Ultimate guide to La Digue, Seychelles: best beaches, activities & tips for visitors

This tiny island in the Seychelles is as close to paradise as it gets — no traffic, no stress, no rush. Just quiet roads, turquoise bays, friendly faces, and the gentle rhythm of island life. Whether you’re coming from nearby Praslin or hopping over from Mahé, La Digue feels like a world of its own — small enough to explore in a few days, but rich enough in experiences to keep you coming back.

In this detailed guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your own adventure to La Digue — from getting there and around, to my favourite beaches, hikes, day trips, and hidden corners. I’ve also included personal tips, a suggested budget, and what I wish I knew before going. So grab a coconut, make yourself comfy, and let’s dive into one of the most beautiful islands I’ve ever visited.

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Some people say you only need a day or two on La Digue. To be honest, I have no idea how they manage that. We spent five days on the island — and still didn’t get round to everything we had planned.

Yes, La Digue is small. But that’s exactly what makes it so special. It’s not about ticking off a long list of sights; it’s about slowing down and soaking it all in. There’s a rhythm to island life here — hopping on your bike in the morning, riding through quiet palm-lined roads, stopping for a swim at one of the postcard-perfect beaches, grabbing fresh fruit on the way back, and watching the sunset from a hidden cove. It’s not something you want to rush.

If you're the kind of traveller who loves to explore every corner and really settle into a place, I’d say five days is the sweet spot. It gives you enough time to visit the famous beaches (Anse Source d’Argent and Grand Anse are just the start), take a boat trip, hike a trail or two, and still have space for lazy breakfasts, spontaneous detours, or just lying under a palm tree doing absolutely nothing.

Anything less, and you’ll likely find yourself wishing for more time. So if your schedule allows, don’t cut La Digue short — you won’t regret it.

La Digue doesn’t have its own airport, so the only way to get there is by sea. But don’t worry — the journey’s all part of the adventure, with some properly scenic views along the way. You’ve got two main options depending on where you're coming from: either from Mahé or from Praslin.

From Praslin to La Digue by ferry. This is the quickest and most common way to reach La Digue. The ferry ride takes just 15 minutes, and several sailings run throughout the day. You’ll be travelling with either Cat Cocos or Cat Rose, both of which are comfortable and well-run. We took this route and found it super easy. You don’t need to book weeks in advance unless you’re visiting during peak holiday season — although I’d still recommend booking the week before just to be safe. Tickets cost around €15–€20 per person one way, and the sea between Praslin and La Digue is usually calm, so even if you're prone to seasickness, this one should be smooth sailing.

From Mahé to La Digue by ferry (with a short stop on Praslin). If you’re coming from Mahé, the easiest option is to take a direct ferry to La Digue with Cat Cocos. It’s not a non-stop journey — the boat makes a short stop at Praslin to let passengers on and off — but you won’t need to change vessels or handle any luggage transfers. You just stay on board and continue the ride. The whole trip takes around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, depending on sea conditions and the length of the stop. Tickets typically cost between €60–€75 one way, and you can book online in advance via the official websites.

Accommodation on La Digue has its own special vibe — you won’t find massive all-inclusive resorts here, but that’s exactly what makes it so charming. The island is dotted with self-catering apartments, cosy guesthouses, and a few stylish boutique hotels, perfect for travellers looking for a quieter, more authentic experience.

We personally stayed in a very budget-friendly self-catering apartment — and to be honest, it wasn’t great. So, my advice: don’t go for the absolute cheapest option just for the price. It’s worth spending a little more for a better quality.

If you're booking a self-catering flat, I recommend choosing something close to the ferry port or the entrance to L'Union Estate. These areas are much more convenient, especially if you’ll be walking or cycling around the island (which you probably will!). 

For those looking for a touch of luxury, La Digue does have a few boutique hotels that offer beautiful design, beachfront access, and excellent service — all while keeping that laid-back island feel: Hotel Chateau St Cloud, Le Repaire and Le Domaine de L'Orangeraie.

And if you're after a proper once-in-a-lifetime stay, take a look at Six Senses Zil Pasyon on nearby Félicité Island. It’s a 5-star eco-luxury resort just a short boat ride away — secluded, stunning, and ideal for honeymoons or dream getaways.

La Digue is pretty small — roughly 10 square kilometres — so getting around is easy and actually part of the fun! The best way to explore is definitely by bike. There are plenty of bike rentals all over the island, usually costing about €15 per day. Cycling lets you soak up the laid-back island vibes, discover hidden beaches, and get to places at your own pace. Just watch out for sandy patches and remember it’s a bit hilly in parts, but nothing too taxing.

