach, including what to know before you go, how to get there, and what to expect.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SEYCHELLES:
• Hilltop Boutique Hotel (I stayed here in Victoria on Mahé)
• Sun Properties & Resort Hotel (I stayed here in Beau Vallon on Mahé)
• Marie Laure Suites (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Bambous River Lodge (I stayed here in Bel Ombre on Mahé)
• Palm Beach Hotel (I stayed here in Grand Anse on Praslin)
• Chez Bea (I stayed here in Cote’Or on Praslin)
• Cote D’Or Footprints (upscale stay in Cote D’Or on Praslin)
• La Digue Self Catering Apartments (I stayed here in La Passe on La Digue)
• Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel (perfect beachfront location on La Digue)
• Chalets d’Anse Reunion (perfect paradise stay on La Digue)
TOP EXPERIENCES and TOURS IN SEYCHELLES:
• Mahé: Anse Major hike (I did this fun hike!)
• Mahé: Private Tour on Mahé (I did this)
• Mahé: St. Anne Marine Park with Lunch (I did this!)
• Mahé: Rock pool hike (on my wishlist)
• Mahé: Day trip to Praslin and La Digue (great if you are short on time)
• Praslin: Vallé de Mai and Anse Lazio (I did this!)
• Praslin: cruise to Curieuse and St. Pierre Island (top-rated tour)
• La Digue: Anse Marron (hike to an isolated beach)
• La Digue: Crystal Water Kayaks tour (my favorite!)
Anse Source d’Argent is the most famous beach in Seychelles (so iconic it even appeared in tourism brochures for Sri Lanka) and a must-do on La Digue. It belongs on every Seychelles itinerary.
Keep reading to learn about visiting this beach, part of the historic plantation L’Union Estate, what to do there (like kayaking or a drone photoshoot), and other useful tips.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
Never leave for a trip without travel insurance. Unexpected issues can arise so I suggest using insurance that covers people from all over the world, while outside their home country. You can buy this travel insurance even if you are already abroad.
Anse Source d’Argent beach La Digue
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Learn how to visit Anse Source d’Argent in La Digue island, famous for its giant granite boulders, turquoise lagoon, and soft white sand, one of the most beautiful and most photographed beach in the world.
● Discover the easiest way to access the beach through L’Union Estate, a historic plantation that’s also home to giant tortoises.
● Find out what are the best times to visit (early morning or late afternoon) and what to do there: swim, snorkel, kayak along the beach, book a drone photoshoot, or hike to Anse Marron.
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Fast facts on how to visit Anse Source d’Argent
Name: Anse Source d’Argent
Location: La Digue, Seychelles | Google Maps link
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (sunrise to sunset), 365 days of the year
Entrance fee: 150 SCR | 10,5€ | $11 per day, paid at L’Union Estate entrance
Time needed: 2 hours to full day (depending on your activities and itinerary)
Best time to visit: early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds; May–September can be windier & April and October have calmer waters
Why visit: famous for its striking granite boulders, turquoise lagoon, powdery white sand, and being one of the most photographed beaches in the world
Why visit Anse Source d’Argent
If you are wondering
Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most beautiful and most photographed beaches in the world. This is why most travelers to Seychelles visit La Digue.
One of La Digue’s best beaches, it has soft white sand, turquoise water, and large granite boulders that date back to the time of Gondwana and the age of dinosaurs. Its landscape makes it ideal for photography, swimming, and relaxing by the water.
The best way to see the boulders is by kayak from the water or with a drone photoshoot.
It is located inside L’Union Estate, an old coconut and vanilla plantation where you can also see giant tortoises, an old mill, and a cemetery.
So, is Anse Source d’Argent worth visiting? Absolutely! The combination of its iconic scenery and accessible location makes it a must-see on any Seychelles itinerary.
Planning Your Visit to Anse Source d’Argent
Where is Anse Source d’Argent beach
Anse Source d’Argent is located on the western side of La Digue, the fourth largest island in the Seychelles.
