15 Top things to do in La Digue, Seychelles (+ Map!)

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I visited La Digue and Seychelles multiple times during the last couple of years. So I’ve had plenty of time to uncover stunning beaches, hiking trails, and unique granite rock formations of this laid-back island.

But what are the top La Digue attractions? Find them all below.

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I’ve done the work! CLICK HERE to reveal my top Seychelles travel resources.

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!)

My favorite island in Seychelles is home to the most photographed beach in the world Anse Source D’Argent. It is a true beach paradise, that can easily be reached from Praslin or Mahé.

There’s no shortage of amazing things to do in La Digue island. From beaches to plantation houses, hikes, sunset spots, dining suggestions, and more! The relaxed atmosphere and tranquil beauty make La Digue a perfect place to end your Seychelles itinerary or be an ideal spot for your tropical island honeymoon.

Below find top La Digue islands things to do and include them in your La Digue itinerary to enhance your Seychelles trip.

Things to do in La Digue Island

KEY TAKEAWAYS

● The best way to explore the island is by renting a bike.

● Discover top La Digue things to do, and the best beaches on La Digue, from Anse Source D’Argent, Anse Cocos, Anse Patates, and others.

● Find the best hiking trails La Digue has to offer. Hike to Nid D’Aigle, hike from Grande Anse to Anse Cocos, and hike to Anse Marron to name a few.

● Have a look at the best dining spots on the island, from takeaways and cafes to upscale restaurants offering authentic Creole cuisine.

● Visit historical sites, like the L’Union Estate plantation with traditional buildings old cemetery, and animal encounters.

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Is La Digue worth visiting?

Let’s just put it this way. If you haven’t been to La Digue, you haven’t experienced Seychelles.

La Digue’s unique beaches, landscapes, and laid-back atmosphere set it apart from Mahé or Praslin. On La Digue, you will realize, that paradise exists.

It is an island you do not want to miss.

To get the true ‘taste’ of La Digue, a day trip from Mahe won’t be enough. I recommend having at least one night here (ideally two or three).

La Digue is home to the iconic Anse Source D’Argent, which gets crowded during the day. For a quieter beach experience, you can explore other beautiful beaches on the island.

Enjoy the picturesque Anse Patates, snorkel at Anse Severe, or take a refreshing swim in the natural pools of Anse Cocos.

For those of you who can’t keep still, and are seeking more than just snorkeling and swimming, you can choose from numerous activities La Digue has to offer.

Go on one of the hiking trails in La Digue. From Easy one from Grand Anse to Anse Coco, to moderate and more challenging hikes to Anse Marron and Nid D’Aigle. You can rent a bike and cycle across the island or rent a transparent kayak and paddle along the most photographed beach.

Nature lovers can visit the Veuve reserve and interact with giant tortoises, while history enthusiasts can explore L’Union Estate.

La Digue Island has plenty to offer and is absolutely worth visiting.

List of the best things to do in La Digue Seychelles

Explore the island by bike

La Digue is a very small island and getting around La Digue is easy.

It covers only 10 km² (3.9 mi²) and spans only 5 km (3.1 mi)  from north to south and 3 km (2 mi) from east to west. It is easy and safe to explore the island by foot but the best way to get around La Digue is by bike.

Bike is the main mode of transportation on the island and a cheap and convenient way to see all of the best places in La Digue. 
Most places will offer bike rentals, like La Digue Self Catering Apartments. If a place you are staying doesn’t offer bikes, there are plenty of bike rentals in La Passe.

I always got my bike from Tatis Bicycle Rental, located close to the La Digue jetty. You can expect to pay 150 SCR (10,5€ / $11) for a day or get yourself a discount of 100 SRC (7€ /$7,5) if renting for more than a day. 

It’s important to note that they drive on the left side.

My top tips when renting a bike on La Digue are;
• check the breaks before ‘renting’,
• take a photo and remember your bike number,
• save the number of your rental shop (I got a flat bike tire, so they had to change my bike),
• bring a small bike light from home if using the bike at night as there are very few street lights in La Digue.

