La Digue, a small but spectacular granite island 35 mi/55 km northeast of Mahe, receives cruise-ship passengers, though most of the activity is near the dock and the one road leading from it to the old coconut plantation, a journey traversed by ox-pulled carts. The rest of the island is relaxed—if there's no ship offshore, La Digue is a low-key place. Plan at least two nights.
Bicycles are a popular mode of transportation on La Digue. Numerous vendors at the ferry jetty rent bikes by the hour or for the day.
The island's attractions include the climb to the top of the mountain in the middle of the island for spectacular views, secluded beaches, a visit to the (tiny) black paradise flycatcher reserve in hopes of seeing one of the rare birds, or a tour of the coconut plantation. The giant granite boulders along some of the beaches (especially Anse Source d'Argent) are photogenic—you may well run into a fashion shoot.
La Digue Island is also an excellent place to view large fruit bats with a wingspan of over 3 ft/1 m. These megabats can be seen flying through the city in the early evening hours.
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