Praslin Island Travel Guide: 11 Best Beaches & Things To Do
Everything you need to know about Praslin Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stayWelcome to tropical paradise
Praslin is everything you hoped Seychelles would be – and more.
This paradisical island is simply a mix of all you’d want from Seychelles in one lovely island; thriving nature full of biodiversity, fabulous beaches, good food, great viewpoints, amazing day trips and lots of chill vibes.
A huge part of the island’s interior is a designated national park (including Vallée de Mai, home to the legendary Coco de Mer!), and even if you solely spend your time on the coast, you can’t help but notice the richness of life here. Overwater as well as underwater.
Praslin is a sanctuary for plants and animals – including us humans who can’t help but thrive in the mild tropical temperature in the shade of a palm tree, overlooking dream beaches and small granite islands on the horizon.
In this travel guide to Praslin Island, we will show you the best beaches and things to do on Praslin, where to stay, where to eat as well as share our best tips for your perfect vacation.
Where to stay on Praslin:
- Budget: Exotic Guest House – Location right next to Anse Volbert with a spectacular view (and kitchen).
- Value for money: Acajou Beach Resort – Best all-around resort on Praslin.
- Luxury: Le Château de feuilles – Exclusive boho vibes and very private.
- Ultra luxury: Six Senses Zil Pasyon – One of the world’s best (and most expensive) resorts.
Search for the best value accommodation on Praslin Island.
Table of contents
Why visit Praslin
Mahé is the big island and La Digue is the small one – so where does that leave Praslin?
With the best of both worlds!
Praslin is laid-back. Everything is on island time here and no one is in a rush.
The beaches are nothing short of fabulous. Not only are they some of the best in Seychelles – they’re some of the most beautiful beaches on the planet.
Reaching high in the island’s interior, the protected jungle-clad hills are full of biodiversity – including most of Seychelles’ mysterious endemic species of animals and plants.
All that and you still have everything you need within reach. Especially if you stay in one of Praslin’s ultra-luxury resorts (of which there simply are none on La Digue, for example).
In short, Praslin is a perfect tropical getaway destination. Whether you’re into hiking, beach-bumming, snorkelling, diving or bird-watching, you can’t avoid enjoying your time here.
Map and geography
Praslin is the second-largest island in Seychelles at 38.5 km².
The main road runs along the perimeter of the island. Only the stretch between Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio in the north is without a road. A “shortcut” goes across the island, right next to the Vallée de Mai.
The three main areas of the island are Grand Anse where the airport is located, Baie Ste Anne with the ferry terminal and Anse Volbert (Cote D’Or), a popular place to stay for tourists.
Around 7,500 people live on Praslin. Its highest point is 367 metres above sea level.
What to do on Praslin
There are so many amazing things to do on Praslin!
We have tried to summarize some of the best things to do here, but you also shouldn’t miss not doing anything.
Praslin is holiday heaven. Simply relax at the beach (or by the pool) and let the world drift by.
Here are the 11 best things to do on Praslin Island:
- Anse Lazio Beach
- Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
- Boat trip to Curieuse Island
- Anse Georgette Beach
- Zimbabwe Viewpoint
- Anse Volbert Beach (Cote D’Or)
- Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
- Daytrip to La Digue Island
- Go on an island hopping and snorkelling boat tour
- Enjoy a fresh coconut on the beach
- Catch a colourful sunset
1. Anse Lazio Beach
Often named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Anse Lazio sure is a sight for sore eyes.
The beach is completely public and free to visit for everyone.
Anse Lazio is also pretty much devoid of commercial development – apart from a few coconut sellers and the hotel/restaurant Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse (adlink).
Don’t miss the beaches just north and south of the main strip.
Petite Anse Lazio is located just a short hike away from the big boulders at the northern end, and following the coast heading south, you’ll reach a few additional beaches that each have their unique charm.
Because Anse Lazio is so long, it never feels crowded. Find your spot between the palm trees and Takamaka trees and all there’s left to do is simply to enjoy life!
Be careful when going in the water though, the waves can be strong.
2. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
The Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is one of the top tourist highlights on Praslin.
Home to the legendary Coco de Mer, Vallée de Mai is one of the very few places it grows in the world. There are a few spots elsewhere on Praslin and they also grow on nearby Curieuse Island – and that’s it!
There’s no better place to spot the mysterious trees in the wild than in Vallée de Mai. They’re everywhere, and you can also see the gigantic nuts (which are the world’s heaviest!) up close.
There are three main loops you can hike inside the reserve (all easy), each taking you through the primaeval forest where you can spot most of Seychelles’ endemic palm trees – and sometimes even the endangered Black Parrot who likes to hang out among the ancient trees.
The entrance price is 350 SCR per person (about 26 EUR / USD).
3. Boat trip to Curieuse Island
A day trip to Curieuse Island is surely one of the best things to do from Praslin.
Most tours to Curieuse Island include some kind of snorkelling, a visit to the spot where most of the free-roaming giant tortoises hang out and a BBQ lunch on the beach.
Curieuse Island is home to hundreds of giant tortoises, making it one of the absolute best ways to meet them in Seychelles.
The tortoises are some of the longest-lived animals on earth. They can live to be over 200 years old and their average weight is around 250 kilos. Most of them just chill out in the sun.
Weatherwise, we didn’t have much luck on our Curieuse Island trip, but we can imagine both the snorkelling and beach to be amazing if the sun is out.
We can highly recommend taking the hiking path between the beach/lunch spot and the tortoises. It’s not too strenuous and a part of it takes you through the mangroves on a lovely boardwalk.
Another curiosity of Curieuse Island is the fact that the legendary Coco de Mer palm trees grow here naturally – making it the only place along with Praslin in the world to house them.
4. Anse Georgette Beach
You have to visit the wonderfully enchanting beach Anse Georgette on Praslin!
Anse Georgette Beach is a bit special in that it’s kind of private. The beach itself isn’t, but access to it goes through the luxury resort Constance Lemuria (adlink).
Thankfully it’s free to visit – you just have to reserve your spot in advance to gain entrance.
Getting that spot is usually not impossible, but it pays to reserve it at least a day or two in advance. Doing that means calling the resort (or getting your hotel to help you out).
Another way to reach the beach is by hiking there. If you wish to do so, it’s advisable to use app maps.me for offline navigation.
Actually staying at the Constance Lemuria (adlink) is obviously the easiest way to reach Anse Georgette. But not the cheapest.
5. Zimbabwe Viewpoint
Starting at Anse Lazio, it’s possible to walk all the way up to the Zimbabwe viewpoint and then either back down to the main road or towards Anse Georgette for a “best of Northern Praslin trip”.
We hiked with our lovely guide Ms Medina, but following the arrows (and some kind of offline map), you should be able to find your way.
6. Anse Volbert Beach (Cote D’Or)
Not only is Anse Volbert Beach (also sometimes shown as Cote D’Or) a great place to stay, it’s also a beautiful beach to visit for some fun in the sun.
The beach is super long and the water is amazingly clear.
Anse Volbert is also great for swimming and the water is much calmer for families than for example Anse Lazio or Anse Georgette.
There are several great hotels located on or just next to Anse Volbert.
The best hotels and resorts on Anse Volbert (Cote D’Or):
- Acajou Beach Resort – Where we first stayed on Praslin. The island’s best all-around resort.
- Les Lauriers Eco Hotel – Luxury at a fraction of the cost of some of the island’s more expensive options.
- Exotic Guest House – Best budget stay on Anse Volbert.
7. Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve is much newer as a nature reserve than Vallée de Mai, but it’s also much bigger (and cheaper!)
Located on the southern end of Praslin near Anse Marie Louise, it’s also possible to see the endemic Coco de Mer here.
If you’re feeling particularly fit, it’s possible to hike up to a viewpoint inside the Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve.
8. Daytrip to La Digue Island
If you’re not planning to stay over at La Digue for a few days (which we definitely argue that you should!), then at least visit the small, laid-back island on a day trip.
