Praslin & La Digue

Anse Cocos

Anse Cocos is a long beach on La Digue's east coast, reached only on foot from Grand Anse via Petite Anse or from Anse Fourmis. A small bay sheltered by granite rocks at one end gives calmer water, though currents can still be strong on the open beach.

Last verified 16 September 2026

What it is

Anse Cocos is a long stretch of sand on La Digue's east coast, just north of Petite Anse. Seychelles.cc puts the beach at nearly 500 metres. SeyVillas notes that it was one of the island's early settlements, and the remains of buildings and a copra kiln can still be seen behind the beach.

The walk in

No road reaches Anse Cocos. The usual route starts at Grand Anse, crosses a hill to Petite Anse, then climbs through forest before dropping to the beach. Estimates run from about 30 to 45 minutes one way depending on the source and your pace. A second path comes in from Anse Fourmis to the north. Wear sturdy shoes, carry at least 2 litres of water each, and start early: SeyVillas' hiking guide advises setting off before 9am, as about half the route has no shade.

The water

The Tourism Board describes Anse Cocos as more sheltered than Grand Anse and Petite Anse and safe for swimmers, while warning that strong currents still occur. Seychelles.cc says the same: at the far end a small bay sits behind large granite rocks and is usually calm for a swim, while the open beach can have dangerous currents when waves are up. Stay in the sheltered pools unless you are a confident swimmer and the sea is flat.

Practicalities

There are no facilities on the beach. SeyVillas puts the nearest snack bar and bike parking back at Grand Anse, though a beach bar is also reported at Anse Caïman, further along the trail. Shade on the sand is limited to a few trees and the rocks at the far end, so bring a hat and more water than you think you need.

Best for

  • a half-day hike with a swim
  • sheltered rock-pool bathing
  • photography

Getting there

On foot only. From Grand Anse via Petite Anse: about 30 to 40 minutes (SeyVillas) or about 45 minutes (Seychelles.cc) one way. Alternatively from Anse Fourmis to the north (Tourism Board). SeyVillas' hiking guide: Grand Anse to Anse Caïman is 2.25 km, about 2 hours round trip, 60 m up and down, rated easy, suitable from age 6; sturdy shoes (no flip-flops), at least 2 litres of water per person, sun protection, start before 9am. Leave bikes at Grand Anse. No entry fee mentioned by any source checked.

Facilities

None on the beach. Snack bar and bike stands at Grand Anse, 30 to 40 minutes' walk (SeyVillas); a beach bar is also reported at Anse Caïman further along the trail (SeyVillas hiking guide; Tripadvisor reviews to August 2025), not confirmed as still trading. Limited shade: a few trees and the rocks at the far end (Seychelles.cc).

Swimming

More sheltered than Grand Anse and Petite Anse and described by the Tourism Board as safe for swimmers, but strong currents still occur, so take care. The small bay behind granite rocks at the end of the beach is usually calm; elsewhere currents can be dangerous when waves are high (Seychelles.cc). SeyVillas recommends swimming for confident swimmers only, or sticking to the natural pools, and notes waves can be high during the trade winds.

Map of Anse Cocos

3

Beach

Anse Cocos

Map of Anse Cocos with nearby beaches and places to stayCoastline © OpenStreetMap contributors. Positions are approximate.
The 12 places on this map

Places to stay near Anse Cocos

  • Dan Zoranz Self Catering Guest House

    Self-catering in Grand Anse, La Digue

    A single chalet split into two self-catering studios in a large tropical garden inland from Grand Anse, La Digue. Both studios have a kitchen, air conditioning and wifi, and the whole chalet can be booked by a group.

    • Self-catering

  • Zanboza Guesthouse

    Guesthouse in South La Digue, La Digue

    Zanboza Guesthouse is a Creole-style house with five bedrooms in the south of La Digue, run by owners Wilfrid and Monica, who put Grand Anse and Anse Source d'Argent five minutes away by bicycle.

    • Families
    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

  • La Bel Zilwaz

    Self-catering in Anse Réunion, La Digue

    Two self-catering units in a garden on the mountainside inland of Anse Réunion, La Digue, with breakfast served and dinner on request. The owners also rent bicycles.

    • Self-catering
    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

  • Dan Kazou

    Self-catering in Grand Anse, La Digue

    Two self-catering apartments in a garden on the inland stretch between L'Union and Grand Anse, La Digue, with the owners on site. Breakfast and dinner can be ordered, and bicycles can be hired on request.

    • Families
    • Self-catering

  • Belle des Iles Guest House

    Guesthouse in La Digue

    A small self-catering guesthouse with three units in a garden, inland on La Digue. Each unit has cooking facilities, and guests share a small pool and barbecue.

    • Self-catering
    • Pool

Questions

Can you swim at Anse Cocos?
In the sheltered pool at the end of the beach, usually yes. The Tourism Board says Anse Cocos is safer than its neighbours but still has strong currents at times, so avoid the open beach when the sea is rough.
How long is the hike to Anse Cocos?
About 30 to 45 minutes each way from Grand Anse, via Petite Anse. Allow a half day to include time on the beach.
Is there anything to buy at Anse Cocos?
Not on the beach. Bring water and food. SeyVillas' beach page names Grand Anse as the nearest snack bar, but its hiking guide and traveller reviews also describe a beach bar at Anse Caïman, further along the trail. The most recent reviews date from August 2025, so check it is open before relying on it.
How do I get to Anse Cocos on La Digue?
On foot only. Anse Coco, on La Digue's east coast, is reached by the path from Grand Anse or, from the other direction, from Anse Fourmis, according to Tourism Seychelles.
Is it safe to swim at Anse Cocos?
Take care at Anse Coco, on La Digue's east coast. Tourism Seychelles calls it more sheltered than neighbouring Grand Anse and Petit Anse but warns of strong currents at times. UK government advice (checked 16 September 2026) is that east coasts are generally unsafe from around May to September, and there are few lifeguards, so ask locally before swimming.

Sources

Details last verified 16 September 2026.