Location and character
Anse Sévère is a peaceful spot that is very good for sunbathing and swimming. It is the first beach you come to if you turn left at the ferry jetty. There are two small hotels along the shore, but the beach never gets crowded.
Anse Sévère is popular with locals and visitors alike. The water is shallow and the seabed is stony (water shoes are a good idea). There is a lovely view of the neighbouring island of Praslin.
The beach lies about a kilometre north of the jetty, between the Domaine de l'Orangeraie hotel and the Patatran Village Hotel. Takamaka trees line the back of the beach, with a shallow reef in front. For an overview of the other beaches, see the page on La Digue.
Getting there
By ferry to La Digue
The Cat Rose ferry runs between Praslin and La Digue, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. The departure times below are those given by the operator (as of November 2026). The Cat Cocos also sails to La Digue, including from Mahé. You can read more on the pages Cat Cocos ferry and Getting around the Seychelles. Check the times before you travel, as they can change.
| Route | Monday to Friday | Saturday and Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Praslin → La Digue | 07:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:30 | 09:00, 10:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:30 |
| La Digue → Praslin | 07:30, 09:30, 10:30, 12:15, 16:00, 17:00 | 09:30, 10:30, 12:15, 16:00, 17:00 |
From La Passe harbour to the beach
Directions
From La Passe harbour, cycle north along the coast for about 5 to 10 minutes. You pass the Domaine de l'Orangeraie hotel and the large, colourful cemetery. Once you have gone past the cemetery (on your right), the first beach on your left is Anse Sévère. There is plenty of space to leave your bike.
On foot it takes about 15 minutes along the road. There are very few vehicles on La Digue and the bicycle is the usual way to get around. You will find rental shops near the jetty. A hire bike costs about 100 to 150 SCR per day (as of November 2026), and if you stay overnight it is sometimes included in the room price. Check the brakes and gears before you set off.
Swimming and snorkelling
A few rocks rise out of the water in front of the beach, and it is worth bringing a snorkel. The reef offshore holds back the surf, which is why the beach is considered child-friendly. You can get into the water anywhere and swim out to the reef. You occasionally see turtles here, but not reliably. Your chances are better at Anse Patates, around 250 metres further north. You will find more spots under Diving and snorkelling.
There is no known lifeguard service. Swim with care when it is windy or the sea is rough, and stay close to the shore. The coast faces north-west and is therefore more sheltered when the south-east trade wind blows (roughly May to October). Between December and February it can be choppier here. The fact box shows the calmer months, and you will find background information under Best time to visit.
Facilities
There are four or five fruit stalls on the beach, mixing delicious fresh fruit juices. At the north end there is also a small snack bar with a bar and a little boutique. The takamaka trees at the edge of the beach provide shade.
Do not expect sun loungers, parasols for hire or public toilets on the beach. Bring a towel and drinking water. The small shops and stalls take Seychelles rupees (SCR), so change some money beforehand.
Tips and what is nearby
The view at sunset from this beach is lovely. As the sun goes down over the sea, an evening visit is especially worthwhile.
The nearest beaches to the north and south:
- Anse Patates, about 250 metres further north, with better chances of seeing turtles.
- Anse La Passe by the harbour.
- Anse La Réunion and Anse Union south of La Passe.
- Anse Source d’Argent in the grounds of the L’Union Estate, in the south of the island.
