One thing I always get asked when I return from Seychelles: “Is La Digue worth visiting?” And my answer is always the same – absolutely, La Digue is worth visiting!
Let me put it this way: if you haven’t been to La Digue, you haven’t truly experienced Seychelles. In this short guide, I’ll walk you through the pros (and cons) of visiting this small island in the Indian Ocean.
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!)
If you’re a beach lover, nature enthusiast, or someone who prefers less touristy destinations, La Digue is perfect for you. However, if you’re looking for party vibes or lively beach clubs, this island may not be your ideal spot.
Let’s explore why a trip to La Digue should be on your travel list!
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.
Visiting La Digue Seychelles
KEY TAKEAWAYS
● Discover why La Digue’s stunning beaches, unique landscape, and adventure activities make it a top honeymoon tropical destination.
● Learn no trip to the Seychelles should be without visiting the island of La Digue.
● Find out which type of travelers might not enjoy time on La Digue.
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Why visit La Digue
With some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and amazing photo opportunities, La Digue is one of the best beach destinations in Seychelles.
It’s perfect for wedding photoshoots, honeymoons, drone photography, and for those seeking crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling spots, and adventurous hikes. There is a plethora of things to do in La Digue.
This small island also offers plenty of secluded areas for privacy, along with some of the finest luxury accommodations for a truly unforgettable stay.
Here are some reasons why you should go to La Digue as part of your Seychelles itinerary.
Unique beaches
La Digue is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles and the world.
I can confirm this as true. La Digue’s beaches stand out and simply can’t be compared with those I visited in Barbados, Samoa, Fiji, or even other Indian Ocean destinations like Zanzibar.
While Mahé Island and Praslin have stunning coastlines, La Digue beaches offer something unique. The island is known for its white sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic granite boulders that create postcard-perfect views.
This is why, many choose La Digue for their wedding photoshoots or book drone photography sessions to capture the island’s unique coastline.
Unlike the more crowded beaches on Mahé or Praslin, here beaches are quieter. The only exception would be Anse Source d’Argent, the most photographed beach in the world. A solid reason that makes this island ideal for those wanting to enjoy nature without too many tourists.
You can find beaches on La Digue for everyone — family-friendly beaches for swimming and snorkeling, perfect for surfing Grand Anse Beach, and secluded, off-the-beaten-path beaches for privacy.
Adventure activities
Despite its small size, La Digue offers plenty of adventure activities for those looking for more than just sunbathing on beaches.
There are several great La Digue hiking trails, with the Anse Cocos trail being the most popular. This easy hike takes you along the southeastern coastline, through a cinnamon forest to the secluded Anse Cocos Beach.
For those seeking more of a challenge, the Anse Marron hike is a must. You’ll need a guide, as the trek involves unmarked paths, rocky terrain, and wading through water.
If you prefer water-based activities, the Crystal Water Kayaks tour is a fantastic way to explore La Digue’s coast. You will paddle along the famous Anse Source d’Argent to the remote Robinson Crusoe Beach for an unforgettable experience.
Nature lovers can visit the Veuve reserve and interact with giant tortoises, while history enthusiasts can explore L’Union Estate.
Unique landscape and scenery
All around the island, you will find a landscape that is truly one of a kind. It was shaped by forces dating back to the age of the dinosaurs.
Like the other granitic islands of Seychelles, La Digue was once part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, which began breaking apart over 180 million years ago. The massive granite boulders that dominate its beaches and hills are remnants of that time, making La Digue’s scenery unlike anywhere else on Earth.
These giant, prehistoric rocks, combined with lush tropical vegetation and white sand beaches, create a dramatic and breathtaking setting that feels both timeless and untouched.
It is unique in the true meaning of the word, as Seychelles are the only mid-oceanic granitic islands in the world.
Easy to access and explore
While it feels like a remote island in the Indian Ocean, La Digue is easily accessible and simple to explore, making it a convenient choice for travelers seeking a tropical holiday.
You can easily get to La Digue from Mahé or Praslin by taking the Cat Cocos ferry, which has regular departures from both islands. The journey from Praslin takes about 15 minutes, while from Mahé it’s around 1 hour and 45 minutes. It is close enough to come from Mahe to La Digue on a day trip.
If you’re short on time, you can also book a helicopter flight, which will get you to the island in just 20 minutes.
As mentioned before the island is small and easy to explore. It is (almost) car-free, so the most popular way to get around La Digue is by bike, allowing you to travel at your own pace. For those who prefer other options, local “taxis” and rental buggies are available.
ALSO READ:
• How to get to La Digue from Mahé or Praslin
Peaceful and uncrowded atmosphere
I’ve visited La Digue multiple times and I’m still surprised how peaceful and uncrowded it feels.