Taxis are rare but do exist, mostly to help with luggage or if you’re in a hurry. Don’t expect regular taxi ranks — it’s best to ask your accommodation to arrange one if needed.

Walking is also a great option, especially if you’re sticking close to the main village, the port, or L’Union Estate. Many of the best spots are just a short stroll away.

Despite its small size, La Digue packs a serious punch when it comes to nature, history, and postcard-perfect beaches. Here are the highlights you absolutely shouldn’t miss — from iconic trails to secret coves, colonial history to giant tortoises.

L’Union Estate Park. Start here — it’s the cultural and natural heart of La Digue. This former colonial estate is now a park where you’ll find:

• A historic vanilla plantation
• The old colonial house
• A tortoise enclosure
• The island’s old cemetery
• The scenic Old Pier Café
• That massive, photogenic granite boulder (yes, the one from Instagram) — Giant rock

Best of all, Anse Source d’Argent, one of the world’s most photographed beaches, is right here. The water is shallow and calm — great for swimming and kayaking. I highly recommend doing the Crystal Kayaks tour to nearby Anse Pierrot for stunning views and a bit of adventure.

Entry fee to the national park is about €7, payable at the gate. Kayak rental will set you back around 250 SCR, and if you’re up for a guided kayak tour, expect to pay about 550 SCR per person.

Notre Dame de l’Assomption Church is worth a stop, especially if you're passing through the village. Peaceful and full of island character, it gives you a feel for local life.

Veuve Reserve — a must-visit for nature lovers! This small reserve is home to the rare and endangered Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher, locally known as the Veuve. It’s a beautiful spot for birdwatching and offers peaceful walking trails through lush forest. Perfect for a quiet morning or afternoon escape away from the beaches and crowds. Entry is free, but a guided visit can enhance the experience, helping you spot this elusive bird.

Nid d’Aigle Viewpoint (Eagle’s Nest). For panoramic views over La Digue and nearby islands, hike up to Nid d’Aigle, the highest point on the island. It’s a steep climb — especially the last part — but the views are absolutely worth it. Try to go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat. There’s a café near the top called Belle Vue, perfect for a cold drink with a view.

The Grand Anse–Anse Cocos Trail is one of La Digue’s most beautiful coastal walks. Start at Grand Anse, a dramatic beach with crashing waves and wild scenery. Continue on foot to Petite Anse and finally reach Anse Cocos, a hidden bay with a natural pool perfect for a refreshing dip. There’s also a small beach bar at Anse Cocos where you can cool off with fresh juice or a cold drink after the hike. Bring water and proper shoes — it’s an easy-to-moderate trail, but hot and exposed. Allow at least 4 hours round-trip if you want to enjoy each beach.

Cycle to Anse Fourmis & Hidden Beaches. One of the best things to do on La Digue is simply hop on a bike and ride along the coastal road. You’ll pass several quiet, less-visited beaches along the way:

• Anse Severe – a great spot for swimming and sunset
• Anse Patates – small and scenic, with granite boulders and crashing waves
• Anse Gaulettes & Anse Banane – peaceful spots to relax with fewer people
• Chez Jules Café – ideal lunch stop with fresh juice, cocktails and creole dishes
• The road ends at Anse Fourmis, a peaceful beach where you can sit and enjoy the silence. You’ll need to turn back here, as there’s no loop around the island.

Guided Hike to Anse Marron. If you’ve got time and energy for one more adventure, consider a guided trek to Anse Marron. This hidden beach is accessible only via a tough coastal trail that requires scrambling over rocks and wading through water — but it’s worth every step. You’ll need a local guide for this one, and we sadly didn’t have time on our trip, but it’s high on our list for next time.

If you only do one organised tour while you're on La Digue, make it this one. We booked a full-day snorkelling trip — and honestly, it ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our entire time in the Seychelles.

You’ll spend the whole day cruising around some of the most beautiful islands in the archipelago — including Cocos Island, Felicité, and both the Small and Big Sister Islands. And it’s not just about the boat ride. You’ll stop to snorkel at several different spots, each with something totally different to offer.

We saw a shark near Petite Soeur (don’t worry — not the scary kind!), glided alongside a sea turtle, and swam over huge underwater granite formations that looked like something out of a sci-fi movie. There were also tons of colourful tropical fish, stingrays, and vibrant corals. The water here is seriously next-level clear — it felt like swimming in an aquarium.

