Anse Severe: Seychelles Haven on La Digue
Did you know that one of La Digue’s most serene beaches is just a short bike ride from the jetty? Welcome to Anse Severe, a quiet retreat on the island’s northwestern coast. With its shallow waters and scenic views of Praslin Island, this beach is a favorite among those seeking peace, natural beauty, and unforgettable sunsets.
Unlike busier shores, Anse Severe in Seychelles remains largely untouched, offering a glimpse into the island’s laid-back rhythm. The sea here is calm but can have occasional currents, so we recommend water shoes for a more comfortable dip. Whether you’re capturing golden-hour magic or simply soaking in the tranquil surroundings, this unique place is worth the visit.
The Scenic Beauty of Anse Severe
Some beaches impress with their size, others with their dramatic waves—but Anse Severe captivates through its harmony of colors, textures, and light. The meeting of turquoise waters, smooth granite boulders, and soft white sand creates a landscape that feels both untouched and welcoming. Framed by palm trees and lush vegetation, this beach is more than just a place to swim—it’s a place to slow down and take in the details that make La Digue so unique.
A Coastline Shaped by Nature
The first thing you’ll notice at Anse Severe is the brilliant turquoise water stretching toward the horizon, shifting in shade as the sun moves across the sky. Unlike some beaches where waves crash against the shore, here the water remains mostly calm and clear, allowing you to see colorful fish darting between the shallows. Close to the rocks, coral formations support a delicate marine ecosystem, making snorkeling here particularly rewarding.
The coastline itself is marked by massive granite boulders, their surfaces smooth and curved from centuries of exposure to wind and sea. These stones, some partially submerged, create natural pools at low tide, where tiny marine creatures find shelter. The contrast between the white sand, dark rock, and shimmering water is what gives this beach its unmistakable charm.
The Ever-Changing Tides and Light
Morning and afternoon at Anse Severe feel like two different places. In the early hours, the tide often pulls back, revealing shallow pools and a broader stretch of sand. As the day progresses, the water rises, inviting swimmers into deeper, refreshing shallows that are ideal for cooling off without battling strong currents.
By evening, everything shifts again. The beach’s northwest-facing position makes it one of the finest spots on La Digue to witness the sky’s transformation. As the sun dips toward Praslin Island, the entire landscape glows in shades of gold, orange, and pink, reflecting off the water’s surface in a way that feels almost surreal. Whether you’re standing by the water’s edge, relaxing beneath the palm trees, or capturing the scene through a camera lens, this island delivers a view that lingers in memory long after you’ve left.
The Best Activities at Anse Severe in Seychelles
A day at Anse Severe is never just about lounging in the sun—this beach invites visitors to explore, move, and experience nature in ways that feel effortless. Whether you’re gliding through crystal-clear waters, cycling along La Digue’s scenic coastline, or simply watching the sky transform at sunset, this is a place where every moment feels special.
Snorkeling Among Coral and Tropical Fish
If you love discovering marine life, Anse Severe offers some of the most accessible snorkeling on island. The water here is calm and shallow, perfect for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Just beneath the surface, coral formations provide shelter for schools of parrotfish, angelfish, and, if you’re lucky, a sea turtle gracefully drifting by.
For the best experience, head to the northern end of the beach, where the reef is livelier. Snorkeling is best at high tide, when the water covers more of the coral, making navigation easier. If you have your own gear, bring it along for the best fit, though rental options are available nearby.
Cycling Along the Coast to Anse Severe
Getting to Anse Severe is an adventure in itself. La Digue is a car-free island, making bicycles the main way to explore. The ride from the jetty to the beach takes about 15 minutes, following a flat coastal path that offers stunning ocean views.
If you’re planning a full day of exploration, cycling to Anse Severe can be part of a larger island tour, stopping at other hidden gems along the way. The road passes through local villages, giving a glimpse into this island’s laid-back lifestyle before reaching the white sands and turquoise waters of the beach.
Sunset Views Over Praslin Island
As the sun lowers, Anse Severe becomes one of the most peaceful spots on this island to watch the evening unfold. The sky shifts through warm golden tones, gradually deepening into cooler shades of lavender and indigo. The calm sea mirrors the changing colors, creating a view that feels almost surreal.
If you want the best seat, arrive 30–45 minutes before sunset and find a spot along the rocky outcrops at the northern end. Unlike other popular beaches, Anse Severe remains relatively quiet in the evening, making it an ideal place to enjoy the moment—whether you’re capturing it on camera or simply taking it all in.
Practical Tips for Visiting Anse Severe
A visit to Anse Severe is simple to plan, but knowing a few key details can make your experience even better. From the best times to visit to the easiest ways to get there, these tips will help you enjoy this La Digue’s favourite spot to the fullest.
