To get to Praslin Island, you can fly or take the fast catamaran ferry from Mahé, or the ferry from La Digue, here’s more.
Praslin Island is one of the most popular places to visit for those on a trip to the Seychelles. It’s the home of the famous Vallée de Mai as well as some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, including the one and only Anse Lazio.
For those in the planning stages of their vacation to the beautiful Seychelles, I’ve created this useful, up-to-date travel guide for how to get to Praslin Island. I’ve included three of the best options so you know exactly how to get here yourself.
The Quick Answer
The easiest way to get to Praslin from Mahé is by taking the 15-minute scenic plane flight from Mahe Airport (Air Seychelles). This is what I did and while the scenic views are worth it, it is more expensive than simply taking the Cat Cocos ferry.
Below I'll summarize each option for you, which depends on your preferences regarding time, cost, and overall travel experience. Read on for more details.
| From | Option | Cost | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahe | Ferry (Cat Cocos) | €60 (lower deck) €66 (upper deck) €84 (business class) | ~1 hour 15 minutes |
| Fly to Praslin | €150 | 15-minute flight | |
| Private Boat Transfer | Varies | ~30-45 minutes | |
| La Digue | Ferry (Cat Rose) | €17 | ~15 minutes |
Where is Praslin Island
Praslin is one of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles. It’s considered one of the 43 inner islands, along with Mahe and La Digue, one of the three main islands for tourism.
Praslin is located roughly 49 kilometers northeast from the main island; Mahe, but only about 10 kilometers from nearby La Digue. Being the largest island in the vicinity, it's also got the most tourism infrastructure.
How to get to Praslin Island From Mahé
Below I'll give you the run-down of the three up-to-date options for getting to Praslin Island from Mahe.
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: Fast Ferry From Mahé to Praslin
The most popular way to get to Praslin from Mahe is to take the Cat Cocos fast ferry. This boat departs daily and only takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach Praslin from Mahe. This is a popular route so it's best to book online in advance to secure a spot.
Ferry price: €60 for lower deck, €66 for Upper Deck, and €84 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.
Arriving on Praslin you'll disembark at Baie Sainte Anne on the eastern end of the island.
Cat Cocos Ferry Timetable
Here's the current Cat Cocos Ferry Timetable. I got this information from their ferry website, which unfortunately doesn't work that well and I couldn't book on there either.
Instead, I recommend checking booking availability on Viator and on BookaWay which offer the same prices in my experience.
| Day | Mahe - Praslin | Praslin - Mahe |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00, 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00, 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00 |
| Friday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00, 17:30 |
| Saturday | 08:00, 11:00, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00, 17:30 |
| Sunday | 11:00, 14:00, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00, 17:30 |
Option 2: Air Seychelles Scenic Flight From Mahe to Praslin
The second most popular option, and in my opinion, the best is to take the Air Seychelles scenic flight from Mahe to Praslin Airport. This option isn't the cheapest but it's great bang for buck and can definitely be considered an experience.
I took this flight with the Seychelles Tourism Board. It was a really quick 15-minute flight to Praslin and incredibly scenic! We got a great view over both islands on the way in and in my experience it's worth the price.
The plane departs from the Mahe Domestic Terminal, which is very tiny– just one small room! The plane is a small propeller plane accommodating roughly 12 people. This is convenient if you are heading to your accommodation in Praslin straight away, since you can simply transfer via the airport.
You’ll definitely need to book this flight if you choose this option to get to Praslin from Mahe. I always check Skyscanner and Google Flights for discounted rates and special deals before booking.
Option 3: Private Boat Transfer to Praslin
If you're short on time or looking for how to get to Praslin from Mahe in style, then you can also book a private boat online.
This trip is quite expensive, especially compared to the public transport options. However, I've added it in as I understand some people prefer a luxurious private trip, especially in the Seychelles!
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How to Get to Praslin from La Digue
Traveling from La Digue to Praslin is straightforward and convenient, primarily thanks to the Cat Rose ferry service, which operates regular trips between these two islands.
