La Digue, the third island of the Seychelles, is the definition of ‘laid-back’. With a population of just 2,000 inhabitants, bicycles outnumbering cars by 100 to one and the most mind-blowing beaches in the world, La Digue is positively diminutive and absolutely perfect.
The ferry ride on the Cat Cocos from Praslin to La Digue only took 15 minutes but we felt we had stepped into a time warp. The sleepy tropical port of La Passe felt like it belonged in the Caribbean. The heat was overpowering. We walked over to the first shop and bought a beer. Much better. Over the next four days we explored every inch of the island with the following highlights:
Anse Petit
There is only a single road that crosses the island which takes you from La Passe to Grande Anse on the far side of the island. As you emerge from the forest you feel the ocean breeze long before you lay eyes on it. And then suddenly it’s there. A mesmerising expanse of white powdery sand stretching left and right flanking perfectly azure waters.
Most visitors lose their ability to walk right then and there, collapsing under makeshift shelters of palm trees. We mustered our strength and pushed on until we came to Anse Petit. Large waves broke over a stunning beach twice and barely a human in sight.
The Nid D’Aigles
The Eagles Nest is the highest point on La Digue offering some spectacular views of the island. It’s about a 30-minute scramble up an extremely steep slope that starts up next to the Belle Vue Restaurant. One gets a distinct feeling that very few people make it up there. It’s a sweaty experience all round but the views are priceless.
Anse Source D’Argent (ASDA)
Seychelles is home to many contenders for the ‘world’s most beautiful beach’ and ASDA is certainly one of those. Just a 10-minute bike ride from La Passe, we arrived in the late afternoon when most of the crowds have dispersed and the colours are at their most intense. The beach is awash with large granitic boulders strewn haphazardly on the shore. They are a photographer’s playground.
Snorkelling and boat trips
Lying just of the coast, Petit Seour, Grande Seour & isle Cocos make the perfect half-day excursion. The corals are healthy and host an incredible diversity of reef fish punctuated by the odd turtle and shark sighting. The water is warm and the visibility excellent.
Eat, Bike, Love.
While the road network is particularly limited on La Digue there is nothing quite like jumping on your bike and following the coastal roads, stopping at local restaurants to sample mouthwatering dishes prepared in traditional Seychellois Creole style or simply finding secluded hideaways to look out over the ocean to contemplate life.
La Digue is one of the most picturesque islands in the archipelago. Thanks to its small size and easy-going vibes it easily becomes a favourite for most. We would return in a heartbeat!
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