La Digue Holidays

Crystal kayaking at Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue puts the island’s granite scenery beneath and beside you. Guided transparent kayak tours follow the shallow coast, with routes that can include Anse Pierrot, small caves and beach stops depending on tides.

Cycling around La Digue is both transport and adventure. Starting from La Passe, riders can follow the coast towards Anse Sévère, Anse Patates and quieter northern beaches, stopping whenever the road meets another patch of sand, shade or granite shoreline.

The guided Anse Marron hike on southern La Digue is one of the island’s tougher outings. The route crosses jungle, granite boulders and sections of shallow water before reaching a remote beach and natural pool. A local guide is strongly recommended.

The Nid d’Aigle hike on central La Digue climbs to the island’s highest point, around 333 metres above sea level. The final section is steep and can be demanding in the heat, but the summit views make the effort feel thoroughly worthwhile.

The Grand Anse to Petite Anse and Anse Cocos hike on eastern La Digue links three of the island’s wildest beaches. The path moves through tropical vegetation and rocky sections, ending near natural pools where conditions are generally calmer than the exposed beaches.

Island hopping from La Digue usually heads towards nearby Coco Island and Félicité, with snorkelling and beach stops built into the day. The short boat journeys open up clear reefs, smaller islands and a different view back towards La Digue’s granite coastline.

Snorkelling and diving around La Digue often centre on nearby islets such as Île Cocos, Félicité and Grande Soeur. Clear water and rich marine life make these boat based trips rewarding, with chances to see colourful reef fish and other Indian Ocean wildlife. 

La Digue takes its name from a ship used during a French expedition in the eighteenth century. Permanent settlement began in 1798, when refugees from present-day Réunion arrived on the island. Some of La Digue’s earliest settlers are buried at L’Union Estate.

Gran Kaz is one of the most important historic buildings at L’Union Estate. Built in 1818, the French colonial plantation house is considered one of the oldest in Seychelles and was declared a National Monument in 1984.

Coconut farming was once an important part of life and trade on La Digue. At L’Union Estate, the old copra mill and kiln show how coconuts were dried and processed for oil, offering a clear look at the island’s agricultural past.

The cemetery at L’Union Estate is closely linked to La Digue’s early history. It contains graves connected with some of the island’s first settlers and sits quietly among the old plantation grounds, making it one of the estate’s more reflective historic stops.

Chateau St Cloud began life as part of a nineteenth-century vanilla estate on La Digue. The old residence was later converted into a hotel, while much of its colonial character and garden setting remain, giving visitors another glimpse of the island’s plantation past.

La Digue Lighthouse stands on the island’s western side, close to La Passe. It has served as a navigational marker for vessels approaching the coast, although there is limited reliable information available about when it was built or whether visitors can access it.

Life in La Digue still moves at a distinctly local pace. Bicycles, fishing and small family businesses are part of the everyday scene, while the island’s Creole identity reflects African, European and Asian influences through its food, language, customs and community life.

At L’Union Estate, the Pirogue Shed offers a glimpse into La Digue’s maritime past. Pirogues were traditionally made locally using local wood and were used to transport people, goods and livestock between the islands. 

Vanilla and coconut farming once played an important role in La Digue’s economy. Their story is still easy to see at L’Union Estate, where visitors can walk through vanilla plantations and see the traditional copra mill and kiln used for processing coconuts.

Notre Dame de L’Assomption remains an important part of community life in La Digue. Built in the nineteenth century, the Catholic church is easily recognised by its yellow façade and continues to welcome local worshippers, particularly during weekend services.

Food is one of the easiest ways to experience La Digue’s Creole culture. Freshly grilled fish, octopus curry, coconut based dishes and tropical fruit appear across the island, from simple local takeaways to small beach stalls and relaxed family run restaurants.

Held every 15 August, Lafet La Digue is the island’s biggest annual celebration, marking the Feast of the Assumption. Mass and a Marian procession are followed by Creole food, live music, cultural activities and community celebrations around La Passe.

Held at L’Union Estate, Rendezvous Diguois brings together local craftspeople, cooks and performers for a celebration of Seychellois heritage. Visitors can try Creole food, browse handmade crafts and watch traditional music and Moutya, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

La Digue also takes part in Festival Kreol, Seychelles’ national celebration of Creole culture. Activities at L’Union Estate have included traditional performances, local food, storytelling, crafts and cultural displays, giving visitors a closer look at the traditions still practised across the islands.

La Passe has the liveliest evenings on La Digue, but things still stay fairly low key. Restaurants, cafés and a few bars sit around the village and ferry area, making it an easy place to have dinner, order a drink and linger for a while.

Bellevue is worth visiting as much for the view as the food. Sitting high above La Passe, the restaurant serves Creole dishes in a relaxed setting, with wide views across La Digue and, on clear evenings, towards Praslin and Mahé.

Anse Sévère is one of the nicest places to end the day. The beach looks west towards Praslin, giving it lovely sunset views, while small fruit and juice stalls nearby make it easy to stay a little longer before heading back.

Small fruit and drink stalls can be found beside several beaches around La Digue. They are simple places serving fresh coconuts, juices and cold drinks, and stopping at one is an easy part of spending a few hours by the sea.

Fish barbecues are a familiar part of the evening food scene around La Passe. At some local spots, fresh fish is grilled over coconut husk charcoal and served simply, creating the sort of relaxed, open-air dinner that fits La Digue well.