La Digue Island is commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles. But, how do you get there?
To get to La Digue from Mahé or Praslin, you have several options. From Mahé, you can take a scenic ferry ride, a quick flight to Praslin then a ferry, or even a private boat transfer. If you’re on Praslin, the direct ferry is your go-to.
After exploring various options on my trips, let me help you compare the costs and transport routes to La Digue so you can enjoy your Seychelles vacation. With highlights and acclaims like having the world’s most beautiful beach, as well as some of the most beautiful nature trails, this is a destination you won’t want to miss.
The Quick Answer
The easiest way that I recommend to get to La Digue is by taking the Cat Cocos fast catamaran ferry from Mahe or the Cat Rose ferry from Praslin, which are the official ferry routes and what I have personally used.
Below, I'll break down each option for you.
| Option | Cost | Travel Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahe | Ferry (Cat Cocos) | €72 (lower deck) €78 (upper deck) €96 (business class) | ~1 hour 45 minutes |
| Fly to Praslin + Ferry | €150 + €17 (ferry) | 15-minute flight + 15-minute ferry | |
| Private Boat Transfer | Varies | ~30-45-minutes | |
| Praslin | Ferry (Cat Rose) | €17 | ~15 minutes |
For more detailed information on timings & schedules, booking options, and tips for your journey, read on. You'll also find recommendations on where to go and what to do once you arrive in La Digue.
Where is La Digue Island
La Digue is one of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles. It's considered one of the 43 inner islands, and along with Mahe and Praslin, one of the three main islands visitors usually spend time on.
You'll find La Digue roughly 54 kilometres northeast of the main island; Mahe, but only about 10 kilometres from Praslin. Below is a map you can navigate to orient yourself when planning how to get to La Digue.
How to Get to La Digue from Mahé
From Mahe, you'll have three options to get to the island.
Update: Creole Adventures now run a day-trip tour to Praslin Island and La Digue Island. This is a great option if you're short on time but want to see many highlights like Praslin's famous beaches and the famous Vallée de Mai.
Option 1: La Digue Ferry (Cat Cocos)
The most popular way to get to La Digue Island from Mahe is to take the fast ferry boat departing daily from Mahe. This boat is called Cat Cocos, it's best to book it online in advance to secure a spot.
Ferry price: €72 for lower deck, €78 for Upper Deck, and €96 for Business Class
The journey departs from the Cat Cocos berth in Victoria, opposite the Orion Mall, approximately 9.5 kilometers north of the Mahe International Airport.
Traffic can get notoriously bad in Mahe heading north, especially in the morning, so give yourself adequate time to reach the ferry terminal. The website says you should aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
The Cat Cocos ferry takes roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach La Digue Island from Mahe. I recommend booking via Viator or BookAWay since the direct ferry website didn't allow me to book online & was unusable in my experience.
Option 2: Fly to Praslin and get the 15-minute Ferry
The second option is the option that I took. You can take a 15-minute scenic plane flight from Mahe Airport straight to Praslin. From there, take the Cat Rose from the ferry terminal on Praslin directly to La Digue (15 minutes).
The benefit of choosing this option is that you will get to experience the scenic flight over Mahe and Praslin. This was one of the highlights of my trip to the Seychelles for me and I'm definitely glad I got this option!
You'll first need to book a flight with Air Seychelles. I always check Skyscanner and Google Flights for discounted rates and special deals before booking.
Once you arrive in Praslin, you'll need to get a transfer to the ferry terminal, which is about 15 minutes from the airport. The best way to get to the ferry terminal is via taxi. There are plenty of metered taxis waiting outside the airport. Don't worry, taxi drivers in the Seychelles are not pushy but are instead very friendly and accommodating.
Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, you'll take the Cat Rose ferry from Praslin. Again, this is a scenic fast ferry passing Round Island on the way and only takes about 15 minutes.
Check price & availability: Cat Rose Fast Ferry Booking
Option 3: Private Boat Transfer
For those on a tight budget or for the high rollers not interested in public transport and wondering how to get to La Digue in style– there is a private boat transfer operating from Mahe to Praslin.
You can book this trip online through Viator but it is a much pricier option than taking one of the public transport routes.
How to Get to La Digue from Praslin
If you've already made it to Praslin and want to get to La Digue, then you might see I've already covered this route above. However, for those who skipped straight here and want a quick answer, you're going to want to take the Cat Rose ferry.
Below I've pinned the exact location that the Cat Rose ferry departs from in Praslin. The journey between La Digue and Praslin aboard the Cat Rose only takes 15 minutes and is quite cheap at only €17 per person.
Note there are no booking classes on the Cat Rose ferries.
