Discovering tropical paradise
Anse Source d’Argent, located on the idyllic La Digue Island, is the best beach in Seychelles if you ask us.
Perhaps it’s even the most beautiful beach in the world?
Well, it’s definitely up there, and thanks to its huge, unique rock formations and unparalleled natural beauty, it has become one of the most famous beaches on the planet.
It’s highly likely that the captivating photos of Anse Source d’Argent’s scenic beach views were what sparked your desire to visit Seychelles in the first place.
It sure was one of the main reasons we wanted to go there. And we’re glad to say that Anse Source d’Argent lives up to expectations and then some!
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing beach holiday, thrilling snorkelling experiences or an Instagrammable spot on La Digue, Anse Source d’Argent offers it all.
As we ventured into this tropical paradise, we were charmed by its pristine white-sand beaches, granite boulders and crystal-clear waters.
In this guide, we’ll cover how to get to Anse Source d’Argent, why you should visit, what to expect, the entrance fee, what to do at L’Union Estate, when to visit and our best tips for one of the top attractions in Seychelles.
Where to stay near Anse Source d’Argent:
- Budget: Villa Des Flots – A great budget option.
- Value for money: Le Repaire Boutique Hotel – Where we stayed on La Digue.
- Luxury: Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa – The best hotel on the island.
Search for the best hotels on La Digue Island.
Table of contents
- Why visit Anse Source d’Argent
- What to expect from Anse Source d’Argent
- L’Union Estate
- Practical information
- How to get to Anse Source d’Argent from La Digue
- How to get to Anse Source d’Argent from Praslin or Mahé
- When to visit Anse Source d’Argent
- Where to stay near Anse Source d’Argent
- What to bring to Anse Source d’Argent
- FAQ about Anse Source d’Argent
Why visit Anse Source d’Argent
Visiting Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue is an absolute must for beach lovers and anyone seeking a memorable time in this palm-fringed heaven.
Seychelles’ most iconic beach is where you will find the famous rock formations.
The combination of granite boulders and turquoise waters makes it one of the most distinctive beaches in the world.
In fact, the pictures of Anse Source d’Argent were the reason we got Seychelles on our radar!
And during our two-week island adventure in Seychelles, the picturesque beach was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
Everything you need to know including the best beaches, hikes & activities, which islands to visit, 1-2 week itineraries and where to stay in Seychelles
Is Anse Source d’Argent really worth visiting?
Now, to be honest, Anse Source d’Argent may not be for you if you don’t love beaches.
There’s an entrance fee to visit the beach and some people believe it’s a waste of money.
As a matter of fact, there are other really gorgeous beaches on La Digue Island (and Seychelles in general) and they are all free to visit.
If you only like sunbathing or swimming for a short amount of time or have to keep a tight budget, Anse Source d’Argent might not be worth it for you.
Also, while it’s often described as a secluded beach, we have to point out that it’s not a secret beach (anymore) and that there will be other people.
However, when we visited Anse Source d’Argent in July, we were the first ones on the beach in the morning and the last ones to leave at sunset. During the day, it didn’t feel crowded at all.
Anse Source d’Argent is renowned as one of the top attractions in Seychelles, and we certainly see the attraction.
Having visited spectacular beaches in beautiful countries like the Cook Islands, Indonesia and Thailand, we were still blown away by the beauty of Anse Source d’Argent.
If you are a beach enthusiast like us, your Seychelles holiday is not complete without a visit to this tropical paradise!
What to expect from Anse Source d’Argent
Now you know why you should visit Anse Source d’Argent, so we’ll tell you a bit more about what to expect.
To get to the unique beach, you will have to go through L’Union Estate, a former coconut plantation which is interesting to visit in its own right. We’ll tell you more about that further down in the travel guide.
The estate, and therefore also the beach, is located on the southwestern part of La Digue and since the island is quite small, you can easily reach it by bike or on foot from the main town.
