If you’re planning a vacation in Seychelles, Praslin Island should definitely be on your itinerary. Today, I’ve prepared a list of 9 tips on what to do on Praslin Island and a basic guide to accommodation and transportation.
Imagine a place where golden sand meets turquoise sea and the jungle whispers stories thousands of years old. Welcome to Praslin, the second-largest island of Seychelles, known for its breathtaking nature and relaxed atmosphere.
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Praslin
When we first traveled to Praslin, friends told us we could skip this island. However, we didn’t let that discourage us and ended up having absolutely unforgettable days during our first visit to Seychelles. When we went there most recently, I knew we wouldn’t want to miss Praslin during any of our repeat visits.
So if you’re in the planning phase of your itinerary, choose the activities you want to do and plan your number of nights accordingly. I personally recommend at least 3 nights to experience the best of this beautiful island.
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Accommodation on Praslin Island
Accommodation on Praslin Island is plentiful and depends only on your budget and what you choose to book. You can select from the cheapest studios and apartments to the most luxurious resorts with prestigious names. During our last visit, I personally chose a very reasonably priced resort with mixed reviews in Baie Sainte Anne bay.
Le Vasseur La Buse Eco Resort is located away from the main road and offers peaceful accommodation in wooden bungalows. A car is definitely needed. Family and luxury bungalow options are available. The resort features a pool, bar, and restaurant. Our booking included half-board at a great price, and there was nothing to complain about any day. The chef also accommodated my gluten-free diet.
The main advantage of this resort is its manager Amit, who helped us book a car on both Praslin and Mahé. Practically no question or request was a problem for him, and he tried to arrange everything in the best possible way. The only disadvantage might be that some equipment in the resort needs updating and that swimming from the shore isn’t ideal. However, you can rent sea kayaks for a fee to explore the coastline.
For more information and to book accommodation, click HERE
If you’re looking for budget accommodation on Praslin Island, I recommend looking around Grand Anse. Specifically, we happily recommend Palm Holiday Apartments. You can also book breakfast here. The apartments have a fully equipped kitchen, so preparing your own meals isn’t a problem. Grand Anse is also busier and has several grocery stores nearby. You can also choose from various restaurants or local takeaways.
The accommodation is also good for those who want to travel by bus. You only need to arrange transportation on the first and last day – they won’t let you on buses with luggage.
For more information and to book accommodation, click HERE
On the other hand, if you’re looking for luxury accommodation in a 5* resort, I recommend our favorite Constance Lemuria. The resort is popular not only for its golf course but also for its beautiful beaches, of which there are several in the resort. Especially Anse Georgette is popular among day visitors. But more about that later. 
For more information and to book accommodation, click HERE
None of the mentioned accommodations appeal to you? Find your perfect match according to your requirements:
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Transportation – Praslin Island
Regarding transportation to Praslin Island, you have two options for getting there. Either choose the ferry from Mahé, or like us on our return journey from La Digue, or buy tickets with Air Seychelles and fly from Mahé airport. Let’s briefly discuss both options:
Ferry journey to Praslin Island
Ferry prices to Praslin Island vary depending on the departure point:
- From Mahé to Praslin (Cat Cocos Ferry): A one-way ticket costs approximately 62 EUR for economy class. The price may be higher for “Business” class or special seats. The journey takes just over 1 hour
- La Digue – Praslin: The price for a one-way Inter Island Ferry ticket is 16-20 EUR depending on the season and location. The journey takes about 15 minutes
New port fees introduced from January 2024 are added to the price (e.g., 2 EUR per person for Mahé sailings and 1 EUR for Praslin-La Digue connections). I recommend booking tickets online as some websites already include these fees in the price.
For both routes, it’s recommended to book tickets in advance as ferries are often fully booked, especially during peak season. Reservations can be made online through official ferry company websites or through verified intermediaries.
Flying to Praslin Island
Sometimes you can find flights directly to Praslin with a stopover in Mahé. However, it’s not a problem to book a flight from Mahé to Praslin separately, either round-trip or one-way. Flights from Mahé to Praslin, operated by Air Seychelles, run regularly throughout the day. First flights start around 6 AM and the last one departs around 9 PM. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.