Spend a day on Anse Source D’Argent

Spending a day at Anse Source D’Argent is one of the top things to do in La Digue. Thanks to the amazing granite formations, this is the most photographed beach in the world.

To get to one of the world’s best beaches, you will have to pay an entrance fee of 150 SCR (10,5€ / $11) (cost in April 2024).

The entrance fee is actually for the L’Union Estate Park inside which the beach is located. It covers L’Union Estate Park, Anse Source D’Argent, and Anse Marron. It is valid for one day. You will get a wristband so you can leave the Estate to grab lunch and come back to see the sunset on the same day.

When organizing your itinerary for La Digue, I would recommend planning a visit to L’Union Estate Park, Anse Source D’Argent, and the Crystal Water Kayak tour in a single day.

Before coming to the beach, there are toilets, showers, bike parking, and a restaurant.

Beach gets crowded during the day, so the best time to visit is in the morning or before sunset, when all the visitors on a day tour leave.

There is a path along the beach which granite builders divide into various sections. Inside you will find two bars. They both prepare delicious fruit platters, fresh fruit smoothies, coconuts, and rum cocktails.

The first one is a smaller one called Fruita Cabana Bar, and the second one is Robinson Crusoe Bar. The latter is a bit bigger, has more tables and also swings.

There is a reef right off the beach, so you can even snorkel (at high tide). Anse Source D’Argent is located on the West side of La Digue, meaning this is also a great location for watching the sunset.

Granite builders are what make this beach unique. It is a stunning place to take photos. I have countless of them.

You can also book your drone photoshoot (like I did) or have your stunning wedding photos taken at the golden hour in front of granite builders (I was only an assistant for this photoshoot).

Book your drone photoshoot on Anse Source D’Argent

Booking a drone photoshoot on Anse Source D’Argent is an exceptional experience that adds a unique touch to your visit to La Digue. The resulting photos and videos will perfectly capture the island’s beauty. I absolutely loved how mine turned out!

To secure your spot, book your drone photoshoot session in advance as slots are limited and fill up fast.

The photoshoot will last around 1,5 hours. During that time, you will visit different parts of Anse Source D’Argent Beach. I recommend wearing white or bright colors, that will pop-up against the rocks, sand, and ocean. I was wearing a bright orange and pink dress.

Throughout the session, your photographer from @crystalwaterkayaks will guide you suggesting the best spots, where to go, and what to do to capture stunning aerial shots.  Following his expertise, you’ll climb granite boulders, traverse the beach, and pose against the backdrop of La Digue’s remarkable scenery.

You will get a bird’s-eye view of the granite rocks, turquoise waters, and lush greenery. A unique perspective and amazing compositions will make your photos stand out from the usual tropical beach shots.

After the photoshoot, all your files will be conveniently emailed to you via WeTransfer.

The price of the drone photoshoot will depend on the duration and your photo/video preferences. You can ask for the quote at the time of booking. Regardless of the price, it will be worth it as the photos will undoubtedly leave you in awe.

Kayak to Robinson Crusoe Beach with Crystal water kayaks

Going on a Crystal Water Kayaks tour is, up to today, one of my favorite La Digue activities. I like it so much, I’ve done it five times (so far) in April and October. It is great to break up your day when spending a day on Anse Source D’Argent.

Crystal Water Kayaks offers kayak rentals per hour (250 SCR | 17€ | $18,5), the famous Robinson Crusoe Tour (550 SCR | 35€ | $40,5), and the previously mentioned drone photoshoot. L’Union Estate Park entrance fee is not included in the price.

Their signature Robinson Crusoe tour lasts from 3 to 3,5 hours. The tour is a nice mix of education, activity, relaxation, and exploration. Truly one of the best things to do on La Digue.

