Seychelles

Praslin Travel Guide: 11 Things to Do & Best Beaches

Everything you need to know about Praslin Island in Seychelles including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay

Alex, Victoria, Adrian and Zoe of Northabroad

Hi! We're Alex & Victoria, a Danish couple in our thirties, travelling the world with our two young children. Learn more about us here.

Advertisement disclaimer: Our stay in Seychelles was made possible in collaboration with Tourism Seychelles.
Welcome to tropical paradise

Praslin is everything you hoped Seychelles would be and more.

This paradisiacal island is simply a mix of all you’d want from Seychelles in one lovely place, with 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 spend all your time on the coast, you can’t help but notice the richness of life here. Above the water and below it.

Praslin is a sanctuary for plants and animals, including us humans who can’t help but thrive in the mild tropical climate in the shade of a palm tree, overlooking dream beaches and small granite islands on the horizon.

In our Praslin travel guide, we will show you the best beaches and things to do on Praslin, where to stay and where to eat, as well as sharing our top tips for your perfect holiday.

Where to stay on Praslin:

Search for the best hotels on Praslin Island.

Praslin, Anse Georgette
Praslin is the postcard of Seychelles.

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 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 many 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 (there simply aren’t any on La Digue, for example).

In short, Praslin is a perfect tropical getaway. Whether you’re into hiking, beach bumming, snorkelling, diving or birdwatching, you can’t help but enjoy your time here.

Praslin biodiversity
Praslin is a biodiversity hotspot.
Anse Lazio on Praslin
We wouldn’t blame you if you end up spending all of your time here on the wonderful beaches.
Anse Lazio cove and granite rock
We pretty much did so ourselves!
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Where is Praslin?

Praslin is the second-largest granitic 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 Sainte Anne, with the ferry terminal; and Anse Volbert (Côte d’Or), a popular place for tourists to stay.

Around 7,500 people live on Praslin. Its highest point is 367 metres above sea level.

You might be interested in:Where to Stay on Praslin, Seychelles: 13 Best Hotels & Resorts for All Budgets

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Best things to do on Praslin

There is so much to do on Praslin!

We have tried to summarise what to do on Praslin here, but you also shouldn’t miss doing nothing.

Praslin is holiday heaven. Simply relax at some of the best beaches on Praslin (or by the pool) and let the world drift by.

Here are the best things to do on Praslin Island:

  1. Anse Lazio Beach
  2. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
  3. Boat trip to Curieuse Island
  4. Anse Georgette Beach
  5. Zimbabwe Viewpoint
  6. Anse Volbert Beach (Côte d’Or)
  7. Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
  8. Day trip to La Digue Island
  9. Go on an island-hopping and snorkelling boat tour
  10. Enjoy a fresh coconut on the beach
  11. Catch a colourful sunset

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1. Anse Lazio Beach

If you’re looking for the best beaches on Praslin, you must pay Anse Lazio a visit.

It’s often called one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it really is.

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 just a short hike from the big boulders at the northern end, and following the coast heading south, you’ll reach a few more beaches that each have their own charm.

Because Anse Lazio is so long, it never feels crowded. Find your spot between the palm trees and Takamaka trees, and all that’s left to do is enjoy life!

Be careful when going in the water, though; the waves can be strong.

Anse Lazio viewpoint
Visiting Anse Lazio is definitely one of the best things to do on Praslin.
Anse Lazio at sunset
Anse Lazio is often touted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Anse Lazio palm tree
We also really liked it here.
Anse Lazio beach
The small coves just south of the main beach
We loved exploring the small coves just south of the main beach.
Anse Lazio
The colour of the water at Anse Lazio
The colour of the water at Anse Lazio is just gorgeous.

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 in the world where it grows. 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 vulnerable Black Parrot, which likes to hang out among the ancient trees.

The nature reserve deserves a place on any list of what to do on Praslin, especially if you want to explore more than just the beaches.

The entrance price is 450 Seychellois rupees (SCR) per person (~ 27 EUR / 30 USD) in 2026.