The average price for a one-way ticket ranges from 70-90 EUR (approximately 1,750-2,250 CZK) in economy class, depending on availability and how far in advance you book. I recommend making reservations as early as possible because flights can sell out quickly, especially during peak tourist season. Tickets can be purchased directly through Air Seychelles or through aggregators like Skyscanner and others.
There are baggage restrictions on flights between Mahé and Praslin. Non-residents are allowed 28 kg per person, including 23 kg checked baggage and 5 kg carry-on. Checked baggage dimensions must not exceed 75 cm × 43 cm × 90 cm.
If baggage weight exceeds the allowed limit, excess fees start at approximately 110 SCR (6-8 USD) per kilogram when booked online, or more at the airport. However, individual pieces of luggage still must not weigh more than 32 kg.
Transportation on Praslin Island
And finally, transportation around Praslin Island itself. Here you have several options again. Like on Mahé, you can explore the island quite nicely by inexpensive bus. Again, the driver won’t take you with large luggage, so arrange transportation for your first and last day if you’re not staying right at the port or airport. Like on Mahé, you can purchase a multi-day bus pass.
Another transportation option on the island is renting a car for your entire stay, which is our favorite option. We had the car delivered right after arrival at the port, where a rental company employee was waiting to complete the paperwork with us. Similarly, they waited for us on the last day before departure to check and collect the car. With a car, you can drive anywhere you want and don’t have to rely on schedules. However, remember that they drive on the other side. At first, you’ll need to be careful and keep this in mind.
Excursions on Praslin Island
Whatever excursions you combine on Praslin Island, one thing is clear – you definitely won’t be bored here and you’ll take countless experiences from this island. Praslin is also an ideal starting point for discovering nearby islets that are nature parks. I’ve included them in this list of interesting places worth seeing on Praslin.
1. ANSE LAZIO
I don’t need to introduce Anse Lazio at length. According to many, it’s the most beautiful beach on Praslin Island and regularly appears in lists of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Personally, we loved this place for morning snorkeling around the reefs on the right side, all the way to Petite Anse Lazio. During the day, the left side is pleasant, where the popular trek to Anse Georgette begins, following marked arrows.
2. ANSE GEORGETTE
Anse Georgette is, in our opinion, the most beautiful beach on Praslin Island. For me, this is partly because getting there isn’t as straightforward as with other island beaches. You can either plan a trek from Anse Lazio, which you’ll walk mostly under direct sunlight – see the trip tip below.
The second option is to arrange day access to the resort, which involves about a 20-minute walk around the golf course, or the third option is to book a stay at Constance Lemuria Resort and have access to the beach throughout your stay, plus you can be comfortably transported by golf cart. Whichever option you choose, I believe you’ll enjoy Anse Georgette in good weather.
3. VALLÉE DE MAI
The natural paradise and UNESCO site Vallée de Mai, located in the heart of Praslin Island, will captivate you with its virgin forest full of rare Coco de Mer palms. This species is known for its giant coconuts and the unique atmosphere that surrounds it. The reserve is also home to endemic species, such as the rare Seychelles Black Parrot. A walk along well-marked trails, which even less experienced tourists can manage, offers a view of prehistoric fauna and flora.
The reserve is open daily from 8:00 to 16:30 and admission for adult tourists is 450 SCR (approximately 18 EUR). It’s recommended to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it’s less hot. Tickets can be purchased online in advance with a 10% discount. More information and booking options can be found on the official website:
- www.sif.sc
4. FOND FERDINAND
Fond Ferdinand is a nature reserve in the southeast of Praslin Island that offers visitors a less crowded alternative to the more famous Vallée de Mai. For us, Fond Ferdinand park is more experiential, partly because at the summit you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the coast and surrounding islands. During our first visit, we were lucky to be the only visitors, so the guide devoted all his time to us and our questions throughout the journey. At the end, we signed the visitors’ book and discovered that in 2015, we were the first Czechs to sign it.
The nature reserve spans approximately 122 hectares and boasts a higher density of iconic Coco de Mer palms, which are symbols of Seychelles. During the two-hour guided tour, you’ll walk a nature trail that leads you to a viewpoint with panoramic views of surrounding islands and the azure sea. The route includes about 600 natural steps and 23 stops where you can learn about local flora and fauna, including many endemic species.
