La Digue Island is the third largest inhabited island in Seychelles, spanning an area of 10.08 km2 (3.89 sq mi) with a population of almost 2800 people. This picturesque island was named after a French ship that arrived from Mauritius in 1768.
La Digue appears to be an undisturbed paradise, with much of its terrain ultimately undeveloped. Visitors and locals alike regularly discover its various vacation sights with bicycles, which abound throughout the island.
Tranquil bays, stunningly stunning seashores, towering granite boulders growing from the azure waters, and rugged indoor forests watch for exploration. For the ones enamored with paradise and sunshine, sincerely looking at this small island in the Indian Ocean will suffice.
Map of La Digue
| Name | La Digue |
| Country | Seychelles |
| Districts | La Digue and Inner Islands |
| Coordinates | 4°22′48″S 55°50′48″E |
| Area | 10.08 km2 (3.89 sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+4 |
| Population | 2800 (2014) |
| Airport | N/A |
How to Get to La Digue
La Digue Island is one of the inhabited islands in Seychelles, boasting handy transportation hyperlinks with the alternative major islands, Praslin and Mahé.
Traveling from Praslin Island to La Digue through the ferries operated via CatCocos and Inter Island Ferry corporations takes just 15 minutes. There are common sailings between Praslin and La Digue, with several vessels plying the course at some stage in the daylight hours.
On the other hand, La Digue additionally offers ferry offerings to Mahé Island, Seychelles' most oversized island, which hosts an international airport.
Although the frequency of sailings in this case isn't as high, there are numerous departures day by day with the adventure lasting 1 hour and 45 minutes, with most of the time usually spent preventing at Praslin Island en route.
Many opt for day trips to explore La Digue Island from Mahé or Praslin. However, if time permits, it's highly advisable to spend at least a few days immersing oneself in the charm of La Digue, delving into its every nook and cranny, and fully embracing its allure.
How to Visit La Digue
La Digue Island is without cars and possesses a specific appeal. The absence of motor motors renders lifestyles remarkably pleasant.
Only some taxis and some provider automobiles traverse La Digue. For visitors, bicycles, walking, or golf carts supplied by inns are the primary way of delivery.
Walking and biking can take you anywhere. La Digue is a small island that allows you to discover your tempo, which makes it precise.
Though maximum locations are within walking distance, the island's terrain is steep, and a few destinations are quite a way from walking. Hence, renting a bicycle, to be had either at your hotel or close to the port, is recommended as it allows you to reach even the furthest points of the island within 10 to 15 minutes.
Best Things to Do on La Digue
Many come here in search of beaches, yet La Digue Island offers a plethora of activities beyond that. And when moments of idleness arise, you can stretch under the sun or swim in the crystalline waters, making it a quintessential destination in the Seychelles.
Traversing L'Union Estate to attain Anse Source d'Argent
Anse Source d'Argent is hailed as one of the most excellent beaches worldwide, boasting all the factors to captivate your senses.
Its colorful emerald waters, exquisitely quality golden sands, and monstrous granite boulders decorate the coastline almost as though they have emerged from the earth, forming an exquisite panorama.
To get admission to the beach, you have to skip via L'Union Estate, a historical vanilla and coconut plantation that, in truth, elucidates the abundance of vanilla-related products on the island.
For many, Anse Source d'Argent epitomizes the Seychelles' most stunning beach.
Bear in mind that entrance to the beach requires passage through L'Union Estate, with an admission price of 115 SCR, a small charge to pay for the experience.
Once through the doorway of L'Union Estate, sincerely observe the indeed marked pathways through the vanilla plantations, and within minutes, you will arrive at the seashore. You can choose to cycle or stroll.
Passing several prominent kayaking stations, a widespread interest in this seashore sooner or later ends in the famed rock formations and sandy shorelines, offering the possibility to stretch and get pleasure from the breathtaking scenery.
While this beach has been acclaimed by many as one of the world's most beautiful, you'll leave considering that La Digue Island itself harbors several similarly enchanting beaches worthy of exploration.
Walking to Anse Songe, Embracing the Island's Solitude
One of the most superb factors of La Digue Island is its ability to offer secluded areas that make you feel as if you're on a deserted island. This is specifically extremely good, given its size and highlighting the island's specific allure.
