La Digue – The ultimate island guide: Everything you need to know + map

La Digue is the picture of a dream island: gorgeous beaches, palm trees as far as the eye can see, iconic granite cliffs around every corner, and a relaxed atmosphere that defines its unique charm. Here you'll find everything you need to know about La Digue, including the most beautiful beaches and sights!

Anse Source d'Argent

Don't have time to read? Here's a quick overview of the most important information:

How do I get to La Digue?

La Digue is only accessible by ferry, either from Mahé with a stopover on Praslin or directly from Praslin. The ferry ride takes approximately 15-80 minutes, depending on the connection.

Do I need a visa for La Digue?

A visa is not required for the Seychelles, including La Digue, if you stay for less than 90 days. However, you will need a valid passport and a digital entry permit.

How do I get around La Digue?

The main means of transportation on La Digue is by bicycle, which you can rent for around €10 per day. There are also some hiking trails to remote beaches like Anse Coco.

How much does the ferry to La Digue cost?

The ferry from Mahé to La Digue costs about €78 each way with a stopover on Praslin, while the ferry connection from Praslin to La Digue costs only €15.

Which beaches should I visit on La Digue?

You should definitely visit the world-famous Anse Source d'Argent, the secluded Anse Coco and the beautiful Grand Anse, which is particularly impressive due to its size.

How long should I stay on La Digue?

It is recommended to spend at least 3 days on La Digue to enjoy the tranquility and the lesser-known beaches and attractions of the island.

General information about La Digue:

La Digue is the smallest of the three main islands of the Seychelles, known for its stunning beaches, tranquil atmosphere, and impressive natural beauty. While many people visit La Digue as a day trip, it's worth planning at least three days to experience the island's hidden gems and unique tranquility.

Best time to travel:

Thanks to its proximity to the equator , the Seychelles are a popular year-round destination with a consistently warm, tropical climate. A trip to La Digue is theoretically possible at any time without having to worry about major temperature fluctuations.

However, the best months to visit are April to May and October to November . During these transitional periods between the monsoons, conditions are ideal: the sea is calmer, the winds light, and the humidity moderate—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. From December to March, the northwest monsoon brings higher temperatures and occasional rain showers, while the southeast monsoon period from June to September is drier but windier—ideal for hiking and land-based activities.

Visa and entry requirements:

To enter La Digue , you need a valid passport valid for at least six months. A visa is not required; you can stay for up to 90 days without one.

Before traveling to the Seychelles , however, you must apply for a digital travel authorization through the official Seychelles government website or mobile app. Processing can take up to 12 hours , so please do so promptly. Without this authorization, you may be denied entry.

Getting to La Digue:

La Digue is only accessible by ferry , as there is no airport. There are two main connections:

Mahé – La Digue: Ferry connection with a stopover on Praslin.

Duration: approx. 80 minutes

Cost: 78 € per route

You can find the ferry tickets here .

Praslin – La Digue: Direct connection between Praslin and La Digue.

Duration: 15–20 minutes

Cost: 15 € per route

You can find the ferry tickets here .

Getting around the island:

The most popular means of transportation on the island is the bicycle , which you can rent in many places for around €10 per day. Many beaches, like Anse Coco, are more secluded, making it easy to explore the island by bike.

Warning: La Digue is home to wild giant tortoises that like to position themselves right in the middle of the road! 🐢

Location of the accommodation:

It's advisable to book your accommodation as early as possible, as La Digue isn't particularly large and the most popular accommodations book up quickly during peak season. Location-wise, you don't have to worry too much, as you can quickly reach most places on the island by bike. This allows you to explore the beautiful surroundings at your leisure and enjoy the diverse beaches and sights.

Catering:

La Digue is a bit more expensive than the other islands when it comes to food . A smoothie at the famous Bikini Bottom Bar costs around €10, and a meal at Chez Jules Restaurant can cost €22. Cheaper options like the Rey & Josh Cafe Takeaway offer delicious food at more moderate prices. There are also supermarkets on the island that sell snacks and drinks.

