Praslin Island – Travel Guide
Praslin Island, a jewel of the Seychelles, captivates visitors with its stunning beaches and lush landscapes. Anse Lazio, often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, features soft white sands and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The island is also home to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where the rare coco de mer palm thrives amidst a tropical paradise. Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life or indulge in local Creole cuisine at charming beachside restaurants. Praslin Island is a serene escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
All about Praslin Island
Getting around Praslin Island
By Taxi
Taxis are available throughout the island, and they are very accessible. Most taxis can be picked up at the airport or the jetty. You can note down your driver’s number in case you need him to drive you to other locations in the future. Although taxis are more expensive than buses, taxis offer the luxury of additional baggage space, which is not allowed in buses. Buses have specific routes, while taxis can let you go off the roads and access more remote locations. Meters are installed in taxis, so there is no problem of visitors being ripped off. Prices are also discussed beforehand. Drivers are friendly and are known to share interesting tips and information about the island.
By Car
Having a rental car is one of the best ways to explore the island. Car rentals are available at the airport or in some hotels. The rental costs can be a little pricey (upward of $50/daily), but having the freedom to explore at your own pace is worth it.
There are only two gas stations on the island – Grand Anse and Baie Sainte-Anne. Cars are of right-hand drive, and they drive on the left. The roads are good and wide. There are very few street signs on the road, but a roadmap is enough to navigate around the small island. Traffic is not too severe either.
By Bicycle
Exploring the island by bicycle is a great adventure. The coastal road, known locally as the Consolation Road (after Anse Consolation that it passes) will give you some beautiful views but there are two particularly challenging climbs, that are tough to walk and drive up let alone cycle. You may need to get off and push at these points.
Cycling the road through the Vallée De Mai can be a fantastic experience. This road can be busy so watch for cars.
Keep in mind that the terrain may be uneven in some places, especially on unpaved trails. Biking uphill, as well as the differences in altitude can also be very challenging. Remember to stay hydrated. Most hotels offer bike rental services. You can also rent bikes at Anse Volbert, Grand Anse and Baie Sainte-Anne. A single bike may cost around SCR 100 per day.
By Bus
Buses are very affordable on the island and are frequented by tourists. Compared to other Seychellen islands, Praslin has a well-laid out road system, which makes most tourist centers accessible by buses. The buses are wide, spacious, and comfortable. They run from around 6:00 AM to 07:00 PM, which makes them ideal for tourists. On weekends and public holidays, there is minimum service. It is important to remember that buses usually do not allow large suitcases and other luggage; hand baggage is allowed.
There are three main routes – Mount Plaisir to Anse Boudin, Anse Consolation to Anse La Blague and Mount Plaisir to Grand Fond. These routes are frequented by tourists and locals. The main routes are as follows:
ROUTE 61: Mount Plaisir to Anse Boudin via Vallée De Ma
ROUTE 62: Mount Plaisir to Zimbabwe via Consolation
ROUTE 63: Mount Plaisir to Anse La Blague via Cote d’Or
Cost:
Around SCR 5 for non-airconditioned buses
Around SCR 10 for air-conditioned buses
The fares are the same, regardless of the drop-off point.
By Boats & Ferries
Private ferries, catamarans and boats are available in Praslin Island. Once you arrive on the island, you can expect to be approached (sometimes aggressively) by boatmen, haggling for rids. The rates are regulated by the government, so you can rest assured that you will not be taken for a ride (when it comes to the prices!). Boat taxis can also be hired at nominal rates. A trip from Anse Volbert to Curieuse costs around $35 – $40 USD. The taxis offer pickup and drop-off at specific intervals, for a fixed fare. A chartered boat is much more expensive, usually around $750 USD. Prices are negotiable. The Cat Cocos catamaran offers three trips between Mahé and Praslin, which cost around $75 for adults and around $35 for children, for a one-way trip. It is advised to book tickets at least one day in advance. We recommend that you take some medication for seasickness if you are prone to symptoms.
Praslin Island FAQ
Where is Praslin located??
Praslin Island, island, second largest of the Seychelles archipelago, Republic of Seychelles, in the western Indian Ocean. The island is 2.5 miles wide and 7 miles long and is 25 miles northeast of Mahé Island. Praslin is granitic in origin and mountainous.
How do I get to Praslin Island?
The main international airport is on the island of Mahe.
There are two ways to reach Praslin: via ferry or local flights. The ferry from Mahé (main island) takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The ferry operates between once and three times a day. You can check the schedules and purchase your ticket online. Don’t forget to be at the ferry terminal 1 hour before departure to check-in.
There are speed ferries that run between the main island, Mahé, and Praslin (with onward connections to La Digue), which take about 50 minutes.
A flight from Mahé to Praslin will cost a bit more, however, it will only be about 15 minutes. The local plane operates 30 times/day. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around $160 USD. These planes are tiny propeller planes, that offer a great bird’s-eye view of the area. It is also very convenient if you are flying out of Mahe directly after your flight as the local and international terminals are side by side.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
If you have not booked a private transfer with us, you have a few options. Taxis are located on the exit of the terminal and are available 24 hours. Taxis to and from the airport can be arranged in advance by your hotel if you inform them early. Fees for taxis are between $35-55 USD from the airport to other destinations around Praslin. All taxis in service display the white taxi sign and must have a meter.
There are car rental service desks available at the airport. Reservations or bookings are best made in advance as car rentals are very popular on Praslin. Expect to pay between $85-120 USD for a car for one day though this may vary depending on the car company.
What is the currency in Praslin Island, Seychelles?