Finding a remote and rarely-visited area like Anse Songe on an island that can be explored while taking walks is no small feat, making it a hidden gem.
Located in the southeastern part of the island, Anse Songe is inaccessible by bicycle. You can take your bike through the roadside and start your stroll.
In just 15 to 20 minutes, you may traverse some mesmerizing landscapes to reach this secluded and really stunning seashore.
Indeed, the waves make swimming hard, but the enjoyment is thoroughly captivating. Under the sun, with hermit crabs scurrying about and in the embody of the wild surroundings, you'll fall in love with La Digue Island.
Admiring the Sunset at Anse Severe
Anse Severe stands out as considered one of the most essential seashores on La Digue Island, its long stretch of white sand leading to the serene and crystalline sea.
Beyond its undeniable beauty, Anse Severe is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, making it one of the maximum atmospheric seashores on La Digue Island. Bars capitalize on this time of day, establishing their presence there and presenting a choice of beers and delicious fresh juices.
During the day, Anse Severe exudes tranquility, best for swimming. But as nighttime descends, it transforms into a place illuminated through smooth lights, wherein you can witness one of the most stunning sunsets on La Digue Island. With a beer in hand, you can respect the silhouette of La Digue Island against the horizon.
Strolling to the Stunning Beach, Anse Cocos
Word has it that Anse Cocos stands as one of the most beautiful beaches you can behold on La Digue Island, often marked as a top destination on the island.
Upon reaching Anse Cocos, you'll be greeted by a dazzling expanse of beach brimming with wild and lush beauty.
As you make your way there, be sure to head towards the far left, where you'll find "the pool" – a natural pool enclosed by rocks. The serene and crystalline waters here make it a truly unique spot.
Visiting the Most Revered Church on La Digue Island, Notre Dame de L’Assomption Church
La Digue Island gives greater than just postcard-perfect seashores and sunsets; it additionally enriches your island experience with cultural intensity.
Cycling around the island, you could pay a visit to the most prominent church, Notre Dame de L’Assomption Church, which serves as a place of worship for Catholics.
While no longer in particular noteworthy in phrases of records or architecture, the church's splendor and vibrancy impart a unique dimension to our days on La Digue Island.
Ascending to Nid d'Aigle, One of La Digue Island's Most Breathtaking Landmarks
In the heart of the island lies a small mountain, its height known as Nid d'Aigle, rising 333 meters above sea degree, marking the highest point on La Digue Island.
Begin your journey at Belle Vue Café, a picturesque restaurant that presents lovely perspectives of the ocean and serves as the place to begin the ascent to Nid d'Aigle.
Embarking from the harbor, Belle Vue Café lies approximately 2.5 kilometers away, and Nid d'Aigle is approximately 500 meters away. The trek spans a total of three kilometers, steadily inclining.
The most challenging phase is reaching the café, as it sits atop a steep hill, particularly taxing underneath the scorching solar, inducing beads of sweat.
However, departing from the café, the route will become more forgiving, a pleasantly winding trail main to the summit. From the outset, the vistas are profoundly charming.
Along this coastal stretch, you'll be awestruck by the boundless blue expanse and the scattered islands, composing one of the most breathtaking scenes on La Digue Island.
Diving for a Day in La Digue Island
Every adventure begs for the adventure of diving, and Seychelles offers a unique possibility now not to be missed.
Among all of the activities to be loved on La Digue Island, scuba diving reigns best. You can reach out to Trek Divers, a small diving middle conveniently positioned near the harbor.
They are a middle dedicated to marine conservation, professional, enticing, and deeply conscious of every detail.
Diving lets you get admission to nearby islands, in which expansive coral reefs, towering granite formations, and endless marine creatures anticipate, including reef sharks, rays, turtles, and colleges of fish.
You'll discover the underwater surroundings of La Digue Island as exhilarating as its terrestrial landscapes, making for a simply pleasant marvel.
Other Beaches on La Digue Island
La Digue Island boasts a number of the best beaches on Earth, with some final undiscovered gems. Some are small, even as others are hidden and difficult to reach.
