Praslin is the second-largest island of Seychelles, a green, hilly island about 45 km (28 miles) northeast of Mahé, and home to two of the country’s greatest treasures: the Vallée de Mai, a primeval palm forest that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Anse Lazio, regularly named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It is quieter and more relaxed than Mahé, with a population of only about 8,500, a single coast road and a slow island rhythm, yet it has a good choice of hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, from simple Creole family places to luxury resorts and a championship golf course. The Vallée de Mai is the stronghold of the coco de mer, the palm with the largest seed in the plant kingdom, and of the rare Seychelles black parrot. Praslin is also the hub for boat trips to the surrounding islands: Curieuse, with its giant tortoises and mangroves; Cousin, a nature reserve full of seabirds; and the islets off La Digue, a 15-minute ferry ride away. The island is reached by fast ferry or a short flight from Mahé. April, May, October and November usually bring the calmest seas and clearest water.
Right now in Praslin
- Wed 25–27°C 77–80°F 15 mm Heavy rain
- Thu 24–27°C 76–81°F 12 mm Light showers
- Fri 26–28°C 78–82°F 15 mm Partly cloudy
Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Sea temperature: NOAA CoastWatch
Top tours in Praslin
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Praslin at a glance
- Best months: April to May and October to November for calm seas; May to September is drier but windier, with rougher crossings; December to March is wetter.
- Getting there: Cat Cocos ferries take about 1 hour 15 minutes from Mahé, according to the operator, and Air Seychelles flights take about 15–20 minutes; La Digue is 15 minutes away by ferry.
- Where to stay: hotels and guesthouses at Côte d’Or (Anse Volbert) and Grand Anse; luxury resorts in the north and on the west coast.
- Time needed: two to four nights.
- Costs (as of October 2026): the Vallée de Mai costs SCR 450 (about US$31) for adults; a guesthouse double from about SCR 1,500 (US$100) a night.
- Before you go: the Travel Authorization, the visitor’s permit, money and ferries are covered in our Seychelles travel guide.
Praslin’s areas and who each one suits
Côte d’Or and Anse Volbert
The long, sheltered beach on the northeast coast is Praslin’s main resort area, with calm, shallow water, hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, dive centers and boat operators, and views to Curieuse and Chauve Souris islands. It is the best base for families and for anyone who wants to walk to the beach and restaurants.
Grand Anse and the west coast
The island’s largest village, near the airstrip, has shops, banks, takeaways and guesthouses. Its beach faces west and is often affected by seaweed and choppier water in the southeast trade-wind season, but sunsets are beautiful.
Baie Sainte Anne
On the east coast, Praslin’s main port, where ferries from Mahé and La Digue arrive, has a church, shops and guesthouses, and is convenient for island hopping.
The north: Anse Lazio and Anse Boudin
The quieter north of the island, around Anse Boudin and Anse Kerlan, has a few guesthouses and upscale resorts, a golf course and the road to Anse Lazio.
Top things to see on Praslin
Vallée de Mai
The Vallée de Mai is one of the world’s smallest natural World Heritage Sites, just 19.5 hectares (48 acres), according to the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF), which manages it. Inscribed by UNESCO in 1983, it holds the largest intact forest of coco de mer palms, some more than 30 m (100 ft) tall, together with the five other endemic palms of Seychelles, the only place where all six grow together. Walking under the giant fan-shaped leaves, in a green half-light, feels prehistoric. Listen for the whistle of the Seychelles black parrot, found only on Praslin, and look for bronze geckos, chameleons and tree frogs. Paths of about 1.5 to 4 km (1–2.5 miles) loop through the forest, and a free leaflet with a map and species checklist is handed out at the entrance; independent guides offer tours.
According to SIF, the site is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m., closed on December 25 and January 1. The entrance fee is SCR 450 for adults, payable in rupees, euros, US dollars or by card; children under 12 enter free with identification. The visitor center has a café, toilets, lockers and a shop, and the visitor center and first part of the forest are wheelchair accessible. Tickets can also be bought online, valid for one entry within 10 days, including a combination ticket with Fond Ferdinand, and SIF runs evening night safaris. Public buses stop at the entrance.
