Welcome to the tropical paradise, guys!😚
Now, close your eyes and imagine that you are on the southeast coast of the island of La Digue, which is the epitome of a tropical paradise, where there is the wild and quiet bay of Grand Anse.
Imagine a sun-drenched beach that is fairly far from popular tourist areas, keeping it less crowded and quieter.
From the city of La Paz to the coastline, you can take a taxi or walk about 2 miles to Grand Anse Beach.
Grand Anse is the longest beach of all on the island of La Digue.
The bright combination of greenish-blue water and the blinding whiteness of fine sand is traditional for any Seychelles beach.
In general, the Seychelles, consisting of 115 islands, is a remote region, and most of the archipelago is not inhabited.
Most of the islands can only be reached by water.
How to Get to Grand Anse Beach from the Cruise Terminal
You can come to La Digue when you are on Mahé, the central island of the Seychelles. You can take a speedboat to La Digue for 70 euros per person.
Usually, cruise ships and sailboats enter the tender mooring not far from La Digue. Only very small ones are moored at the pier of the marina on La Digue.
After you reach the marina of La Digue, you can get to Grand Anse Beach by bike through a large but gentle hill, through the gardens of the island, and a large number of roadside cafes selling fruit juices and snacks.
Taxis on La Digue are expensive even by European standards.
From the pier to the Grand Anse beach (only 2 miles), they ask for 50 euros; they practically do not bargain.
There is only one road to this bay—through the central part of La Digue. You can get on this road from the village of La Reunion, heading towards Belle Vue.
From Grand Anse Beach, you can walk to Grand L’Anse and Anse Marron beaches, but it’s better to use a guide as the road goes through the jungle, where you can get lost or fall off the cliff.
The Distance Between the Cruise Terminal or Port and Grand Anse Beach
It is around 15 minutes by speedboat.
We left the yacht at the pier in Praslin and went to La Digue on a high-speed ferry.
It runs four times a day with fairly large intervals, and the journey time is only 15 minutes.
We walked to the mentioned beaches.
Gorgeous surf and no less gorgeous view! It is useless to argue about which island of the Seychelles is the most beautiful since they are all unique in their own way.
But you definitely shouldn’t miss La Digue.
Where Is The Cruise Port In Grand Anse Beach?
Unfortunately, there is no cruise port in Grand Anse Beach; you have to get to Grand Anse Beach by speed boats from different islands where your cruise ship is anchored.
The cost of a transfer without a guide is 70 euros, and it is not pleasant.
Why You Should Visit Grand Anse Beach
For those who love snorkeling, it is a good opportunity to explore the amazing underwater world and its colorful inhabitants off the coast.
Also, La Digue has become famous for its white sand beaches and the opportunities to walk through the forests for outdoor enthusiasts.
In addition, there is a chance to see the Seychelles paradise flycatcher, and there are only a hundred of them left in the wild.
BEST Things to Do in Grand Anse Beach
There is absolutely no infrastructure on Grand Anse Beach, so those who come here often go here to sunbathe and swim.
When you come here, think in advance about drinking water and sun protection.
This is a beautiful, “wild” beach surrounded by huge granite rocks, where shade can be found only until noon, after which the entire beach is under the bright, burning sun, from which you can escape only among coastal stones.
I do not recommend you visit the bay for swimming in the period from April to October, during the southeast monsoons, when there are very strong sea currents.
What you can do there:
Surfing
Grand Anse Beach is a picturesque beach with big waves, the largest and longest on the island of La Digue.
The bay is known for its deep water, strong currents, and high waves during the southeast trade winds, for which it is very loved by surfers.
Spend All Day Swimming.
Seychelles legislation has approved a pleasant law, according to which any person can freely relax on any beach, including on the beaches of any hotels.
Good beaches can be found along almost the entire circumference of the island. And its dimensions are quite small, 7 to 2 miles.
Get a Tan
Grand Anse Bay is more suitable for those who like to sunbathe.
Here the corals come close to the shore and are covered with algae.
Swimming is uncomfortable and simply dangerous; you can get hurt.
Make Instagram Photos
Due to the magnificent scenery, including the cliffs at one end of the beach, this place is considered one of the most beautiful on the entire island. In addition, due to its features, the beach is often empty, which makes it ideal for beautiful photos.
Watch Turtle Eggs Hatch
In September, you can see turtle eggs hatching.
When is The Best Time to Come to Grand Anse Beach?
The best time to visit Grand Anse Beach depends on your interests and what you expect from your cruise.
Bird-watching enthusiasts are advised to try to come in April during the breeding season or in October to catch the migration.
Hikers and nature-hungry travelers can safely visit from May to September, when the cool sea breeze makes walking comfortable.
In September, you can see turtle eggs hatching.
The best seasons for diving and snorkeling are from March to May and from September to November. At this time, the water in the sea is calm, and underwater visibility is very good.
And although sailing is good at any time of the year, between May and October the wind blows in the right direction.