When you have entered L’Union Estate, Anse Source d’Argent is about 1 kilometre south of the entrance.
If you’re biking, you can leave your bicycle at the beginning of the path to the beach; there are signs leading you through the estate and it will be clear where to leave it when you get there.
Now, let’s get to the things to do at Anse Source d’Argent.
Rows of pretty beaches
Following the path to Anse Source d’Argent, you will suddenly find yourself amidst the huge granite boulders and probably recognise some of the spots from this travel guide.
And while you can settle down at the white-sanded beach right at the beginning, you should know that Anse Source d’Argent actually consists of several small beaches along the coast, so don’t be afraid to walk a bit further and check them out before finding the perfect place for the day.
The rows of beaches are also the reason it’s relatively easy to find your own spot in the powdery sand despite Anse Source d’Argent’s popularity.
Snorkelling at Anse Source d’Argent
A coral reef shields Anse Source d’Argent from the open ocean, resulting in calm, shallow waters with gentle waves.
That makes the beach an excellent spot for snorkelling!
Explore the underwater world and encounter a diverse array of marine life, colourful corals and tropical fish.
If you enjoy snorkelling, it’s one of the best things to do at Anse Source d’Argent, and it can easily keep you busy for a while.
Everything you need to know about La Digue Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay
Read moreKayaking at Anse Source d’Argent
There are more ways than one to enjoy the splendour of Anse Source d’Argent, and what could be better than to witness the immense granite boulders from the water’s perspective?
Crystal Water Kayaks is just before the entrance to the beach, and from here, you can rent a see-through kayak to take out into the sea for a unique view of the rock formations and palm-lined stretches of sand.
They are also perfect for that Instagram-worthy photo you’ve been dreaming about.
If you want to explore more, you can go on what they call a 3-hour educational adventure tour.
The fully guided group tours depend on the tides and can start anywhere between 9:00 and 16:00.
Apart from delightful views, the tour includes beach time on Anse Pierrot (one of the harder-to-reach beaches on La Digue), a coconut survival competition, a cave visit and more.
Is it safe to swim at Anse Source d’Argent?
Yes, Anse Source d’Argent is generally considered one of the safest beaches for swimming on La Digue.
The shallow lagoon and protective coral reef keep the water calm for much of the year, making it ideal for swimming and wading.
At low tide, the water is very shallow, while at high tide you’ll have more space to swim.
That said, conditions can vary depending on the weather and tides.
Strong currents and bigger waves are occasionally possible, especially if there’s rough weather or unusually high swells.
It’s always a good idea to check local conditions before entering the water and avoid swimming if the sea looks rough.
The rocky shoreline can also be slippery in places, so take care when walking over the granite boulders or coral.
L’Union Estate
L’Union Estate on La Digue serves as a historic estate and attraction, providing insight into Seychellois culture, history and traditional practices, and it also has a functional plantation.
To get to Anse Source d’Argent, you have to go through L’Union Estate.
While you can certainly get a good impression of the estate from walking or biking through it, we recommend you spend a little more time here as this is also one of the best things to do on La Digue Island.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the estate is the 750-million-year-old Granite Monolith, taking up a whopping 4,000 m².
Around it lives a big group of Aldabra giant tortoises, sadly enclosed, in contrast to their free-roaming counterparts on Curieuse Island.
Right next to the enclosure, you can check out the vanilla plantation, which is still in use.
The estate is also home to the cemetery of the original settlers of La Digue.
Don’t miss The Plantation House in L’Union Estate for a prime example of French colonial architecture on the island.
Practical information
Price of visiting Anse Source d’Argent
Since the beach is part of the private L’Union Estate, there’s an entrance fee of 150 Seychellois rupees (SCR) (~ 9 EUR / 10 USD)* per person.
But it is well worth the money if you ask us! Especially if you are a beach lover like we are.
The entry pass is valid for the entire day, so you can leave and return to the estate and Anse Source d’Argent as many times as you like.
