Anse La Réunion Beach
La Digue's best-kept local secret, steps from the ferry
About
Anse La Réunion Nord sits just 200 metres from La Passe ferry dock, tucked behind a canopy of leaning takamaka trees that filter the afternoon light into shifting gold. The golden sand is compact and clean, the water crystal-clear and calm — sheltered enough that local children splash here on any given afternoon. At roughly 80 metres long, it's a small strip, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in atmosphere. No sun-lounger vendors, no tour groups, no noise beyond the occasional laugh from the village. This is La Digue as it actually lives.
How to get there
Anse La Réunion Nord is reached entirely on foot — there are no cars on La Digue. From the La Passe ferry terminal, it's a flat five-minute walk along the village path. No entry fee applies. The approach is straightforward and the terrain is flat, making it one of the most accessible spots on the island.
Who it's for
For couples
The quiet, shaded atmosphere and near-total absence of other visitors makes this a genuinely peaceful stop — arrive late afternoon when the light through the takamaka canopy turns warm and the village settles into its evening rhythm.
For families
Calm, sheltered water and a flat sandy strip make this a practical choice for families with young children — the fact that local kids already swim here is a reliable indicator of safe, gentle conditions. No facilities means you'll want to bring water and snacks.
Our take
Feet in the sand, eyes on the screen
Most visitors to La Digue walk straight past Anse La Réunion Nord on their way to Anse Source d'Argent, and that's exactly why it's worth stopping. Two hundred metres from the ferry and it already feels like a different island — no tour operators, no rental bikes parked in rows, just golden sand under a canopy of takamaka trees and kids in the water. It's small, it's unpolished, and it asks something of you: that you show up quietly and leave it as you found it. The swimming is safe, the shade is generous, and the calm is real. Come during the dry season between May and October for the most settled conditions. If you want to understand what La Digue is actually like for the people who live here, this is your 80 metres.
What to do
The main village beach at Anse Réunion, just 200 metres away, doubles as the social hub around the ferry terminal and is worth a short wander. A little further out, the Veuve Nature Reserve protects the habitat of the endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher — one of the rarest birds on the planet. L'Union Estate, about two kilometres south, offers a glimpse into Seychelles colonial history with giant tortoises and a working copra house.
The leaning takamaka trees arching over the shoreline are the defining shot — frame them against the crystal-clear water for a composition that looks nothing like the typical Seychelles postcard.
The golden sand at low light, with the village visible softly in the background, gives a rare slice-of-local-life image. Early morning offers the cleanest light and an empty frame.
Where to eat
Le Repaire is the closest option at just 100 metres, offering Italian-leaning dishes in a relaxed setting. For something more local, Tarosa specialises in fish and sits about 400 metres away — a short stroll through the village. La Digue Pizzeria and Ton Gregs Pizzeria both offer casual pizza within easy walking distance if you want something quick after the ferry.
Where to stay
Le Repaire and Le Nautique Hotel La Digue are both within 100 metres of the beach — you can practically hear the takamaka leaves from your room. Paodise GuestHouse offers a more intimate guesthouse feel at 300 metres, while La Digue Island Lodge provides a larger resort option about 400 metres south.
Photography
Shoot early morning when the takamaka canopy casts long shadows across the golden sand and the water holds a glassy calm before any breeze picks up. The leaning tree trunks framing the shoreline make a strong foreground element — position yourself low on the sand at the water's edge for the most compelling angle.
Good to know
This beach is a community space, used daily by local families and children — keep noise low, give swimmers room, and treat it with the same respect you'd want for your own neighbourhood. Don't leave litter; there are no facilities here. Dogs are welcome with no formal restrictions, but keep them calm around playing children. Swimming is safe in the sheltered water, but always read conditions on arrival.
Map
Nearby places
Le Repaire
Chez Marston
La Digue Pizzeria
Tarosa
Ton Gregs Pizzeria
Le Repaire
Le Nautique Hotel La Digue
Paodise GuestHouse
La Digue Island Lodge
Le Relax
Anse Réunion (La Passe village beach)
Veuve Nature Reserve
L'Union Estate
Things to see around La Digue
Anse Réunion (La Passe village beach)
Main village beach and ferry terminal, social hub of La Digue
Veuve Nature Reserve
Protected habitat of the endemic Seychelles Paradise Flycatcher
L'Union Estate
Historic plantation with giant tortoises and colonial copra house
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — bubusbubus · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 2 — bubusbubus · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 3 — soseychelles · source · CC BY 2.0
- Photo 4 — alfaltendorf · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 5 — NorbertNagel · source · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo 6 — alfaltendorf · source · CC BY-SA 2.0