Anse Lazio
At the island’s northwest tip, Anse Lazio is a perfect bay of fine white sand, clear turquoise water and granite boulders at each end, backed by takamaka trees. Snorkeling around the rocks is good in calm weather. It has two restaurants but no hotel on the beach, and can get busy in the middle of the day; come early or late. Do not leave belongings unattended or in cars.
Anse Georgette
A small, spectacular beach on the west coast, reached through the grounds of a luxury resort. Non-guests can usually visit by asking at the resort gate in advance, as numbers are limited. The sea here can be rough, with strong currents in the trade-wind season.
Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
In the south of the island, this reserve, also managed by SIF, protects another coco de mer forest on a hillside with views over the sea to La Digue. It is visited on guided walks.
Curieuse Island
Just off the north coast, Curieuse is a marine national park and home to a free-roaming population of Aldabra giant tortoises, raised at a ranger station at Baie Laraie. A boardwalk crosses mangroves, a trail leads past coco de mer palms to the old doctor’s house, a relic of a leper colony, and the surrounding reef is good for snorkeling. Boat trips from Côte d’Or usually combine Curieuse with snorkeling at St. Pierre, a tiny granite islet with palms.
Cousin Island
A special reserve managed by Nature Seychelles, Cousin is one of the most important seabird islands in the Indian Ocean, with hundreds of thousands of nesting seabirds in season, endemic land birds such as the Seychelles warbler and magpie robin, and hawksbill turtles nesting on its beaches. Visits are on guided tours from Praslin on set days, and boats land guests by rubber dinghy.
Other things to do on Praslin
- Diving and snorkeling: dive centers at Côte d’Or visit granite reefs and islets such as Ave Maria, Booby Island and the Sisters, with turtles, rays and reef sharks.
- Hiking: the trails of the Vallée de Mai, the Glacis Noire viewpoint and the walk from Anse Possession toward Anse Lazio.
- Black pearl farm: a pearl farm near Grand Anse explains how pearls are cultured.
- Golf: an 18-hole championship course in the north of the island, open to non-guests by arrangement.
- Island hopping: day trips to La Digue, Félicité, Coco and the Sisters by boat.
- Sunset at Grand Anse: the west coast faces the sunset.
Food and drink
Praslin’s restaurants are spread around the coast road, with the most choice at Côte d’Or and Grand Anse. Takeaways in the villages sell cheap Creole lunch boxes of fish curry, grilled fish, rice and lentils. Small family restaurants serve Creole buffets, grilled fish, octopus curry and ladob, and Anse Lazio has two beach restaurants. Many guesthouses offer half board with Creole dinners, convenient because restaurants are spread out and buses stop early. Supermarkets in Grand Anse, Baie Sainte Anne and Côte d’Or stock supplies for self-catering.
Day trips from Praslin
La Digue
Fifteen minutes by ferry from Baie Sainte Anne, La Digue is ideal for a day trip: rent a bicycle at the jetty, cycle to the L’Union Estate and Anse Source d’Argent, and swim at Grand Anse or Anse Severe. Stay longer if you can.
Curieuse, St. Pierre and Cousin
Half- and full-day boat trips from Côte d’Or combine Curieuse’s tortoises and mangroves with snorkeling at St. Pierre; Cousin tours run on set days.
Félicité, Coco and the Sisters
Further boat trips head to the islands northeast of La Digue for some of the best snorkeling in the Inner Islands, often with a Creole barbecue lunch.
Back to Mahé
If you are staying on Praslin, a day trip to Victoria and Mahé’s beaches is possible by ferry, but most visitors see Mahé at the start or end of their trip; see our Mahé guide.
Getting there and getting around
By sea and air
Cat Cocos ferries link Victoria on Mahé with Baie Sainte Anne in about 1 hour 15 minutes, and Praslin with La Digue in about 15 minutes, several times a day, according to the operator; smaller inter-island boats also run between Praslin and La Digue. Book ahead, be at the jetty 30 minutes before departure and carry your passport. The crossing from Mahé can be rough, especially from June to September. Air Seychelles flies small planes between Mahé and Praslin’s airstrip at Amitié, near Grand Anse, in about 15–20 minutes, with a strict baggage allowance.
