La Digue, an idyllic island in Seychelles, offers a unique blend of unspoiled beaches and accessible adventures. Combine the freedom of sailing with the charm of this car-free paradise for an unforgettable vacation. From exploring world-renowned Anse Source d’Argent to discovering hidden coves, La Digue is best experienced at your own pace, and a sailing trip provides just that.
Sailing in Seychelles: Your Gateway to La Digue
The Seychelles archipelago, a string of jewels scattered across the Indian Ocean, is a sailor’s paradise. Its calm, crystal-clear waters, consistent trade winds, and breathtaking scenery offer exceptional conditions for both novice and experienced sailors. Many sailing adventures in Seychelles begin from Mahé, the largest island and home to the international airport. From there, you can charter a yacht (with or without a skipper) and chart a course towards La Digue, approximately 27 nautical miles away. The trip itself is a spectacle, offering views of other stunning islands like Praslin along the way.
Renting a Yacht: The cost of chartering a yacht in Seychelles varies significantly depending on the size of the boat, the time of year, and whether you opt for a bareboat (without a skipper) or a skippered charter. A bareboat charter for a week can range from €3,000 to €15,000 or more, while a skippered charter will add the cost of the skipper (approximately €150-€250 per day) plus any provisions for them. Popular yacht charter companies in Seychelles include Dream Yacht Charter and Sunsail.
Sailing Routes to La Digue: From Mahé, a typical route to La Digue might include a stopover at Praslin. Praslin is home to the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique coco de mer palms. This break allows you to stock up on supplies, explore another stunning island, and break up the journey. Remember to check the weather forecast before setting sail. While Seychelles generally enjoys calm sailing conditions, it’s always best to be prepared for any changes in wind or sea state.
Anchoring and Mooring Around La Digue
La Digue offers several options for anchoring and mooring, but some areas are protected and should be avoided. It’s important to consult local charts and guides or ask the marina for guidance on recommended anchoring spots. The main harbor in La Digue is La Passe, located on the west coast. This is where the ferries from Mahé and Praslin arrive, and it offers mooring buoys and limited alongside mooring for smaller boats. As of 2023, mooring fees here are about SCR 500 per night for yachts under 15 meters. However, confirm prices with local authorities.
Alternative Anchorages: Anse Severe on the northwestern tip of La Digue, is another popular anchorage. This bay provides good protection from the prevailing southeast trade winds and offers easy access to the beach. Another options is Anse Union on the west coast south of La Passe. This area is also close to Anse Source d’Argent.
Important Considerations: When anchoring, always ensure you have sufficient scope (the ratio of chain length to water depth) to prevent dragging. Inspect your anchor regularly to ensure it is properly set. Be mindful of sensitive marine environments; avoid dropping anchor on coral reefs or seagrass beds. Dispose of waste responsibly and avoid discharging any pollutants into the water.
Exploring the Beaches of La Digue
La Digue is famous for its stunning beaches, each with its unique charm. The best way to explore them after reaching La Digue by sailboat, is to rent a bicycle, the primary mode of transport on the island. You can typically hire a bicycle near the La Passe jetty for about SCR 100-150 per day.
Anse Source d’Argent: The Jewel of La Digue
Anse Source d’Argent is arguably the most photographed beach in the world. Its dramatic granite boulders, powdery white sand, and shallow turquoise waters create an otherworldly landscape. The beach is located within the L’Union Estate, an old copra plantation. There’s an entrance fee of SCR 100 per person to enter the estate, which also gives you access to the giant tortoise pen, the old plantation house, and a traditional coconut processing mill demonstration.
Tips for Visiting Anse Source d’Argent: The best time to visit Anse Source d’Argent is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and capture the best light for photography. The beach is composed of several smaller coves, so take the time to explore each one to find your perfect spot. The calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, particularly at high tide. However, be aware that the reef can be quite close in some areas. Wear reef shoes to protect your feet. There are vendors on the beach selling drinks and snacks, but it’s best to bring your own supplies to avoid inflated prices.
