Grand Anse

The bicycle is the usual way of getting around on La Digue. You will find rental shops around the harbour, with a day's hire costing about SCR 150 to 200 (as of November 2026). E-bikes cost roughly SCR 300 to 800 a day depending on the model (as of November 2026) and help on the climbs. Many guesthouses lend bikes to their guests.

Directions: From the harbour at La Passe, cycle south along the coast road. At the junction after Gregoires Pizzeria and the STC supermarket, take the turning on the left. Shortly before the next fork you cross a river and the road climbs for a few metres. Take the right fork here and follow the road. It goes uphill in stages, then down again a little more steeply. The tarmac ends, and you follow the sandy track for a few hundred metres to the restaurant. There is plenty of space to leave your bike. The ride takes 30 to 45 minutes.

The route is around 3 to 4 kilometres long. On an e-bike and with a little practice it is much quicker, while on a basic rental bike you will probably have to push on the slope.

At the boat jetty in La Passe turn right and follow the main road to the turning opposite the school. Turn left, pass the Zerof restaurant (on your left), then turn right and follow the road until you reach the beach at Grand Anse. Shops and eateries change from time to time. If in doubt, ask for directions at the bike rental or at your accommodation.

Cars, taxis and electric buggies are limited in number on La Digue, as the number of vehicles is restricted by the authorities. It is best to have your accommodation order a taxi for you.

The jetty at La Passe is the starting point for every route. For the timetable and booking, see the page on the Cat Cocos ferry. If you are making a day trip from Praslin, plan your return carefully, as the last Cat Rose ferry from La Digue usually leaves at 5 pm. Check the timetable beforehand.

The sea drops away steeply in places, and there is often heavy surf with life-threatening undertow. Swimming here is not recommended, especially during the south-east monsoon! At weekends you can nevertheless often watch a few young local men surfing.

Because of the huge waves, the sea here is unfortunately not suitable for swimming, and warning signs on the beach point out the dangers explicitly. Even if the water looks inviting, there are strong undertows with a dangerous pull. Do not be tempted!

Calmer beaches are better for swimming and snorkelling, such as Anse Sévère and Anse Patates in the north. Further along the coastal path you can swim at Petite Anse when the waves are low. At the end of Anse Cocos there is a natural rock pool where visitors watch fish when the sea is calm.

Visitors report toilets by the restaurant. There are no sun loungers on the beach itself. Head back in good time before dusk, as the roads are not lit. Keep to the left and take a light with you. The ride back begins with climbs, so allow for the effort and the time.

Grand Anse is the starting point for walks to Petite Anse, Anse Cocos and Anse Caiman. The way there is signposted. The path to Petite Anse begins at the northern end of the beach. If you carry on to Anse Cocos, follow the few waymarks and the clearly visible track.

You will find more on the routes under Hiking the most beautiful trails of the Seychelles. For an overview of the island, see the page on La Digue.