LA DIGUE ISLAND.

The third largest of the populated central granitic group, about 5.5 miles long and 3 miles wide. It is populated around La Passe on the western side; the south and eastern sides are wild and undeveloped. There are very few motor vehicles; taxis are mainly ox carts. Bicycles are the common means of transport. The island has a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere, with its picturesque and busy little harbour, fishing boats and fishermen landing their catch of colourful fish on the beach.

La Digue is renowned for Anse Source d'Argent, a beach on the southern end of the island with large and very picturesque granite boulders and shady palms. It is the spot used by international fashion photographers and is famed as the most photographed beach in the world. The beach is protected from heavy surf by a coral reef which creates very safe swimming amongst the rock pools for children.

The old L'Union Coconut Estate now operates as a working museum and you can see the giant Seychelles tortoises near the original thatched roof plantation house. There is a working boat yard on the estate that still builds wooden fishing boats.

On a cycle tour of the island be sure to visit the two wild tropical beaches of Grande Anse and Petite Anse (cover picture) on the far side of the island, where the only development is a very rustic, thatched roofed café on the beach.

The best snorkelling may be found off the beaches of Anse Patates and Anse Sévère particularly the southern end but not, unfortunately, during the North West Monsoon winds between late November and March.