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

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.

So if you are searching for the best things to do in La Digue Island, Seychelles, you will find them below.

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 by ferry from Praslin or Mahe.

There’s no shortage of amazing things you can do in La Digue Seychelles. From beaches to plantation houses, hikes, sunset spots, dining suggestions, and more!

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The relaxed atmosphere and stunning beauty make this island a perfect place to end your Seychelles itinerary or be an ideal spot for your tropical island honeymoon.

Below find top attractions in La Digue below, which will assist you when planning your La Digue itinerary.

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.


Things to do in La Digue Island


Anja during a photoshoot on a the top granite builder on Anse Source D'Argent on La Digue as one of the best things to do on La Digue
Stunning drone photo | Photo credit @crystalwaterkayaks


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 this tropical island.

● Find the best hiking trails you can conquer on your trip to La Digue.

● 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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List of the best things to do in La Digue island in the Seychelles

Explore the island by bike

La Digue is a very small island and getting around 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 and a cheap and convenient way to see all 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 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.

GOOD TO KNOW
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.

Anja on a bike in La Digue island
Exploring the island by bike | Anja On Adventure


Spend a day on Anse Source D’Argent

Spending a day at Anse Source D’Argent is the famous beach in La Digue. Thanks to the amazing rock formations, this is the most photographed beach in the world and why La Digue is worth visiting.

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 November 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.

Next to the granite formations | Anja On Adventure


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 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. They have tables, swings and hammocks.

Coconut with hibiscu in one of the bars on Anse Source D'Argent
Coconuts with a hibiscus flower in one of the beach bar | Anja On Adventure


There is a reef right off the beach, where you can snorkel at high tide. It is located on the West side of La Digue, meaning this is also a great location for watching the sunset.

Granite rock formations 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 them (I was only an assistant for this photoshoot).

Me as an assistant during a wedding photoshoot | Photo credit Seychelles Wedding Photography


Book your drone photoshoot on Anse Source D’Argent

Booking a drone photoshoot is a unique thing you can do on the island of 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 the beach. I recommend wearing 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 rocks, traverse the beach, and pose against the backdrop of La Digue’s remarkable scenery.

Anja on Anse Source D'Argent from aeriel view taken with drone
Wear bright colors to get noticed from the aerial shot | Photo credit @crystalwaterkayaks


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.

On the top of granite builder on Anse Source D'Argent La Digue
On famous beach as seen from above | Photo credit @crystalwaterkayaks


Go 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/November. It is great to break up your day when spending a day on Anse Source d’Argent.

Crystal Water Kayaks also offers 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 the famous beach, snorkeling and watching corals through a transparent kayak, admiring different stone formations, 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.

anja in a transparent kayak in front of iconic granite boulders on Anse Source D'argent in Seychelels
In front of iconic rocks in a clear kayak | Photo credit @crystalwaterkayaks


You will get a waterproof bag to put your sunscreen, and valuables in. No shoes are allowed inside.

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.

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 famous beach in Seychelles.

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

Place 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.

welcome to l'union estate sign
Welcome sign | Anja On Adventure


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.

Inside L'Union Estate Cemetery
Gravestone of the first settlers on La Digue Cemetery inside the Estate | Anja On Adventure


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

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

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 is 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 the jetty. Here you will also be able to pet Giant Aldabra tortoises that wander around the area.

Bikini Bottom Bar on Anse Severe
Bikini Bottom Bar on Anse Severe | Anja On Adventure


Relax at Anse Patates Beach

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

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 it.

What makes Anse Patates special is its secluded and intimate atmosphere. Unlike more crowded beaches, this one is smaller, more peaceful and relaxed.

If you are lucky, you can see dolphins swimming close by.

Anse Patatas Beach
Picturesque Anse Patates in La Digue | Anja On Adventure


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.

east coat of La Digue
East Coast of La Digue | Anja On Adventure


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 visit some of the local takeaways that are mentioned below.

Octopus curry at Chez Jules


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 the jetty. 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 two biggest 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.

View from Nid D'Agile
View from Nid D’Aigle | Anja On Adventure


Dine in a local takeaway

Dining in a local takeaway is a perfect solution if you are looking for delicious Seychellois cuisine 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 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 same named beach. They prepare an amazing BBQ lunch with grilled fish, curry, rice, and pasta. You simply have to try it!

