Cycling on La Digue

Why a bike

La Digue covers about 10 km², and the bicycle remains the main means of transport. There are a few privately owned vehicles, but most cars and buses belong to hotel companies. The Tourism Board describes it as a place where the bicycle still holds sway.

Renting

Bikes are rented near the ferry pier in La Passe, and many guesthouses offer their own. Tourism Board listings for Michelin Cycle, Dada's Bike and Aria's Rental Store, checked 16 September 2026, show SCR 150 for a day, and Michelin Cycle charges SCR 100 a day for rentals of two days or more. Between them, listed shops offer children's bikes, child seats, tricycles and e-bikes. Ton Ven Bike takes bookings online, delivers to the jetty or your guesthouse at no extra cost and provides locks free. Dada's Bike also delivers to the jetty or your accommodation without charge.

Routes

SeyVillas outlines three rides:

• South to L'Union Estate and Anse Source d'Argent. The estate puts the ride from the jetty at about 15 minutes; allow time inside the estate, where you can cycle past the cemetery, copra mill and tortoises.
• A half-day ride to Grand Anse on the east coast, climbing past small juice bars to a high point before a downhill run and a short dirt track to the beach.
• A 2 to 4 hour ride north past Anse Sévère and Anse Patates to the fruit bar at Chez Jules in Anse Banane, best in the afternoon so you can watch sunset at Anse Sévère on the way back.

Road sense

Under the 2022 transport policy, bicycles must be licensed and insured and e-bike riders must wear helmets. Amendments approved in March 2024 limit e-bikes to 300 W, bar riders under 16 and require helmets for children under 14 on bicycles. Keep to the left, stay alert and stay calm in busier La Passe. Ride slowly: Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely on parts of the island and can be on the road. Street lighting is sparse, so carry a torch or head torch after dark. On hill routes, take water, sunscreen and a hat. If your bike breaks down, take it back to the rental shop or ask your accommodation, which will usually swap it.