Grand Anse: For the Adventurous Souls
Grand Anse, on the east coast of La Digue, is a wild and windswept beach with powerful waves and a dramatic coastline. It’s a favorite spot for surfers and those who enjoy a more rugged beach experience. The beach is accessible by bicycle from La Passe, but be prepared for a steep hill towards the end of the ride. The journey takes about 20-30 minutes.
Swimming at Grand Anse: Swimming at Grand Anse can be dangerous due to strong currents and large waves. It’s crucial to heed the warning signs and only swim if you are a confident swimmer. Even then, exercise extreme caution. However, the beauty of the beach and the dramatic scenery make it worth a visit. You can relax on the sand, admire the waves, and enjoy the unspoiled nature.
Hiking to Petite Anse and Anse Cocos: From Grand Anse, you can hike to two other stunning beaches: Petite Anse and Anse Cocos. The hike to Petite Anse takes about 15-20 minutes and involves crossing some rocky terrain. Petite Anse is smaller and more secluded than Grand Anse but shares the same powerful waves and dramatic beauty. From Petite Anse, a further 20-30 minute hike will take you to Anse Cocos, a sheltered cove with calmer waters ideal for swimming. Anse Cocos has a natural pool formed by rocks, providing a safe place to cool off. Remember to bring water and wear appropriate footwear for these hikes.
Anse Severe: Relaxation and Snorkeling
Anse Severe, located on the northwest coast, is known for its calm, shallow waters and excellent snorkeling. It’s a popular spot for families and those seeking a relaxing beach day. You can easily reach Anse Severe by bicycle from La Passe in about 10-15 minutes. The beach is lined with palm trees, providing plenty of shade.
Snorkeling at Anse Severe: The coral reef at Anse Severe is close to the shore, making it easily accessible for snorkeling. You can see a variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. The water is generally clear and calm, providing excellent visibility. You can rent snorkeling gear from shops in La Passe or bring your own.
Enjoying the Sunset: Anse Severe is also a great place to watch the sunset. The beach faces west, offering unobstructed views of the sun sinking into the ocean. Grab a drink from one of the nearby beach bars and relax as you watch the sky transform into a blaze of colors.
Other Noteworthy Beaches
La Digue has many other beaches worth exploring, each with its unique character. Anse Patates, a small and secluded beach on the northern tip of the island, is known for its clear waters and rock formations. Anse Gaulettes, further north, is a long and sandy beach ideal for walking and enjoying the peace and quiet. Anse Reunion, close to La Passe, is another popular beach with calm waters and beautiful scenery.
Activities Beyond the Beaches
While the beaches are the main attraction on La Digue, there are also other activities to enjoy. Exploring the island by bicycle is an adventure in itself, allowing you to discover hidden corners and experience the local culture. You can visit the Veuve Reserve, a small nature reserve dedicated to protecting the rare Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, a bird found only on La Digue. The reserve is located near La Passe and is open to visitors (entrance fee applies). Birdwatching tours are also available for keen bird enthusiasts.
Hiking to Nid d’Aigle (Eagle’s Nest)
For breathtaking panoramic views of La Digue and the surrounding islands, hike to Nid d’Aigle, the highest point on the island. The hike is quite challenging but rewarding. The trail starts from La Passe and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the summit. The initial section of the hike is on a paved road, but the final section is a steep and rocky climb through the forest. It’s advisable to wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.
Reaching the Summit: At the summit, you’ll find a restaurant and bar where you can relax and enjoy the views. The vista is spectacular, encompassing the entire island of La Digue, as well as Praslin, Félicité, and other nearby islands. The best time to hike to Nid d’Aigle is early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.
Exploring L’Union Estate
As mentioned earlier, L’Union Estate is more than just the gateway to Anse Source d’Argent. It’s a working copra plantation that offers a glimpse into the island’s history and culture. You can see how coconuts are processed into copra (dried coconut flesh), which was once a major export for Seychelles. You can also visit the giant tortoise pen, home to dozens of these gentle giants. The estate also has an old colonial house, a traditional cemetery, and a reconstructed boatyard.
Diving and Snorkeling Excursions
La Digue is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life, making it an excellent destination for diving and snorkeling. Several dive operators on the island offer excursions to nearby dive sites. Popular dive sites include Sister Islands, Coco Island, and Félicité Island. These sites offer opportunities to see colorful corals, reef fish, sharks, rays, and turtles. Snorkeling trips are also available for those who prefer to stay closer to the surface.
