Praslin & La Digue

Petite Anse

Petite Anse is a quiet beach on La Digue's south-east coast, next to Grand Anse and about 15 minutes' walk over a hill. It has more shade, but the same deep water, no reef and dangerous currents: signs on the beach warn against swimming.

Last verified 16 September 2026

What it is

Petite Anse is the next bay north of Grand Anse on La Digue's south-east coast, a wide curve of sand backed by trees. The Tourism Board describes it as sharing Grand Anse's character, including deep water and the lack of a coral reef, with even fewer visitors on most days.

Getting there

There is no road. From Grand Anse, follow the path at the back of the beach up and over a small hill; SeyVillas puts the walk at about 15 minutes, and notes it can be awkward for anyone with limited mobility. Leave bikes at Grand Anse, which also has the nearest parking, toilets and restaurant. The path continues north from Petite Anse to Anse Cocos.

The water

Do not treat this as a swimming beach. The Tourism Board says it is not safe to swim here and that signposts remind visitors not to go far out. SeyVillas notes the water gets deep quickly, especially at high tide, and that the sea can be rough with no coral protection. If you step in to cool off, stay at the edge and keep someone watching.

Spending time here

With trees and driftwood shelters for shade, Petite Anse works well for a picnic, a rest on the walk to Anse Cocos, or simply sitting on a quieter stretch of sand. Carry food and water, as there are no facilities on the beach.

Best for

  • picnics
  • a rest stop on the Anse Cocos trail
  • quiet sunbathing with shade

Getting there

On foot only, from Grand Anse over a small hill: about 15 minutes (SeyVillas). Nearest bike parking and car park at Grand Anse. The path continues to Anse Cocos; Seychelles.cc advises turning inland at the start of Petite Anse to pick up that path, and carrying drinking water.

Facilities

None on the beach. Shade from trees and driftwood shelters (SeyVillas). Toilets and a restaurant at Grand Anse.

Swimming

Not safe for swimming, and signposts on the beach say so (Tourism Board). Deep water with no coral reef; gets deep quickly, especially at high tide; sea can be rough (SeyVillas). SeyVillas' hiking guide attributes this to seasonal currents.

Map of Petite Anse

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Beach

Petite Anse

Map of Petite Anse with nearby beaches and places to stayCoastline © OpenStreetMap contributors. Positions are approximate.
The 19 places on this map

Places to stay near Petite Anse

  • 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

  • Mountain View Hotel

    Hotel in Grand Anse, La Digue

    Mountain View Hotel is a ten-room hotel in the hills above Grand Anse on La Digue, reached by a steep access road. It has mountain views, a small outdoor pool, a restaurant and a bar, and SeyVillas puts Anse Source d'Argent about 2 km away.

    • Families
    • Pool
    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

  • Badamier Self Catering

    Self-catering in Anse Réunion, La Digue

    Badamier Self Catering is a small self-catering guesthouse at Anse Réunion on La Digue, with air-conditioned rooms and barbecue facilities, not far from shops and Anse Source d'Argent.

    • Families
    • Self-catering
    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

  • Villa Roche Bois

    Guesthouse in Anse Réunion, La Digue

    Villa Roche Bois is a guesthouse in a quiet garden in the Anse Réunion district of La Digue, run as an extension of Pension Michel, with a fully equipped kitchen, a veranda with a hammock and buggy transfers.

    • Families
    • Self-catering
    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

  • Chloe's Cottage

    Self-catering in Anse Réunion, La Digue

    Chloe's Cottage is a self-catering property with a garden and mountain views at Anse Réunion on La Digue, offering buggy transfers, meals on request and bicycle rental.

    • Families
    • Self-catering
    Check availability on Booking.com

    Affiliate link

Where to stay on La Digue

Questions

Is it safe to swim at Petite Anse?
No. The Tourism Board says swimming here is not safe, and signs on the beach warn visitors. The water is deep with no reef and currents can be dangerous.
How long is the walk from Grand Anse?
About 15 minutes over a small hill, according to SeyVillas. Wear shoes with grip rather than flip-flops.

Sources

Details last verified 16 September 2026.