Initially, La Digue’s economy was dominated by vanilla and copra production. Several exhibits in the island’s museum attest to this. However, as word spread on La Digue’s enchanting beauty, the inevitable happened and tourism is by far the largest contributor to the island’s economy today.
While La Digue is home to the Veuve Nature Reserve where the critically endangered Black Paradise Flycatcher can be seen, the main reason most tourists visit the island is for its beaches. Some of its top beaches include:
Anse Source D’argent
As you approach the beach from the access track, it is impossible to resist the urge to get off your bicycle and walk the rest of the way on the fine sands. Little wonder that Anse Source D’argent is a regular contender for the most beautiful beach on the planet. It is also one of the most photographed. The golden white sands are interspersed by granite rocks.
Grand Anse
Yet another beach makes the shortlist of the best in Seychelles is Grand Anse. Other than the beautiful sand, Grand Anse is also a magnet for surfers drawn to the powerful waves that regularly pound its beaches. Like Anse Source D’Argent, the stretch of beach sand is occasionally broken by huge granite boulders. A backdrop of lush green forested hills makes it ideal for postcard photos.
Anse Coco
Arguably the most isolated, undisturbed yet stunning beach in the island, Anse Coco is accessible on foot from Petit Anse or Grand Anse. If you are looking for solitude, Anse Coco is it.
L’Union Beach
The fine sands of L’Union beach as they are gently lapped by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean is the perfect picture of tranquillity. Interestingly, L’Union beach is probably more famous as the ideal location for photographing Anse Source D’Argent beach than it is for its own beaches.
Petite Anse
As the name suggest, Petite Anse is considered the younger sibling to the larger Grand Anse beach. It is a short walk from Grand Anse and usually has fewer tourists.
Anse Marron
The quintessential Robinson-Crusoe–esque beach, the rawness of Anse Marron makes it a must see for any visitor to La Digue.