Anse Source d’Argent’s pink sand and sculpted granite boulders look almost too deliberate to be natural — the kind of beach you’d expect only in a film. And it has been: Crusoe and Castaway both shot here. But La Digue, the third-most-populous island in Seychelles at just 10.08 km², packs far more than one iconic cove. Its 18 beaches range from family-friendly lagoons to wild stretches accessible only on foot, and the best way to reach them is by sea — either on the Cat Cocos ferry from Mahé or as a stop on a wider sailing itinerary. This guide covers the beaches worth your time, how to get between them, and what to watch out for when you arrive.
Despite its small size — just 10 km² and 5 km long — La Digue holds 18 distinct beaches, from calm lagoons to surf-pounded wild strands.
Yes, you can explore La Digue’s best beaches as part of a sailing trip, but the island has no commercial airport or large marina — you’ll arrive by ferry from Praslin or Mahé. Once you’re here, a bicycle is the only practical way to hop between beaches, and some require a hike or a guided tour. Plan for at least two days if you want to see more than Anse Source d’Argent.
Families
Photography
Couples
| Beach | Best For | Access | Swim Safety | Facilities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anse Source d’Argent | Families, photography | Easy, through L’Union Estate | Calm, reef-protected | Restaurants, fruit stalls |
| Grand Anse | Scenic walks, adventure | Easy, bike or walk | Strong currents — no swimming | Restaurant, toilets |
| Anse Cocos | Swimming, relaxation | Moderate, short walk | Natural pool, safe | Beach bar shack |
| Anse Marron | Landscape photography | 2 km hike from Anse Source d’Argent | Not advised | None — come prepared |
| Anse Pierrot | Families, swimming | Easy, near Union Estate | Shallow, safe | At Union Estate nearby |
| Anse Reunion | Sunset, water sports | Easy, near guesthouses | Calm, clear | Shops, restaurants close by |
The six beaches below cover the full range of La Digue’s coastline — from the famous to the forgotten. Each includes a practical note on access and safety so you can match the right beach to your day.
Anse Source d’Argent
You’ve seen it in photographs: massive granite boulders tumbling into turquoise water, sand the colour of coral dust. Anse Source d’Argent sits within L’Union Estate, which charges an entrance fee of SCR 115 (about $8) that covers both the beach and the surrounding plantation grounds. The water here is shallow and calm year-round, protected by an offshore coral reef, which makes it one of the safest swimming beaches on the island for children. Snorkelling and kayaking are popular, and a handful of restaurants and fruit stalls line the back of the beach.
The trade-off is crowds. Most visitors arrive by bike from La Passe between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so the early morning light — around 7 a.m. — is the best time to experience the beach with fewer people and softer light on the rocks. A full guide to the beach is available here.
Arrive at Anse Source d’Argent by 7:30 a.m. to beat the bike crowd and secure shade near the eastern rocks. By 10 a.m. the shore fills with day-trippers.
Grand Anse
Grand Anse stretches along the island’s longest beach and offers a different kind of beauty — wild, open, and punctuated by rock formations at either end. Access is straightforward by bike or on foot, and a restaurant sits just behind the sand. Toilet facilities are available, and there is no entry fee.
The water here is deep and carries strong currents, so swimming or bathing is not appropriate. The beach is better suited for long walks, photography, or watching the waves break over the offshore rocks. If you’re sailing and want a beach where you can spread out without crowds, Grand Anse delivers space that Anse Source d’Argent cannot.
Strong currents and deep water make Grand Anse unsafe for swimming. The beach is patrolled by warning signs, but there is no lifeguard station.
Anse Cocos
On the southeast coast, a short walk from Petite Anse, Anse Cocos offers fine white sand and a saltwater natural pool that forms among the rocks — safe for swimming and popular with couples looking for a quieter alternative to the main beaches. A small beach bar shack sells fruits, coconuts, and rum punch, and the palm trees provide plenty of natural shade.
Access is not complicated, but the walk from the nearest bike parking area takes about 10 minutes through coastal vegetation. The water in the natural pool is calm even when the sea beyond is rough, so it works well for a relaxed afternoon swim. If you’re sailing with a partner and want an afternoon stop that feels private without being hard to reach, this is the beach.
Anse Marron
Anse Marron sits at the island’s southernmost point, a 100-metre-long beach framed by unusual granite formations and water so clear it barely looks real. It is usually not crowded, largely because reaching it requires a 2 km hike from Anse Source d’Argent over uneven rock and sand. The beach has no food, no toilet facilities, and is not appropriate for families with young children due to the access difficulty.