The obvious thing to do is to head directly towards the epic Anse Source d’Argent Beach located inside the L’Union Estate.
If you want a more remote beach experience, consider hiking from Grand Anse to the natural pool at Anse Coco following the Anse Caiman Nature Trail.
You can easily get to La Digue from Praslin with the Cat Rose Ferry leaving several times a day from the Baie Sainte Anne ferry port. The crossing takes just about 15 minutes.
9. Go on an island hopping and snorkelling boat tour
After being picked up by a speedboat in the morning, you find yourself snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding beautiful Cocos Island.
The day continues at nearby Felicite Island where you can enjoy the beach or snorkel some more, and you end up on La Digue where you get to see the famous granite rocks and extraordinary beach of Anse Source d’Argent.
Doesn’t this sound like the perfect day in paradise? We sure think so!
10. Enjoy a fresh coconut on the beach
Enjoying a fresh young coconut on a beach on Praslin is a must-do in our opinion.
A coconut seller is rarely far away, and that exquisite coconut water is simply the best way to replenish your fluids on a hot tropical day.
11. Catch a colourful sunset
Tropical sunsets are truly something else – and even more so if you witness one from one of the beautiful beaches on Praslin with your loved one(s).
Our best sunset on Praslin was on Anse Georgette.
Here we also spotted dolphins playing in the waves not too far from shore. Truly a magical moment!
Where to stay on Praslin
You can’t really drive for more than an hour on Praslin, so no matter where exactly you’re located on the island, it’s pretty easy to go everywhere.
Some of the most luxurious hotels in Seychelles are located on Praslin, so you can definitely splurge here if you’re looking for that romantic holiday of a lifetime.
Budget options are also available, and we’ve tried our best to give you recommendations all over the board here.
Search for the best value accommodation on Praslin Island here (adlink).
Best value for money hotels on Praslin
- Acajou Beach Resort – Where we stayed on Anse Volbert.
- Coco de Mer Hotel – Very private (and popular!). The second resort we stayed at on Praslin.
- Black Parrot Suites – The more luxurious version of Coco de Mer Hotel.
- Chauve Souris Relais – Stay on a private island.
- Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse – Unique location on the epic Anse Lazio.
- Les Lauriers Eco Hotel – Luxury at a fraction of the cost of some of the island’s more expensive options.
Acajou Beach Resort
Acajou Beach Resort is located smack middle on the stunning Anse Volbert beach.
While this part of Praslin is one of the few that have been just minimally commercially developed, it still feels very wild around these parts.
Hotels are few and far between on Anse Volbert, and most of the time all you can see is palm trees and that mesmerizing ocean.
The hotel itself is lovely. The rooms of Acajou Beach Resort are spacious and include all of the amenities you might need, there’s a pool, a gym and everyone working here is just super friendly.
Both breakfast and dinner are served buffet style in the restaurant and the quality of the food is high. Dinner changes theme nightly.
Because we eat a vegan diet we ended up talking a lot with the head chef who helped prepare some special meals for us. Top class service!
Check prices and availability at Acajou Beach Resort (adlink).
Yup, this is pretty much the most commercially developed part of Praslin. Amazing right?
Coco de Mer Hotel
Coco de Mer Hotel is located on Praslin’s kind-of remote southern end. This makes it the perfect hideaway for couples looking for some privacy.
As the hotel is located facing west, there’s good potential here for some jaw-dropping sunsets.
There are two pools at Coco de Mer – one of which is overwater on the “ship” in front of the hotel.
It’s also possible to swim from the private beach (which is quite tide dependent). Snorkelling is supposedly amazing.
The vibe at Coco de Mer is formal and professional yet elegantly relaxed. All of the rooms are stylishly decorated and include free wifi, A/C, European electrical plugs and all those other things that are nice to have.
Both breakfast and dinner are served in the restaurant as buffets with quality ingredients. Make sure to come early if you want a table overlooking the water!
Coco de Mer is all in all simply a great place to stay on Praslin. It’s also (justifiably) very popular, so this is one of those places you probably have to book far in advance.
