The Hike from Grande Anse to Anse Cocos

Once you’ve parked your bike, step onto the beach. Facing the ocean, head to the left. At first, you can choose to walk along the beach or through the jungle. We opted for the beach route to soak in the dramatic views of the wild sea—waves here can be impressively high—and the iconic granite boulders lining the shore.

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At the end of the beach, the trail veers inland. You’ll follow a sandy path until you reach the rocks, where a short climb over a hill begins. Keep an eye out for white arrows painted on the rocks—they’ll guide you in the right direction. And don’t forget to look around: with a bit of luck, you might spot a tiny gecko scurrying by.

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After your first climb and descent, you’ll arrive at Petite Anse, another stunning beach worth strolling across. To continue the hike, don’t walk along the beach—instead, head back inland immediately after the descent. The path runs behind the beach over a flat stretch. Notice the many holes in the sand? These are crab nests, home to the island’s curious little residents.

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Next comes the final climb and descent leading to Anse Cocos. Again, follow the white arrows to stay on track. Once you reach this secluded beach, you’ll want to linger for a few hours. Whether you’re sunbathing or relaxing in the shade of the palm trees, it’s pure bliss. Feeling thirsty? No problem—there’s a small beach bar at the far end where you can order fresh smoothies and coconuts. Just keep in mind that fresh food and drinks can be pricey on the island, so bringing your own snacks and water isn’t a bad idea.

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Snorkeling isn’t ideal here, as there’s no coral reef offshore—so you can leave your gear behind for this hike.

Once you’re fully recharged, it’s time to retrace your steps along the same path to return to your bike.