Landscape photographers make up most of the visitors here. A guided tour is recommended — the route is easy to lose among the boulders, and local guides know the safest path and the best light. You can book a guided tour to Anse Marron in advance. If you’re short on time or travelling with children, skip this one and spend the extra hour at Anse Source d’Argent.
Anse Marron is only 100 metres long and has zero shade. Bring at least two litres of water per person, wear sturdy footwear, and start the hike early — the midday sun is relentless.
Anse Pierrot and Anse Reunion
Anse Pierrot — also called Robinson Crusoe Beach — sits on the southwest coast, surrounded by tropical forest. Its shallow water makes it safe for swimming, and the beach is suitable for everyone from solo travellers to families. An entrance fee of SRC 100 (about $7) applies, and facilities are not on the beach itself but are available at L’Union Estate nearby. The beach lies between Anse Marron and Anse Source d’Argent, so it fits naturally into a day of beach-hopping.
A short ride north, Anse Reunion is one of the best beaches on the island for watching sunset. It sits close to guesthouses, restaurants, and shops in La Passe, and the water is shallow, calm, and clear with plenty of fish. An entrance fee of SRC 115 ($8) applies as it falls within L’Union Estate. The beach offers water sports and is often described as the most “complete” beach on La Digue because of the combination of safe swimming, facilities, and sunset views. For anyone sailing into La Digue for a single evening, Anse Reunion is the logical choice for a late swim followed by dinner within walking distance.
Anse Songe and Petite Anse
Anse Songe is the wildest beach on La Digue, with rocky offshore and agitated waters that rule out swimming. It’s a small, remote strand, and the easiest way to reach it is a 15-minute walk from Grand Anse. The walk itself offers scenic views of rock formations, unique palm trees, and abandoned buildings. Travel photographers and adventure lovers are the main audience here — if your priority is a safe swim, keep moving.
Petite Anse, a 10-minute walk from Grand Anse, is effectively a smaller version of its neighbour. It offers crystal-clear waters and fine white sand but is not suitable for swimming. Palm trees provide natural shade, and there are no facilities or restaurants nearby, so come prepared with snacks and water. Both beaches reward the short detour from Grand Anse with solitude that the more famous coves lack.
Combine Anse Songe and Petite Anse into a single afternoon walk from Grand Anse. Bring a picnic and plenty of water — there is nothing to buy once you leave the main beach.
Getting Around La Digue
La Digue has no public transport. Your options are foot, bicycle, or taxi — and taxis are both expensive and limited in number. A bicycle is the best way to cover the island’s 5 km length and reach the beaches that are not within walking distance of La Passe. You can rent a bike at the harbour or in the main town of La Réunion when you arrive. The cost is about SRC 150 ($11) per day, with discounts for multi-day rentals. Cycling the entire coastline takes roughly two hours without stops.
If you are arriving by ferry, Cat Cocos operates daily departures from Victoria Jetty on Mahé at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The trip requires a stopover in Praslin — about one hour from Mahé to Praslin, then a 30-minute ferry from Praslin to La Digue. Ticket prices start at $62 for economy, $73 for upper deck, and $82 for business class. Flights from Mahé to Praslin are also available via Skyscanner, followed by the same short ferry connection.
Accommodation on La Digue consists of intimate guesthouses, self-catering apartments, and boutique properties — there are no large resort complexes. Options are limited and should be booked well ahead of peak season (June–August). Many travellers base themselves on Mahé and visit La Digue as a day trip or short overnight stay. STORY Seychelles on Beau Vallon beach on Mahé provides a base with ferry connections to La Digue. If you’re still weighing which side of the island to sleep on, this interactive map of the island’s hotels and rentals makes it easier to compare against the beach or the trailhead.
The best time to visit is April through October, when the southeast trade winds keep temperatures around 30°C (86°F) and the sea is calmest. Peak tourist season runs June to August, when the island fills with honeymooners and divers. Shoulder months like April or October mean quieter beaches and more space. Daylight stays steady at about 12 hours year-round — plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Cat Cocos ferries depart Mahé’s Victoria Jetty at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily. The journey takes about 1.5 hours total with a change in Praslin. Book economy, upper deck, or business class — prices start at $62. If you’re sailing your own vessel, La Digue has no large marina, but anchorage is possible off La Passe.
Bike rentals are available at La Digue’s harbour and in La Réunion. Expect to pay about SRC 150 ($11) per day. Multi-day rentals often come with a discount. Check the tyres and brakes before you ride — the island’s roads are a mix of paved lanes and sand paths.
