Paradise Found: La Digue's 7 Most Breathtaking Beaches You Can't Miss

Let me tell you about my first encounter with Anse Source d'Argent. The wife and I had just finished a rather wobbly bicycle ride across the island (more on that transportation method later), when we rounded a corner through a former coconut plantation and—BAM—there it was. I actually stopped dead in my tracks, which nearly caused a pile-up of tourists behind me.

This beach is famous for a reason, folks. Those massive, smooth granite boulders look like they were placed by some artistic giant playing with building blocks. They create these intimate little coves where the water shifts between turquoise and emerald depending on the time of day.

Now, fair warning: this isn't a secret spot. By 10 AM, the day-trippers from Praslin and Mahé start arriving. But here's my insider tip that made all the difference: we went at 7:30 AM and again after 4 PM. Morning gave us that magical golden light photographers dream about, and by late afternoon, we practically had sections to ourselves.

The shallow water extends quite far out, making it perfect for those romantic walks where you're ankle-deep in crystal clear ocean. My wife couldn't stop taking photos—I think she filled up her memory card by day three of our trip.

One afternoon, we splurged on a private beach picnic arranged by our hotel. They set up a gorgeous spread right between two of those famous boulders—champagne chilling, fresh local fruit, and seafood that had been swimming that morning. Worth every rupee for the memory alone.

After a couple of days lounging at the more protected beaches, the wife and I decided to venture to Grand Anse on the eastern side of the island. Let me tell you, the 30-minute bike ride there is half the adventure—you'll pass through lush jungle and quaint Creole houses before the path opens up to reveal this stunning stretch of coastline.

Grand Anse is a completely different experience from the calm waters of the western beaches. This is Mother Nature in all her untamed glory. The beach stretches wide and long with powdery white sand that squeaks under your feet (a sound that always makes me chuckle like a kid). The waves here are powerful—this isn't your swimming spot during the southeast trade winds (May to September).

What makes Grand Anse special is the dramatic backdrop. Steep, jungle-covered hills rise behind the beach, and there's this wild, end-of-the-earth feeling that's hard to describe. We spent an afternoon here just watching the waves crash while sharing a bottle of South African white wine we'd picked up in the village.

We only saw a handful of other tourists during our visit. A local guide later told me that many day-trippers never make it this far, sticking instead to the famous Anse Source d'Argent. Their loss, as my dad would say!

The sun can be relentless here with little natural shade, so I was thankful for my packable sun hat that's been with me from Miami to Phuket. My wife laughs at it, but my Scottish-Ukrainian skin needs all the protection it can get!

If you're like me and enjoy a bit of adventure before your relaxation, Anse Cocos will be right up your alley. This hidden gem requires some effort—about a 30-minute hike from Grand Anse through a rocky path and forest trail. The wife was skeptical when I suggested it ("Wyatt, we're on vacation, not an expedition!"), but even she admitted the journey was worth it.

The trail itself is part of the experience, winding through dense tropical vegetation with occasional glimpses of the ocean through the trees. We passed exactly three other couples during our hike, which should tell you something about how uncrowded this beach is.

When you finally emerge from the forest path onto Anse Cocos, it feels like discovering your own private paradise. The beach curves gently in a golden arc, with those signature Seychellois granite boulders creating natural swimming pools at one end. These rock-protected pools are perfect for a refreshing dip even when the open water is too rough.

We spent an entire day here, and it remains the highlight of our La Digue experience. I'd packed our insulated cooler bag with sandwiches and cold drinks from our hotel, which meant we could extend our stay without worrying about food or hydration.

There's something magical about finding a spot like this in today's over-touristed world. Sitting there with my wife of 27 years, watching the waves crash against the rocks while tropical birds darted overhead—it was one of those moments where you think, "Yeah, this is why we work so hard the rest of the year."

Fair warning though: there are no facilities here. No restaurants, no washrooms, no beach vendors. Just pure, unspoiled nature. And that, my friends, is becoming the rarest luxury of all.

Now, I'm not claiming to be Jacques Cousteau, but I do enjoy a good snorkel session when the opportunity presents itself. And folks, Anse Patates on the northern tip of La Digue is where you want to be if underwater sightseeing is your thing.

This small but perfectly formed beach has become our morning ritual whenever we visit La Digue. It's just a short bike ride from most accommodations, and its north-facing position means it's often protected from the stronger winds that can affect other beaches.

The name "Patates" comes from the potato-shaped granite boulders that frame the beach and extend into the water. These rocks create a natural aquarium effect that attracts a stunning variety of marine life right to the shoreline. I've seen more fish varieties here within 10 meters of the beach than at some dedicated snorkeling excursions I've paid good money for!

On our last visit, we spotted angelfish, parrotfish, and even a couple of small reef sharks (the harmless kind, don't worry). The coral gardens start almost immediately as you enter the water, making this an ideal spot for beginners or those who aren't strong swimmers.

