Location and character
In the north of the island, Anse Gaulettes is a long, narrow strip of sand running alongside the coast road. The beach is considered too dangerous for bathing and swimming.
There is very little room between the road and the water. A long wall runs along part of the beach, and behind it you will find an old orange grove. In clear weather you can see offshore islands such as Félicité and Marianne. Because the beach lies a little away from the harbour, there are usually only a few visitors about. It is a good place for a stroll, for photos and as a stop on a bike ride around the island.
Getting there
From La Passe on foot or by bike
At the ferry jetty in La Passe, turn left and follow the main road as far as the Patatran Village hotel. Anse Gaulettes is about 50 metres further on.
There is hardly any car traffic on La Digue, so you do not need to worry about parking. The bicycle is the usual way to get around. Rental shops are right by the harbour, and a basic bike costs around 10 to 12 euros a day (as of November 2026). Allow roughly a quarter of an hour from La Passe. There are some slopes on the way, so check the brakes and gears before you hire a bike.
From Praslin and Mahé to La Digue
All ferries dock in the harbour at La Passe. Current departure times are on the page about the Cat Cocos ferry and with the operator of the route Praslin, La Digue, Cat Rose.
| Route | Duration | Adult fare, one way (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Praslin, La Digue (Cat Rose) | approx. 15 minutes | around €15 |
| Mahé, Praslin (Cat Cocos) | approx. 75 minutes | from €56 |
| Mahé, La Digue (with stop at Praslin) | approx. 90 minutes | Price on request from Cat Cocos |
Swimming and snorkelling
Waves break in front of the beach, and there are undercurrents as well as rocks and sharp-edged coral. Observers describe conditions very differently from day to day. If you do want to go in, stay close to the shore, never go alone and wear water shoes. As a rule of thumb: do not swim here, even if the water looks calm on a given day. The fact box shows which months tend to be calmer on this coast. For general information on the seasons, see Climate and weather.
More sheltered bays are better for swimming and snorkelling: Anse Sévère with its beach bars, Anse Union with its shallow water, and the family-friendly Anse La Réunion. You will find more under Diving and snorkelling.
Facilities
Do not expect sun loungers, parasols or a beach bar. Bring water, sun protection and something to eat. The best shade is under the vegetation on the road side. The nearby Patatran Village hotel has a restaurant. Whether day visitors can eat there is best checked directly with the hotel beforehand. More places to eat lie in the direction of La Passe, with a selection under La Digue.
Tips and surroundings
Anse Gaulettes lies between two neighbouring beaches that are easy to combine with it:
- Anse Patates: small beach right by the Patatran Village hotel.
- Anse Sévère: popular beach with beach bars.
- Anse Source d’Argent: the best-known beach on the island, reached via L’Union Estate.
- Anse Pierrot: beach south of La Passe.
For an overview of all the beaches, see Dream beaches. For when to time your trip, see best time to travel.