Check prices and availability at Coco de Mer Hotel (adlink).
Black Parrot Suites
Black Parrot Suites is the extra luxury version of Coco de Mer.
Located just steps away from each other (and run by the same people), it’s still two different accommodations – the main difference being the fact that Black Parrot Suites is adults only.
The amazing pool here is only for the guests of Black Parrot Suites, and from the looks of it, this is the perfect place to stay if you basically just want to circle between your room and the pool.
Black Parrot Suites is located on the top of a natural granite hill and has also managed to incorporate the stones into its architecture in a very impressive way.
The views from up here are naturally spectacular.
Check prices and availability at Black Parrot Suites (adlink).
Chauve Souris Relais
Who wouldn’t want to stay on their own private island?!
On the way to Curieuse Island, we sailed past Chauve Souris Relais and couldn’t stop talking about how cool it must be to stay out here.
It doesn’t even look as expensive as we would have thought.
Check prices and availability at Chauve Souris Relais (adlink).
Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse
Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse is located uniquely located on Anse Lazio – the beach often touted as one of the most beautiful in the world.
Rooms aren’t huge here and you do pay for the privilege of the location – but if Anse Lazio is one of the top reasons you wish to visit Praslin, it just might be worth it.
Check prices and availability at Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse (adlink).
Les Lauriers Eco Hotel
We love the natural materials and attention to detail that has gone into building Les Lauriers Eco Hotel.
You essentially get what looks like a luxury hotel for a fraction of the cost. It’s still not cheap, but Les Lauriers Eco Hotel is a great option for a romantic hotel on Praslin.
Just like Acajou, Les Lauriers is located with direct access to the long, amazing beach Anse Volbert.
Check prices and availability at Les Lauriers Eco Hotel (adlink).
Best 5-star luxury resorts on Praslin
Not only is Praslin home to some of the world’s finest beaches, but the Seychellois island is also home to some of the finest luxury resorts.
- Constance Lemuria – Huge golf course, two private beaches and direct access to Anse Georgette (our favourite beach on Praslin).
- Raffles Seychelles – Great value luxury villas.
- Le Château de feuilles – A resort you won’t want to leave.
- Six Senses Zil Pasyon – Located on nearby Felicite Island, this is one of the world’s best (and most expensive) resorts.
Constance Lemuria
You have to actually go through Constance Lemuria to get to the exquisite beach Anse Georgette, so we can only imagine how luxurious it must feel to be able to just walk down there from your room.
There’s a huge golf course here and apart from direct access to Anse Georgette, the resort also provides access to two additional private beaches that look nothing short of stunning.
Check prices and availability at Constance Lemuria (adlink).
Raffles Seychelles
Raffles is located with a direct view over to Curieuse Island – and Anse Lazio is not far away, either.
As far as we could tell, the villas here are some of the largest for their price on Praslin.
Check prices and availability at Raffles Seychelles (adlink).
Le Château de feuilles
The design, style and architecture of Le Château de feuilles is somewhat different from what we’ve otherwise seen at luxury hotels in Seychelles.
It’s more of a boho vibe, yet still very much exclusive-looking. There are also just 10 rooms.
Though close to Baie Ste Anne, the resort’s location is very private – but why ever leave when you’ve got that view?
Check prices and availability at Le Château de feuilles (adlink).
Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Even though not technically located on Praslin, it would be a shame not to mention Six Senses Zil Pasyon.
The resort (which is located on nearby Felicite Island) is considered one of the best in the world (and also one of the most expensive).
Staying here for just one night costs more than most people make in a month – or even a year.
But if you have that kind of money to spend, this is where you would want to do so.
Check prices and availability at Six Senses Zil Pasyon (adlink).
Best budget hotels on Praslin
Thankfully, staying on Praslin doesn’t have to break the budget as there are quite a few budget accommodation options on the island. Here are some of the best ones.
- Exotic Guest House – Fantastic views over the bay of Anse Volbert.
- Hotel Plein Soleil – Value for money with a pool.
- La Residence D’Almee Guesthouse – Comfortable stay near the port.