One of the biggest surprises? Grande Soeur (Big Sister Island) — a private island with what we both with my boyfriend agreed was the most beautiful beach we saw in all of Seychelles. Powder-soft white sand, turquoise water, zero crowds, and giant palm trees swaying behind you. You’ll stop here for a proper beach break!

Lunch was delicious — freshly grilled fish and chicken, homemade curries, rice, salads, chutneys, and a little dessert to finish. Soft drinks and water are included too, and there’s plenty of food for everyone.

One thing to keep in mind: the boat is fairly small, and you’ll spend quite a bit of time out at sea — so if you’re prone to motion sickness, I definitely recommend taking a seasickness tablet beforehand. I skipped it and looked pretty green by the time we hit the second snorkelling stop.

Here are a few little things I wish someone had told me before we arrived:

• Plan your arrival carefully. If your accommodation is far from the ferry port — especially up in the hills or on the far end of the island — organise a taxi in advance. I didn’t even realise taxis existed on La Digue, but they do! They're just not obvious or easy to hail on the spot. Your guesthouse or hotel can usually sort this for you.
• Stop by the tourist office. Just next to the ferry pier, there’s a small but helpful tourist office. Pop in when you arrive — they’ll give you a free map and a printed guide to the island. It’s actually really useful for planning your days, and they’re happy to answer any questions too.
• Rent a bike — straight away. It’s hands down the best way to explore La Digue. You’ll want it from the moment you step off the ferry, so either book one in advance through your accommodation or pick one up right at the port. It gives you total freedom to explore the beaches, cafés, and hidden corners without depending on anyone else.
• Book accommodation with a pool. I can’t stress this enough. After a hot, sweaty day biking to beaches and back, it’s a dream to come back for a dip before dinner. Not every place has one, so check before booking.
• Make the most of your L’Union Estate ticket. Here’s a little tip — if you enter the estate after 4pm, the ticket is also valid for the entire next day. That means you can squeeze in two sunsets at Anse Source d’Argent for the price of one. Bonus!
• Go all the way to Anse Fourmis. Most people stop halfway along the coastal bike road, but if you keep going, you’ll find fewer crowds and even some wild giant tortoises roaming freely near Anse Banane — not just the ones in the enclosure. There’s also a lovely café nearby (Chez Jules) where you can chill with a cold juice and sea views.
• Start your days early. Mornings are cooler, quieter, and the lighting is much better for photos. If you're planning to hike, explore L’Union, or visit some of the beaches, heading out before 8am will make a world of difference — you’ll avoid the heat, beat the crowds, and get that soft golden light for your snaps.
• Head to Anse Severe for sunset. It’s one of the best spots to watch the sun dip behind neighbouring Praslin, and there’s a handful of little beach bars right on the sand. Grab a fresh coconut or a cocktail, kick back, and enjoy the view — it’s the perfect end to a day on La Digue.

If you’re on a tight budget, La Digue can still be done cheaply, but do keep in mind the cheapest hotels start from around €120 per night for two. We stayed in one very budget self-catering place, but it wasn’t great — better to choose something more expensive for convenience. Meals from local cafés or groceries will be around  €10 per meal. Bike rental, your best way to get around, costs about €15 per day. Entry fees to attractions are mostly small, around €7-10. All up, you can expect to spend roughly €500 for five days for one person, including food, accommodation, bike rental, and a few extras.

If you’re after more comfort, mid-range hotels and guesthouses start at about €250 or more for boutique places with unique vibes. Dining out costs around €30 to €50 per meal at nice local restaurants. Guided tours like kayaking or hiking typically cost between €40 and €70 each. You’ll probably rent a bike most days (€15 per day), but taxis are available too, costing around €15–30 per trip depending on distance. For a 5-day trip, expect to spend around €1500 per person, depending on your activities and choice of accommodation.

La Digue isn’t just a place you visit — it’s a place you feel. Slower days, salty skin, sunset swims… this island has a way of making you breathe a little deeper and notice the little things. Whether you come for a few days or stay far longer than planned (tempting, trust me), one thing’s for sure — you’ll leave dreaming of coming back.

Ready for more Seychelles adventures? Don’t miss my full Praslin Island Guide and a step-by-step post on one of the best hikes on Mahé — the Anse Major Trail. Happy island hopping!