La Digue Dream & Island Hopping
When you finally arrive at the hotel after a bus journey, a train journey, two long-haul flights and a drive in a hire car, and are greeted by a beach like this …
… something instantly clicks, and suddenly you are right in the middle of a dream holiday. We felt at home in the Seychelles from the very first moment: the pleasant maritime climate, the scenery and the people all come together to create a wonderful holiday atmosphere.
Every beach we visited was ‘picture-perfect’, often deserted and, above all, clean and free from litter. However, swimming is prohibited at many beaches, and these restrictions should always be observed.
The highlight of our two-week trip was our stay aboard an ‘island-hopping catamaran’ operated by La Digue Dream. We embarked at the modern marina on Eden Island, just off the main island of Mahé. From there, we first set course for St Anne Marine National Park, which offers excellent opportunities for snorkelling and swimming.
Our visit to the uninhabited ‘Coco Island’ was fascinating. We were greeted by sea turtles as soon as we reached the anchorage, and snorkelling revealed a colourful and varied underwater world. Underwater visibility of 12–15 metres is not uncommon in the waters around the Seychelles, allowing even inexperienced beginners to enjoy some wonderful snorkelling experiences.
Nights are spent at anchor in sheltered bays or in the harbour. There is room on board for a maximum of 24 guests, although the ship’s size means that everyone has plenty of space. It is always easy to find either a sunny or shaded spot on deck. The crew are exceptionally helpful and friendly, while the freshly prepared food is fantastic and generally follows ‘Creole’ — in other words, local — recipes. If you are lucky, you may even be served a freshly caught fish from time to time, reeled in right from the boat.
La Digue is considered one of the Seychelles’ most beautiful islands, as everything there moves at a slightly slower, quieter and more relaxed pace. On a day trip, you can visit the dreamlike Anse Source d’Argent, said to be the most photographed beach in the world, before continuing on foot or by bicycle to the island’s eastern coast to explore three more beaches: Grand Anse, Petite Anse and Anse Cocos.
After the sailing trip, we spent another two nights on La Digue. We used the time to hike around the southern tip of the island — an excursion that, incidentally, is only recommended as a guided walk. Clambering over and beneath granite boulders, through dense undergrowth and waist-deep water is certainly quite an adventure. However, your efforts are rewarded with a visit to one of the most beautiful beaches: Anse Marron. In this natural bay, a swim in the Indian Ocean provides a welcome chance to cool off after the 1–2-hour walk.
Mahé also has some wonderful hiking trails, which are generally easy to manage and range from easy to moderate in difficulty. The walks follow natural paths through the forest. Wildlife sightings along the way are not uncommon, and the lush vegetation is breathtaking in places. You could almost believe that the colour green was invented here. At certain points along the trails, you are rewarded with magnificent views. Huge, wind-sculpted granite boulders rise out of the dense greenery, and you suddenly feel as though you are in the middle of a pirate treasure hunt or an adventure film. We travelled in late November and early December, and rarely encountered other tourists on the hiking trails; often, we had the entire forest ‘to ourselves’.
Our verdict: the Seychelles are a wonderful travel destination, with a pleasant climate and an appealing mix of nature, culture and activities. The local people, particularly those working in restaurants and hotels, are extremely accommodating and helpful. The only drawback is that anyone uneasy around free-roaming stray dogs should take a little care in the Seychelles. The animals are harmless, but can sometimes be very persistent and are occasionally found on the beaches as well.
