Description
The enormous boulder, which was used in the 1987 film ‘Crusoe’, as well as a shower gel advert. This feature stands out even on La Digue, and makes a great subject for budding photographers. Anse Grosse Roche, as you might imagine, takes its name from the large boulder that juts out of the sand here. Located on the east coast of La Digue, in between the road and the ocean, it offers a number of things to keep visitors busy. However, visits are infrequent, so if you decide to take a trip to see the Grosse Roche, you may find yourself alone on this stretch of sand. The ocean here is generally calm, but during the south-east trade winds, the tide can turn in a violent manner, bringing with it larger waves and seaweed. The beach can be accessed via the nearby road using a car or bicycle, or it’s a manageable walk from a number of accommodations, such as the hotel Patatran, located about 1 km away. The road means that there is ample parking, as long as you manage to find a vehicle in the first place, always a tricky prospect on La Digue! Watch out if coming on-foot, as the locals grow crops between the road and the beach, so make sure not to accidentally trample them when you arrive. Besides the enormous boulder that shares its name with the beach, there is a snack bar at the entrance to the beach, which offers benches, shade, drinks, and snacks to visitors. The boulder and the beach also make great photographs, so much so that parts of the 1987 film ‘Crusoe’, starring Aidan Quinn, were filmed on Anse Grosse Roche. All in all, Anse Grosse Roche is a beautiful beach whose imposing boulder makes for some great photographs. In addition, the beach itself is relatively empty, and the sea is shallow enough that snorkelling fans can have a peek underwater here with ease.
- 450m x 20m - infrequent visitors
- Shallow water - seaweed present at times
- Normal tide - stronger tide and large waves during south-east trade winds
- Beach made unique by the large boulder that gives it its name
- Good for snorkelling and photography
- Coral reef
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Restaurant
- Shade
- Family-friendly
- Photo-friendly
- Quiet beach whose main draw is the large boulder that gives the beach its name.
- Fairly family-friendly, although the coral seabed means you have to be careful.
- Access is via walking, bicycle, or by car. The adjacent road means it’s easy to find somewhere to park.
- There is a snack bar at the entrance to the beach, with benches and shade where you can buy small snacks and drinks.
- Natural shade provides protection from the sun.
Photo gallery