The estate opens at 7 a.m. and includes Anse Source d’Argent, the giant tortoise enclosure, the old copra mill, and the plantation museum. Arrive before 8 a.m. to experience the beach without the midday crowds. The estate also houses the entrance to Anse Pierrot and Anse Reunion.
From L’Union Estate, ride south toward Grand Anse (easy access, no swimming), then continue to Anse Cocos (natural pool, beach bar) or hike to Anse Marron (requires a guide). Budget at least 20 minutes between beaches by bike. The full loop from La Passe back to La Passe takes about two hours of riding time.
Anse Reunion is a short bike ride from La Passe and faces west for sunset. The water is calm and clear, and restaurants and guesthouses are within walking distance. If you have time, stop at the Veuve Nature Reserve on the way back — the endemic black paradise flycatcher nests in the trees just off the main path.
Getting to La Digue — Ferry and Flight Options
La Digue does not have a commercial airport. The standard route from Mahé involves a short 10-minute scenic flight from Mahé Domestic Airport to Praslin Airport, followed by a 15-minute ferry to La Digue. Alternatively, Zil Air operates a heliport for private transfers to and from the island. If you prefer an all-sea route, Cat Cocos ferries run from Victoria Jetty on Mahé with a stopover in Praslin — the total journey takes about 1.5 hours. Ferries depart at 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. daily, with ticket prices starting at $62 for economy class. You can check current Cat Cocos ferry schedules and fares before you travel.
Ferry seats sell out during peak season (June–August) and around public holidays. Book at least a week in advance if you’re travelling during these months. The 4:30 p.m. return ferry from La Digue is the last one — if you miss it, you’re on the island overnight.
Before You Go to La Digue
How many days should I spend on La Digue?
Two days is enough to cycle the coastline, visit four to five beaches, and see L’Union Estate and the Veuve Nature Reserve. One day works for a focused visit to Anse Source d’Argent and one or two nearby beaches, but you’ll miss the wilder south coast.
If you’re sailing through and can spare only a single afternoon, prioritise Anse Source d’Argent in the morning and Anse Reunion at sunset.
Can I swim at every beach on La Digue?
No. Grand Anse, Petite Anse, and Anse Songe all have strong currents or agitated waters that make swimming unsafe. Stick to Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Cocos (natural pool), Anse Pierrot, and Anse Reunion for safe swimming.
Always check local conditions before entering the water — the southeast trade winds can change conditions quickly.
Is La Digue suitable for a family sailing trip?
Yes, with planning. The family-friendly beaches — Anse Source d’Argent, Anse Pierrot, and Anse Reunion — all have shallow, calm water and nearby facilities. The island’s small size and bike-friendly roads make it easy to cover ground without a car.
The main limitation is accommodation: there are no large resorts, so book guesthouses or self-catering apartments well ahead if you plan to stay overnight.
What’s the worst time to visit La Digue?
January and February bring the northwest monsoon, with heavier rain and stronger surf on the eastern beaches. Many guesthouses still operate, but Anse Cocos and Anse Marron can be harder to reach.
June through August is peak tourist season — quieter beaches but higher prices and fewer last-minute ferry seats.
Do I need cash on La Digue?
Yes. Many bike rental shops, fruit stalls, and smaller eateries in La Passe and La Réunion operate on cash only (SCR). The main guesthouses and the L’Union Estate entrance accept cards, but it’s wise to carry enough rupees for a full day of beach-hopping.
ATMs are limited on the island — withdraw cash on Mahé or Praslin before you cross.
Why La Digue Rewards the Extra Effort
La Digue is not the easiest island to reach, and that is precisely its advantage. The ferry schedule, the bike rentals, the limited accommodation — all of it acts as a natural filter, keeping the island quieter than Mahé or Praslin. The beaches here are not arranged for convenience; they are arranged by geology, and each one demands a small negotiation of access or safety. That negotiation is what makes the experience feel earned rather than consumed. If you are sailing through Seychelles with a few days to spare, the quieter beaches of La Digue are worth steering toward.
References
Jonnymelon.com. “Beaches on La Digue Island, Seychelles.” ↗
Take Your Backpack. “Visit La Digue — Seychelles.” ↗
Seychelles Travel. “La Digue.” ↗
If you’re still planning your Seychelles route, the helicopter tour between Mahé and Praslin offers an unforgettable aerial view of the islands you’ll be visiting. For families looking to keep everyone engaged, the Seychelles family adventure guide rounds out the trip with age-appropriate activities. And if you’re keen to explore what lies beneath the surface, the best snorkelling spots around La Digue are well worth a dedicated day.
Explore Places to Stay in Seychelles
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