Check price & availability: Cat Rose Ferry Booking
Current Ferry Timetables
The below timetables show the departures and arrivals to La Digue. Remember, Cat Cocos is the ferry operating between Mahé and Praslin/La Digue (Praslin first), and Cat Rose runs between Praslin and La Digue.
Cat Cocos Ferry
| Day | Mahe - La Digue | La Digue - Mahe |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 07:30, 13:30, 16:30 |
| Tuesday | 10:30, 16:30 | 07:30, 13:30 |
| Wednesday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 07:30, 13:30, 16:30 |
| Thursday | 10:30, 16:30 | 07:30, 13:30 |
| Friday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 07:30, 13:30, 16:30 |
| Saturday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 07:30, 13:30, 17:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00, 14:00, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:15 |
Cat Rose Timetable
| Day | Praslin - La Digue | La Digue - Praslin |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 |
| Thursday | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 |
| Friday | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 |
| Saturday | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00 | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 |
| Sunday | 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:30 | 10:00, 12:15, 16:00, 17:00 |
Things to do on La Digue Once You Arrive
I've written separate travel guides to the island and here are some of my favorite things to do:
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Where to Stay Once You Arrive at La Digue
La Digue is quite a small island and you can get anywhere on a bicycle within 20-30 minutes. You'll find a lot of hotels on the west side of the island near the jetty but only a few along the narrow stretch of coastal road on the mostly inhabited eastern side.
On La Digue, there are a wide variety of hotel and resort offerings ranging from relatively "budget-friendly" self-catering lodges to incredible luxury resorts. Below is a quick summary of the best picks.
1. Le Domaine De L'Orangeraie Luxury
A beautiful beachside resort on the northern end of La Digue Island. It features a stunning ocean-view pool, two restaurants, and a full-service spa with massage and body treatments. A fantastic choice for honeymooners seeking a tropical getaway with all the amenities.
2.
This is where I stayed on La Digue and I can personally recommend it as one of the best accommodation options on the island. The location is excellent– just a little out from the main area on a quiet street that is close enough to both the incredible southwest beaches and the port.
3. Cocotier Du Rocher Budget
A great value pick for larger groups or families, with babysitting services available. While not on the beachfront, it's in a quiet location with beautiful beaches nearby.
FAQs
What Luggage limitations are there on the Seychelles ferries to La Digue?
Both Cat Rose and Cat Cocos have a 30 kgs luggage allowance. However, when I traveled I noticed that many others had more weight and bags and there was no issue. You can also take your carry on.
Where is the ferry jetty on La Digue?
The ferry jetty on La Digue is located at La Passe pier, which is in the western part of La Digue Island. It's very hard to miss it as this is the main point of arrival and departure for ferries traveling between La Digue and other islands such as Mahe and Praslin.
How long does it take to get to La Digue?
Travel time to La Digue varies by starting point and transportation method. From Mahe, the direct Cat Cocos ferry takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you transfer via Praslin using Cat Cocos and Cat Rose, it takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Flying to Praslin and then taking a ferry to La Digue involves a 15-minute flight and a 15-minute ferry ride. From Praslin, the Cat Rose ferry takes approximately 15 minutes. Travel times can vary with weather and schedules.
Where is the ferry port on Mahe?
The ferry port on Mahe is located in Victoria, the capital city of the Seychelles. To find the Cat Cocos ferry, head to the the Inter Island Quay, which is situated opposite the Orion Mall, above 9.5 kilometers north of Mahe International Airport. I recommend allowing enough time to reach the ferry terminal and get there at least 30 minutes in advance.
Where is the ferry port on Praslin?
The ferry port on Praslin is located at Baie Sainte Anne. To catch the Cat Rose ferry to La Digue, head to the Baie Sainte Anne Jetty. This port is conveniently situated and easy to find. I recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to ensure you have enough time for boarding and any necessary preparations.
I hope you've enjoyed this updated guide on how to get to La Digue Island in the Seychelles.
Whether you're on Mahe or Praslin, I hope I've made your vacation planning that little bit easier. While you're here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other inspiring travel guides and photography from the Seychelles as well!
- Best Things to do on La Digue - My La Digue travel guide with hidden gems & must-visit places
- Best Beaches on La Digue - Discover the most iconic beaches and beautiful secret bays
- Epic Hikes on La Digue - My guide to La Digue's best nature trails & scenic viewpoints
- 10 Best Islands in the Seychelles - My roundup of the best islands to visit on your trip
- 50 BEST Things to do in the Seychelles - Ultimate travel guide with lots of great activity recommendations
Plan Where to Stay in the Seychelles
Wondering where to stay in the Seychelles? Don't miss these up-to-date accommodation guides.
Mutaz
Tuesday 18th of April 2023
I need to book a trip to La digue island and Kayks Also
We are 11 adults 5 kids under 6
We are staying at kempinski Seychelles
I need to book full package including transfer and ferry
22apr23