The nut of the Coco de Mer
The nut of the Coco de Mer is the world’s heaviest and a true emblem of Seychelles. It’s also the largest seed of any plant.
Vallée de Mai, located in the heart of Praslin
Vallée de Mai, in the middle of Praslin, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its incredible biological value.
Coco de Mer palm tree
Sailors once thought the nuts came from the sea – hence the name Coco de Mer (“mer” means sea in French).
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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 best places to meet them in Seychelles.

The tortoises are some of the longest-lived animals on earth.

They can live to be over 150 years old, with some reports of individuals reaching more than 200, and adult males weigh 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 the beach are 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 part of it takes you through the mangroves on a lovely boardwalk.

Another curiosity of Curieuse Island is that the legendary Coco de Mer palm trees grow here naturally – making it, along with Praslin, the only place in the world where they grow.

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Curieuse Island drone image
Curieuse Island used to be a leper colony, but today it’s a Marine National Park.
Snorkelling near Curieuse Island
Many of the reefs are healthy and full of life.
Curieuse Island beach
The beach (where you eat lunch) is fantastic.
Giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
Meeting the giant tortoises was one of the highlights of our whole trip!
Giant tortoises on Curieuse Island
They’re so slow and cute.
St. Pierre island
Don’t miss the small island of St. Pierre on your boat tour to Curieuse Island.

4. Anse Georgette Beach

You have to visit the enchanting beach at Anse Georgette!

It’s one of the best beaches on Praslin, and Anse Georgette Beach is rather unusual in that it feels almost private.

The beach itself is public, but access is through the luxury resort Constance Lemuria (adlink).

Thankfully, it’s free to visit, though it is worth calling ahead as access has at times been limited.

Getting a spot isn’t usually a problem, 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 want to hike there, use the maps.me app for offline navigation.

Actually staying at Constance Lemuria (adlink) is obviously the easiest way to reach Anse Georgette, but not the cheapest.

Anse Georgette
Anse Georgette is smaller than Anse Lazio but just as gorgeous.
Sunset at Anse Georgette
The more private southern end of Anse Georgette
Don’t miss out on exploring the granite boulders at the more private southern end of Anse Georgette.
Anse Georgette palm sunset
Anse Georgette is a great place to watch the sunset. Just don’t forget to bring a torch to find your way back.
Anse Georgette sunset rocks and palms
Being the only ones left on the beach (and seeing dolphins!) was an experience we’ll never forget.
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5. Zimbabwe Viewpoint

Starting at Anse Lazio, you can 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.

The view from Zimbabwe Viewpoint
The view from Zimbabwe Viewpoint is stunning.
Anse Lazio start hike
A great way to start the hike is down at Anse Lazio, where it’s clearly marked.
Natural cashew nut
A guide does more than just help you find your way. Here, Ms Medina showed us a cashew nut from the side of the road.
Ms Medina
You can contact Ms Medina by WhatsApp on +248 2 593 001.

6. Anse Volbert Beach (Côte d’Or)

Not only is Anse Volbert Beach (also known as Côte 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 than at Anse Lazio or Anse Georgette, which makes it better for families.

There are several great hotels on or just next to Anse Volbert.

The best hotels and resorts on Anse Volbert (Côte d’Or):

Anse Volbert in all of its glory
Anse Volbert in all of its glory.
Anse Volbert

7. Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve

Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve is much newer than Vallée de Mai as a nature reserve, but it’s also much bigger (and cheaper!). In 2026, entry is 300 SCR here against 450 SCR at Vallée de Mai, and a combined ticket for both costs 600 SCR if you book online.

Located at the southern end of Praslin near Anse Marie Louise, the reserve is also home to the endemic Coco de Mer.

If you’re feeling particularly fit, you can hike up to a viewpoint inside the Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve.

Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve

8. Day trip to La Digue Island

If you’re not planning to stay on La Digue for a few days (which we definitely think you should!), then at least visit the small, laid-back island on a day trip.

