Praslin Island, Seychelles: Vallée de Mai, Anse Lazio and Island-Hopping Tours
Praslin Island: The Garden of Eden of the Seychelles
Praslin Island is the second-largest island in the Seychelles. It is known for its UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, home to the rare coco de mer palm, and for beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, which often appear on lists of the world’s best. It is quieter and greener than Mahé, with rolling hills, palm forest and a relaxed pace of life. It is also the gateway to Curieuse, Cousin, Aride and La Digue, which makes it a good base for island-hopping.
Praslin at a Glance
| Location | About 44 km northeast of Mahé, Inner Islands, Seychelles |
| Size | About 38.5 sq km, the second-largest island in the Seychelles |
| Population | Roughly 7,500 to 8,000 residents |
| Districts | Baie Sainte Anne and Grand’Anse |
| Main settlements | Baie Ste Anne, Anse Volbert, Grand’Anse |
| Famous for | Vallée de Mai, coco de mer, Anse Lazio, island hopping |
| Getting there | Short domestic flight or ferry from Mahé |
Why Visit Praslin?
- UNESCO World Heritage: The Vallée de Mai is a prehistoric-looking palm forest, and the Seychelles’ most famous natural site.
- Some of the best beaches: Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette have soft white sand, granite boulders and clear water.
- Rare wildlife: The island is home to the Seychelles black parrot and the Seychelles bulbul.
- A relaxed atmosphere: Praslin is less busy than Mahé, with a village feel.
- Easy island hopping: Boats leave from Praslin for La Digue, Curieuse, Cousin and Aride.
Top Things to Do on Praslin
1. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Walk the shaded trails among giant coco de mer palms, which are famous for their huge, unusual seeds. The reserve was established in 1979 and is part of the island’s national park. Allow around two hours with a guide, and listen for the black parrot.
2. Anse Lazio
Anse Lazio is a boulder-framed beach on the northwest coast, backed by trees. It is one of the most photographed beaches in the Seychelles, with calm water for swimming and snorkelling.
3. Anse Georgette
A quieter, more secluded beach near the Constance Lemuria resort. Check access arrangements before you go.
4. Anse Volbert and Côte d’Or
This long beach has calm water, restaurants and shops, and is the main base for visitors.
5. Curieuse Island
Take a boat trip to see giant Aldabra tortoises and walk through mangroves. Curieuse is the only other place where the coco de mer grows naturally.
6. Island hopping to La Digue
Combine Praslin with a day trip to La Digue and Anse Source d’Argent. The ferry is short and runs regularly.
7. Cousin, Cousine and Aride
These nearby islands are nature reserves with seabirds and rare species. Ask us which are open on your travel dates.
8. Snorkelling, diving and catamaran cruises
Join a boat excursion to explore the reefs and smaller granite islands around Praslin.
Best Time to Visit Praslin
You can visit all year round. The calmest seas and best snorkelling conditions are generally April to May and October to November. From December to January and July to August, the island is busier, so book early.
How to Get to Praslin
Praslin has its own airport, Praslin Island Airport, with short flights from Mahé. There are also inter-island ferries from Mahé to Baie Ste Anne. Mae Tours Seychelles can help arrange transfers, tours and hotel pick-up.
What to Bring
- Swimwear, towel and reef-safe sunscreen
- Hat, sunglasses and insect repellent
- Comfortable walking shoes for the Vallée de Mai
- Cash for reserve fees and small purchases
- Waterproof camera
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Praslin worth visiting?
Yes. It combines a UNESCO World Heritage Site, some of the best beaches in the Seychelles and easy access to nearby islands.
How many days do I need on Praslin?
Many visitors stay two to four nights. This gives time for the Vallée de Mai, a beach day and a day trip to La Digue or Curieuse.
What is the coco de mer?
It is a rare palm native to the Seychelles whose huge double seed is one of the most famous plants in the world. It grows naturally only on Praslin and Curieuse.
How do I get from Mahé to Praslin?
By a short domestic flight or an inter-island ferry.
Is Praslin better than Mahé?
They suit different travellers. Mahé has more choice and a bigger variety of things to do, while Praslin is quieter and more scenic. Many visitors combine both.
Explore Praslin with Mae Tours Seychelles
Let a local team plan your Praslin visit, including the Vallée de Mai, the best beaches and a day trip to La Digue or Curieuse. Mae Tours Seychelles offers private and small-group tours with hotel transfers.