The main route to the east of the island first traverses Anse Patates, which the ocean may absolutely submerge at some point of the excessive tide.
Continuing onward to the alternative stop of the island, you may bypass Anse Gaulettes, Anse Grosse Roche, and sooner or later, attain Anse Fourmis. Here, the paved road ends, giving way to a rocky course that should be traversed strolling to reach the mesmerizing bay of Anse Caiman, which also remains hidden at some stage in excessive tide.
On the other quit, past the famous Anse Source d'Argent, lies a rocky course among the rocks. You'll need to go through knee-deep water to attain two secluded beaches: Anse Pierrot and Anse aux Cedres. Alternatively, you can kayak on transparent kayaks to reach those beaches.
Two different beaches worth journeying to are Grande Anse and Petite Anse, nestled along the manner to Anse Cocos, which present clean breezes and scenic beauty.
Exploring Nearby Islands
You may also marvel if it is well worth mentioning locations past La Digue Island as a few attractions. Indeed, they're worth considering. In truth, La Digue Island serves as a remarkable starting line for exploring the Seychelles archipelago.
Surrounding this small island are dozens of isles accessible through private tours. For example, the lovely Cousin Island, home to a good-sized collection of giant tortoises, is considered one of Seychelles' countrywide trademarks.
You can also go to Curieuse Island, one of the most exciting islands in Seychelles, or explore St. Pierre Island, which is a tiny natural sanctuary that makes you feel like a castaway.
Other exceptional islands near La Digue encompass Felicite Island and Marianne Island.
Here are some tours you can book in advance, departing from La Digue Island:
Curieuse Island and St. Pierre Island: Often toured together or in pairs. View the complete introduction.
Full Day Sister, Coco, Felicite, Curieuse and St Pierre Island: Located very close to the coast of Praslin Island, these islands are typically visited on organized full-day tours.
Where to Eat on La Digue
La Digue Island's takeaway organizations are thriving, competing with greater typical island eating places. The significant part is indeed their charges, which are a whole lot lower than those of other restaurants that offer homemade and delicious meals.
Rey & Josh Café takeaway is one of the standout takeout spots at the top of the island, serving pleasant curry dishes amongst different offerings, all at very reasonable costs.
Gala takeaway maintains fashion with a rich menu that consists of curry, noodles, and burgers, which you can enjoy on a lovely terrace.
Close to the Gala is Zerof, also supplying a comprehensive and entire menu with a spacious terrace.
For those in search of a scenic spot and willing to spend a chunk more, Fish Trap Bar near the harbor presents Creole and Western delicacies with steeply-priced views, making it a really perfect area to look at the sundown.
La Repaire is another higher-end option, providing charming surroundings and a menu that even includes pizza.
Belle Vue Café, as the name suggests, boasts stunning perspectives, although achieving it requires a few attempts as it's far located at the very best point of La Digue Island. It's a super spot for a beer at the same time as admiring views of the nearby islands.
Lastly, Glorious Bakery, a small bakery near the harbor, offers both candy and savory items to head. Their samosas, pizza slices, and vanilla desserts are high-quality and less costly, which is ideal for those on a budget.
Where to Stay On La Digue
When choosing accommodation on La Digue Island, you first need to decide whether or not you want a sea view and whether or not you select a resort-style or condo-style.
For a captivating small lodge with sea views, Patatran Village Hotel is an ideal desire. It functions as a small apartment with beautiful perspectives of a number of La Digue Island's most stunning beaches. Additionally, the room fees encompass breakfast and dinner, which is an exquisite price considering the high food expenses on the island.
The stunning O'Soleil Chalets Self Catering is very nearby and especially prominent. It boasts lovely rooms with or without views and claims to be probably the high-quality inn on the island, albeit the most high priced.
La Digue Island Lodge is pricier but gives a variety of highly-priced facilities, with lovely rooms in small private cottages available for adults. It also consists of breakfast and dinner.
If you do not mind being a bit "away" from the ocean, Hotel Chateau St Cloud is an establishment with lavish centers and masses of charm.
Lastly, Moonlight Beach Villa gives self-catering lodging with the supercarrier, although it tends to be somewhat luxurious for what it offers.