If you search for it on a map, you will find it just south of the village of La Passe, within L’Union Estate, a historic coconut and vanilla plantation.
One of the most famous beaches on La Digue, it is easily accessible by foot or bicycle from La Passe. Unlike secluded beaches such as Anse Marron or Anse Cocos, you do not need to hike through a forest, making it a convenient stop for most visitors.
How to get to Anse Source d’Argent
Anse Source d’Argent is located on La Digue island, so the first step is to get to the island.
You can reach La Digue by ferry from Praslin or Mahé. The main ferry operator is Cat Cocos for trips from Mahe and Cat Rose from Praslin Island. Both offer regular daily ferries. I would recommend booking in advance, especially during the holiday season.
Once on La Digue, the easiest way to reach Anse Source d’Argent is by bike or on foot from La Passe, the main village. Bicycles can be rented near the jetty in town, or maybe at your La Digue hotel.
I usually need 15-20 minutes by bike from my La Digue self-catering apartment close to the jetty to get there. I follow the road that goes by the beach, with one small turn all the way to L’Union Estate.
The beach is inside L’Union Estate, and the entrance is clearly marked.
Visiting Anse Source d’Argent from Praslin or Mahé
While I always encourage people to spend at least a night or two on Praslin and La Digue when visiting Seychelles, it’s possible to see Anse Source d’Argent on a day trip from either island. Keep in mind that this will require an early start to make the most of your time.
A day trip from Mahe or Praslin gives you a taste of the beach, but staying overnight on La Digue lets you fully enjoy the island, explore other beaches, and take part in activities like kayaking or hiking to Anse Cocos.
If you don’t have that many days in your itinerary, boat tours will take you to this iconic beach in a single day.
When to visit Anse Source d’Argent in Seychelles
Anse Source d’Argent can be visited year-round, but the experience depends a lot on when you go.
The best times of day are early in the morning or before sunset, when all the visitors on a day tour leave. Midday is when the beach is busiest, especially with day-trippers arriving from Mahé and Praslin.
If you go in the morning, you’ll enjoy calmer water and fewer crowds, while the afternoon light is softer and ideal for photography.
The beach also changes with the seasons.
From May to September, the southeast trade winds bring slightly rougher seas but often clear skies. From October to April, the northwest trade winds mean calmer water that’s better for swimming and snorkeling, though you might get short tropical showers.
Tides make a difference, too.
At low tide, more rocks and seagrass are exposed, which isn’t great for swimming or if you are planning to take drone shots. Mid to high tide is the best time to enjoy the beach and take the iconic photos Anse Source d’Argent is known for. If photography is your priority, plan for high tide and sunset to see the beach at its best.
Opening Hours & Entrance Fee
Anse Source d’Argent is located inside L’Union Estate, a historic coconut and vanilla plantation on La Digue. The estate is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and access to the beach is only possible with an entrance ticket purchased at the main gate.
The fee is 150 SCR (€10.5 | $11) per person. This ticket is valid for the entire day and includes not only Anse Source d’Argent but also the rest of L’Union Estate, and Anse Marron.
When you enter, you’ll receive a wristband that allows you to leave and return on the same day, so do not lose it! It is useful if you’d like to take a break for lunch at one of the best La Digue restaurants before coming back to enjoy the late afternoon light or sunset.
USEFUL TIP
If you arrive just before closing time, your wristband will also be valid the next day, so you can experience both a quiet morning and a stunning evening at the beach without paying twice.
What to do at Anse Source d’Argent
Anse Source d’Argent isn’t only about relaxing on the sand.
The lagoon is sheltered from the Indian Ocean, making it one of the safest beaches on La Digue for swimming. You can swim in the shallow turquoise water, sunbathe under the palms, or snorkel at high tide along the reef. The lagoon almost dries up at low tide.