Getting around
- By car: a rental car is the most flexible way to explore. Drive on the left; the road over the hills through the Vallée de Mai is steep and winding.
- By bus: two main bus routes circle and cross the island, stopping at the Vallée de Mai, Baie Sainte Anne, Grand Anse and Côte d’Or, and near Anse Lazio; buses are cheap but stop running in the early evening.
- By taxi: available at the jetty and airport and through hotels; agree on the fare first.
- By bicycle: possible on the flat coastal stretches, but the hills are steep and traffic can be fast.
When to go and how long to stay
Praslin is hot and humid all year, with highs of about 29–32 °C (84–89 °F) and warm nights. The northwest monsoon (about December to March) brings the most rain and humid, still weather, with rougher seas on the north and west coasts; the southeast trade winds (about May to September) bring drier, breezier weather, choppy ferry crossings and rough water and seaweed on the south and east coasts. April and October to November usually bring calm seas, clear water and the best snorkeling.
The Seychelles Meteorological Authority has no published climate normals for Praslin; the table shows its 1991–2020 normals for Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, about 45 km (28 miles) away, via the World Meteorological Organization. Praslin’s weather is similar, though often slightly drier.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Sunshine (hours a month) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30 °C (86 °F) | 25 °C (76 °F) | 427 mm (16.8 in) | 155 |
| Feb | 31 °C (87 °F) | 25 °C (78 °F) | 251 mm (9.9 in) | 178 |
| Mar | 31 °C (88 °F) | 25 °C (78 °F) | 204 mm (8.1 in) | 217 |
| Apr | 32 °C (89 °F) | 26 °C (78 °F) | 196 mm (7.7 in) | 239 |
| May | 31 °C (88 °F) | 26 °C (79 °F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 250 |
| Jun | 30 °C (85 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) | 122 mm (4.8 in) | 216 |
| Jul | 29 °C (84 °F) | 24 °C (76 °F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 234 |
| Aug | 29 °C (84 °F) | 24 °C (76 °F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 235 |
| Sep | 29 °C (85 °F) | 25 °C (76 °F) | 184 mm (7.2 in) | 210 |
| Oct | 30 °C (86 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) | 191 mm (7.5 in) | 224 |
| Nov | 30 °C (87 °F) | 25 °C (76 °F) | 215 mm (8.5 in) | 203 |
| Dec | 30 °C (87 °F) | 25 °C (76 °F) | 298 mm (11.7 in) | 176 |
| Year | 30 °C (86 °F) | 25 °C (77 °F) | 2,454 mm (96.6 in) | 2,538 |
Events worth planning around
- Festival Kreol (late October): Creole music, food and dance across the islands.
- Seabird nesting: lesser noddies and fairy terns breed on Cousin through much of the year, with the peak in the southeast trade-wind season.
- Turtle nesting (about October to February): hawksbill turtles come ashore on Cousin and Curieuse.
- Christmas and New Year: the busiest weeks; book accommodation and ferries early.
How long to stay: 2, 3 and 4 nights
- Two nights: the Vallée de Mai and an afternoon at Anse Lazio.
- Three nights: add a boat trip to Curieuse and St. Pierre.
- Four nights: add Cousin Island, a dive and a day trip to La Digue.
Where to stay on Praslin
- Côte d’Or and Anse Volbert: hotels, guesthouses and apartments on or near the island’s calmest beach.
- Grand Anse: guesthouses and small hotels, convenient for the airport and shops.
- Baie Sainte Anne: guesthouses near the ferry jetty.
- The north and west: luxury resorts and villas in secluded bays.
All accommodation must be certified by the Department of Tourism, and you need your booking to apply for the Travel Authorization. Book early for Christmas, New Year and Easter.
