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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Seychelles

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

La Digue does not have an airport. The nearest international gateway is Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on Mahé. A smaller airport, Praslin Island Airport (PRI), serves Praslin.

Air Hubs & Carriers

  • International Flights to SEZ (Mahé): Air Seychelles, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Condor, Edelweiss Air.
  • Typical Routes: Direct flights from major hubs in the Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Istanbul) and Europe (Frankfurt, Zurich).
  • Domestic Flights: Air Seychelles operates frequent 15-20 minute flights between Mahé (SEZ) and Praslin (PRI).

Flight Planning & Facilities

Booking & Amenities

  • Booking: Book international flights 3-6 months in advance for best fares, especially for peak seasons (July-Aug, Dec-Jan). Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals.
  • North America: No direct flights. Anticipate layovers in Europe or Middle East. Compare prices on Skyscanner.
  • Airport Facilities (SEZ): Duty-free shops, currency exchange, car rental services, restaurants, local SIM card purchase desks.

Fly-Ferry Option

From SEZ (Mahé), take a domestic flight to Praslin (PRI), then a taxi to Baie Ste Anne Jetty, followed by a ferry to La Digue. This option minimizes sea travel time and offers efficiency.

Ferry Only Option

From SEZ (Mahé), take a taxi to Victoria Jetty, then a Cat Cocos ferry directly to Praslin (approx. 1 hour), usually transferring to a connecting Cat Cocos ferry for the short ride to La Digue.

Ferry Booking

Book inter-island ferry tickets in advance, especially during high season, through the Cat Cocos website. This helps confirm your seat and a smooth connection.

Transfer Options to La Digue

Fly-Ferry Route Recommended

  • Domestic flight from SEZ (Mahé) to PRI (Praslin).
  • Taxi (15-20 min) from Praslin Airport to Baie Ste Anne Jetty.
  • Ferry (15-20 min) from Baie Ste Anne Jetty to La Digue.
  • This option reduces overall sea travel time.

Ferry-Only Route Direct Sea

  • Taxi (20-30 min) from SEZ (Mahé) to Victoria Jetty.
  • Cat Cocos ferry (approx. 1 hr) from Victoria Jetty to Praslin.
  • Transfer to connecting Cat Cocos ferry (15 min) to La Digue.
  • Total ferry time: 1.5-2 hours, plus Mahé taxi.

Affiliate Link Insight

Flight Deals

Find great airfare deals on Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Comparison

Compare and book flights via Skyscanner for the best routes.

Visa Services

For visa information to other destinations, check IVisa or VisaHQ.

Land Transportation

Inter-Island Travel

La Digue's island nature means land transportation between islands or with neighboring countries is not applicable.

Land Travel Notes

  • Border Crossing Information: Not applicable for Seychelles. All entry/exit is via air or sea ports.
  • Train Connections: No train services exist anywhere in Seychelles, including La Digue.
  • Long-Distance Bus Options: No long-distance bus services connect the islands. Public bus services operate on Mahé and Praslin for local travel.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-driving considerations apply to Mahé and Praslin, but not La Digue. The island prioritizes other modes of transport for environmental reasons.

Driving on Other Islands

  • Car Rental (La Digue): Not permitted for tourists.
  • Driving Side: On Mahé and Praslin, driving occurs on the left side of the road.
  • International Driving Permit: Required for non-residents on Mahé/Praslin alongside national license. Find car rental options on DiscoverCars.com.

La Digue Road Conditions

La Digue's roads are mostly narrow and paved, mainly designed for bicycles and a few electric buggies. General road safety is high due to minimal motorized traffic.

Cycling Safety

  • Cyclists should remain aware of occasional electric buggies or service vehicles.
  • Roads are generally well-maintained.
  • Use your bicycle bell when passing pedestrians.

Inter-Island Health & Compensation

While not directly about land transport on La Digue, these services are relevant for inter-island connections and overall trip confidence.

Essential Travel Services

  • LifeStraw: For consumer water filtration products, useful for sustainable travel.
  • Adventure Medical Kits: For first aid supplies for travelers.
  • Pacsafe: Anti-theft bags and travel security products.

Flight Delay Compensation

  • AirHelp: Helps passengers receive up to €600 in compensation for delayed or canceled flights.
  • Commission Rate: 15-16.6% commission.
  • Cookie Duration: 45 days.
  • Important: Claims for compensation follow specific regulations.
  • Keep all flight documentation for potential claims.
  • This service addresses unforeseen flight disruptions.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Ports

Sea travel forms an integral part of reaching and experiencing La Digue.

Inter-Island Connections

  • Main Ferry Operators: Cat Cocos and Inter Island Ferry.
  • Main Route: Mahé (Victoria Jetty) <=> Praslin (Baie Ste Anne Jetty) <=> La Digue (La Passe Jetty).
  • Cruise Ports: Large cruise ships dock at Port Victoria on Mahé. Passengers transfer via private boat or organized tours.

Jetty Procedures & Transfers

Immigration procedures for international arrivals happen mainly on Mahé. Domestic ferry travel involves simpler procedures.

Arrival Logistics

  • River Transportation: No river transportation exists in Seychelles.
  • Immigration at Seaports: No separate immigration checks for domestic ferry travel between islands.
  • La Digue Jetty (La Passe): Centrally located. Bicycle rental shops and electric buggies are available immediately outside.

Bicycle Rentals

Numerous bicycle rental shops are situated immediately outside the jetty area, making this the most common and recommended onward transport.

Electric Buggies

Pre-arranged hotel electric buggies usually wait at the jetty. You can also find independent electric buggies for hire for transfers.

Boat Taxis

Boat taxis for hire from La Passe jetty. Ideal for accessing remote beaches or island hopping to nearby islands like Curieuse or Sister Islands.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Prepare for your departure from La Digue and Seychelles with information on fees and timing.

Departure Logistics

  • Exit Fees: No specific departure tax is levied for air or sea travel; usually integrated into your airline ticket fare.
  • Air Departure (SEZ, Mahé): Arrive at airport 2-3 hours before scheduled flight departure.
  • Ferry Departure (La Digue): Arrive at La Passe jetty at least 30 minutes before scheduled ferry departure.

Airport & Jetty Facilities

Know what facilities await you at the main departure points to make your exit as smooth as your arrival.

Departure Amenities

  • Seychelles International Airport (SEZ): Check-in counters, security, duty-free shops, lounges, food/beverage options.
  • La Digue Jetty (La Passe): Basic facility with waiting area and ticket counter. Small shops and cafes nearby.

Additional Departure Support

AirHelp Support

If your flight from Seychelles encounters delays or cancellations, remember AirHelp can assist with compensation claims.

Travel Insurance Review

Before departure, review your travel insurance policy for any specific claim procedures related to travel disruptions.

Local Contacts

Keep contact details for your accommodation and any local tour operators handy until you have left the island.

Smooth Departures

A well-organized departure makes a good final impression of your trip.