The national currency in the Seychelles is the Seychelles rupee (Sr), which divides in 100 cents. Seychelles accepts all major currencies. Credit cards are widely accepted as a form of payment. You will likely only need rupees in certain smaller restaurants or shops, and these can be withdrawn from ATMs on Mahé, Praslin or La Digue. Most hotels will take Visa, MasterCard, or American Express cards.
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What is the best time to visit Praslin Island?
The best time to visit Praslin Island is between April and May, or October and November, as these are the calmer periods between the two trade winds which hit the island each year. The northwest trade wind blows from November to March and the southeast wind from May to September. These winds cause seaweed to build up on some beaches, so it’s important to consider when choosing your hotel locations at different times of the year.
The temperature in the area is around 86 degrees F all year round, with a mixture of sunshine and tropical showers, and sea breezes that disperse the humidity.
What languages are spoken on Praslin Island in Seychelles?
The official language of Seychelles is Creole, French, and English. Many people on the island speak English (some even as a first language). We suggest you get a good French, Creole-English translation book or app on your phone and learn a few key phrases such as Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank you, and numbers 1-10.
Hello – Allo
Good Morning – Bonzour
Good Night – Bonswar
Goodbye – Orevwar
Please – Silvouple
Thank you – Mersi
Yes – Wi
No – Noh
Is tap water safe to drink on Praslin Island?
Tap water in Praslin is safe and drinkable. However, if/when visiting the other islands it is advisable to drink bottled spring water.
Are there any health matters I should be aware of?
A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age who come from or who have passed through a partly or wholly infected area (South America and Africa but excluding South Africa) within the preceding 6 years. There is no risk of contracting malaria or yellow fever in Seychelles. Health clinics exist on the island of Praslin (as well as Mahe and La Digue).
Is Praslin Island a safe place to visit?
Yes, the island is a safe place, and Seychelles in general is a safe country to visit. Beyond normal precautions you would exercise anywhere, such as being aware, watching out for pickpockets, and keeping your car doors locked, you should be fine. The worst that visitors typically experience is some petty crime in the form of pickpocketing, or you might have a strong tropical storm. World governments are mostly united in their advisories for citizens visiting Seychelles.
what is the culture of the Seychelles?
The majority of the people living in the Seychelles are referred to as Seychellois. They are of Creole, East African, and Malagasy origin. However, some Seychellois also have French, British, Chinese and/or Indian origins (among others).
What is the food like on Praslin Island?
The national cuisine of the Seychelles is a rich blend of British, Indian, French, and Creole culinary traditions. Common ingredients include seafood, rice, cocunuts, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Spices locally produced are common and flavorfully added to most dishes. Promintent among Praslin’s traditional dishes is the classic octopus curry served with caviar and rice, with the caviar referring to papya rather than the zucchini variety.
Shrimp and crab are very common on menus, as well as lobster and the rich flavors of shark meat. Some restaurants even offer dishes featuring bat. When you visit Praslin, make sure to save the unique bilimbi jam, derived from the cucumber tree, as one of the local highlights.
When if comes to beverages, wine is typically imported, with French and South African varieties being common choices. The islands also offer a variety of black coffee, along with vanilla tea and various herbal infusions. For a more “islandy” flavor, try the fermented cane juice.
Some traditional items to look for when shopping in Durban include tribal masks, spices, jewelry, hand-woven baskets, Zulu beadwork, wickerwork, wirework, tam-tams, and traditional medicines.
Is Praslin Island a family-friendly destination?
With it’s beautiful beaches and many of hotels offering children’s clubs, Praslin Island can be an excellent destination for a family vacation.
What should I buy to bring home from Praslin Island?
The best shopping is from the tiny shops where local artists make and sell souvenirs. You can find anything from coconut shell artifacts to jewelry, spices, seashells, and fragrances. An advantage of buying from the street markets is the reasonable price.
What should I do if I need medical assistance or need to go to the hospital?
Medical facilities in the Seychelles are limited, especially on the remote islands, and can be expensive. The island of Mahé has several clinics and a state-owned hospital in Victoria. If you’re seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation.
Fire and rescue services
Call +248 432 3242 (Hotline) or +248 428 9950
Medical emergencies
Call 151 or go directly to a hospital.
Seychelles Hospital: +248 438 8000
Police
Call 999, 133 (Police Hotline) or visit the nearest police station.
Top Attractions
Anse Lazio
Relax on this breathtaking beach, renowned for its soft sands, turquoise waters, and excellent snorkeling opportunities among vibrant coral reefs.
Vallée de Mai
Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site, home to unique flora, including the rare coco de mer palm and diverse wildlife.
Anse Georgette
Enjoy the secluded beauty of this pristine beach, surrounded by lush greenery and granite boulders, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Curieuse Island
Visit this nearby island, famous for its giant tortoises and rich biodiversity, offering a unique glimpse into Seychelles’ natural heritage.
Unique Experiences
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Embark on a snorkeling adventure at St. Pierre Island, where you’ll explore vibrant coral reefs and encounter colorful marine life. This experience offers a chance to swim in crystal-clear waters, making it a must for underwater enthusiasts.
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Join a guided hike through Vallée de Mai, where you’ll learn about the unique ecosystem and the rare coco de mer palm. This immersive experience allows you to appreciate the island’s natural beauty while discovering its rich biodiversity.
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Experience a Creole cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare traditional Seychelles dishes using fresh local ingredients. Enjoy a hands-on culinary journey that highlights the island’s rich flavors and culinary heritage.
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Take a scenic boat trip to La Digue Island, where you can explore stunning beaches and enjoy leisurely cycling. This experience offers a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in a picturesque setting.
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Indulge in a sunset cruise around Praslin Island, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the vibrant colors of the setting sun. This romantic experience is perfect for couples and nature lovers alike.
What to expect while traveling