For serious snorkeling though, the best spot on La Digue is actually Anse Severe, just a short bike ride away. Much of the coral in the lagoon has been bleached from the El Niño event, but you can still spot fish in the shallows and occasionally a cruising turtle.
Since Anse Source d’Argent sits on the west side of La Digue, it’s also one of the island’s best places to watch the sunset.
What makes this beach truly unique are the granite rock formations, which create a dramatic backdrop. Golden hour, just before the sunset, is a popular time also for wedding and honeymoon photos.
For something extra, you can also explore L’Union Estate before reaching the beach, take a crystal water kayak tour to see the boulders from the sea, or even book a drone photoshoot for the ultimate perspective. Read more about those below.
L’Union Estate
L’Union Estate is a former coconut and vanilla plantation where copra was produced until the 1980s. Vanilla cultivation declined because each flower must be pollinated by hand.
You can see the French Colonial plantation house, a traditional copra mill, and the cemetery of La Digue’s first settlers. A nearby kiosk sells local spices as souvenirs.
The estate also has an Aldabra Giant tortoise enclosure, where tortoises can be fed, though they roam freely on Anse Sévère, Curieuse, and Moyenne Island.
Inside the enclosure stands Union Rock, a 40-meter granite monolith covering 4,000 m². At around 700 million years old, it links Seychelles to the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, making it older than dinosaurs.
Crystal water kayaks tour
Going on a Crystal Water Kayaks tour is, up to today, one of my favorite La Digue activities.
It is one of the best ways to experience Anse Source d’Argent.
The signature Robinson Crusoe tour lasts 3 to 3.5 hours and offers a mix of kayaking, snorkeling (without getting your hair wet), and exploration along the beach. It is both relaxing and educational.
With a transparent kayak, you’ll paddle along Anse Source d’Argent, admiring its famous granite boulders and turquoise lagoon, and spot notable rock formations such as Shark Rock, Coco de Mer Rock, Kissing Rocks, and Turtle Rock. All perfect spots for photos.
The tour also takes you to Anse Pierrot or Robinson Crusoe Beach, where the 1987 Robinson Crusoe movie was filmed, and includes a short survival lesson and a hike to some other beaches in the south of La Digue.
Time of the tour depends on the tides, so for your Seychelles itinerary, I recommend booking it on a day when you plan to spend a full day on La Digue and at Anse Source d’Argent. For more tips about the tour, read my Crystal water Kayak tour review.
Drone Photoshoot
The giant granite boulders and shallow lagoon make Anse Source d’Argent a dream location for aerial shots. You can only see the full scale of the beautiful beach in the world from above.
A drone photoshoot is one of the most unique things to do on La Digue, giving you bird’s-eye views of turquoise water, white sand, and dramatic granite formations. To get the best shots, come at high tide.
You can either bring your own drone or book a session with a local photographer.
I booked mine with @crystalwaterkayaks. The session lasted around 1,5 hours and covered different parts of the beach. My photographer guided me on where to stand, which boulders to climb, and how to pose. Bright colors work work best against the rocks and ocean, so plan your outfit accordingly. Photos and videos were delivered digitally afterward.
If you want to book a drone photoshoot, I recommend reserving your spot in advance as slots are limited and fill up fast.
Tips for visiting Anse Source d’Argent
Practical tips on how to visit Anse Source d’Argent
COME EARLY
Arrive early in the morning or before sunset to enjoy calmer water, fewer crowds, and softer light for photography.
CHECK THE TIDES
Plan your visit around high tide to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and the lagoon at its fullest. The lagoon almost dries up at low tide and it doesn’t look as nice without the water.
BRING CASH
There are no ATMs or in case card payment options don’t work. If you want to buy drinks or snacks from one of the bars on the beach, you’ll need cash.
TOILETS
Toilets are available near the entrance of the pathway leading to the beach. There are also toilets next to Old Pier Café, located inside the L’Union Estate, where you can get lunch.