Luckily it is still one of those destinations that were not changed by overtourism and have kept their original charm. The island’s smaller size naturally limits the number of visitors, keeping the overall atmosphere relaxed.
Popular spots like Anse Source d’Argent can get crowded, although, to be honest, I never felt it was crowded. But the true magic happens after the last ferry leaves. Then you can feel the real peacefulness and island serenity. That is why I always advise you to plan at least a night or two in your La Digue itinerary.
La Digue’s calm charm and less touristy feel provide a perfect retreat for travelers looking to unwind and connect with nature in a serene environment.
Luxurious accommodation options
Being an unspoiled paradise, I was surprised by the accommodation options on the island.
Despite its small size, La Digue offers some incredible luxurious places to stay. Many of the best La Digue hotels cater to travelers looking for high-end comfort, elegance, and a more exclusive vibe.
When planning where to stay in La Digue, you will find beachfront villas, private bungalows, upscale hotels, and resorts. One thing you won’t find here is backpacker hostels. If you wish to visit La Digue on a budget, stay in one of La Digue self-catering apartments.
For those wanting a luxurious experience, Le Domaine de L’Orangerie stands out with private villas. If you prefer a more intimate setting, Le Nautique offers chic oceanfront suites. Le Repaire Boutique Hotel also provides a quieter, more private atmosphere.
Vibrant marine life
The waters surrounding La Digue are home to coral reefs and colorful marine life.
Some of the best snorkeling beaches are on the west side of the island, where you can see corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles. You might also see stingrays, harmless reef sharks, and dolphins swimming by.
For even more marine life, sign up for a day trip to Félicité, Coco, and Sister islands known for their unspoiled crystal-clear waters and diverse sea life. Unfortunately, the coral in some areas has been affected by El Niño, but many spots still offer incredible underwater experiences.
Who is La Digue not for
La Digue is my favorite island in the Seychelles and I think it is definitely worth visiting. However, I realize that the relaxed and laidback vibes of La Digue might not be the best choice for everyone.
Party travelers
If you’re after a party nightlife or bustling beach bars, you might find the island boring. There are no clubs where you can dance until midnight or mingle and meet other solo travelers. You will find beach bars serving cocktails, but in a more relaxed, and intimate atmosphere.
Budget-conscious travelers
Accommodations on the island are leaning towards the pricier side. There are more luxurious options and fewer backpacker options available. You can however find affordable self-catering apartments. There are no hostels in La Digue.
Solo travelers looking to meet people
If you’re traveling solo and hoping to meet other travelers or make new friends along the way, La Digue will feel too quiet and ‘coupley’. While the island is beautiful and peaceful, it doesn’t have a lively backpacker or hostel scene where solo travelers typically mingle.
Travelers who dislike physical activity
La Digue has limited cars and the main way to explore La Digue is by bike or on foot. If you’re not a fan of cycling or walking and are looking for more convenience or a faster pace of travel, La Digue might not be for you.
Ultra-luxury travelers or high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs)
While La Digue offers beautiful stays, it lacks the exclusivity, privacy, and personalized experiences some may seek. Nearby Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island, with its private villas, is a better fit for those seeking the best luxury hotels in Seychelles and a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Verdict: Is La Digue worth it?
La Digue Island has plenty to offer and is absolutely worth visiting.
Its stunning beaches, unique landscape, adventure options, great snorkeling, and peaceful vibe make it a top destination for those seeking natural beauty and relaxation. I’ve visited it multiple times and will definitely be back.
La Digue island is easily accessible, it doesn’t feel overcrowded, and maintains a local charm. It’s a popular honeymoon destination, perfect for those who want to unwind and enjoy a secluded escape.
However, if you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, party scenes, or a more budget-friendly destination where you can easily meet other travelers, Zanzibar might be a better choice. I’ve personally visited Zanzibar, another tropical island in the Indian Ocean, and found it ideal for a livelier experience.
If La Digue sounds like your kind of destination, check out my other travel guides on La Digue, including where to stay, the best La Digue beaches, must-visit places, learn about Anse Cocos trail, and additional Seychelles travel tips. You might also consider combining your visit to La Digue with Mahé and Praslin for a complete Seychelles experience.
➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides
• Perfect first-timers Seychelles Itinerary
• How to get to La Digue island in the Seychelles, from Mahé or Praslin
• 15 Top things to do in La Digue, Seychelles (+ Map!)
• Crystal Kayak La Digue: The Ultimate Seychelles Epic Adventure Tour
• 101+ Seychelles Captions for Instagram
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