Dining on La Digue
La Digue offers a range of dining options, from casual beach shacks to more upscale restaurants. Many restaurants specialize in Creole cuisine, which features fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic spices. Some popular dishes include grilled fish, octopus curry, and fruit bat curry (a local delicacy).
Recommended Restaurants: Fish Trap Restaurant near La Passe offers a relaxed atmosphere and serves delicious seafood dishes. Chez Jules, located at Anse Banane, is known for its grilled fish and stunning ocean views. Lanbousir, near Anse Source d’Argent, offers a more upscale dining experience with a focus on Creole cuisine. For a casual lunch or snack, try one of the many takeaway shops in La Passe, which offer affordable and tasty meals.
Practical Tips for Sailing to La Digue
Book in Advance:
Especially during peak season (December-January and July-August), it’s essential to book your yacht charter, accommodation, and activities in advance.
Pack Light: Space on a sailboat is limited, so pack only essential clothing and gear.
Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Protect your skin and the coral reefs by using reef-safe sunscreen.
Learn Some Basic Creole Phrases: While English is widely spoken in Seychelles, learning a few basic Creole phrases will be appreciated by the locals.
Respect the Environment: Dispose of waste responsibly, avoid touching coral reefs, and be mindful of the local flora and fauna.
Currency: The local currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases and tips.
Communication: Mobile phone coverage is generally good on La Digue. You can purchase a local SIM card for affordable data and calls.
Medical Facilities: La Digue has a small clinic for basic medical care. For more serious medical issues, you may need to travel to Praslin or Mahé. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Sample Itinerary (7-Day Sailing Trip to La Digue)
This is a sample itinerary and can be customized based on your preferences and sailing experience.
Day 1:
Arrive in Mahé, check onto your yacht, and provision the boat. Enjoy a welcome dinner in Victoria, the capital of Seychelles.
Day 2: Sail from Mahé to Praslin (approx. 30 nautical miles). Explore Vallée de Mai and relax on Anse Lazio, one of Praslin’s most beautiful beaches.
Day 3: Sail from Praslin to La Digue (approx. 7 nautical miles). Secure a mooring in La Passe and explore the town by bicycle.
Day 4: Visit Anse Source d’Argent and L’Union Estate. Enjoy snorkeling and swimming in the calm waters.
Day 5: Hike to Grand Anse, Petite Anse, and Anse Cocos. Enjoy the rugged beauty of the east coast of La Digue.
Day 6: Explore Anse Severe and Anse Patates. Hike to Nid d’Aigle for panoramic views.
Day 7: Sail back to Mahé or another island in the archipelago.
FAQ Section
What is the best time to sail to La Digue?
The best time to sail to La Digue is during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) when the weather is generally calm and the crowds are smaller. The Southeast trade winds prevail from May to September, providing consistent sailing conditions. The Northwest monsoon season from November to March brings warmer temperatures and occasional rain showers.
Do I need a sailing license to charter a yacht in Seychelles?
The requirements for sailing licenses vary depending on the yacht charter company. Generally, you will need to provide proof of sailing experience, such as a sailing license or a resume of your sailing experience. If you don’t have the necessary qualifications, you can opt for a skippered charter.
What should I pack for a sailing trip to La Digue?
Pack light, quick-drying clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, reef shoes, a light rain jacket, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget your passport, sailing license (if applicable), and travel insurance documents.
Is it safe to drink the tap water on La Digue?
It’s generally advisable to drink bottled water on La Digue. Bottled water is readily available in shops and supermarkets.
What are the local customs and etiquette in Seychelles?
Seychellois people are generally friendly and welcoming. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Ask for permission before taking photos of people. Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. Be respectful of the environment and avoid littering.
References
Dream Yacht Charter
Sunsail
Seychelles Tourism Board
Ready to embark on the sailing adventure of a lifetime? Picture yourself gliding through turquoise waters, exploring pristine beaches, and immersing you in the natural beauty of La Digue. Don’t just dream about it—make it a reality. Start planning your unforgettable sailing trip to La Digue today, and create memories to last a lifetime!
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