*The price was last updated in 2026.
Food and drinks
The Old Pier Café is inside L’Union Estate, and it’s a great spot to visit for lunch if you can get yourself to (momentarily) leave one of the world’s most beautiful tropical beaches.
Thankfully, the beach view from Old Pier Café is still great.
We ordered two delicious vegetable curries and fresh mango juice.
Next to Old Pier Café, you can find toilets, too.
There are also a couple of drink stalls on Anse Source d’Argent serving fresh coconuts and fruit juices.
Everything you need to know about finding the most delicious vegan and vegetarian places in tropical paradise
Read moreHow to get to Anse Source d’Argent from La Digue
How to get to Anse Source d’Argent depends on which island you’re travelling from.
Assuming you are already on La Digue, reaching Anse Source d’Argent is quite straightforward.
From the main town or La Digue jetty, you can either walk or rent a bicycle to get to L’Union Estate and the beach.
Walking to the entrance of the estate takes about 15-25 minutes depending on where in town you’re staying.
Biking is undoubtedly quicker and highly convenient for exploring L’Union Estate’s surroundings.
Anse Source d’Argent is about 1 kilometre south of the entrance.
How to get to Anse Source d’Argent from Praslin or Mahé
If you are staying on Praslin or Mahé, it’s possible to visit Anse Source d’Argent on a day trip, but it will probably involve an early start.
While a day trip can provide a taste of Anse Source d’Argent’s beauty, we think you should consider staying overnight on La Digue to fully immerse yourself in the experience and explore more of the island’s attractions.
However, if you don’t have the time, check out these boat trip day tours that will take you to Seychelles’ most iconic beach.
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Read moreMap of Anse Source d’Argent
Anse Source d’Argent is on the southwestern coast of La Digue Island in Seychelles.
When to visit Anse Source d’Argent
Best time of the day to visit Anse Source d’Argent
Our best tip is to arrive early in the morning as most people start showing up around 10:00-11:00.
If you have the time, stay until sunset when everyone has left.
This will give you complete privacy to enjoy one of the best beaches in the world in total tranquillity (and hopefully with a colourful sunset).
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Read moreBest time of the year to visit La Digue
Seychelles is a year-round destination, but there are some seasonal weather patterns that are worth knowing about.
The sun almost always shines, and the temperatures consistently hover between 24°C and the low 30s (it very rarely gets hotter than 32°C).
The best time to visit is generally considered to be the shoulder months of April to May and October to November, when the seas are calm and the weather is at its best.
High season falls in the summer months of July and August and over Christmas and New Year in December and January. Autumn is also a popular time to visit.
The warmest months are February, March, April and May.
The sea breeze is at its strongest between May and October, which isn’t ideal for snorkelling or diving. The best visibility is found during April, May, October and November.
It rains all year (it’s the tropics, after all), but often just in short bursts. The average humidity is 80%.
The southeast trade wind picks up between May and September, while the northwest monsoon blows between November and March. In between, there’s almost no wind.
La Digue very rarely gets hit by tropical storms because of its lucky location.
The ocean temperature stays between 26°C and 30°C year-round.
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Read moreWhere to stay near Anse Source d’Argent
As La Digue is so small, where on the island you stay isn’t super important, since you can easily go everywhere by bike.
Getting to Anse Source d’Argent is easy no matter where you choose to stay.
But there are small differences.
The three main places to stay on La Digue can broadly be categorised as staying by the town waterfront, on the town backstreets or by the northern beaches.
- There is only one “town” on La Digue (it’s very small!), and this is where you’ll find almost all the shops, restaurants and hotels. Staying on the waterfront here is perfect. While the beaches aren’t the best, you’re in the middle of the island and can go everywhere easily. And you have all the amenities at your doorstep.
- Staying in the backstreets is the budget option. This is where most of the cheaper guesthouses are found. You’ll be further from the action, but not much more than a few hundred metres.