You will be kayaking along Anse Source D’Argent, snorkeling and watching corals through a transparent kayak, admiring granite formations on the beach, and learning about the geology of Seychelles.

On Anse Pierrot or Robinson Crusoe beach, where the Robinson Crusoe movie was filmed in 1987, you will have a survival lesson.

You will get a waterproof bag to put your water bottle, sunscreen, and valuables in it. No shoes are allowed in the transparent kayaks.

As this is an outdoor activity, plan and prepare accordingly. Stay hydrated, use sunscreen, dress for the occasion (you can change into more photogenic clothes when you return), cover your face and eyes, and wear shoes that can get wet.

I recommend booking a tour in advance, as the starting time varies and is based on the tides. Book it on a day you will spend the whole day on La Digue. Not on the day you arrive or leave La Digue island.

You can book through their official site, on-site, via Instagram @crystalwaterkayaks, or via WhatsApp on +248 2 800 877.

Spend some time in L’Union Estate Park

Visiting L’Union Estate Park is a must for anyone who wants to see Anse Source D’Argent – the most photographed beach in the world and the most famous beach in Seychelles.

There is an entrance fee for L’Union Estate of 150 SCR (10,5€ / $11) (cost in April 2024). It covers L’Union Estate Park, Anse Source D’Argent, and Anse Marron, and is valid for one day. So you can leave L’Estate and come back within the same day.

L’Union Estate Farm is now a natural reserve but was once a vanilla and coconut plantation.

This is a perfect place to learn more about the island’s history and culture.

Inside you can still see vanilla and coconut palm trees. Until 1980s copra was actively produced. Vanilla production decreased due to the lack of pollinating insects on the island. To get vanilla each flower needs to be pollinated by humans by hand.

You can visit an old plantation house built in the French Colonial style, a traditional copra mill, and a cemetery where the first settlers of La Digue are buried.

Opposite the cemetery, there is a small kiosk where a local lady is selling spices, that you can take home as a souvenir.

There is an Aldabra Giant tortoise enclosure. You can feed the tortoises but they are always kept inside. You can find tortoises roaming free on Anse Severe Beach on La Digue, on Curieuse Island, and on Moyenne Island in St. Anne Marine National Park.

Inside the enclosure, there is a huge granite monolith named The Giant Union Rock. It is 40m high, covers around 4,000 m², and is estimated to be around 700 million years old, which suggests that Seychelles belonged to the supercontinent Gondwana and are older than dinosaurs.

Snorkel, pet tortoises, and admire the sunset on Anse Severe

Anse Severe is undoubtedly one of the best beaches on La Digue.

The beach is easily accessible by bike or on foot from La Passe. It is located around 1 km (0.6 mi) up north from the Jetty, which would mean around 15 minutes of slow walking or around 7 minutes by bike.

Unlike Anse Source D’Argent there’s no admission fee to enjoy this beautiful stretch of Seychelles coastline.

Protected by coral reefs, Anse Severe is safe for swimming during low and high tide. It is also one of the best beaches to snorkel in La Digue, so make sure to bring your snorkel and goggles.

Anse Severe Beach is located on the northwest side of the island, in a perfect spot to watch sunset. I always watch it with a cocktail at Bikini Bottom bar.

The Bikini Bottom bar is right at the beginning of the beach. Bright-colored building will be on your left side when coming downhill from La Passe. Here you will also be able to pet Giant Aldabra tortoises that wander around the area.

Relax at Anse Patates Beach

La Digue has many beautiful beaches, but Anse Patates might be the most idyllic and my personal favorite.

In my opinion, this is the most picturesque beach in La Digue.

It is located in the north of La Digue, close to Pataran Village Hotel. It’s around 2 km (1.2 mi) from the Jetty, which would mean around 25 minutes walk or around 15 minutes by bike.

You can see it from the main road. To access it, park your bike at the side of the road and descend a few stairs to reach the beach.

What makes Anse Patates special is its secluded and intimate atmosphere. Unlike more crowded beaches, such as Anse Source D’Argent or Anse Severe, Anse Patates is smaller, more peaceful and relaxed.