The obvious thing to do is head straight for 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 on La Digue to the natural pool at Anse Coco, following the Anse Caiman Nature Trail.

You can easily get to La Digue from Praslin on the Cat Rose ferry, which leaves several times a day from the Baie Sainte Anne ferry port. The crossing takes just about 15 minutes.

You might be interested in:La Digue Travel Guide: 15 Things to Do & Best Beaches

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Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue
Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, without a doubt, makes the trip over there worth it. It might even make you want to stay.
A giant tortoise on the road at Anse Sévère
La Digue has a very different vibe from Mahé and Praslin as it’s a lot smaller and everyone just bikes around.
Grand Anse La Digue
The beaches here are otherworldly.

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 Coco Island.

The day continues at nearby Félicité 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 at Anse Source d’Argent.

Doesn’t this sound like the perfect day in paradise? We sure think so!

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10. Enjoy a fresh coconut on the beach

Enjoying a fresh young coconut on a beach on Praslin is one of our favourite things to do here.

A coconut seller is rarely far away, and that exquisite coconut water is simply the best way to cool down on a hot tropical day.

Drinking a fresh coconut on Anse Georgette
Drinking a fresh coconut on Anse Georgette is the icing on the cake of a visit here.

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!

Sunset at Anse Georgette
On our last night on Praslin, we got lucky with a colourful sunset AND seeing dolphins playing in the water while being all alone on Anse Georgette. How good can life be?!

How long to stay on Praslin

Most travellers spend three to four nights on Praslin.

This gives you enough time to enjoy the best things to do on Praslin while still having a relaxed day at the beach.

Two nights can work if you’re short on time and mainly want to see the island’s top attractions. However, we think it might feel a little rushed, particularly once you count travel time.

Consider staying five nights or longer if you prefer slow-paced holidays, want plenty of beach time or plan to take a day trip to Curieuse Island. A longer stay also gives you more flexibility if the weather affects your plans.

Where to stay on Praslin

Now that you know what to do on Praslin, we’ll share the best hotels on the island with you. You can also check out our full guide on where to stay on Praslin.

You can’t really drive for more than an hour on Praslin, so wherever you’re based, it’s pretty easy to get around the island.

Some of the most luxurious hotels on Praslin are among the best in Seychelles, 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 across the board here.

To help you decide where to stay on Praslin, we’ve grouped the hotels below by budget.

Search for the best hotels on Praslin Island here (adlink).

Best 5-star luxury resorts on Praslin

Not only is Praslin home to some of the world’s finest beaches, but it is also home to some of the finest luxury resorts.

Here are the best luxury hotels on Praslin:

Constance Lemuria

You have to actually go through Constance Lemuria to get to the exquisite beach at 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 has two more private beaches that look stunning.

Check prices and availability at Constance Lemuria (adlink).

Constance Lemuria drone photo
If you’re a beach lover (or a golfer), Constance Lemuria is hard to beat on Praslin. ©Constance Lemuria (adlink)

Raffles Seychelles

Raffles has a direct view across 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).

The view from Raffles over to Curieuse Island
The view from Raffles over to Curieuse Island is easy on the eyes, don’t you think? ©Raffles Seychelles (adlink)

Le Chateau de Feuilles

The design, style and architecture of Le Chateau de Feuilles are somewhat different from what we’ve seen at other luxury hotels in Seychelles.

It’s more of a boho vibe, yet still very much exclusive-looking. There are also just seven rooms.

Though close to Baie Sainte Anne, the resort’s location is very private – but why ever leave when you’ve got that view?

Check prices and availability at Le Chateau de Feuilles (adlink).

Beach at Le Chateau de Feuilles
Near Praslin’s southern tip, the landscape and beach at Le Chateau de Feuilles are just unreal. ©Le Chateau de Feuilles (adlink)

Six Senses Zil Pasyon

Even though it’s not technically located on Praslin, it would be a shame not to mention Six Senses Zil Pasyon.