Ray and Josh Cafe Takeaway | Anja On Adventure


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 the easy hike (described below), to get homemade coconut cheesecake and coconut ice cream. A MUST, as it is one of the best ice creams I found during my trip to the Seychelles.

Cafe is also close biking distance from Veuve Nature Reserve.

mimi's cafe coconut cheesecake
Mimi’s Cafe coconut cheesecake | Anja On Adventure


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

The Anse Cocos Trail is one of the easiest and most popular hikes on La Digue. It follows part of the Anse Caiman Nature Trail, and takes 40 minutes to 1 hour one way.

No guide is needed, but wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be muddy and slippery when wet. It can be really challenging to do it in flip-flops! (I’ve tried.)

If possible, start the hike in the morning and combine it with snorkeling or sunset watching at Anse Severe in the afternoon.

To get there, bike to Grand Anse and leave your bike there. You will walk past Petit Anse and walk over two huge granite builders now all covered with ferns, and cinnamon forest, filling the air with a warm, spicy scent.

At Anse Cocos, you can enjoy fresh smoothies or BBQ at Coco Bar. If you wish to swim, do that in the natural pool at the far end of the white sand beach, as the currents outside can be strong.

Sign showing the path of Anse Caiman trail | Anja On Adventure


Find adventure on a hike to Anse Marron

Another popular hike is the most southern beach Anse Marron.

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

I have only done the one starting on ASDA, which 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.

Anse Marron Anja On Adventure
Anse Marron on south side of the island | Anja On Adventure


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 of 150 SCR (10,5€ / $11) (cost in November 2024).

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

Once there, 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.

Anse AUX CEDRES
Lifted ancient reef on the way to Anse Marron | Anja On Adventure


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 the archipelago and visit the three closest islands to La Digue, Coco, Sister, and Félicité.

Sister Island is privately owned and has pristine coastline 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.

Sea turtle encounter | Anja On Adventure


Coco Island or Île Cocos is home to one of the most beautiful snorkeling spots, with numerous fish, rays, and sea turtles. You will be able to go on the island or admire the marine life 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 those 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.

View on privately owned Félicité Island | Anja On Adventure


La Digue things to do on a MAP

HOW TO USE THIS MAP
Use your mouse or fingers to ZOOM in and ZOOM out. For more info about the place, click the icons on the map.

If you wish to SAVE this map for later use, click the small grey star ‘⭐’ next to the map title. Map will be automatically added to your Google Maps account. To view it, go to ‘Saved’, then select ‘Maps’, find a map or click ‘Open My Maps’. You can also find it in your Google My Maps Account under ‘All’ or ‘Not Owned’ or ‘Recent’.


Final thoughts on the best things to do on La Digue

La Digue is one of the must-visit islands in the Seychelles.

It is small in size but big in terms of what this world-famous island has to offer. As already mentioned, it is my favorite island of the Seychelles as it offers something for any type of traveler.

You can spend your days sunbathing and swimming on iconic beaches, or book a photoshoot on the most iconic coastline in the world.

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

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

Spend your evenings admiring purple sunsets while tasting traditional creole dishes and siping local coconut.

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, things to do in Praslin, things to do in Mahé, what are the best beaches, what to pack and what souvenirs to bring home.

➤ Read more Seychelles travel guides

How to get to La Digue, from Mahé or Praslin
Where to stay in La Digue Island: 10 Best La Digue hotels
10 Best La Digue beaches
How to spend 10 days in Seychelles Itinerary
Is Crystal Kayak tour worth it: My honest review

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About the author: Anja

Photo of author
Anja is a travel blogger and the founder of Anja on Adventure travel blog. Originally from Slovenia, she was also living in Australia, New Zealand, Samoa, and Fiji. She loves traveling to tropical destinations, as well as beach destinations with endless summer. But you can also find her eating her way through Italy or Mexico, learning about ancient cultures in Easter Island, visiting bucket list places in Peru, or taking road trips through the USA. She is passionate about world cultures, travel, maps, and puzzles. For the past 15+ years she has been traveling the globe, as a solo traveler, and as a tour guide. Her goal is to visit every tropical destination in the World. Anja On Adventure is here to provide helpful travel guides and personalized itinerary ideas to travelers that she has gathered from first-hand experience.