Anse source d´argent

Anse Source d’Argent is a beach on La Digue island in the Inner Islands of the Seychelles, renowned for its large smooth granite boulders, pale sand and clear shallow water. It is one of the most photographed beaches in the world and a signature landscape of the Seychelles.

The shoreline is characterized by fields of rounded granite formations set against a sheltered bay and backed by vegetation. The water is typically shallow and protected by a reef, making the area popular for easy swimming and close-in snorkeling; the visual combination of rock, sand and turquoise water is the principal attraction.

The beach lies adjacent to the historic L’Union Estate, a former plantation that now provides visitor facilities and houses a small population of giant tortoises. The estate and the beach are accessed from La Digue’s main settlement and are managed as part of the island’s tourism and conservation resources.

Anse Source d’Argent sits on the western side of La Digue in the Seychelles’ Inner Islands group, on a sheltered bay that faces the Indian Ocean; the island is reached by ferry from the larger neighboring islands.

• Best time to visit: Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest periods and to get the soft low-angle light photographers prize for the boulders and sand.
• Getting there: Most visitors reach the beach from La Digue village by bicycle, ox-cart or a short drive along the island's main road; the sandy path from the island centre is short and well marked.

What to See #

• L'Union Estate: A nearby historic plantation and estate adjacent to the beach that contains an old plantation house, coconut groves and a small collection of giant tortoises kept for visitors.
• Beach and reef: The shoreline and shallow reef area that forms the sheltered bay where the famous granite boulders sit and where most swimming and snorkeling take place.