- Staying near the northern beaches is an interesting option. You’ll be very near some of the loveliest beaches on La Digue, but you’ll also be (relatively) far away from the rest of the island.
We tried staying on both the town waterfront and in the backstreets and liked both options a lot. Next time around, we could easily see ourselves being based by the northern beaches.
Search for the best hotels on La Digue here (adlink).
The best romantic hotels on La Digue
Le Repaire Boutique Hotel
We stayed our first two nights on La Digue at Le Repaire and absolutely loved our stay.
The hotel very much has a boutique feel to it. It’s small, cosy, and a lot of attention has been paid to detail in the rooms. The communal spaces also feel super relaxed.
There’s a pool as well as direct beach access to one of the best beaches on the western side of La Digue.
The beaches here aren’t as postcard pretty as their counterparts on the rest of the island, but the beach right in front of Le Repaire is great for relaxing in the sun and cooling off in the water.
Quality pizza is hard to come by in the tropics in general, but somehow Le Repaire manages to bake outstanding pies in their Italian restaurant.
Breakfast is served as a buffet, and here again, the food quality is satisfyingly high. Our experience as vegans was great.
It’s possible to rent bicycles directly from Le Repaire.
All in all, there’s no way around the fact that Le Repaire Boutique Hotel is a top choice for a romantic stay on La Digue.
Check prices and availability at Le Repaire Boutique Hotel (adlink).
Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel La Digue
Le Nautique is right next to Le Repaire and seems rather similar in several ways.
Here the pool overlooks the ocean, and while there’s not much of a beach in front of the hotel (depending on the tide), the beautiful waters are still very swimmable.
The rooms look wonderful, and the restaurant comes recommended.
We have no doubt staying here would be an incredible experience.
Check prices and availability at Le Nautique Waterfront Hotel La Digue (adlink).
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa
While there are technically no 5-star resorts on La Digue, Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa probably comes the closest.
It’s expensive, naturally, but for all those Seychellois rupees you do get a lot of value.
The pool area is spacious, and so is the beach here (which is rare for a place in the town).
The location of the hotel kind of marks the endpoint of the town, which is in many ways the perfect place to be. This way, you’re still close to the ferry, restaurants, etc., but you’re also just a quick walk away from Anse Sévère, perhaps the best all-round (family-friendly) beach on La Digue for swimming and relaxing.
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie is a beautiful place to stay. A romantic holiday is almost guaranteed here.
Check prices and availability at Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie Resort and Spa (adlink).
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Six Senses Zil Pasyon is not located on La Digue, but rather a stone’s throw away on Félicité Island.
If you’re looking for a true 5-star (or 6-star? 7-star??) experience in Seychelles, this is it.
The resort is considered one of the best in the world (and also one of the most expensive).
Staying here for just one night costs more than most people make in a month, or even a year.
But if you have that kind of money to spend, this is where you would want to do so.
Check prices and availability at Six Senses Zil Pasyon (adlink).
Our recommendations for five-star beach resorts on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue + private-island pool villas.
Read moreThe best budget hotels on La Digue
Hotel L’Ocean
Situated at La Digue’s northernmost tip, Hotel L’Ocean is just metres from a long family-friendly beach, and from the super small but very photogenic Anse Patates.
The rooms look comfortable, and like all the other hotels recommended here, there’s free wifi, A/C and a private bathroom.
Check prices and availability at Hotel L’Ocean (adlink).
Villa Des Flots
With a secluded location in La Digue’s northeast right next to the beach, staying at Villa Des Flots is quite different from staying in one of the hotels in town, even though it’s just 2.5 kilometres away.
Up here, the tempo is as slow and relaxed as it gets.
The beaches are wild, untamed and stunning.
And if you just want to get away from it all and listen to the sounds of the ocean, this is the perfect place.
Check prices and availability at Villa Des Flots (adlink).