If you are lucky, you can see dolphins swimming close to the beach.

Bike to the end of the road or to Anse Fourmis

Biking to the end of the road on La Digue is a fun activity for anyone looking to do something beyond beach activities. 

Start anywhere on the island and head north in a clockwise direction. Anse Fourmis (the end of the road) is around 5 km (3 mi) from the jetty. With a moderate pace, you will need around 20-30 minutes to get there.

Along the way, you’ll pass by Anse Severe and Anse Patates, both previously mentioned beaches. Plus you will be able to enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean and neighboring island Félicité as you ride.

The road was in good condition the last time I cycled to the Anse Fourmis. A bike ride will be good cardio as there are a couple of uphills and downhills.

Anse Fourmis is a peaceful beach on the east side of La Digue, perfect for sunbathing. Swimming here isn’t recommended, due to strong currents at high tide and corals close to the surface at low tide.

After your bike trip, stop at the popular Creole restaurant Chez Jules. Read more about it below.

Eat at the Creole restaurant Chez Jules

On your way back from Anse Fourmis, have lunch at one of the most popular La Digue restaurants, Chez Jules.

They are right next to the road, across from Anse Banane Beach, with stunning beach views. There was also a tortoise on the road every time I was there.

Chez Jules is one of the top dining places to visit in La Digue. They serve delicious Creole and seafood dishes, plus are vegetarian-friendly. If you want to try some local Creole delicacies, they serve fruit bat curry and fruit bat civet.

I have tried octopus salad, octopus curry, fresh tuna steak, fish and chips, and mango and coconut ice cream. I recommend going for octopus dishes!

While the food and service there are superb, this place might not be the best place to dine if you are visiting Seychelles on a budget.

For cheaper eats on La Digue, visit some of the local takeaways like Rey & Josh Cafe Takeaway, Gala Takeaway, Zerof or Mimi’s cafe. All are mentioned below.

Hike to the highest point on the island Nid D’Aigle

Hiking to Nid D’Aigle, the highest peak of the island (333 m), is a must do in La Digue.

With a normal pace expect 2 -3 hours of walking time, for a 4 km hike, from La Passe. You can shorten it by biking or taking a taxi to Belle Vue.

From Belle Vue expect around 45 minutes of a medium and on parts challenging hike. Have good footwear (no flip flops!) as you will be walking on various surfaces, from red earth, forest floor, and granite rocks. After rain, the trail will be slippery.

From the highest point, you will see La Passe and Réunion villages on La Digue and neighboring islands Praslin, Curieuse, Felicité, and Marianne.

There is not much shade along the trail so I would recommend doing the hike early in the morning and then finishing the hike with a nice coffee and breakfast at Belle Vue.

Dine in a local takeaway

Dining in a local takeaway is a perfect solution if you are looking for delicious Seychellois cuisine in La Digue without breaking the bank.

There are many takeaways around the island offering homemade creole dishes and international menus at affordable prices.

Some of my tried and tested favorites are mentioned below.

Glorious Bakery & Snacks is close to the jetty and Post Office. Come here for a nice cup of coffee, pastries, or delicious baguette before you head out to the beach or hike.

Rey & Josh Cafe Takeaway, Gala Takeaway, and Zerof are all within biking distance from Anse Source D’Argent. They are all on the same street going inland, on the way to Grand Anse. Rey & Josh Cafe Takeaway is a bit uphill. They are usually open for lunch and dinner, and you can dine in or have a takeaway.

Another local favorite is having lunch at Coco Bar on Anse Cocos. They prepare an amazing BBQ lunch with grilled fish, curry, rice, and pasta. You simply have to try it!

Try the best coconut ice cream and coconut cheesecake at Mimi’s Cafe

Mimi’s Cafe is another local budget-friendly dining option.

