La Digue is small enough to know in three days. It runs on bicycles, the beaches are five minutes apart, and the rhythm of the place. Fish, sun, sleep. Settles in fast. This is the trip if you have a short window.
Day 1. Arrive, get a bike, see Source d’Argent
Ferry in from Praslin or Mahé to La Passe. Rent a bicycle at the jetty (SCR 100–150 a day) and ride 10 minutes south to your guesthouse. Spend the late afternoon at Anse Source d’Argent. Go after 3pm when the day-trippers have left, the light goes warm, and the tide fills the lagoons.
Day 2. The east coast and Anse Cocos
Cycle north to Anse Severe and snorkel the calm bay if it’s flat. Cycle south through Grand Anse and Petite Anse to Anse Cocos. The most beautiful walk on La Digue, 30 minutes between rocks. Bring water. The bay at the end is empty most weekdays.
Day 3. L’Union Estate and a last swim
Visit L’Union Estate properly. Copra mill, the original colonial cemetery, the Aldabra tortoise pen. Late morning swim at La Passe or back at Anse Source d’Argent. Last ferry late afternoon.
Where to eat
Chez Jules for the proper Creole fish curry. Tarosa for grilled fish on the pier. Le Repaire for an Italian-leaning dinner when you want a break from rice and curry.
Where to stay
Le Domaine de L’Orangeraie if you want the resort comfort, La Digue Island Lodge for the location, Patatran for the price-to-view ratio, or any of the smaller guesthouses near La Passe for the friendliest stay.