La Digue is small enough that you can reach almost any beach by bicycle or on foot. Even so, the beaches differ a good deal. Sheltered bays behind the reef are made for swimming and snorkelling. On the open beaches in the south and east the surf pounds in, so it is better to look than to wade out far.
If swimming is your main aim, look for beaches with reef protection and a gentle entry into the water, for example on the west side around the L'Union Estate. Grand Anse and Petite Anse have no reef in front of them. Especially during the south-east trade wind (roughly May to September) swimming there is not advisable. Anse Cocos is more sheltered, but even there a current remains. For which months are calmest overall, see Best time to travel.
The list of cards below leads to each individual beach, with directions, facilities and tips. For general information about the island, accommodation and getting around, see the page La Digue. The ferry from Praslin and Mahé is described on the page Cat Cocos ferry. For a comparison with the loveliest beaches on the other islands, there is Dream beaches in the Seychelles. For the routes to the remote bays, it is worth reading Walking in the Seychelles.
