Beaches on Praslin and La Digue

Check the season first

UK government travel advice (checked 16 September 2026) says west coasts are generally unsafe for swimming during the north-west monsoon, around December to March, and east coasts during the south-east winds, around May to September. From June to September, the Seychelles Meteorological Authority says south- and south-east-facing beaches collect weed, while sheltered west and north-west beaches are more pleasant. There are few lifeguards, and beaches do not always have safety information.

For calm, shallow swimming

On Praslin, the tourism board rates Petite Anse Kerlan safe for families with children, calls Anse Boudin especially good for families, and describes Anse La Farine, reached by boat, as calm and shallow behind a reef. On La Digue, it points families to Anse Sévère and Anse Réunion, and to the tidal pools at Anse Source d'Argent.

For snorkelling from the shore

The tourism board suggests Anse Petite Cour on Praslin's north coast, and Anse Sévère and Anse Patates in the north of La Digue, where it describes reef and snorkelling close to the beach. Anse Pierrot, south of Anse Source d'Argent, is good for paddling and snorkelling but can disappear at high tide.

For a walk to reach the sand

On La Digue, Anse Coco can only be reached on foot from Grand Anse or Anse Fourmis, and the tourism board recommends a guide for the hard trail to Anse Marron. On Praslin, its top beaches article describes a trail of about an hour to Anse Georgette, where its family beach guide says entry must be arranged with Constance Lemuria.

Where to take care

Grand Anse and Petite Anse on La Digue's south-east coast have deep water with no reef; Petite Anse is signposted as unsafe for swimming. A 2017 Seychelles News Agency report described large waves at Anse Lazio on Praslin in the north-west monsoon. The tourism board notes strong currents at certain times at Anse Kerlan and Petite Anse Kerlan, and says Constance Lemuria advises its guests on whether swimming is suitable.

Practical points

Anse Source d'Argent and Anse Pierrot are inside L'Union Estate, which charges foreign nationals SCR 150 (L'Union Estate, checked 16 September 2026). UK government advice (checked 16 September 2026) notes that criminals may target beaches, so keep valuables out of sight, and that nudism is not accepted in Seychelles.