Nearby Day Trips: Praslin

La Digue Island

La Digue is easily accessible by Cat Cocos ferry from Praslin's Baie Ste Anne Jetty. The journey is short, approximately 15-20 minutes, with multiple daily operations.

A full day is recommended for La Digue. Begin early. Cycle to Anse Source d'Argent, explore L'Union Estate, and visit other beaches like Grand Anse if time permits.

Highlights

Anse Source d'Argent: World's most photographed beach, famous for granite boulders.
Cycling: Car-free island, cycling is the main mode of transport.
L'Union Estate: Historical plantation with vanilla, coconut, and giant tortoises.
Veuve Nature Reserve: Home to the rare black paradise flycatcher.

Explore More Islands

Beyond La Digue, other islands offer unique natural encounters.

Curieuse Island

A short boat trip from Cote d'Or on Praslin. Many tour operators offer half-day or full-day excursions.

Experiences

Free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises.
Boardwalk through mangrove forests.
Historic ruins of a leper colony (Doctor's House).

Cousin Island Special Reserve

Organized guided tours by boat from Praslin. Strict conservation rules apply to protect its delicate ecosystem.

Conservation Focus

Important seabird breeding site in the Indian Ocean.
Breeding ground for endangered Hawksbill turtles.
Visitors must wash feet/equipment before landing for ecosystem protection.

Aride Island Nature Reserve

Accessibility & Conservation

Accessible via organized boat trips from Praslin.
Less frequent tours due to remote location and stricter landing conditions.
Similar to Cousin, strict conservation rules apply for island preservation.
Number of daily visitors to the island is limited.

Unique Wildlife & Flora

Significant seabird sanctuary, especially for migratory species.
Home to world's largest populations of lesser noddy and tropical shearwater.
Unique endemic flora and fauna.
Part of ongoing efforts to preserve the Seychelles' natural heritage.

Planning Your Excursions

Independent Travel for La DigueMaximum flexibility, budget-friendly
Organized Tour ConvenienceTransfers, bicycle rental, guided visits
Curieuse Island ToursOften combine with St. Pierre snorkeling
Cousin & Aride ReservesStrict conservation, guided visits

Book in AdvanceEspecially for popular tours
Check Seasonal OperationsSome tours may vary by season
Eco-Friendly ToursChoose operators with responsible practices
Find day trips & excursionsBook directly online

Travel Tip:

Consider your preference for flexibility versus convenience when choosing between independent travel and organized tours for La Digue.

Natural & Cultural Experiences

Praslin and its surrounding islands offer diverse natural beauty and glimpses of local life.

Natural Escapes

Nearby islands serve as excellent natural escapes, each with unique ecological features and wildlife observation opportunities.

Wildlife Wonders

Curieuse, Cousin, and Aride are protected nature reserves focused on their unique ecosystems and wildlife populations.

Scenic Views

Boat trips to these islands display stunning granite formations and clear waters. La Digue offers rural charm and incredible beaches.

Ecological Highlights

Beyond scenic beauty, explore the rich biodiversity of the Seychelles.

Features

Snorkeling at St. Pierre Islet for marine life.
Bird nesting seasons on Cousin and Aride for spectacular viewing.
Unique flora and fauna endemic to the Seychelles.

Cultural Glimpses

Day trips from Praslin mostly focus on nature, with limited dedicated cultural excursions.

Cultural Notes

La Digue offers a glimpse into a more traditional, rural Seychellois lifestyle.
Curieuse Island features the historic Doctor's House (leper colony ruins).
No specific pilgrimage sites are accessible as day trips from Praslin.

Extend Your Stay

Mahé IslandDiverse activities, hiking, urban experience

La Digue OvernightExperience tranquil evenings, unhurried exploration

Island HoppingCombine Mahé, Praslin, La Digue for full diversity

Ferry ServicesCat Cocos connects Mahé, Praslin, La Digue

Domestic FlightsAir Seychelles services between Mahé and Praslin

Regional TravelCombine with other Indian Ocean or East African destinations

Your Praslin Journey

Praslin is a gateway to the Seychelles' most beautiful islands.
A multi-island itinerary offers the best of the inner Seychelles.
Booking accommodations and transfers in advance makes travel smoother.
Consider a few days on Mahé for contrasting landscapes and activities.
La Digue is worth an overnight stay for a dive into island life.

Beyond Praslin

Consider extending your trip to other islands to experience the full diversity of the inner Seychelles.

Adding Days to Your Trip

Maximize your Seychelles experience by allocating extra time to explore more.

Recommendations

Mahé: Largest island, diverse activities and environments.
Explore Morne Seychellois National Park for hiking.
Visit rum distilleries and tea plantations.

La Digue Overnight Stay

While possible as a day trip, spending a night or two on La Digue allows for a more relaxed exploration.

Benefits

Experience the island's quiet evenings.
Enjoy sunset views and visit Anse Source d'Argent early.
Explore popular spots before day-trippers arrive.

Logical Next Destinations

Plan your island progression for a seamless and varied experience.

Next Steps

Mahé: A logical next destination after Praslin.
It contrasts with a more urban and mountainous landscape.
Island Hopping: A common approach combines Mahé, Praslin, La Digue.

Transportation Connections

Seamless travel between the main inner islands.

Travel Options

Mahé to Praslin: Frequent Cat Cocos ferry services.
Mahé to Praslin: Air Seychelles domestic flights.
Praslin to La Digue: Very frequent Cat Cocos ferry services.

Suggested Regional Routes

For longer regional travel, consider combining Seychelles with other Indian Ocean destinations. Within Seychelles, focus on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.

Indian Ocean Combination

Mauritius or Reunion offer further exploration (separate international flights).

Safari Integration

East Africa safari experiences combine well with a Seychelles beach escape.

Seychelles Core Experience

Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue present a complete and diverse island journey.

Praslin: A True Gateway

Praslin is a true gateway to the Seychelles' most beautiful islands, offering diverse travel opportunities.

Nearby Day Trips