Admission is 150 SCR (approximately 10 EUR) and visits are mandatory with a guide. Fond Ferdinand is open Monday to Friday at 9:30, 11:00, 12:30, and 13:30, and on weekends at 9:30 and 11:30. The reserve is closed on public holidays. It’s recommended to bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and protect yourself from the sun – prepare as if you’re going on a moderately difficult trek.
You can view more photos in my post from our first visit to Fond Ferdinand reserve:
5. PLANE SPOTTING ON PRASLIN ISLAND
On Praslin, you can also watch landing and taking off planes. Praslin Island Airport (IATA: PRI) is the second largest in Seychelles and is the main hub for domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin. Operations are mainly handled by Air Seychelles, which offers short and regular flights between these two islands.
If you’re interested in plane spotting as a hobby, the opportunities are limited. The airport is small and flights aren’t very frequent, but thanks to its location near the sea, you can observe arrivals and departures from some accessible spots around the airport, just as we enjoyed watching from the nearby beach where planes land. For detailed information about current flights, you can use platforms like Flightradar24 or FlightAware to track flight traffic online.
6. TREK FROM ANSE LAZIO TO ANSE GEORGETTE
The trek from Anse Lazio to Anse Georgette on Praslin Island is one of the most beautiful excursions you can take in Seychelles. The route is approximately 3 km one way and leads through lush tropical vegetation along the coast with beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours one way, depending on your fitness level and time spent admiring the surrounding nature. The trek is moderately difficult, with several mild ascents and descents, but the reward is quiet beach sections and breathtaking panoramas.
This trek offers not only an opportunity to enjoy Praslin’s beauty from a different perspective but also a chance to combine active adventure with relaxation on one of the world’s best beaches. The destination is Anse Georgette beach, which I described above. If you want to return through the resort, I recommend arranging day access through the reception of the luxury Constance Lemuria resort. You can make it a full-day trip around the entire island if you take the bus to Anse Lazio and then return by bus from Constance Lemuria resort.
Before the trek, consider your current physical condition and pack enough water and snacks. However, there’s usually also a bar on the beaches where you can buy something small, but don’t rely on it. A hat and high-factor sunscreen are essential.
7. BOAT TRIP TO CURIEUSE ISLAND
Near the northern coast of Praslin lies the enchanting island of Curieuse, known for its unique natural beauty and rich history. This former leper colony is now a national park where you can admire freely roaming Aldabra giant tortoises living in their natural habitat. Curieuse is also home to mangrove forests, red granite rocks, and the fascinating Anse José beach.
The island offers opportunities for easy hiking trips, during which you can explore the local ecosystem and enjoy views of the turquoise ocean waters. A trip to Curieuse is not only an enriching experience for nature lovers but also a great way to enjoy the peace and seclusion typical of the Seychelles.
8. SNORKELING AT ST. PIERRE ISLAND
St. Pierre Island is a picturesque granite islet near Praslin. It is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the Seychelles. Its crystal-clear waters full of coral reefs offer a fascinating underwater world with a diverse range of marine life, including colorful fish, rays, and occasionally turtles.
This trip is ideal for sea life enthusiasts who want to explore the biodiversity of the Seychelles in all its glory. The boat ride from Praslin is short and pleasant, and the islet itself, lined with palms and rocks, is a beautiful place to relax. Snorkeling at St. Pierre is an unforgettable experience that transports you to a tropical underwater paradise.
9. BOAT TRIP TO COUSIN ISLAND
Cousin Island is a nature reserve and a paradise for nature lovers. This small granite island, just about 2 km from Praslin, is home to endangered bird species and a nesting site for hawksbill turtles. On the island, which is accessible only with a guide, you’ll experience an authentic encounter with untouched nature.
Thanks to limited access and ecologically focused management, Cousin is an ideal place for those seeking tranquility, unique fauna and flora, and the opportunity to contribute to nature conservation. The trip from Praslin is easily organized and offers a perfect escape from the tourist hustle.
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