Anse Banane sits on two islands in the Seychelles — a naming coincidence that causes confusion. On Praslin’s southwestern coast, the cove lives up to its translation of “Banana Cove,” surrounded by banana trees and accessible via a scenic drive through lush vegetation. On La Digue’s eastern shore, a second Anse Banane overlooks the Indian Ocean and four neighbouring islands: Felicité, Marianne, Grande Soeur, and Petite Soeur. This article covers both — two distinct beaches sharing a name but offering different experiences.
Anse Banane on La Digue measures roughly 200 metres long and 10 metres wide, with a coral beach surface coarser than the fine white sand typical of the island.
The Praslin version is a peaceful retreat away from developed tourist areas, with powdery white sand and calm, clear waters. The La Digue version is smaller, more secluded, and draws a different type of visitor. Neither beach should be approached as a primary destination, but both work well as part of a broader island itinerary.
Anse Banane on La Digue is worth a stop for photographers and those wanting a quiet afternoon, but the coarse sand and shallow water make it a poor choice for swimming or families. The Praslin version is better suited for a relaxed morning before heading into Vallée de Mai.
Anse Banane on La Digue: what to expect
The La Digue version is the one most visitors encounter, and it differs from the postcard image many expect.
The beach sits on the east coast of La Digue. The surface is a sandy coral mix rather than the fine white powder found at Anse Source d’Argent. A coral reef sits near the shore, keeping the water shallow — not particularly deep at any point. Seaweed appears at times, and the water clarity varies with tide and swell. This is not a swimming beach in the conventional sense.
The dimensions of Anse Banane on La Digue — a narrow strip that fills quickly near the restaurant but remains mostly empty further along.
What the beach lacks in swimming quality it makes up for in seclusion. The area away from Chez Jules — the small restaurant on the sand — is largely deserted. Visitors arrive by bicycle or on foot from La Passe, a 30-45 minute walk. The road runs from La Passe toward the north-east, and almost everyone covers it by bike or on foot rather than by car.
What I would do: arrive around 10 a.m. when the light is still soft, walk the full 200-metre stretch to confirm the deserted section is empty, and settle at the quieter end away from Chez Jules. The contrast between the busy restaurant area and the empty beach is sharp — most visitors stay within earshot of the snack bar.
Anse Banane on Praslin: a different beach
The Praslin version is larger, sandier, and more practical for a half-day visit.
On Praslin’s southwestern coast, Anse Banane is a lesser-known beach that functions as a good starting point for exploring Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve. The sand is powdery white, the water is calm, and the slope is gentle. The surrounding vegetation includes coconut palms and banana trees that give the cove its name. Coral reefs offshore host colourful marine life, though snorkelling quality depends on conditions.
The beach has limited amenities — visitors should bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Some parts of the access route require walking through uneven terrain. Guided tours are available for those unfamiliar with local trails.
Pre-Vallée de Mai stop
Quiet morning swim
Photography of calm coves
What I would do: combine a morning at this beach with an afternoon at Vallée de Mai. The proximity makes it a logical pairing, and the beach offers a calm start before the more demanding walk through the palm forest.
Getting to Anse Banane
Access differs significantly between the two islands.
On La Digue
Bicycle is the standard option. From La Passe, the ride takes about 15 minutes; the walk takes 30-45 minutes. The road goes from La Passe toward the north-east. Taxis are available but less common for this route. Almost all visitors come by bike or on foot. The beach is frequently visited as part of a trip across the northern coast of the island, linking Anse Fourmis (590 metres away) and Anse Grosse Roche (726 metres away).
On Praslin
A car or taxi can reach the vicinity, but some sections of the access path require walking over uneven ground. The scenic drive passes through lush vegetation. Parking is informal. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear for the final approach.
On La Digue, rent a bike from La Passe and head north-east — the road to Anse Banane is straightforward. Avoid the midday heat (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) when the beach has minimal shade.
The best time to visit either beach is during the dry season from May to October, when the southeast trade winds keep seas calm and skies clear.
| Feature | Anse Banane (La Digue) | Anse Banane (Praslin) |
|---|---|---|
| Sand type | Sandy coral, coarser texture | Powdery white sand |
| Swimming quality | Not the best — shallow, some seaweed | Good — gentle slope, clear water |
| Shade | Natural shade available | Limited — bring sun protection |
| Nearby facilities | Chez Jules restaurant (9am-9pm) | None — bring supplies |
| Access | Bike or foot from La Passe | Car or foot, uneven final path |
| Best for | Photography, quiet afternoon | Morning swim, Vallée de Mai combo |
Eating at Chez Jules
The small restaurant on La Digue’s Anse Banane is a local fixture worth planning around.
