Praslin & La Digue

Transparent kayaking at Anse Source d'Argent

Transparent kayaking at Anse Source d'Argent, inside L'Union Estate on La Digue, uses clear-hulled kayaks to paddle over the reef: a 3-hour guided trip to Anse Pierrot or a 1 hour 15 minute self-guided rental. No sunscreen on board; the L'Union Estate fee applies.

Last verified 16 September 2026

La Digue

What it is

La Digue Transparent Kayaks & SUPs, run by licensed La Digue guide Robert Agnes of Sunny Trail Guide, offers clear-hulled kayaks and stand-up paddleboards on Anse Source d'Argent, so you can watch the reef below as you paddle.

Options

  • Transparent Kayaking Adventure Tour, about 3 hours: a paddle along Anse Source d'Argent with stops at photo spots, where the guide takes pictures for you, then about 30 minutes on to Anse Pierrot. There you swim and snorkel, eat a fruit platter with fresh coconuts and learn to climb a coconut palm and open a coconut, before paddling back after about 45 minutes.
  • Rental and Chill: 1 hour 15 minutes of kayaking on your own over the Anse Source d'Argent reef, where sea turtles are sometimes seen, with a 15-minute photo session and directions to photo spots.

Prices

The operator's tour page gives no prices. Its Tourism Board listing, updated 17 March 2026, shows SCR 300 to 500 for a photo-shoot tour at Anse Source d'Argent, depending on whether you book as a group or privately, and describes its guided adventure tour as 2 hours rather than the 3 hours on the operator's own page, so confirm the length and price when booking.

Getting there

The office is at Anse Source d'Argent and opens Monday to Sunday. The beach lies inside L'Union Estate, so you also need the estate's day pass, SCR 150 for foreign nationals (lunion.estate, checked 16 September 2026). The Tourism Board listing puts the base about a 15-minute bike ride from the jetty.

Rules

No sun cream, sun oil or sun lotion before or during kayaking, because it damages the transparency of the kayaks. No alcohol before or during the trip. Each kayak carries a maximum of 150 kg; above that, take two kayaks.

Conditions

Trips depend on the weather. On windy days or with strong currents the tour may be postponed or shortened. Kayaking needs mid to high tide, because low tide damages the kayaks, so timings shift with the tide table.

Tips

Since sunscreen is not allowed, cover up with a long-sleeved top and a hat. Bring a waterproof bag for your phone. Check the tide times for your day before planning the rest of your visit to L'Union Estate.

Visiting

Opening hours
Office at Anse Source d'Argent open Monday to Sunday; sessions depend on mid to high tide and weather (Sunny Trail Guide, checked 16 September 2026).
Fees
Sunny Trail Guide's tour page publishes no kayak prices. The Tourism Board listing for La Digue Transparent Kayak & Sups Sesel (updated 17 March 2026, checked 16 September 2026) gives SCR 300 to 500 for its Anse Source d'Argent photo-shoot tour by transparent kayak or SUP, depending on group or private booking. L'Union Estate day pass SCR 150 for foreign nationals (lunion.estate, checked 16 September 2026).
Run by

Where it is

Thing to do

Transparent kayaking at Anse Source d'Argent

Transparent kayaking at Anse Source d'Argent, inside L'Union Estate on La Digue, uses clear-hulled kayaks to paddle over the reef: a 3-hour guided trip to Anse Pierrot or a 1 hour 15 minute self-guided rental.

Map of Transparent kayaking at Anse Source d'Argent and the nearest places to stayCoastline © OpenStreetMap contributors. Positions are approximate.
The 4 places on this map

Places to stay nearest Transparent kayaking at Anse Source d'Argent

  • 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

  • The Garden Villas

    Villa in L'Union, La Digue

    The Garden Villas is a two-bedroom self-catering villa near L'Union Estate on La Digue, sleeping up to six, with a private garden, terraces, mountain views and free private parking.

    • 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

Questions

Can I wear sunscreen in a transparent kayak?
No. The operator bans sun cream, oil and lotion before and during kayaking because it damages the clear hulls.
When can I go transparent kayaking?
Sessions need mid to high tide and suitable weather; low tide damages the kayaks, and wind or strong currents can mean a postponed or shorter trip.
Do I need to pay L'Union Estate as well?
Yes. Anse Source d'Argent is reached through L'Union Estate, which charges foreign nationals SCR 150 for a day pass (checked 16 September 2026).

Sources

Details last verified 16 September 2026.