Zanboza Guesthouse
Located on the way to the island’s wild eastern coast just after the town, Zanboza Guesthouse is worth taking a look at if you want a no-frills stay close to nature.
Staying here means it’s easy to get to both sides of the island.
As the hotel is on top of a (relatively small) hill, it’s perhaps not ideal if you easily feel out of breath. The upside is that the views are great.
Check prices and availability at Zanboza Guesthouse (adlink).
A practical guide to affordable accommodation, food, transport, activities and island-hopping in Seychelles.
Read moreWhat to bring to Anse Source d’Argent
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen (adlink), a sunhat, sunglasses or other sun protection.
- Swimwear and a beach towel.
- Water and snacks.
- Cash in case the ATM at L’Union Estate doesn’t work.
What camera, drone and accessories we use to capture life on the road
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Sustainable travel tips
To minimise your impact on Anse Source d’Argent, follow these guidelines:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Dispose of waste properly. While putting your rubbish in the nearest bin is convenient, wrappers and other small items are easily taken by the wind and end up in the ocean.
- Check your sunscreen. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that are harmful to corals.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let shells and corals stay in their natural home.
- Respect wildlife.
FAQ about Anse Source d’Argent
How do you get to Anse Source d’Argent?
You walk or cycle through L’Union Estate; the beach itself is about 1 kilometre from the entrance.
It’s an easy, flat route suitable for most visitors, and bicycles can be rented from most places to stay on the island.
Is Anse Source d’Argent free to visit?
No, entry is through L’Union Estate, a former coconut plantation, which charges an admission fee of 150 SCR (~ 9 EUR / 10 USD) per person in 2026.
This is the only beach on La Digue with an entrance fee.
How long do you need at Anse Source d’Argent?
Most visitors spend a few hours here, but since the entry ticket is valid for the whole day, you can easily make a full day of it, moving between the different stretches of beach and taking a lunch break at Old Pier Café.
Can you swim at Anse Source d’Argent?
Yes, the water at Anse Source d’Argent is calm and swimming is safe, as the beach is protected by an offshore reef.
This makes it more family-friendly than the wilder southeastern beaches on La Digue.
Is Anse Source d’Argent good for snorkelling?
Yes, a coral reef shelters the beach from the open ocean, so the water stays calm and shallow.
This makes it a great spot to explore the marine life without needing much experience.
Is there shade at Anse Source d’Argent?
Yes, palm trees line parts of the beach and offer natural shade, though it’s patchy in places, so sunscreen and a hat are still a good idea.
Is Anse Source d’Argent good for families with young children?
Yes, the reef keeps the water calm and shallow, which makes it a safe spot for children to paddle and swim.
That said, there’s little shade beyond the palm trees, so bring sun protection.
Can you visit Anse Source d’Argent as a day trip from Mahé or Praslin?
Yes, though it usually means an early start.
Several boat tours run day trips to La Digue that include a stop at the beach, but staying overnight on La Digue gives you more time to enjoy it properly, especially early morning or sunset when it’s quietest.
Practical advice on entry requirements, island-hopping, costs, transport, beaches, safety and more
Read moreThanks for reading our Anse Source d’Argent guide
Thanks for reading our travel guide to Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue Island in Seychelles.
What do you think about the granite boulders and turquoise waters?
We hope you now know how to get to Anse Source d’Argent, what to expect and what to do on the beach and the estate.
If you’ve been to Anse Source d’Argent, it would be awesome to hear your best tips and tricks.
If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments. We’re glad to help.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for hotels and apartments.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- AirHelp for flight delay compensation.
- GetYourGuide for great tours everywhere.
- Airalo for reliable eSIM.
- Discover Cars for transparent car hire.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like True Traveller. Compared here.
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Anse Source d’Argent looks absolutely magical! The combination of powdery white sand, giant granite boulders, and crystal-clear waters seems like something straight out of a dream. I can only imagine strolling along the beach and feeling completely at peace surrounded by such natural beauty.