Location and character
Anse Marron is a remarkable beach at the southern tip of La Digue. There are two stretches of sand. One is open to the sea, where the water drops away quickly and there can be big waves and currents. The other is tucked away among huge granite boulders and has a small natural seawater pool where you can cool off. You can only reach this beach on foot, or by boat in calm seas, in which case you swim the last bit. The trail leads over rocks, through crevices and along beaches, across sand, sometimes through water up to your hips, and through palm forest. We recommend taking a guide, as not every section is safe, the route is not easy to find and you need to understand the tides.
The path appears on no official map and runs between Grand Anse and Anse Source d’Argent. Along the way you pass Grand L'Anse (not to be confused with Grand Anse) and Anse Pierrot, among others. Anse Marron is therefore less a beach day than a half-day hike with a swimming break.
Getting there and the tour
Guided tour
Guided tours run daily. They start between 7.45 and 8.30 am at the helipad and finish back there at around 2 to 3 pm. The price includes the transfer between the helipad and Grand Anse, plus a picnic on the beach with snacks and fruit. On the way, the guide tells you about the flora, the fauna and island life. Depending on the tides, guides walk the route in one direction or the other, usually from Grand Anse towards Anse Source d’Argent.
| Item (as of November 2026) | Costs |
|---|---|
| Guided tour per person, depending on the operator | usually 50–60 € |
| Entrance to L’Union Estate per person, not included in the tour price | 150 SCR |
Prices from operators have risen in recent years, and the 40 € quoted in the past is no longer usual. A few reports from 2026 give differing amounts for the entrance fee to the L’Union Estate, so ask on the spot. The tour usually ends in the park, where you can still see giant tortoises, the vanilla plantation and the old plantation house.
Meeting point: the helipad
Directions (to the helipad, where the tour starts):
From the jetty, follow the coast road south. The helipad is right in front of the entrance to L’Union Estate Park. The area belongs to Anse La Réunion. On La Digue, most visitors cover this stretch by bicycle.
Tides and the route
Parts of the route go through water, especially between Anse Source d’Argent and Anse Pierrot. This section is only comfortable to walk at low tide. At high tide, passages under the rocks can be flooded, and hikers without local knowledge have to turn back or get stranded. Walking time alone is about two to three hours, depending on direction and breaks, and the whole tour takes 6 to 7 hours.
Swimming and snorkelling
Swim only in the sheltered rock pool. The open stretch of beach is dangerous because of currents and surf, even if the water looks inviting. In the pool you can snorkel with a mask when the water is calm. It is worth bringing your own equipment, as there is no rental along the way.
The south coast is more exposed to the trade wind and swell than the sheltered bays. Especially in the south-east trade wind season, roughly May to October, the surf can pick up considerably. The fact box shows which months are calmer. For the hike itself, June to October is the most popular time, and you will find more advice on our page on the best time to visit.
Facilities and tips
As far as we know, there are no shops or restaurants on the beach itself. Food comes with the tour, and you should not expect toilets. Palm trees and rocks provide shade.
Nearby
If you walk the route in the opposite direction, you end up at Anse Source d’Argent, with Anse Union and the park right next to it (Anse Union, L’Union Estate). Equally remote are Anse Cocos, Petit Anse and Anse Songe. You will find more tours under Hiking in the Seychelles.