They serve local Creole dishes, international food, and homemade desserts. The cafe is closed on Sundays, so plan your La Digue itinerary accordingly.

As the cafe is located a bit further inland, I always stop here on my way back from Anse Coco hike (described below), to get homemade coconut cheesecake and coconut ice cream. A MUST eat on La Digue and one of the best ice creams I found during my 9-day trip to the Seychelles.

Cafe is also close biking distance from L’Union Estate and Veuve Nature Reserve.

Stretch your legs on a hike from Grand Anse to Anse Cocos

The hike from Grand Anse to Anse Cocos is one of the easiest and most popular hikes on La Digue. It is free and it follows Anse Caiman Trail. You do not need a guide to do it.

Anse Caiman Nature Trail is 2.52 km (1.56 mil) and is classified as a low-difficulty walk. It goes all the way to Anse Caiman Beach, but you are only going to go up to Anse Cocos.

Plan from 40 minutes to 1 hour to get from Grande Anse to Anse Coco (one way). The trail gets really muddy when wet. Wear walking shoes as it can be really challenging to do it in flip-flops! (I’ve tried.)

Anse Cocos hike is a perfect day trip. On my La Digue itinerary, I usually combine it with an afternoon snorkeling and sunset watching on Anse Severe. That is why I would recommend doing this hike in the morning.

You will first need to bike to Grand Anse and leave your bikes there. You will return in the same way.

Plan around 15 minutes from Grand Anse to Petite Anse. Add another 30 minutes from Petite Anse to Anse Cocos. Trail goes uphill when leaving the beach and goes down when getting to the beach.

While walking from Petite Anse to Anse Cocos, you might notice a familiar scent following you. Cinnamon. You will be walking in a cinnamon forest.

Cinnamon leaves are very easy to recognize. They are leathery, glossy green with only 3 veins, central one and one on each side. If you crush the cinnamon leaf it will smell even more like familiar spice, but with hints of a spicy and sweet.

You will arrive at Coco Bar on Anse Cocos. They serve amazing freshly made smoothies and prepare delicious BBQ lunch. There is a natural pool on the other end of Anse Cocos where you can swim. Swimming outside of the pool is not recommended due to rip tides.

Find adventure on a hike to Anse Marron

Another popular hike is the one to Anse Marron, the most southern beach on La Digue.

You can get there in two different ways.
One trail starts from Grand Anse and another trail starts from Anse Source D’Argent.

I haven’t been on the one from the Grand Anse, but the one starting on ASDA passes Anse Pierrot and Anse aux Cedres which you can also visit by joining the Crystal Water Kayaks tour.

This is a moderate to difficult hike and you do need a guide to do it. You can book a guide here.

On this adventurous hike, you will walk on the beach, through the forest, along the coral coastline, do some rock climbing over granite boulders, and in the sea that can be even waist high.

It’s hard to know which and where to climb the boulders and you have to know the tide time.

You will need good walking shoes (no flip-flops!), carry enough water with you, preferably in a waterproof bag, and wear sun protection clothes and sunscreen.

To do Anse Marron hike you need to be fit enough to walk for 2 hours without rest. The whole tour will last from 6-7 hours, plus you will have to pay an entrance fee for L’Union Estate Park of 150 SCR (10,5€ / $11) (cost in April 2024).

That is why I recommend doing this hike on the same day as visiting Anse Source D’Argent.

Once on the beach, you will be able to enjoy the rock pool at Anse Marron. Outside of the pools, Anse Marron is not safe for swimming. Currents are strong and the water gets deep super fast.

Visit neighboring islands Coco, Sister, and Félicité

On one of the most popular day trips from La Digue, you explore even more stunning islands of Seychelles and visit the three closest islands to La Digue, Coco, Sister, and Félicité.

Sister Island is privately owned and has pristine beaches with crystal-clear waters offering excellent snorkeling opportunities. Here you will also have a delicious BBQ lunch.

You will also have a snorkeling option on another privately owned Félicité island.

