Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, famous for its powdery white sand, dramatic granite boulders and turquoise waters. Located on La Digue Island in the Seychelles, this paradise is a must-visit for anyone visiting these paradise islands.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Anse Source d’Argent, including how to get there, entrance fees, the best time to visit and the best photo spots, to help you plan the perfect beach day on La Digue Island.
Chloe Butcher
Where is Anse Source d'Argent Located?
Anse Source d’Argent is located on La Digue, one of the most popular islands in the Seychelles. This iconic beach is located within L’Union Estate, a historical coconut plantation that has been preserved to give visitors a glimpse of the island’s past.
The beach is on the western coast of the island, surrounded by lush greenery, towering granite rocks and pristine waters, making it one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
How to Get to Anse Source d’Argent
Getting to Anse Source d’Argent involves two main steps: first, reaching La Digue Island and then making your way to the beach.
To reach La Digue, you can take a ferry from Mahé or Praslin. Ferries from Mahé depart from the Victoria Port and take about 1.5 hours to Praslin, followed by a short 15-minute ferry ride to La Digue. Alternatively, you can fly into Praslin and catch a ferry from there.
Once you arrive at La Digue, the easiest way to reach the beach is by cycling, as the island is car-free. Bike rentals are widely available and some accommodations have free bike rentals. We stayed at Cocolux Luxury Apartments and had free bikes for the duration of our stay!
It takes anywhere from 5-10 minutes to cycle from the main village, but it will depend on your starting point. You can also walk to the beach, which will take a bit longer, around 20-30 minutes.
Chloe Butcher
Is there any other way to reach the beach?
The only alternative way to access the beach is via boat, but you would end up paying more to hire a boat or tour guide than paying the fee to enter L’Union Estate! Otherwise, the only way in is through L’Union Estate.
What time does Anse Source d’Argent open?
As Anse Source d’Argent is part of the L’Union Estate, there are limitations for what time you can access the beach. L’Union Estate is open daily from 7:30 AM and closes at 5:30 PM, which means you can access the beach during those times.
You can stay until after closing to watch the sunset on the beach, but you won't be able to enter after 5:30 PM. We'd recommend arriving as early as possible to avoid the crowds and to fully enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the beach.
Can I access Anse Source d’Argent after L’Union Estate closes?
While you won't be able to enter L’Union Estate and access the beach after it closes at 5:30 PM, you can enter before closing time and stay on the beach until after closing time.
How much does it cost to visit Anse Source d’Argent?
While the beach itself is free, there is an entrance fee to access the L’Union Estate, which includes access to the beach and its surrounding areas. The fee is SCR 150 (about €10) for adults and SCR 60 for children.
Things to Do at Anse Source d’Argent
Anse Source d’Argent is not just about relaxing on the sand, it has plenty of things to do depending on whether you're looking to explore, capture photos or dip in the sea.
- Photography: The iconic granite boulders and turquoise water make Anse Source d’Argent one of the most photogenic beaches in the world. Spend time exploring and capturing the beach from different angles.
- Relax and Swim: The shallow, calm waters of Anse Source d’Argent make it perfect for swimming.
- Snorkeling: While the reef is not as vibrant as some other Seychelles locations, snorkeling at Anse Source d’Argent still offers a chance to spot colorful fish and marine life!
- Transparent Kayaking: For a unique perspective of the crystal-clear waters and granite boulders, try transparent kayaking; where you'll paddle through the calm lagoons while enjoying the views.
- Explore the Coastline: Take a walk along the beach to discover quieter, less crowded coves, perfect for photography and escaping the crowds.
- Watch the Sunset: Anse Source d’Argent is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset on La Digue, make sure to enter L'Union estate before 5:30 PM!
Photo Spots at Anse Source d’Argent
Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most photographed beaches in the world, and it's easy to see why! We spent hours photographing the beach from different angles and locations, so here are the best photo opportunities we found:
- From a Kayak: Paddle out into the calm lagoon in a transparent kayak for a unique perspective of the beach. Even better if you have a drone to capture the kayak in the photo!
- From a Drone: The view from a drone gives you the chance to capture the dramatic coastline and iconic boulders from above which looks epic!
- From the Rocks: Climbing the granite boulders provides a fantastic vantage point for beautiful views of the beach and its surroundings. Capture the beach, crystal-clear lagoon and palm trees from a higher perspective.
For the best photos, visit early in the morning at sunrise or late in the afternoon when the light is soft and the beach is quieter, allowing you to capture Anse Source d’Argent at its most serene.
If you're looking for more photo spots in the Seychelles, you can check out our favourites in the post below 👇
Chloe Butcher
What's the best time to visit Anse Source d’Argent?
If you're looking to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is in the morning, at sunrise or just after. The beach starts to get busy at around 10-11 AM.
For the golden hour light and a more serene atmosphere, visit in the late afternoon, 1-2 hours before sunset. The light at this time is perfect for photos, casting a warm glow over the iconic granite boulders and clear waters.
We visited at sunrise when L’Union Estate opened and only saw one other person on the beach, we then didn't see anyone until around 10am!
Are There Restaurants at Anse Source d’Argent?
There is one restaurant at Anse Source d’Argent: The Old Pier Café, located right on the beach. This laid-back spot has plenty of options, from international dishes like pizza and burgers to creole dishes and fresh seafood.
While The Old Pier Café is the main option directly on the beach, there are also other dining choices on La Digue, including local restaurants in the nearby village.
Is Anse Source d’Argent good for swimming?
Yes, the beach has shallow, calm waters protected by a reef, making it perfect for swimming. However, at low tide, the water can get too shallow for proper swimming.
Are there any facilities at Anse Source d’Argent?
Since the beach is within L'Union Estate, there are basic facilities like toilets and a cafe. However, it’s best to bring your own essentials like water, snacks and sunscreen.
Is Anse Source d’Argent suitable for families with kids?
Absolutely! The calm, shallow waters make it a great beach for families with young children. Just be cautious of the rocks and corals in some areas.
Anse Source d’Argent Accommodation Options
Although there is one accommodation within L'Union Estate, it doesn't have much information or great reviews, so I'd recommend staying somewhere just outside of L'Union Estate if you want to be close to the beach. Some great options are:
- Le Repaire - Boutique Hotel & Restaurant for a luxurious beachfront stay.
- CocoLux Luxury Apartments for a mid-range option (where we stayed, we highly recommend).
- Villa Source D'Argent for a budget friendly villa right outside of L'Union Estate.
Tips for Visiting Anse Source d’Argent
- Avoid High Tide: Visiting at low tide gives you more beach space, while high tide reduces the sandy areas. Plan your visit during low tide to make the most of the beach’s spaciousness and capture those stunning photos of the rocks and clear waters.
- Bring Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The sun in the Seychelles can be intense, so make sure to pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the coral.
- Wear Water Shoes: Some areas have sharp coral and rocks, so wearing water shoes can make walking and swimming more comfortable.
Finally, don't forget to check out our 2 day La Digue itinerary for more amazing things to see an do 👇
Chloe Butcher
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