BIKE PARKING
Bike parking is provided all around the estate, so you can safely leave your bicycle before exploring the beach or estate grounds. Anse Source d’Argent is about 1 km (0.6 mi) south of L’Union Estate esntance. The closest bike parking is near the entrance of the pathway leading to the beach.
WEAR SUITABLE FOOTWEAR
Flip-flops are fine, but walking on the sand can be tiring. If wet, some areas around the granite boulders can be slippery. Water shoes or sturdy sandals make walking safer and easier.
USE SUNSCREEN AND INSECT REPELLENT
Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from the sun. Apply sunscreen regurarly. While Seychelles are malaria-free, mosquitoes can appear near shaded areas, especially after rain or during the wet season.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
What to apply first, sunscreen or bug repellent? Apply sun blocker first, wait for 10 minutes for it to absorb, and then apply the insect repellant.
Where to stay near Anse Source d’Argent
La Digue is a small island, and you can reach most places in 20–30 minutes by bike. Most hotels are on the west side near La Passe and the ferry jetty. There are a variety of options for where to stay in La Digue, from budget-friendly guesthouses to mid-range apartments and luxury resorts, all within cycling distance of the beach.
Luxury resort: Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie
Affordable luxury: Le Nautique Luxury Waterfront Hotel
Mid-range: La Digue Self-Catering Apartments
Budget: Chalets d’Anse Reunion
I always book my stay at La Digue Self Catering Apartments. I love the closeness to the La Digue ferry Harbor, and it is a great value considering location, price and amenities. Renting a bike through them makes exploring the island even easier.
FRIENDLY REMINDER
You must have all of your Seychelles accommodation booked BEFORE coming to Seychelles. At immigration and when boarding a ferry, you will be asked where you’re staying. If you don’t have it booked, you will be asked to do it at the airport.
Where to eat near Anse Source d’Argent
Along the beach, there is a path divided into small sections, where you will find two bars. Fruita Cabana Bar is the smaller one, while Robinson Crusoe Bar is larger with tables, swings, and hammocks. Both serve fruit platters, coconuts, smoothies, and rum cocktails.
If you prefer a sit-down meal, The Old Pier Café inside L’Union Estate is a great choice. It’s close to the beach and still offers excellent sea views.
Other options include leaving the estate to try one of the takeaways or some of the best La Digue restaurants. These are also some of my favorite place I recommend when asked where to eat in La Digue beyond Anse Source d’Argent.
Final thoughts on how to visit Anse Source d’Argent beach
Visiting Anse Source d’Argent is one of the highlights of any trip to La Digue.
With its calm lagoon, giant granite boulders, and beach bars serving coconuts and fresh juices, it’s easy to spend hours here swimming, relaxing, and taking photos. Anse Source d’Argent is worth visiting and should be on every Seychelles itinerary.
Plan your visit around high tide, bring sun protection, and take time to enjoy the beach bars or a meal at Old Pier Café for the full experience. But don’t forget La Digue offers more than just one beach. A scenic walk to Anse Cocos is another must-do.
You can spend a whole day there sipping smoothies from a beach bar or only a couple of hours. It’s up to you what else you would like to do in La Digue. If you are a fan of coconut, I suggest that you stop at Mimi’s cafe. And try the best coconut cheesecake and homemade ice cream! It’s to die for!
Check out my other travel tips for La Digue, like the most beautiful beaches, how to get to here and where to stay, or have a look at my other Seychelles guides for islands of Praslin and Mahe to help plan and pack your perfect tropical island adventure!
➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides
• How to spend 10 days in Seychelles Itinerary
• Is La Digue worth visiting? To visit or skip this Seychelles island
• How to get to La Digue island in the Seychelles, from Mahé or Praslin
• Where to stay in La Digue Island, Seychelles: 10 Best La Digue hotels
• Where to eat in La Digue Island: 10 La Digue Restaurants and Takeaways
• 15 Top things to do in La Digue, Seychelles (+ Map!)
• How to hike Anse Cocos trail in La Digue, Seychelles
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