La Digue: Anse Marron Guided Hike & Beach Lunch

Summary

Hike wild trails to Anse Marron then relax with lunch by Seychelles’ secret lagoon

You’ll scramble across granite rocks with a Seychellois guide, reach Anse Marron’s wild lagoon for a simple fruit lunch on the sand, then end at famous Anse Source d’Argent beach. Expect laughter, wet shoes, local stories and a side of sunburn — but mostly that feeling of having touched somewhere truly rare.

What’s the experience like?

We met Gerard right by the helicopter pad — he was already waving, grinning like he’d known us forever. The drive over to Grand Anse was bumpy and quick, with that salt-and-mango smell you only get on La Digue. I didn’t realize how much of a scramble this hike would be (Gerard warned us: “No flip flops!”), but honestly, clambering over those granite boulders felt more fun than scary. There was this one spot where the waves crashed so close I could taste the spray. My shoes got soaked in the first hour and I just stopped caring — it felt good, actually.

When we finally reached Anse Marron, it was almost too bright to look at straight on. The sand squeaked under my feet and there were these little crabs darting everywhere. Gerard unpacked a lunch of chilled fruit — pineapple, mango, something else sweet I still can’t name — and we sat in a circle right by the lagoon. I floated in the water for ages while Gerard told stories about growing up here (he laughed when I tried pronouncing ‘L’Union’ properly). We had maybe an hour or so before the tide started shifting; time moved weirdly slow and fast at once.

The last stretch took us through rock tunnels and suddenly there it was: Anse Source d’Argent. Even with all the photos online, nothing really prepares you for those shapes or that light bouncing off wet granite. You can wander around as long as you want here or head back with Gerard through L’Union Estate Park — giant tortoises munching leaves, vanilla vines twisting up old trees, everything smelling vaguely like sun-warmed sugarcane. I kept thinking how lucky locals are to have this as their backyard. Anyway, if you’re thinking about doing this day trip from La Digue or Praslin… just bring real shoes and don’t expect to stay dry.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hike to Anse Marron and nearby beaches

• Meet at helicopter pad
• Transport to Grand Anse
• Walk towards Anse Marron beach
• Enjoy light lunch at Anse Marron
• Relax at Anse Marron beach
• Visit Anse Source d'Argent beach
• Walk through L'Union Estate Park
• Finish tour near helicopter pad

Top questions

How difficult is the Anse Marron tour?

This hike is moderately challenging with rock scrambling and some balancing required; good fitness is needed.

Is lunch included on the Anse Marron guided hike?

Yes, a light lunch (mainly fruits) is served at Anse Marron beach during the tour.

Where does the Anse Marron tour start?

The tour begins near the helicopter pad on La Digue island.

Can children join this day trip from La Digue?

Children over 5 years old can join if accompanied by an adult; younger kids are not allowed.

What should I bring for the hike?

Trekking shoes or water shoes (no flip flops), at least 1.5L water per person, towel, bathing suit, sunscreen.

Does this tour include pickup?

Yes, transport from the meeting point to Grand Anse is included before starting the walk.

Is entry to L'Union Estate Park included?

No, admission to L’Union Estate Park is not included in the tour price.

Can cruise ship passengers book this?

Cruise liner clients will receive a 50% refund if their ship cannot dock at La Digue within 24 hours of start time.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup near La Digue’s helicopter pad for transfer to Grand Anse where your guided nature walk begins; explanations about Seychelles’ plants and wildlife along the way; a light fruit lunch served right on Anse Marron beach; plus time to relax or swim in its sheltered lagoon before continuing towards Anse Source d’Argent and finishing near L’Union Estate Park (park entry not included).