Currency and means of payment:

The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the national currency. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants, but it's recommended to bring some cash for small purchases or at local markets.

The most beautiful beaches and sights

on La Digue:

1. Anse Source d'Argent

Anse Source d'Argent is one of the most famous beaches in the Seychelles and is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The beach is known for its stunning, snow-white sands, fringed by enormous granite boulders. The granite boulders are particularly large on this beach, creating a picturesque backdrop and perfect photo opportunities!

However, to reach the beach you have to go through the L'Union Estate, a former coconut plantation.

There is an entrance fee of 150 SCR (approximately €11). This price is per day.

Tip: Anse Source d'Argent is undoubtedly the most popular beach on La Digue, attracting numerous visitors, often just for a day trip. Therefore, it can get quite busy around lunchtime. To enjoy the beach in all its glory and away from the crowds, we recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Anse Source d'Argent is especially stunning at sunset!

2. Anse Coco

Anse Coco is my personal favorite on La Digue. It's located on the southeast coast and a bit off the beaten track from the island's most famous beaches. Unfortunately, Anse Coco isn't directly accessible by bike. To get there, you first have to cycle to "Grand Anse," and from there, it's a 30-40 minute hike through the jungle. This hike is quite challenging and requires a good level of fitness.

The walk to Anse Coco is truly worth it, as a natural pool awaits you, perfect for a swim. At the beginning of the beach, you'll also find a bar where you can purchase refreshing smoothies, other drinks, and even small snacks. The beach itself captivates with its snow-white sand, lined with palm trees and impressive granite rocks. This combination, along with the turquoise water, makes Anse Coco an absolute dream beach!

3. Anse Patates

Anse Patates, on the other hand, is easily accessible by bike. It is located on the southwest coast of La Digue. It is known for its fine, white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Next to the beach is the Patatran Village Hotel, which is an excellent choice for accommodation.

4. Grand Anse

Grand Anse is one of the largest beaches on La Digue and stretches along the island's picturesque southwest coast. Unlike Anse Coco, Grand Anse is easily accessible by bike, eliminating the need for a strenuous hike. Grand Anse impresses with its snow-white sand and lush vegetation combined with majestic granite cliffs.

The water here can often be deep, and the waves vary depending on weather conditions, so swimming isn't always safe. Be sure to check the current conditions beforehand to decide if the beach is suitable for swimming that day.

5. L'Union Estate Park

L'Union Estate Park is located in the center of La Digue. It was once a working coconut plantation, and visitors can still observe the coconut oil production process. There are informative exhibits that demonstrate the various steps of production. It also houses a vanilla plantation!

Access to L'Union Estate Park requires a small fee of 150 SCR – approximately €11. While this park is only the "throughway" to the famous Anse Source d'Argent, I found the park itself very worthwhile and truly enjoyed cycling through it.

The park also featured Giant Union Rock . It's the largest continuous granite rock on Earth! It's said to be over 700 million years old. It's hard to believe!

At the foot of Giant Union Rock there are numerous giant tortoises that live here in an outdoor enclosure.

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Conclusion:

La Digue is the perfect definition of a dream island. The gentle waves, palm-fringed beaches, and breathtaking granite formations create a setting that seems straight out of a travel brochure. I highly recommend spending at least three days here, as only then does the true charm of this beautiful island unfold.

Anse Coco, in particular, is an absolute must-see during your stay on La Digue! This hidden beach, with its fine, white sand and crystal-clear water, invites you to bask in the sun or jump into the refreshing waves. The atmosphere is simply magical and will melt away all your everyday worries.

The unique atmosphere that prevails on La Digue makes this place an unforgettable experience. It's the laid-back lifestyle of the locals, the gentle breeze that blows through the palm trees, and the scent of fresh fish and exotic fruits that make this little corner of the world a true paradise. La Digue is not just a travel destination, but a place where you can enjoy life to the fullest.