The beach itself is relatively small but rarely crowded. There's a charming little beach bar at one end where the owner, Marcel, makes what he claims is the best Piña Colada on the island. After extensive "research" (the things I do for my readers!), I can confirm his claim holds water.

I always pack my full-face snorkel mask which is perfect for extended viewing without that jaw fatigue you get from traditional snorkels. The wife prefers her conventional mask and snorkel set, but she's old school that way (don't tell her I said that).

After a day of exploring, there's nothing better than winding down with a spectacular sunset view. That's where Anse Severe comes into its own. Located on the northwest coast of La Digue, this beach offers front-row seats to nature's nightly color show.

The wife and I discovered this gem on our second evening when our hotel manager suggested we take our bikes there around 5:30 PM. "Trust me," he said with a knowing smile. Boy, was he right.

We arrived to find a handful of locals and in-the-know tourists setting up for sunset viewing. The beach itself is a beautiful stretch of white sand fringed with takamaka trees that provide welcome shade during the day. But it's the evening performance that makes Anse Severe special.

As the sun begins its descent, it paints the sky in impossible shades of orange, pink and purple. The silhouette of Praslin Island on the horizon adds depth to the scene, and the gentle waves provide a soothing soundtrack. We quickly established a routine: arrive by 5:30, find our spot, and set up our beach blanket which has been my trusty companion on beaches from Cancun to Koh Samui.

What makes Anse Severe particularly special is how the fading light plays off the granite boulders, turning them golden then deep amber as the sun sinks lower. It's become something of a tradition for us to toast the sunset with a cold Seybrew (the local beer) or a glass of South African white wine.

There are a couple of small restaurants right on the beach where you can grab dinner after sunset. We particularly enjoyed Chez Jules, a family-run spot serving Creole seafood dishes that'll make you want to lick your plate (I may have been tempted).

If you've got even a passing interest in photography (or just want to make your social media followers green with envy), put Petite Anse at the top of your La Digue must-visit list. Located just beyond Grand Anse, this beach requires a bit of a hike, but the visual payoff is extraordinary.

The trail from Grand Anse takes about 15-20 minutes and involves some scrambling over rocks. I'll admit, at 56, I was feeling it in my knees the next day, but some views are worth a little joint protest.

Petite Anse is smaller than its neighbor (hence the name), but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in dramatic beauty. The beach is framed by massive granite boulders that create a natural frame for your photos. The sand here is particularly fine and brilliantly white, creating a stunning contrast with the deep blue ocean and green jungle backdrop.

During our visit, we were lucky enough to have the beach entirely to ourselves for almost two hours in the morning. I set up my travel tripod and got some timelapses of the waves that still serve as my laptop screensaver back home in London, Ontario.

The waves at Petite Anse can be strong depending on the season, so swimming isn't always advisable. But honestly, this beach is more about visual feasting than water activities. The wife and I spent hours just walking the shoreline, examining the interesting driftwood formations, and watching the light change as clouds passed overhead.

One thing to note: there are no facilities here whatsoever. No restrooms, no food vendors, no rental chairs—just pure, unspoiled nature. Pack accordingly, and don't forget to take all your trash with you when you leave. Keeping paradise pristine is everyone's responsibility, eh?

Let me be straight with you folks—Anse Marron isn't for everyone. It's the most difficult beach to reach on La Digue, requiring either a challenging hike through rocky terrain or a boat trip around the southern tip of the island. But as a wise man once said (okay, it was my dad): "The best views come after the hardest climbs."

After much debate, the wife and I decided to hire a local guide named Jean-Claude for this adventure. At about 500 rupees (roughly $35 USD), it was money well spent. Not only did he know exactly which unmarked trails to take, but his commentary on local flora, fauna, and island life was worth the price alone.

The hike took us about an hour from Anse Source d'Argent, navigating through dense vegetation and over some fairly challenging rock formations. There were moments when I questioned my decision (and my fitness level), but then we rounded the final corner and—wow.

Anse Marron is like something from a castaway fantasy. A tiny pocket of perfect white sand nestled between massive granite boulders, with a natural swimming pool protected from the open ocean. The water in this natural pool is crystal clear and calm, while just beyond the rock barrier, waves crash dramatically against the shore.

What makes this beach special is its isolation. Even in peak season, you'll rarely find more than a handful of adventurous souls here. We spent about three hours swimming, exploring the rock formations, and enjoying the picnic lunch our hotel had prepared. I even managed to squeeze in a nap on the sand—a rare luxury for someone who usually can't sleep outdoors.

The natural pool is perfect for cooling off, with interesting fish that have made their home in this protected environment. My waterproof phone case came in handy for underwater shots that became the envy of my friends back home (especially those suffering through a Canadian winter at the time).