10 Hidden Beaches of La Digue: Paradise Coves Beyond Anse Source d'Argent

If there's one beach that epitomizes the reward of venturing beyond the obvious, it's Anse Marron. Tucked away at the southern tip of La Digue, this beach demands effort—and delivers tenfold on the investment.

Reaching this secluded paradise requires either hiring a local guide (highly recommended) or navigating a challenging trail through granite boulders and shallow water passages. The journey itself became one of my most cherished memories, as our guide Marcel shared insights about the island's ecosystem while leading us through a landscape that felt increasingly untouched by time.

When we finally emerged onto Anse Marron, I was rendered speechless. A natural infinity pool formed by smooth granite boulders sits adjacent to a pristine beach, creating a dual experience of protected calm waters and the wild open ocean just steps away. I spent an unforgettable morning here practicing meditation on a flat boulder overlooking the natural pool, the gentle lapping of water creating nature's perfect soundtrack.

The beach rarely hosts more than a handful of visitors at once, ensuring the kind of exclusivity that luxury travelers crave. We packed a gourmet picnic from our resort, complete with chilled champagne, and enjoyed perhaps the most scenic lunch setting of my life. My waterproof dry bag proved invaluable for keeping our valuables and electronics protected during the journey through water passages.

Anse Cocos represents the perfect balance between accessibility and seclusion. After a 45-minute hike through La Digue's lush interior from Grand Anse, we emerged onto a wide crescent of golden sand that was surprisingly empty despite its breathtaking beauty.

What makes Anse Cocos special is its dual personality. The beach features both protected natural pools for gentle soaking and a wilder side with dramatic waves—a photographer's dream landscape. I spent hours capturing the contrast between calm and chaos with my underwater camera, which allowed me to document the vibrant marine life in the protected pools.

One morning, I arrived at sunrise after arranging an early transfer with our hotel. The experience of practicing meditation as the first light illuminated the beach's dramatic rock formations created a moment of such profound peace that I still revisit it during stressful workdays back in Milwaukee.

The beach offers no facilities, which keeps the crowds at bay and preserves its pristine condition. We packed a luxury picnic prepared by our resort chef, complete with fresh tropical fruits and local Seychellois delicacies. Finding a private spot among the rocks, we enjoyed a feast worthy of the setting.

The hike to reach Anse Cocos involves some moderate terrain, but it's manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness. The trail winds through coconut plantations and offers glimpses of the island's rich biodiversity—we spotted several endemic bird species along the way.

Some treasures come in small packages, and Petite Anse certainly lives up to this adage. This pocket-sized beach tucked between Grand Anse and Anse Cocos offers an intimate experience that larger beaches simply cannot match.

Accessing Petite Anse requires a short but somewhat challenging scramble down a rocky path from the main trail between Grand Anse and Anse Cocos. The effort filters out casual tourists, ensuring that you'll often have this gem entirely to yourself—as we did for an entire afternoon.

What struck me most about Petite Anse was the perfect horseshoe shape that creates a natural amphitheater facing the Indian Ocean. The acoustics are remarkable; the sound of waves seems to surround you completely, creating a natural sound bath that enhanced my meditation practice immeasurably.

The swimming conditions vary dramatically with the seasons. During our April visit, we found a relatively calm bay perfect for snorkeling along the rocky edges where colorful fish darted among coral formations. I'm told that during the southeast monsoon season (May-September), the waves can be much more dramatic.

I found this beach particularly ideal for journaling and reflection. Sitting against one of the smooth boulders with my travel journal and a thermos of tea, I experienced one of those perfect travel moments where time seems to stand still. The combination of privacy, natural beauty, and the rhythmic soundtrack of waves created an environment where creativity and clarity flowed effortlessly.

Petite Anse reminded me that luxury isn't always about size or amenities—sometimes it's about finding a space that feels as though it was created just for you.

Perhaps the most challenging beach to access on our list, Anse Pierrot rewards the intrepid traveler with absolute seclusion. Located on the western coast near L'Union Estate, this beach is accessible only by boat or via a challenging coastal rock scramble during low tide.

We opted for the luxury approach, arranging a private boat through our resort. As we rounded the rocky headland and Anse Pierrot came into view, I immediately understood why our captain had insisted we visit. The beach is framed by some of the most dramatic granite formations on the island, creating a cathedral-like atmosphere that inspires reverence.