The cost of the Cat Rose ferry from La Digue to Praslin is approximately €17 per person. This price is reasonable considering the convenience and speed of the service.
On La Digue, the ferry departs from La Passe pier, which is the main ferry jetty on the island. On Praslin, the ferry arrives at Baie Sainte Anne Jetty. Both ports are well-marked and easy to find.
This fast catamaran service offers several daily connections, making it easy to fit into your travel schedule. The journey is short, taking only about 15 minutes, and provides a scenic view of the surrounding islands.
Book: Cat Rose Ferry
Ferry Schedule:
| Day | La Digue - Praslin | Praslin - La Digue |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 |
| Thursday | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 |
| Friday | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00, 17:00 |
| Saturday | 07:30, 09:30, 12:15, 15:30, 17:00 | 07:00, 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:00 |
| Sunday | 10:00, 12:15, 16:00, 17:00 | 09:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:30 |
Where to Stay on Praslin Once You Arrive
Praslin is the second largest of the inner islands and flaunts some incredible hotels and resorts. Being a little sleepier than Mahe, Praslin caters to the more relaxed crowd.
The main area to stay in Praslin is along Cote D'Or Beach. This is the main tourist strip with plenty of hotels and beachside resorts. However, there are many more resort areas and accommodations in Praslin, including near Anse Lazio. Below are my top 3 picks.
1. Acajou Beach Resort Mid-Range
A 4-star resort right on the doorstep of the white sands of Cote D'Or. I had the pleasure of staying here and it was one of the best resorts I've ever stayed at.
2. Constance Lemuria Luxury
Tucked away between 3 of the best beaches on Praslin, this luxury, 5-star resort is ranked as one of the best honeymoon resorts in the Seychelles with an attached luxury spa center complete with a hot tub & sauna set in a palm and bamboo forest.
3. Treasure Island Retreat Self-Catering
This hotel offers seafront apartments on Anse Kerlan, each complete with king-sized beds and a fully-equipped kitchen, and a furnished terrace or balcony.
Things to Know About the Route to Praslin
How much luggage can I take on the Seychelles ferries to Praslin?
Both Cat Cocos and Cat Rose ferries have a 30 kg luggage allowance. You can also bring a carry-on item not exceeding 50x30x20 cm and 7 kg. While the limit is 30 kg, I've noticed many travelers carrying more bags, and there were no issues during my trips.
Where is the ferry jetty on Praslin?
The ferry jetty on Praslin is located at Baie Sainte Anne. To catch the Cat Cocos ferry from Mahe or the Cat Rose ferry from La Digue, you'll arrive at the Baie Sainte Anne Jetty.
How long does it take to get to Praslin?
From Mahe, the Cat Cocos ferry takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The flight from Mahe to Praslin with Air Seychelles takes about 15 minutes.
From La Digue, the Cat Rose ferry takes approximately 15 minutes
Where is the ferry port on Mahe leaving for Praslin?
The ferry port on Mahe is located in Victoria, the capital city of the Seychelles. To find the Cat Cocos ferry, head to the Inter Island Quay, which is situated opposite the Orion Mall, about 9.5 kilometers north of Mahe International Airport.
I hope that this current guide to how to get to Praslin Island from Mahe, the Seychelles has been a useful tool for planning your vacation.
While you're here on my blog, you'll find loads more inspiration for the islands. Check out some of the latest articles below.
- 50 Things to do in the Seychelles - Ultimate travel guide with lots of great activity recommendations
- 18 Best Beaches in the Seychelles - These are the best beaches across all of the islands
- 10 Best Islands in the Seychelles - My roundup of the best islands to visit on your trip
- 15 Best Hikes in the Seychelles - Get outdoors and experience amazing hiking trails and jungle viewpoints
Plan Where to Stay in the Seychelles
Wondering where to stay in the Seychelles? Don't miss these up-to-date accommodation guides.
Pinky
Wednesday 8th of March 2023
Hello, could you provide me itinerary for 10 days Seychelles trip? It's for all girls friends trip