Best Time to Visit: When to Experience Anse Severe at Its Best
If you want to enjoy Anse Severe without crowds, timing is everything. The best months to visit are April–May and October–November, when the weather is warm but not too humid, and the island feels quieter.
- Early mornings (before 10 AM) offer calm waters and fewer visitors, making them perfect for a relaxing swim or a peaceful snorkeling session.
- Midday is ideal for sun-seekers, but thanks to the generous shade from palm trees, you can always find a cool spot to relax.
- Sunset hours are when this magical place truly shines. As the sun dips behind Praslin Island, the entire beach takes on a golden glow—an unmissable moment for photographers and romantics.
If you’re visiting during the high season (December–January), arriving before 10 AM ensures you secure a shady spot and experience the beach at its most tranquil.
How to Get There: Cycling, Walking, and Other Options
One of the best things about Anse Severe is how easy it is to reach. Unlike some of La Digue’s more remote beaches, this one is just a short ride or walk from the island’s main village.
🚲 Cycling is the most popular option—bikes can be rented near the jetty for around €10–15 per day, and the 10–15 minute ride along the coastal road is scenic and flat.
🚶 Walking from La Passe takes about 25–30 minutes. The route is well-marked, offering beautiful ocean views along the way.
🚖 Taxis are rare on La Digue, so if you’re traveling with heavy gear or young children, check if your accommodation can arrange transport.
Whether you choose to bike, walk, or stay nearby, getting to this island is all part of the experience—just another reason why this beach remains one of La Digue’s most beloved coastal escapes.
Anse Severe – A Beach That Stays With You
Some places leave an impression long after you’ve left. Anse Severe is one of them. It’s not the largest or the most famous beach on La Digue Island, but it’s one of the most effortlessly beautiful. Here, the days unfold at their own rhythm—mornings are for quiet swims, afternoons for cycling under palm trees, and evenings for sunsets that seem to last forever.
What makes this beach truly special is its balance. It’s easy to reach but never feels crowded, naturally stunning but not overrun by tourism, peaceful yet full of life. Whether you come for the crystal-clear waters, the rugged granite formations, or simply the feeling of being somewhere that still belongs to nature, Anse Severe delivers an experience that lingers in memory.
STORY Seychelles – The Perfect Starting Point for Island Adventures
If you want to experience Anse Severe and La Digue Island while staying in unmatched comfort, STORY Seychelles offers the best of both worlds. Nestled on Beau Vallon Beach, this five-star resort is less than two hours by ferry from La Digue, making it the perfect home base for exploring the region’s most spectacular beaches.
From here, you can wake up to ocean views, enjoy world-class dining, and set off on an adventure that takes you from the soft sands of Beau Vallon to the untouched beauty of this unique place in just a morning’s journey. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a multi-island escape, STORY Seychelles puts you right where you need to be—close to nature, far from the ordinary.
And if you’re looking for the perfect balance of relaxation and exploration, there’s no better place to start your journey than here—just a short ride away from the unforgettable shores of Anse Severe.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best snorkeling spots at Anse Severe?
The northern end of Anse Severe offers the best snorkeling, with vibrant coral formations and calm waters protected by rocks. The shallow reef (10–15m from shore) is great for beginners, while more experienced snorkelers can explore deeper areas where larger fish and sea turtles occasionally appear. Mornings provide the best visibility before the afternoon winds pick up.
How can I find a map of the Anse Severe area?
Maps are available at the tourist information center near the jetty in La Passe, as well as in local accommodations and bike rental shops. Digital maps can be downloaded from the Seychelles Tourism Board website, and some mobile apps offer offline navigation for La Digue.
Which beaches are located nearby Anse Severe for visiting?
- Anse Patates – A quiet cove just north, great for swimming and sunset views.
- La Passe Beach – About 15 minutes by bike, a scenic stop on the way to Anse Source d’Argent.
- Anse Gaulettes & Anse Grosse Roche – Less crowded beaches, 20–30 minutes by bike, ideal for those seeking privacy.
Can you recommend some restaurants in the vicinity of Anse Severe beach?
- Fish Trap Restaurant & Bar – Fresh seafood with Creole flavors.
- Chez Jules – Simple Seychellois cuisine, great for takeaway beach picnics.
- Gala Takeaway – Budget-friendly, generous portions, popular with cyclists.
What accommodations are available close to Anse Severe?
Visitors can find guesthouses, boutique hotels, and self-catering options on La Digue Island. Alternatively, for those exploring multiple islands, STORY Seychelles on Mahé offers five-star beachfront luxury, just a short ferry ride away.
What activities are popular to do in Anse Severe for tourists?
- Snorkeling – Clear waters, easy shore access, diverse marine life.
- Swimming – Gentle slope, calm waters, great for all ages.
- Photography – Dramatic granite boulders, best at sunset.
- Cycling – A scenic and relaxing way to explore the area.
