Port information & tips for La Digue
La Digue is arguably the most charming island in the Seychelles and a true epitome of a tropical idyll in the Indian Ocean. The island captivates with its incomparably relaxed atmosphere, where the bicycle is the main mode of transport, and welcomes visitors with powdery white sand beaches and spectacular granite formations. Absolute highlights in the immediate vicinity include the world-famous beach Anse Source d’Argent, the historic L’Union Estate park with its giant tortoises, and the Veuve Reserve nature reserve. Larger cruise ships usually anchor out at sea, and guests can easily reach the central La Passe Jetty by tender boat. This landing stage is located right in the heart of the main town of the same name and, thanks to its ideal location, provides a perfect starting point for exploring on foot or by bike.
La Digue, an idyllic island paradise in the Seychelles, is only accessible to cruise passengers from the DACH region by plane followed by a ferry crossing. The port consists of a charming, small jetty in La Passe, the island's main village, as large cruise ships anchor off the coast and tender boats bring guests ashore.
Airplane
Arrival is via Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the main island of Mahé, the only international airport in the Seychelles, located about 11 kilometers southeast of the capital, Victoria. Numerous airlines offer direct flights or convenient connections from European metropolises, making the start of your Seychelles cruise comfortable.
Transfer & Ferry
From Mahé Airport, you can easily reach the Inter Island Quay in Victoria, the ferry terminal, by taxi in about 15 to 25 minutes or via a bookable shuttle bus. From there, the "Cat Cocos" fast ferry takes you to La Digue in around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, often with a short stopover on the neighboring island of Praslin. Alternatively, there is the option to take a short domestic flight to Praslin (approx. 15-20 minutes) and use a 15-minute ferry connection from there to La Digue.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long journey and the time difference, an overnight stay on Mahé before embarkation is highly recommended. Numerous hotels near the airport or ferry terminal offer a relaxed atmosphere for a successful start to your cruise. This allows you to continue your journey to La Digue well-rested and without time pressure, enjoying the island to the fullest.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
La Digue, an idyllic island paradise in the Seychelles, is only accessible to cruise passengers from the DACH region by plane followed by a ferry crossing. The port consists of a charming, small jetty in La Passe, the island's main village, as large cruise ships anchor off the coast and tender boats bring guests ashore.
Airplane
Arrival is via Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the main island of Mahé, the only international airport in the Seychelles, located about 11 kilometers southeast of the capital, Victoria. Numerous airlines offer direct flights or convenient connections from European metropolises, making the start of your Seychelles cruise comfortable.
Transfer & Ferry
From Mahé Airport, you can easily reach the Inter Island Quay in Victoria, the ferry terminal, by taxi in about 15 to 25 minutes or via a bookable shuttle bus. From there, the "Cat Cocos" fast ferry takes you to La Digue in around 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, often with a short stopover on the neighboring island of Praslin. Alternatively, there is the option to take a short domestic flight to Praslin (approx. 15-20 minutes) and use a 15-minute ferry connection from there to La Digue.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Given the long journey and the time difference, an overnight stay on Mahé before embarkation is highly recommended. Numerous hotels near the airport or ferry terminal offer a relaxed atmosphere for a successful start to your cruise. This allows you to continue your journey to La Digue well-rested and without time pressure, enjoying the island to the fullest.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of La Digue is located directly in the main town of La Passe and, thanks to its central location, offers an ideal starting point for exploration. Due to its manageable size and relaxed atmosphere, the island can be explored wonderfully and easily.
On Foot
The center of La Passe with its charming cafes and small boutiques can be reached immediately after leaving the pier. Since the distances are short, you can also reach the first gorgeous beach sections and sights of the island in about 15 to 20 minutes on foot.
Bicycle
The bicycle is the characteristic main mode of transport on La Digue and numerous rental stations await visitors right at the port exit. Thanks to the largely car-free paths, cycling is safe and allows you to comfortably and flexibly reach more remote bays such as the famous Anse Source d'Argent.
Club Cars and Taxis
For comfortable transport over longer distances, electric club cars and a limited number of taxis are available at the port. These motorized options offer a pleasant way to experience the island on a guided tour or to go directly to destinations in the higher altitude areas.
To experience the relaxed atmosphere of La Digue at its best, it is recommended to explore the island authentically by bicycle and visit the highlights around the charming main village of La Passe as well as the adjacent coastal sections.
La Passe
The picturesque harbor village forms the heart of the island and welcomes visitors with a relaxed way of life; additionally, the small boutiques and cozy cafes directly on the water invite you to a relaxed stroll immediately after arrival.
Anse Source d'Argent
This world-famous beach impresses with its spectacular granite formations and turquoise shimmering water, while at the same time, the shallow lagoons provide perfect conditions for unforgettable photo moments and a refreshing dip in one of the most beautiful bays on earth.
L'Union Estate
This historical park provides fascinating insights into the colonial history of the Seychelles and houses, in addition to a traditional copra mill and fragrant vanilla plantations, an impressive colony of giant tortoises, making the visit a cultural highlight in the midst of tropical nature.
Anse Source d’Argent
Anse Source d’Argent is easily accessible from the port in La Passe in about fifteen minutes by bicycle or a relaxed walk through the historic L'Union Estate, offering a globally unique backdrop of striking granite formations and turquoise sea. This dream beach captivates with its paradisiacal atmosphere and also features charming beach kiosks that are perfect for a refreshment with local fruit juices right by the water. Ideally, start your excursion in the morning to fully enjoy the special tranquility at this iconic location, and plan your return to the ship quite relaxed about sixty minutes before the last tender ride thanks to the short distances.
The return journey to the port in La Passe on the beautiful island of La Digue is particularly straightforward thanks to the relaxed atmosphere and short distances.
Electric Taxis and Club Cars
Since La Digue is largely car-free, modern electric taxis and open club cars provide a comfortable way to return to the ship on time. You can find these vehicles directly at the jetty in La Passe or at busy spots like the entrance to L'Union Estate Park. Many restaurants and hotels will also be happy to call a driver for you, so you can enjoy a relaxed and direct journey to the port.
Bicycle Return at the Port
The bicycle is the main mode of transport on the island and can be easily returned right in the port area of La Passe thanks to numerous rental stations. Since most providers have their depots just a few meters from the pier, you can reach your tender boat in no time at all after returning your bike. The flat coastal paths also ensure effortless navigation on the way back from the south or north of the island.
On Foot through La Passe
Within the charming main village of La Passe, you can easily reach the port on foot thanks to the good signage and the central location of the jetty. The path leads along the picturesque waterfront promenade and offers you the security of always being at the meeting point in time for the return journey to the cruise ship. Orientation is easy, as the masts of the boats and the church tower in the village center are visible from afar.
