The La Digue Island Guide
LA DIGUE HAS A SPECIAL WAY OF LIFE
When the scenic beauty of the island converges with the glorious past then one and one only name that every people of Seychelles would suggest and that is La Digue. This is an island that is guarded by warm azure waters and fringed by teeming reef and not only that it has some of the friendliest people and most tranquil, serene and relaxing atmosphere in Seychelles.
Indeed one can simply deduce that La Digue basks in the ageless tranquillity of a Seychelles almost unchanged since the earliest settlers stumbled upon the islands and claimed to have discovered the Garden of Eden. The normal way of life just opposite to the way of life that we are normally accustomed to instead bicycles and ox-carts are ready to let you into the world of serenity.
No matter whatever you demand of your vacation like relaxing on the beach, pedalling to a restaurant for a light tropical lunch. Indeed it is no doubt that this pristine oasis, hidden away in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean has a lot to offer for a memorable holiday with your loved ones for a home away from home.
La Digue is the third-largest in the archipelago and one of the inhabited islands of Seychelles. Located about 40 km from Mahé, it can be reached either by Cat-Cocos high-speed ferry or a regular ferry departing from Praslin. If you have already booked your suit then your hotel will likely arrange for ferry pick up at La Passe, but check beforehand to ensure you are not stranded.
Even though there are few problems but several private firms have come up to meet the gap in demand and supply and that is why they have ensured low rent bikes for the perusal of the tourists which is quite cheaper than other means like at about 10 Euros for a whole day, just make sure you test the brakes of your bike before you take it.
If you prefer an extremely slow ride along the beaches and lush green nature then go for one of the ox carts (a buggy pulled by an ox). Growing car traffic is one of the reasons that the administration is debating electro cars instead of petrol-filled cars on La Digue island.
Attractions on La Digue island
1. Park L´Union Estate
Among the gigantic coconut palms, you can watch how coconut oil is produced using a copra mill. Visit the vanilla plantation and see the wonderfully sweet spice in real life. An authentic Creole wooden house has a small souvenir shop where you can buy fresh coconut oil, handmade souvenirs, or fresh vanilla sticks for your favorite people at home.
On the ground floor, there is a small gallery exhibiting local artists who have dedicated themselves not only to paintings but also to photography, giving you a new perspective on island life.
2. Small Village La Passe
The main town of La Digue is La Passe, located in the northwest of the island. Here you can immerse yourself in the authentic way of life of the island world: Typical wooden buildings meet small markets and a lot of hospitality. You can stop at one of the numerous cafés or treat yourself to a snack in one of the restaurants.
3. Veuve Reserve
In the middle of the inhabited western part of the island is a very special bird sanctuary dedicated to only one species. It is home to the endemic Paradise Flycatcher, one of the rarest bird species on earth. Since it is threatened with extinction, a narrow strip of the forest was created here as a reserve to give the Paradise Flycatcher a retreat.
The park is freely accessible, and there is an information building at the entrance, which was unfortunately already closed when we arrived. We were the only guests in the small forest in the afternoon and only a few tourists seem to stray into the area.
4. Bicycle tour along the North Coast
Perfect for a bike trip is exploring the beaches in the north of La Digue. Here, most of the island is surrounded by a coral reef and therefore very suitable for swimming and snorkelling. If you follow the road north from the harbour, you will first pass a posh resort and a cemetery colourfully decorated with flowers.
After overcoming the hill, you will reach the first beautiful beach, Anse Severe. With a bit of luck, you can meet sea turtles here while snorkelling, and there were also two giant turtles running around freely on land. You will find shady spots under the Takamaka trees, so you can stay here for a while.
5. Anse Source d’Argent Beach
Anse Source D’Argent is always mentioned on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Anse Source D’Argent has earned this title in particular because of the rock formations that give the beach its characteristic features.
The potential of the beach has also been recognized by the owners of the former coconut palm plantation so that you have to pay an entrance fee to visit the Union Estate Park and the adjacent Anse Source D’Argent beach.
Restaurants on La Digue Island
Fish Trap Restaurant
Praslin’s funky, brightly colored restaurant located right on Cote d’Or with colorful paintings on the walls, swaying palms, a breezy terrace, and the sound of waves washing the beach. Lunch consists of a lighter menu, served on the wooden deck set right on the beach.
- Location: La Passe
- Cuisine: Creole, International
- Website: Fish Trap Restaurant
Tarosa Restaurant & Bar
A seaside restaurant and bar with creole cuisine and mouth-watering cocktails, come visit us for the best sunset view on the island or just to watch the boats come in!
- Location: La Passe
- Cuisine: Creole
- Website: Tarosa Restaurant & Bar
Le Combava Restaurant
At the Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie Hotel, located on the upper deck of the all-day dining area, Le Combava, which means kaffir lime, is an exquisitely designed roof terrace lounge serving a la carte food only. This epicurean delight serves up the finest meals using the freshest ingredients only, for an upbeat and sophisticated culinary experience. Choose from one of our numerous wine references from Le Domaine’s cellar to accompany the delectable meal with – a feast for all the senses.
- Location: Anse Severe
- Cuisine: International, Creole
- Website: Le Domaine de l’Orangeraie
How to get to La Digue?
No matter where you are from, you will land on Mahé, the largest main island, which has the only international airport in Seychelles (SEZ). To get to La Digue, you have one option:
- Take a taxi from the international airport to the ferry terminal in Victoria (takes about 20 minutes), where the “Cat Cocos” ferry leaves for Praslin. The ferry trip takes approx 1,5 hours.