Plan a CruiseLa Digue Cruise Port Guide
La Digue, a small island spanning just four square miles, offers independent cruise passengers a truly peaceful and secluded experience. Ships anchor offshore, and passengers are brought ashore via tender to La Passe, the main hub on the island's west coast. Protected by a magnificent coral reef on most sides, La Digue maintains an untouched charm.
The island has two main centers on its west coast: La Passe, where you'll disembark, and La Reunion, located just half a mile to the south. Both are small, featuring a handful of dwellings, a few shops, and bicycle rentals. While the island is small, its road network is limited; you can walk for about an hour in either direction from the port before the road ends, requiring you to retrace your steps. Open-air mini-taxis and multi-seat taxis are available, but be aware that prices can be variable, and it's wise to watch out for potential gouging.
Getting Around from the Port
From the tender port at La Passe, the neighboring village of La Reunion is just half a mile south and easily walkable. For exploring further, the island's roads allow for about an hour of walking in either direction from the port before they end, meaning you will need to walk back along the same path.
Bicycle rentals are available in La Passe and La Reunion, offering a popular way to explore. Taxis, including open-air mini-taxis and multi-seat options, are also accessible. Be advised that taxi prices can vary significantly, so it's important to confirm fares beforehand to avoid overpaying.
Attractions and Activities
La Digue is known for its beautiful beaches, though many are quite rocky. Depending on the season, some beaches may not be suitable for swimming due to strong currents and undertows, so exercise caution and check local conditions. Given the limited road network, exploring the island often involves walking or cycling to discover its secluded coves and natural beauty. It is always recommended to compare any cruise line organized tours with independent exploration options, especially for a small island like La Digue.
Dining & Shopping
Shopping facilities on La Digue are concentrated in the small centers of La Passe and La Reunion, where you'll find a few shops. General shopping hours are Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00, and Saturday from 08:00 to 12:00. Some shops may close for lunch between 12:00 and 13:00 on weekdays. It's worth noting that prices for goods and services on La Digue, and in the Seychelles generally, tend to be high.
Safety
When using local taxis, be vigilant regarding fares as prices are variable and there have been instances of gouging. Additionally, while the beaches are beautiful, be aware that many can be rocky, and strong currents and undertows can make swimming unsafe during certain seasons. Always heed local warnings and assess conditions before entering the water.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Seychelles Rupee (SCR). While banks and airports can exchange money, ATM machines typically offer the best conversion rates. As a reference, 1 Euro is approximately 8 Rupees. The official language is Creole, but English and French are also widely spoken.