Half of the island is included in Ramos National Park. Félicité is more known for a luxurious 5-star resort Six Senses Zil Pasyon. It is considered one of the top hotels in the world, offering exceptional privacy. You can get to Six Senses Zil Pasyon by helicopter or speedboat. Staying here starts from 2000€ per night.

Coco Island or Île Cocos is home to one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots in Seychelles, with numerous fish, rays, and sea turtles. You will be able to go on the island or snorkel in front of it.

This La Digue sister islands tour includes a landing fee on Sister Island (500 SCR per person | 35€ | $37) and a landing fee at Coco National Park (SCR 200 | 13,5€ | $15). If booking with a local provider, ask if the tour includes landing fees.

You can have a look at the current List of landing and mooring fees of the Seychelles Islands, which will also come in handy of you are sailing in Seychelles with a yacht or catamaran boat.

I would recommend bringing your snorkeling gear (if you have one), waterproof bag, towel, and sun protection clothes and (coral reef safe) sunscreen, some cash or credit card, and comfortable (water) shoes.

Things to do in La Digue on a MAP

Where to stay on La Digue Island

La Digue is a small island but still offers a variety of accommodation options.

They cater to different budgets, from dreamy resorts to luxurious hotels, guesthouses, and self-catering apartments, but there are not many. So, I would suggest booking yours in advance. 

I have a whole blog post dedicated to accommodation on La Digue and the best places to stay on Praslin and Mahé.

I mostly stayed at La Digue Self Catering Apartments. I love the closeness to the La Digue Ferry harbor, and it is a great value considering the location, price, and amenities.

They are in two buildings. Bord Mer is right across from the Fish Trap restaurant, and Mills Complex is 2 minutes walk away.

You will find upscale, tastefully decorated luxury Apartments in both buildings.

They work with Tati’s bikes so you can book your bike (an essential on La Digue) with them and they will arrange it for you. There are supermarkets, bakeries, souvenir shops, and restaurants nearby.

If you are traveling on a budget, check Zerof Guest House. They have an amazing restaurant and takeaway! I’ve eaten at their place quite a few times!

Look at the beachfront Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel for a more affordable luxury stay. This is a perfect place for couples and honeymooners. It is a privately owned hotel, with amazing sunset views and pool.

For experiencing the best of the best and for a more upscale luxurious stay check out L’Orangerie, with a tropical garden, gorgeous setting, swimming pool, and bars making delicious cocktails.

La Digue Seychelles things to do FAQs

Final thoughts on the best things to do in La Digue, Seychelles

La Digue is the definition of paradise and Seychelles and is worth your visit.

It is small in size but big in terms of what this world-famous granite island has to offer. La Digue is my favorite island in Seychelles as it offers something for any type of traveler.

You can visit La Digue and spend your days sunbathing and swimming on iconic beaches, like Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Patates, or secluded Anse Cocos. You can book also book a photoshoot on the most photographed beach in the world.

There are amazing snorkeling opportunities on Anse Severe and neighboring Coco Island.

If beach activities are to ‘plain’, explore the island by bike or rent a transparent kayak. You can also go for one of the hikes. Easy one to Anse Cocos, moderate to Nid D’Aigle, and challenging one to Anse Marron.

Spend your evenings admiring purple sunsets while tasting traditional creole dishes and siping local coconut. There are plenty of things to do on La Digue.

Now that you know what to do in La Digue, have a look at other Seychelles guides and discover how to get to La Digue, how to get to Seychelles, things to do in Praslin, things to do in Mahé, what are the best beaches in Seychelles, how Seychelles compare to Barbados and Zanzibar and other Seychelles info you might need.

➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides

• Where is Seychelles located and How to get there
• How to get to La Digue, Seychelles, from Mahé or Praslin
• How to spend 10 days in Seychelles Itinerary
• Crystal Kayak La Digue: The Ultimate Seychelles Epic Adventure Tour
• 101+ Seychelles Captions for Instagram

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