The Praslin Island Guide
Once a favourite haunt of pirates, this tropical paradise is now a popular tourist destination boasting world-class beaches, lush forests and everything you would expect from a tropical island paradise.
Praslin is 45 km northwest of Mahé and is the second-largest granite island in Seychelles. In the mid-18th century, the island was known as Ile de Palme (Palm Island), the name given by a French explorer in reference to the numerous giant palm trees that covered the island. In 1768, the island was renamed in honour of a French diplomat, the Duc de Praslin.
Easily accessible by fast ferry from Mahe, the island of Praslin Seychelles offers its visitors a variety of activities. So when you’re not lazing on one of the spectacular, deserted beaches, there’s plenty to keep you busy.
The crystal clear waters around Praslin are considered excellent for diving – while there are some great spots for snorkelling along the coast. Moving away from the beach, you can join a guided walk through the ancient forest, which is home not only to endemic flora but also to the very rare black parrot.
Praslin’s breathtaking beauty can also be enjoyed from the air, with helicopter tours offering spectacular views of the island and the rest of the archipelago. Praslin is also a great base for exploring the neighbouring islands. Head to Curieuse with its 500 Aldabra giant tortoises or take a trip to Cousin and Aride, both a birdwatcher’s paradise.
There are three main settlements on Praslin, with Anse Volbert (also known as Côte D’Or) and Grande Anse being the most interesting for visitors. Here you will not only find great beaches, but also the most tourist accommodation, ranging from luxury resorts to privately run family guesthouses.
The choice of restaurants and cafés, often with beachside dining, offers both typical Creole and international cuisine.
Getting around Praslin is easy, especially if you hire your own vehicle. There is also a public bus service that circles almost the entire island. Timetables are available from the tourist office in Grande Anse, as well as from the office at the Praslin jetty in Baie Ste Anne – where the fast ferries from Mahé and La Digue arrive/depart. Taxis are also available, although prices are significantly higher than on Mahé.
Praslin is the epitome of a tropical paradise, offering world-class beaches, stunning flora and fauna and a relaxed pace of life that makes it an ideal holiday destination. And if that wasn’t enough, there is even an 18-hole golf course.
Attractions in Praslin island
The three inhabited regions of Praslin – Anse Volbert, Baie St Anne and Grand Anse – are popular among tourists looking to experience the local culture and visit some of the star attractions that are located near these towns.
1. Nationalpark Vallée de Mai
The Vallée de Mai National Park is a protected area for some of the most impressive plants on earth. Among other things, the legendary Seychelles palm, the coco de mer, grows in this unspoiled jungle area. Each palm produces only one fruit a year, which weighs up to 50 kilograms and resembles coconuts.
Non-native plants are consistently removed from the 20-hectare Vallée de Mai National Park. A few hiking trails will take you to a viewpoint on your Praslin holiday that offers a spectacular panoramic view of this prehistoric-looking jungle.
2. Anse Lazio Beach
Anse Lazio Bay is regularly mentioned on the list of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Look forward to a snow-white sandy beach flanked by massive granite boulders, tall palm trees and dense takamaka trees providing shade.
The deep waters on the fast-sloping beach and gentle swells invite you to swim and snorkel. Despite its popularity, you will always find enough space at Anse Lazio. A small stall and two cosy restaurants round off the dreamlike experience on this picture-book beach.
3. Anse Volbert/Cote d’Or Beach
Beach life on “Cote d’Or Beach” is a little livelier than on the other beaches of Praslin. Next to the famous Beau Vallon beach on the island of Mahé, Anse Volbert beach is the most popular beach in Seychelles, which you should definitely visit on your Praslin holiday. There are numerous cafés, bars, and restaurants, but they in no way detract from the picturesque ambiance of the beach. The “Cote d’Or Beach” is an ideal beach for families with children. The shore gently merges into the turquoise sea and the offshore reefs ensure calm waters.
4. Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
A visit to the Fond Ferdinand nature reserve offers an interesting change from relaxing hours on Praslin’s picturesque beaches. The drive itself is a bit of an experience, taking you along a narrow road with some steep switchbacks. The nature reserve is much larger than the Vallée de Mai and offers opportunities for hikes of several hours through fascinating natural scenery.
Guided hikes are also offered with a private guide who will explain the diverse fauna and flora. The highlight of the excursion is a high vantage point from which you can overlook the entire Inner Seychelles archipelago.
5. St. Pierre Island
The enchanting island of St. Pierre awaits you in the bay of Anse Volbert, less than two kilometers from the shore. It can be reached by boat in a few minutes from “Cote d’Or Beach”. Even more beautiful than the sight of the island itself, however, is the underwater world around it.
The reefs offer a fascinating area for snorkeling. Numerous schools of exotic fish and occasionally even one of the majestic sea turtles glide past you. The uninhabited island also provides undisturbed habitat for many water birds and is part of the Curieuse Marine National Park.
Restaurants on Praslin Island
Cafe des Arts
Praslin’s funky, brightly colored restaurant located right on Cote d’Or with colorful paintings on the walls, swaying palms, a breezy terrace, and the sound of waves washing the beach. Lunch consists of a lighter menu, served on the wooden deck set right on the beach.
- Location: Anse Volbert
- Cuisine: Creole, International
- Website: Le Duc Praslin
Les Lauriers Restaurant
The restaurant at Les Lauriers Hotel offers a Creole BBQ every night except on Wednesdays when they are closed. The chef prepares fresh fish and meat specialties right before your eyes. A delicious buffet of salads with local vegetables and a variety of curries are served. There is also a very appealing choice of desserts.
- Location: Anse Volbert
- Cuisine: Creole
- Website: Les Lauriers
La Goulue
The rustic restaurant doesn’t have beach frontage and serves international and Creole cuisine and it is situated close to Anse Volbert beach, with a view of the neighboring islands. The menu features Creole staples and various filling snacks.
- Location: Anse Volbert
- Cuisine: Creole
Pirogue Restaurant
This nice restaurant “Pirogue Restaurant & Bar” is situated on the Cote D’Or and offers a wide range of simple but well-prepared Creole and international dishes. Occasionally local bands enhance the atmosphere with live music. Aside from the food, the cocktails and wines in the bar are very recommendable.
- Location: Anse Volbert
- Cuisine: Creole
- Website: Pirogue Restaurant
La Gigolette Restaurant
Set in a large private estate overlooking the bay of Côte d’Or, La Gigolette is one of two restaurants at Hotel L’Archipel. Situated at beach level, the restaurant serves a variety of local and international dishes including French cuisine. The menu is à la carte.
- Location: Anse Gouvernement
- Cuisine: Creole, International
- Website: L’Archipel Hotel
Coco Blu, Village du Pecheur Restaurant
This restaurant with a bar belongs to the boutique hotel with the same name and is situated just at the beach of Anse Volbert.
- Location: Anse Volbert
- Cuisine: Creole, International
- Website: Village du Pecheur Hotel
Capricorn Restaurant
The Capricorn Restaurant is situated in the Islanders Guesthouse on Praslin on the beautiful beach of Anse Kerlan. This creole and seafood restaurant offers delicately prepared authentic dishes, such as small whole grilled fish, roasted octopus or Patrick’s style, a variety of curries in fresh coconut milk, cinnamon leaves, and Indian species or lobsters.
- Location: Anse Kerlan
- Cuisine: Creole
- Website: The Islander Villa
How to get to Praslin?
No matter where you are from, you will land on Mahé, the largest main island, which has the only international airport in Seychelles (SEZ). To get to Praslin, you have two options:
- Take a taxi from the international airport to the ferry terminal in Victoria (takes about 20 minutes), where the “Cat Cocos” ferry leaves for Praslin. The ferry trip takes approx 1 hour.
- Traveling to Praslin by plane with a domestic flight with Air Seychelles. The flight takes 15 minutes.