Exotic Guest House
Exotic Guest House is located right next to Anse Volbert.
For the price, you not only get a spectacular view over the bay but also access to a (simple) kitchen where you can save additionally on cooking some meals at home.
Check prices and availability at Exotic Guest House (adlink).
Hotel Plein Soleil
The rooms at Hotel Plein Soleil aren’t huge, but you get direct access to a pool for a price that’s hard to beat.
The rooms look modern and include A/C, free wifi and a private bathroom.
Check prices and availability at Hotel Plein Soleil (adlink).
La Residence D’Almee Guesthouse
If you want to stay comfortably and rather cheaply near the port, La Residence D’Almee Guesthouse is a solid bet.
The rooms look clean and also include a fridge, kettle and microwave.
Check prices and availability at La Residence D’Almee Guesthouse (adlink).
Where to eat on Praslin
Pirogue Restaurant
Overlooking the amazing Anse Volbert Beach (Côte d’Or) on Praslin’s eastern shores, Pirogue Restaurant serves up some of the best curry you’ll have in Seychelles.
The vegetable curry came with rice as well as some delicious eggplant dip and lentils.
Acajou Beach Resort
The restaurant at Acajou Beach Resort (adlink), Starfish Bar & Restaurant, serves up a daily changing buffet for dinner.
We stayed there for two nights and had really tasty food.
Coco de Mer Hotel
When we arrived, we had lunch overlooking the water at Coco de Mer Hotel (adlink) where we stayed for one night during our time on Praslin.
The menu is clearly Indian-inspired and we both had a delicious potato dish with rice, some kind of chutney and a small salad.
Service was great and the view from our table over the glittering ocean was mesmerising!
In the evening, we picked a few naturally vegan dishes from the daily-changing buffet.
Lunch at Curieuse Island
On most boat tours to Curieuse Island, a BBQ lunch is included.
We were happily surprised to see that everything except the meat and fish was vegan, so we had fried noodles, rice, lentils, salad as well as a special tomato-based creole sauce.
The menu seems to be about the same no matter which tour company you choose, but make sure to ask beforehand if you’re curious 😉
More plant-based dining on Praslin
There are several vegan-friendly places we would have loved to try had we spent more time on Praslin.
Roots Juicery LAB is fully vegan and very-health focused, serving juices, smoothies and smoothie bowls(!). We have to visit next time around…
Ma’s Take Away is one of those great, cheap takeaway places where a meal costs less than half of what it would at a restaurant. And they always have something vegan on the menu.
The Nest Restaurant is located inside the Constance Lemuria Resort (adlink – which you have to go through to get to Anse Georgette) and apparently they have marked vegan dishes on the menu.
How to get around Praslin
Rent a car
One of the best ways to see Praslin is surely to rent a car.
We only tried it on Mahé but can definitely attest to the flexibility it provided there. Being able to stop anywhere for a quick photo or swim is just the best.
Driving around Praslin ourselves would have been amazing.
The fleet of rental cars on Praslin is quite limited, so reserving your car in advance is a really good idea.
Be aware that they drive on the left in Seychelles. Many rental cars are automatic.
Private transport
A popular way to get around Praslin is by private transport.
The cars and minivans (which are essentially taxis) are run independently and as far as we could tell, the prices were all set.
We used Golden Transportation run by Mike and Jeannie and can easily recommend them. You can contact them by WhatsApp on +248 2 619 441.
Public transport
Busses run on Praslin.
There are three routes that basically cover all of the island’s roads.
You can’t go directly to Anse Georgette or Anse Lazio but you can get pretty close.
Big suitcases are usually not allowed on busses.
You can see the latest timetables here.
Walking
Walking around Praslin is doable but if you’re going far we won’t recommend it.
Unfortunately, the main road doesn’t have a sidewalk most of the time so safety-wise it’s not great.
Renting a bike to go around the island also didn’t seem like a realistic option.
To get around Praslin, renting a car, taking a taxi or taking the bus are generally your best options.
How to get to Praslin
By ferry
Most people arrive on Praslin from Mahé by ferry. Crossing takes about one hour.
