Hiking

The best way to explore tiny La Digue when not on a bicycle is on foot. Numerous trails wend their way through this island paradise, allowing visitors to absorb the atmosphere like locals. From La Passe, take the main track in a southerly direction past the hotels and church to L'Union Estate. Though you must pay the entrance fee, if you stay on the track you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful walk through massive granite boulders, winding in and out of the forest and along white sand coves until the trail ends at Anse Source à Jean, a beautiful place to spend the day. If you're feeling adventurous, hire a guide (ask at your hotel or the STB office) to take you around the island's southern end to Anse Marron and then up to Grand Anse—a gorgeous though at times quite challenging walk. Amphibious shoes with good soles are recommended, as are a hat and plenty of sunscreen.

Eagle's Nest Mountain (Nid d'Aigle) is La Digue's tallest peak at more than 305 meters (1,000 feet) above sea level. It's a steep but rewarding climb of about an hour to the top. On the way up Belle Vue, look out for the rare endemic paradise flycatchers and an enormous fruit-bat colony. From Anse Réunion take the first left toward the island's interior. Pass an old house surrounded by high walls ("the chateau"), then turn left down a small pathway past a small group of houses. This track will head up the mountain toward the peak.

Recommended Guides

Robert Agnes. A local licensed guide who can take clients on all levels of hikes around La Digue or Praslin. La Passe, La Digue, Inner Islands. 252–5357; www.seychelles-tourguide.com.