The resort, on nearby Félicité 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).

Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Staying at Six Senses Zil Pasyon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. ©Six Senses Zil Pasyon (adlink)
Six Senses on Félicité Island near La Digue
Just wow. Not the worst private island in the world to stay at. ©Six Senses Zil Pasyon (adlink)
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Best value-for-money hotels on Praslin

These hotels offer an excellent balance of comfort, location and price, making them great choices for travellers who want to get the most for their money.

Here are the best value-for-money hotels on Praslin:

Acajou Beach Resort

Acajou Beach Resort is located smack in the middle of stunning Anse Volbert Beach.

While this is one of the few parts of Praslin that have been commercially developed, it still feels very wild around here.

There aren’t many big hotels on Anse Volbert, and most of the time all you can see are palm trees and that mesmerising ocean.

The hotel itself is lovely. The rooms at Acajou Beach Resort are spacious and include all of the amenities you might need – there’s a pool and 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 plant-based 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).

The beach at Acajou
We stayed two nights at Acajou Beach Resort (adlink) and really enjoyed our time here.
Acajou Beach Resort
Acajou Beach Resort (adlink) is just a great all-round place to stay on Praslin.
Anse Volbert
Yup, this is pretty much the most commercially developed part of Praslin. Amazing, right?
Anse Volbert
It’s difficult not to fall in love with Anse Volbert.

Coco de Mer Hotel

Coco de Mer Hotel is located at Praslin’s kind of remote southern end. This makes it the perfect hideaway for couples looking for some privacy.

As the hotel faces west, the sunsets here can be jaw-dropping.

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, depending on the tide. 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!

All in all, Coco de Mer is 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).

Coco de Mer drone view
Unfortunately, we only had time for one night at Coco de Mer Hotel (adlink), but we would have loved to stay longer.

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), the two are still separate hotels – the main difference being 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 shuttle between your room and the pool.

Black Parrot Suites is located on top of a 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).

Black Parrot view
Black Parrot Suites (adlink) is a truly romantic and relaxing place to stay.

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 there.

It doesn’t even look as expensive as we would have thought.

Check prices and availability at Chauve Souris Relais (adlink).

Staying at Chauve Souris Relais on its private island
Staying at the private island Chauve Souris Relais (adlink) would be a real tropical dream.

Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse

Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse is uniquely located on Anse Lazio – the beach often called 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).

Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse
You don’t stay at Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse for the rooms or facilities. You stay here to have direct access to Anse Lazio. ©Le Chevalier Bay Guesthouse (adlink)
Anse Lazio
Being able to wake up to this beautiful beach every day would be such a dream.

Les Lauriers Eco Hotel

We love the natural materials and attention to detail that have 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 has direct access to the long, amazing Anse Volbert Beach.

Check prices and availability at Les Lauriers Eco Hotel (adlink).

©Les Lauriers Eco Hotel
Everything about Les Lauriers Eco Hotel is pleasingly stylish. ©Les Lauriers Eco Hotel (adlink)

Best budget hotels on Praslin

Thankfully, staying on Praslin doesn’t have to break the bank as there are quite a few budget places to stay on the island.

Here are some of the best budget hotels on Praslin:

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 some money by cooking your own meals.

Check prices and availability at Exotic Guest House (adlink).

Exotic Guest House
Staying in an apartment with your own kitchen is one of the best ways to save money when visiting Praslin. ©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).

Hotel Plein Soleil
Getting a pool at this price is a steal on Praslin. ©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).

La Residence D'Almee Guesthouse
The spacious double room at La Residence D’Almee Guesthouse. ©La Residence D’Almee Guesthouse (adlink)
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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, some delicious aubergine dip and lentils.

Curry on Praslin
We loved the curry at Pirogue Restaurant on Praslin.

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.

The dinner buffet at Acajou Beach Resort
The dinner buffet at Acajou Beach Resort (adlink) changes daily.

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 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.

Delicious Indian lunch at Coco de Mer
Delicious Indian lunch at Coco de Mer (adlink), overlooking the ocean.