The ferry drops you off at Baie Sainte Anne in the southeast of Praslin. This is also from where you can take the ferry to La Digue.
We took the ferry from Praslin to Mahé, and let’s just say that it wasn’t exactly pleasant…
Even though the weather was extra wild that day, we have heard that the sea is generally rough even on clearer days.
It’s important to say that we always felt safe. We just also felt very sick from the rollercoaster ride.
By plane
The ferry is both cheaper and more environmentally friendly than flying with Air Seychelles between Mahé and Praslin, but if you’re prone to sea sickness and have the funds, we could definitely see the argument for the plane winning out.
Flight time between Mahé and Praslin is just around 15 minutes, and on the way, you’ll get scenic views of both islands including some of the smaller islands in-between.
The planes are very small (with room for just about a dozen people) – so that’s also an experience by itself.
When to visit Praslin
The weather on Praslin is very similar to the weather on Mahé and La Digue.
Seychelles is a year-round destination, but there are some seasonal weather variabilities which might be worth knowing about it.
The sun almost always shines and the temperatures consistently hover between 24°C and the low 30s (it very rarely gets hotter than 32°C).
The best time to visit is generally considered spring or autumn when tourism is at its lowest and the weather is at its best.
High season is the summer months of July and August and over Christmas and New Year in December and January. Autumn is also a popular time to visit.
The warmest months are February, March, April and May.
The sea breeze is at its strongest between May and October, which isn’t ideal for snorkelling or diving. The best visibility is found during April, May, October and November.
It rains all year (it’s the tropics, after all), but often just in short bursts. The average humidity is 80%.
The south-east-trade wind picks up between May and September, while the north-west trade wind blows between December and February. In-between there’s almost no wind.
Praslin very rarely gets hit by tropical storms because of its lucky location.
Tips for visiting Praslin
- There is free wifi in many hotels, but it’s usually not as fast as using 4G.
- We can easily recommend buying a sim card with data for internet access. We bought ours from Airtel. They have shops all over the country (including on Praslin).
- Downloading or carrying an offline map is a good idea, especially when hiking.
- The standard electric plugs in Seychelles are type G (like in the UK). Many hotels have adapters, and some even have standard European plugs (type C) and/or USB chargers installed.
- Checking the tides is crucial for visiting many beaches and natural pools at their optimal times.
- The tap water is drinkable (on both Mahé, Praslin and La Digue as far as we could tell) but doesn’t taste good. Consider bringing a water filter or buying water in 5-litre containers to save money and plastic. A few hotels offer free water refills – including Coco de Mer Hotel.
- Bring euros or dollars to easily exchange for Seychelles rupees once you’re in the country. There are many banks where you can exchange money (also on Praslin) but they might be closed at weekends, so check the opening hours.
- Credit cards are widely accepted in shops, hotels and restaurants but some smaller businesses prefer cash – like for takeaway shops.
- Bring a flashlight or at least a phone with a flashlight. If you come back from a hike late or leave the beach after sunset, it can come in handy as there aren’t street lights everywhere.
What to bring to Praslin
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen (adlink).
- Hiking shoes.
- Swimwear and a towel.
- Water and snacks.
Minimise your impact
To minimise your impact during your visit, follow these guidelines:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
- Dispose of waste properly. While putting your trash in a nearby trashcan is convenient, wrappers and other small items are prone to get taken by the wind and end up in the ocean.
- Check your sunscreen before going in the water. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that are harmful to the ocean.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
- Be considerate of other visitors.
- Respect wildlife.
Thanks for reading
We hope this travel guide to Praslin has been useful. Thanks for getting all the way to the end!
Make sure to also check out our ultimate travel guide to Seychelles with the best things to do, where to go and itinerary ideas.
What do you think about Praslin Island in Seychelles?
If you’ve been to Praslin (or any other place in Seychelles) it would be awesome to hear your best tips in the comments.
If you haven’t been yet, please don’t hesitate to ask us anything. We’re glad to offer tips and share our experiences.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.