What are the best beaches to visit on Praslin and La Digue?

**Praslin's must-see beaches include Anse Lazio (consistently rated one of the world's best), Anse Georgette, and Côte d'Or (Anse Volbert), while La Digue's crown jewel is Anse Source d'Argent.** You can realistically visit 3-4 beaches on Praslin in a full day with a rental car (500-700 SCR/day), or combine a Praslin beach day with a La Digue day trip to experience the best of both islands.

**Exploring Praslin's Beaches:** Renting a car is the most efficient way to beach-hop on Praslin. Start early at **Anse Lazio** (northwest coast) before the crowds arrive around 10am – the swimming here is spectacular with calm, clear water and dramatic granite boulders. Next, visit **Anse Georgette** (requires walking through Constance Lemuria Resort or booking lunch there; free access if you call ahead). After lunch, head to **Côte d'Or** on the east coast for calmer afternoon conditions, with plenty of shade and the island's best concentration of restaurants and water sports. **Anse Boudin** and **Anse Possession** are quieter alternatives if you want to escape other tourists. The **SPTC bus** (7 SCR per trip) can get you to Côte d'Or and Anse Lazio, but you'll spend more time waiting than beach-hopping.

**La Digue's Anse Source d'Argent:** This is **the** postcard-perfect beach you've seen in photos – shallow turquoise pools framed by massive pink granite rocks. Access costs **115 SCR** (entrance to L'Union Estate, where the beach is located). **Swimming conditions vary:** the inner pools are perfect for kids and photos but can be weedy, while the outer areas have better swimming when southeast trades aren't too strong (May-September can be choppy). **Anse Severe** (free, 10-minute bike ride north) offers better swimming with fewer crowds and beautiful sunset views.

**Food on La Digue:** You'll find several excellent lunch spots. **Lanbousir Restaurant** near L'Union Estate serves Creole curry and grilled fish (150-200 SCR), while **Chez Jules** and **Fish Trap Restaurant** at La Passe offer takeaway options (100-150 SCR). That said, many visitors pack a picnic from **Greg's Supermarket** or **Robert Payet Supermarket** in La Passe (sandwiches, snacks, and drinks for 50-80 SCR) – there's limited shade at Anse Source d'Argent, so bring an umbrella if you're staying long.

**Pro insider tip:** Visit Anse Source d'Argent after 3pm when day-trippers have left and the light is magical for photos. On Praslin, check wind direction – during northwest monsoon (October-April), Côte d'Or can be wavy, making Anse Lazio the better swimming choice. Always bring reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes for rocky areas, and plenty of drinking water – beach facilities are minimal on both islands.