Typical costs on Praslin
| Item (as of October 2026) | Seychelles rupees | About US dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Vallée de Mai entrance, adult | SCR 450 | about US$31 |
| Cat Cocos ferry, Mahé–Praslin, one way | about SCR 950–1,300 | about US$65–90 |
| Ferry, Praslin–La Digue, one way | about SCR 250–400 | about US$17–27 |
| Curieuse and St. Pierre boat trip with lunch | SCR 1,300–2,200 | US$90–150 |
| Rental car, per day | SCR 700–1,100 | US$48–75 |
| Bus fare | about SCR 15 | about US$1 |
| Takeaway Creole lunch | SCR 75–120 | US$5–8 |
| Guesthouse double with breakfast | SCR 1,500–3,000 | US$100–200 |
| Beach hotel double | SCR 3,700–7,300 | US$250–500 |
The Vallée de Mai fee is from the Seychelles Islands Foundation; other prices are typical ranges, not official figures. Conversions use about SCR 14.7 per US dollar, from the Central Bank of Seychelles’ rates of 5 October 2026.
Safety on Praslin
- Swimming: conditions vary with the season; the north and west coasts can be rough in the northwest monsoon, and the south and east coasts in the southeast trade winds. Anse Georgette and parts of Anse Lazio can have strong currents. Lifeguards are rare; swim only in calm water.
- Theft: petty theft from parked cars and unattended bags occurs at popular beaches such as Anse Lazio; take valuables with you.
- Roads: drive slowly on the steep, winding road through the Vallée de Mai and watch for pedestrians and buses.
- Boats: use licensed operators and check life jackets are provided.
- Health: use repellent against dengue; Praslin has a hospital at Baie Sainte Anne and a clinic at Grand Anse, while serious cases go to Mahé.
- Emergencies: call 999 for police, ambulance and fire.
Practical tips for Praslin
- Visit the Vallée de Mai early: go at opening time for cooler air, more birds and fewer people; it is also a good choice on a rainy day.
- Anse Lazio: arrive early or late, and bring your own shade and water.
- Buses: check the time of the last bus back before you set off for the evening.
- Cash: ATMs are in Grand Anse, Baie Sainte Anne and Côte d’Or.
- Coco de mer nuts: souvenirs can only be exported with an official permit and certificate; buy only from licensed sellers.
What to pack for Praslin
Swimwear, reef shoes, a mask and snorkel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes for the Vallée de Mai, a light rain jacket, a dry bag for boat trips and a type G plug adapter.
Praslin travel FAQ
How much does the Vallée de Mai cost?
SCR 450 for adults, according to the Seychelles Islands Foundation. Children under 12 enter free with identification.
What are the Vallée de Mai opening hours?
Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with last entry at 3:30 p.m.; closed on December 25 and January 1.
How do I get to Praslin from Mahé?
By Cat Cocos ferry, about 1 hour 15 minutes, or by Air Seychelles flight, about 15–20 minutes.
How long should I stay on Praslin?
Two to four nights for the Vallée de Mai, Anse Lazio and boat trips to Curieuse and Cousin.
Is Anse Lazio worth visiting?
Yes. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Seychelles, with calm, clear water most of the year and granite boulders at each end.
Can I visit Anse Georgette if I am not a resort guest?
Usually yes, by asking at the resort’s gate in advance; numbers are limited.
Where can I see giant tortoises near Praslin?
On Curieuse Island, a marine national park a short boat ride from Côte d’Or.
Do I need a car on Praslin?
Not essential. Buses reach the Vallée de Mai and the main beaches, but they stop early; a car or taxis add flexibility.
Can I visit La Digue from Praslin?
Yes. The ferry takes about 15 minutes, making La Digue an easy day trip.
What is a coco de mer?
A palm endemic to Praslin and Curieuse, whose double coconut is the largest seed in the plant kingdom. The Vallée de Mai protects the biggest forest of them.
Sources and last review
Researched and last reviewed on 5 October 2026. The Vallée de Mai’s area, inscription, species, hours, fees, facilities, online tickets and night safaris: the Seychelles Islands Foundation; ferry times and boarding rules: Cat Cocos; area, population and coordinates: Wikidata; climate: the Seychelles Meteorological Authority’s 1991–2020 normals for Seychelles International Airport on Mahé, via the World Meteorological Organization (no published normals for Praslin); certified accommodation: the Seychelles Electronic Border System; rupee rates: the Central Bank of Seychelles. Descriptions of beaches, Curieuse, Cousin, Fond Ferdinand, dive sites, flight times, events, emergency numbers and all prices other than the Vallée de Mai fee are general references or estimates and should be checked locally. For the Travel Authorization, the visitor’s permit and money, see our Seychelles travel guide.
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