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 and 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 😉

The lunch at Curieuse Island
The BBQ lunch at Curieuse Island was surprisingly vegan-friendly. And quite tasty.

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 inside the Constance Lemuria Resort (adlink – which you have to go through to get to Anse Georgette), and apparently they mark vegan dishes on the menu.

You might be interested in:Vegan & Vegetarian Food in Seychelles: The Best Restaurants on Mahé, Praslin & La Digue

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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 vouch for how flexible it made things there. Being able to stop anywhere for a quick photo or swim is just the best.

Driving around Praslin ourselves would have been amazing.

There aren’t many rental cars on Praslin, 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 drivers of the cars and minivans (which are essentially taxis) work independently, and as far as we could tell, the prices are all fixed.

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

Buses 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 buses.

You can see the latest timetables here.

Walking

Walking around Praslin is doable, but if you’re going far, we wouldn’t recommend it.

Unfortunately, the main road doesn’t have a pavement 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. The crossing takes just over an hour.

The ferry drops you off at Baie Sainte Anne in the southeast of Praslin. This is also where you can catch 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.

We always felt safe. We also felt very sick from the rollercoaster ride.

La Digue ferry
The ferries in Seychelles are very modern and safe.

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 seasickness and have the funds, we could definitely see the argument for the plane winning out.

Flight time between Mahé and Praslin is 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 15-20 people) – so that’s also an experience in itself.

Flight Praslin
Flights to Praslin leave several times a day from the airport on Mahé.

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 variations which might be worth knowing about.

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 to be April, May, October and November, when the seas are calmest and the weather is at its best.

High season falls in 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 March, April and May.

The sea breeze is at its strongest between May and October, and that isn’t ideal for snorkelling or diving. The best visibility is in 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 southeast trade wind picks up between May and September, while the northwest monsoon blows between November and March. In between, there’s almost no wind.

Praslin very rarely gets hit by tropical storms because the granitic islands lie outside the usual cyclone belt.

Average min and max temperatures on Praslin, Seychelles
Average monthly sunshine hours on Praslin, Seychelles
Average rainfall on Praslin, Seychelles
Praslin weather
As everywhere, weather patterns are getting less and less predictable. But the weather is generally lovely in Seychelles.
Ocean temperature Praslin
The ocean temperature stays between 26°C and 30°C year-round on Praslin.

Tips for visiting Praslin

  • There is free wifi in many hotels, but it’s usually not as fast as 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 electrical 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 best.
  • The tap water is drinkable (on 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 Seychellois 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, such as takeaway shops, prefer cash.
  • Bring a torch or at least a phone with a torch. If you come back from a hike late or leave the beach after sunset, it can come in handy as there aren’t streetlights everywhere.
Gecko in Vallée de Mai
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Sustainable travel tips

A few ways to keep your impact down while you are there:

  • Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
  • Avoid single-use plastics, including straws.
  • Dispose of waste properly. While putting your rubbish in the nearest bin is convenient, wrappers and other small items are easily 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. Leave everything in its natural place.
  • Be considerate of other visitors.
  • Respect wildlife.
Please leave nothing but your footprints
Thanks for reading our Praslin guide

We hope this travel guide to the best things to do on Praslin has been useful.

Make sure to also check out our ultimate travel guide to Seychelles with the best things to do, where to go and itinerary ideas.

Do you know what to do on Praslin? And what do you think about the gorgeous 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.

Pin for later:

Praslin Island Travel Guide: 11 Best Beaches & Things To Do
Praslin Island Travel Guide: 11 Best Beaches & Things To Do
Praslin Island Travel Guide: 11 Best Beaches & Things To Do

Comments on “Praslin Travel Guide: 11 Things to Do & Best Beaches”

  1. Wow, Anse Lazio looks incredible! I can imagine walking along the shore, taking photos, and enjoying the peaceful vibes. It seems like the perfect spot to relax and disconnect from everything.

    Reply

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