What makes Anse Pierrot special is its untouched quality. No beach bars, no rental chairs, not even footprints most days. The pristine sand and crystal waters exist exactly as nature intended. Our captain anchored offshore, allowing us to swim to the beach—an entrance that enhanced the feeling of discovering somewhere truly special.

I spent an unforgettable afternoon here with my compact binoculars, observing rare seabirds that nest in the surrounding cliffs. The absence of human activity has made this beach a haven for wildlife, adding another dimension to its appeal for mindful travelers seeking connection with nature.

Our captain prepared a traditional Creole lunch aboard our boat, allowing us to enjoy the views of Anse Pierrot while sampling local flavors. The combination of exclusivity, natural beauty, and authentic cuisine created one of the highlights of our La Digue experience.

For those seeking the ultimate in privacy and natural luxury, Anse Pierrot delivers an experience that even the most exclusive resorts cannot manufacture—genuine solitude in a setting of extraordinary beauty.

Located at the northern tip of La Digue, Anse Patates (meaning 'Potato Beach' due to the rounded boulders resembling potatoes) offers a completely different experience from the southern beaches. What it lacks in dramatic scale, it makes up for with perfect sunrise views and exceptional snorkeling conditions.

I discovered this gem almost by accident. Unable to sleep one morning, I decided to cycle from our resort before dawn. Following the coastal road north, I arrived at Anse Patates just as the sky began to lighten. What followed was one of the most spectacular sunrises I've ever witnessed, as the first light painted the distinctive boulders in shades of gold and pink.

The beach is small but perfectly formed, with a gradual entry into crystal clear waters. The northern location means it's often overlooked by day-trippers focused on the more famous southern beaches. Even during peak season, you might find yourself sharing this beach with only a handful of other early risers.

What truly distinguishes Anse Patates is the exceptional snorkeling directly off the beach. The healthy coral formations begin just meters from shore, hosting an impressive diversity of marine life. My morning meditation routine evolved to include a sunrise swim among parrotfish and sea turtles—a moving meditation that connected me to the ocean in a profound way.

After several visits, I developed a perfect morning ritual: arriving before sunrise, setting up my travel yoga mat on a smooth section of sand, practicing meditation as the sun emerged, followed by a refreshing swim and snorkel session. By 9am, I'd cycle back to our resort for breakfast, having already experienced the kind of transcendent morning that vacation dreams are made of.

For couples seeking romantic moments, I'd recommend Anse Patates as the perfect sunrise spot—the intimate scale and beautiful light create an atmosphere of natural luxury that no resort setup could replicate.

Beyond the beaches I've detailed above, La Digue offers several other secluded shores that deserve mention. Each has its own character and appeal for the discerning beach connoisseur:

Anse Bonnet Carré: Accessible only by boat or a challenging hike, this tiny cove on the eastern coast features dramatic waves and complete privacy. We chartered a boat for a half-day exploration and enjoyed a picnic here without seeing another soul. The powerful surf makes swimming dangerous, but the wild beauty is unmatched.

Anse Fourmis: This long, wild stretch of beach on the eastern coast offers a rugged counterpoint to the more manicured western shores. The name means 'Ant Beach,' though the real stars are the hermit crabs that populate the shoreline. The swimming conditions are challenging due to strong currents, but the meditative walks possible here make it worth visiting.

Anse Caiman: Another eastern coast gem, Caiman features a narrow strip of sand backed by lush vegetation. What makes this beach special is the natural rock pools that form at low tide, creating perfect private soaking spots. We spent an afternoon here with a good book and barely noticed the hours passing.

Anse Gaulettes: Located on the northwest coast, this beach offers excellent sunset views—a rarity on La Digue where most famous beaches face east or south. The nearby village provides a glimpse into local life, and several small restaurants serve authentic Creole cuisine just steps from the sand.

Anse Severe: While slightly more developed than others on this list, Anse Severe remains relatively uncrowded. The shallow, protected waters make it ideal for less confident swimmers, and the beachfront restaurants offer the luxury of enjoying a cold drink without leaving your paradise view. I found this beach perfect for afternoon relaxation after more adventurous morning explorations.

Navigating between these hidden gems becomes part of the adventure. I highly recommend using a waterproof phone case for peace of mind while cycling between beaches with unpredictable tropical showers appearing without warning.