La Digue is the third most populated island in the Seychelles. It is the ideal place for your little getaway with your partner. The island is serviced by the hotel La Digue Lodge. The latter has a diving center where you can learn diving at several levels from beginner to pro diving! It also has a spa center. In short, La Digue has everything you need for an unforgettable experience in the Seychelles!
History
Modern historians suggest that La Digue was first spotted in 1742 by Lazare Picault who was a French navigator. The island was named in 1768 and is still bearing the same name La Digue today. The island was first occupied in 1789 by French colonists who settled the islands together with their slaves of African origins. The majority of the first settlers returned to France and the few who stayed have their names still living in our times among today’s inhabitants.
The majority of the population of La Digue was catholic. The island got its first Catholic chapel in 1854 which was constructed by Father Theophile. At the time, the French squatter fabricated coral lime. This is believed to be the major factor for the decline of La Digue’s coral reefs. They also manufactured copra out of coconuts and harvested vanilla on their plantations. These practices are still implemented today.
In 1798, a group of individuals were expatriated from Bourbon as they took part in a political rebellion there. These people were to be dispatched to the East Indies. However, as many had relatives in the Seychelles, they bribed the captain to send them to La Digue.
Politics and Government service
The government in Victoria sets the laws and legislation which is followed by the Seychelles including La Digue. The law system of the republic of Seychelles is mock up on European politics. The Seychelles have a president while the main political sides are the SNP and the PP.
La Digue has a population of around 2800 individuals and is the third largest in terms of inhabitants. However, 2800 is still a small amount compared to the 77000 people residing in Mahé. As a result, government services and buildings are scarce in La Digue.
The island has a post office which is opened from Monday to Saturday closing on Sundays. There is also a small police station and a small hospital. However, the locals usually go to the hospitals in Praslin and Mahé for checkups and treatments. The women residing in La Digue travels to Mahé to give birth.
Beaches
La Digue is reputed for its gorgeous beaches. There are many spots where you can enjoy a tranquil and romantic moment with your partner on the beach. Two such examples are Grand Anse and Anse Source d’Argent.
Grand Anse beach
Grand Anse is a picturesque beach which is well surrounded by large granite rocks. However, due to larges waves, we do not recommend swimming in the lagoon. There are even some warning signs along the seashore cautioning against the dangers of swimming in the vicinity! While crystal clear waters of the sea merges with the golden beach, capture some amazing pictures and enjoy this magnificent spot to the max.
Anse Source d’Argent
You may have already seen this beach! Guess where? Anse Source d’Argent has been in many films, tv shows and adverts. It is one of the most photographed beaches in the universe! Its fine white sand, unique boulder and background make it a must visited place if you are in La Digue.
Tourism
The main industry of La Digue is tourism. This is also the case for all the islands of the Seychelles. Recently, La Digue proceeded through a significant tourist increase. This has had major influence on the economy of the Seychelles as a whole.
Transport
Before, ownership of a car in La Digue was forbidden. Although this is not the case anymore, the main means of transportations remains the bicycle. La Digue is a very small island of 10.8 kilometer square. Therefore, cars are not an adequate means of transportation. Most vehicles are owned by hotels and they are available to rent. Another quite unpopular method of transportation in La Digue is using an ox cart.
Flora and Flauna
La Digue is home to many rare species such as the black paradise flycatcher. The latter is an endangered species. There is actually around 100 paradise flycatcher in the whole world and they live on La Digue. The underwater world of the island is also quite astonishing. In its sea resides a variety of fish, rays and sharks, promoting the diving activities. Divers and snorkellers may spot the blacktip reef sharks or if they are lucky enough, the whale sharks. The latter can be spotted mainly in winter.
The island also has a significant population of giant Aldabra tortoises. Other endemic species are the coconut crab, the sunbirds, terns, fodys, fruitbats, geckos and sheath-tailed bats. These species are threatened by the increasing amount of visitors and boats which pollutes the waters of the island. Moreover, the first inhabitants of La Digue brought along with them rats, cats and dogs to the island. These imported animals are a threat to the endemic species that live in La Digue, especially the rats which feed on endemic birds’ eggs and damage their nests.
Climate
The Seychelles is a rare archipelago where warm temperatures are present almost during the whole year. The temperature varies between 24 to 32 degree celcius. There are constant heavy rainfalls which last for only one hour at most. The period with the highest amount of rainfall is from October to March while July has the lowest amount of rainfall.
La Digue Lodge
The best accommodation in La Digue remains the La Digue Lodge. There are many more ladigue hotels but the best one is still La Digue Island Lodge. There are a variety of activities which is provided by the hotel. Boat trips, diving courses, restaurants, spa treatment and the list goes on.