Chez Jules sits about 150 metres from the beach itself — a beach bar with a roof made from palm tree leaves and wooden carvings. It operates Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The menu includes fresh fruit juice, locally-sourced fruits, snacks, and Creole cuisine available on request. The octopus salad is a common order. Reservations are recommended for evening meals. Dinner is available on request only, not as a standard offering.
The area around Chez Jules is the busiest section of the beach. The remaining area stays largely deserted. If you want solitude, walk away from the restaurant. If you want fresh juice and a shaded seat, stay near it.
What to bring to Anse Banane
Neither beach has reliable supplies on site, so packing correctly matters.
Essentials for both beaches
Water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent are the minimum. The La Digue beach has Chez Jules for drinks and food, but the Praslin version has nothing. A hat and UV-protective clothing help on clear days when shade is scarce. Sturdy sandals or water shoes are useful — the coral sand on La Digue can be uncomfortable to walk on barefoot, and the access paths on Praslin include uneven sections.
Camera and drone considerations
The La Digue beach is a good spot for photography — the view across to Felicité, Marianne, Grande Soeur, and Petite Soeur creates a layered composition. A compact camera with a versatile zoom range works well here. For those wanting to capture the beach from above, a lightweight drone under 249g avoids registration requirements in Seychelles. The DJI Mini 4K, for example, packs a 3-axis gimbal and 4K camera into a sub-250g frame, with GPS return-to-home for peace of mind over water.
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The DJI Mini 4K offers stable video and auto takeoff/landing, making it a practical choice for beach aerials without the hassle of registration. The 31-minute flight time covers multiple angles in one session.
Snorkelling gear
The coral reefs off Praslin’s Anse Banane host marine life worth seeing. A basic mask and snorkel set is sufficient. The water is calm, but currents can pick up with tide changes. Swim within designated areas and avoid touching the coral.
Sustainable Seychelles eco-tourism and responsible travel tips cover reef-safe sunscreen and wildlife etiquette — both relevant here.
- Anse Banane on La Digue is best for photography and solitude, not swimming — the coarse sand and shallow water limit water activities.
- Anse Banane on Praslin works as a morning stop before Vallée de Mai, with better swimming conditions but no facilities.
- Chez Jules on La Digue is the only reliable food option — arrive by 11 a.m. for lunch without a reservation.
Anse Banane visitor questions
Is Anse Banane good for swimming?
Not particularly, especially on La Digue. The water is shallow, the surface is coarse coral sand, and seaweed appears at times. The Praslin version has gentler conditions, but neither beach ranks among Seychelles’ best for swimming. The beach is less suitable for families than other options on La Digue.
How do I get to Anse Banane on La Digue?
Rent a bicycle in La Passe and head north-east. The ride takes about 15 minutes. Walking takes 30-45 minutes. Almost everyone arrives by bike or on foot — taxis are uncommon on this route.
Is there food at Anse Banane?
Only on La Digue. Chez Jules operates from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., serving fresh juice, snacks, and Creole dishes including octopus salad. Evening meals require advance notice. The Praslin beach has no food or drink vendors — bring everything you need.
Which Anse Banane should I visit?
It depends on your island. If you are on La Digue and want a quiet afternoon with a view of the neighbouring islands, the eastern cove works. If you are on Praslin and want a calm morning swim before Vallée de Mai, the southwestern version is the better fit. Do not cross islands solely for this beach.
Does Anse Banane have shade?
Natural shade exists on La Digue, particularly near the vegetation line. The Praslin beach has less cover. A hat and sunscreen are essential for the Praslin version, especially between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Island-hopping context
Anse Banane on La Digue sits within a network of east-coast beaches that can be linked by bike in a single morning — Anse Fourmis, Anse Grosse Roche, and Anse Caïman are all within two kilometres. The Praslin version connects naturally to Vallée de Mai and the surrounding southwestern coast. Neither beach justifies a dedicated trip, but both reward the traveller already passing through. Island hopping in Seychelles works best when each stop serves a purpose — and these two coves serve theirs quietly, without demanding top billing.
Sources and further reading
Anse Banane in Seychelles. Maarco Francis, 2024.
Anse Banane beach guide. SeyVillas, 2024.
Banana Cove (Anse Banane) on La Digue. iSeychelles, 2024.
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