Praslin, Seychelles – the second largest and one of the most visited islands in the archipelago. It is famous for its beautiful clear coast, emerald waters of the Indian Ocean and lush jungles. It is also a great place for a quiet and secluded holiday in the wild.
General information
Praslin Island in the Seychelles is located 44 km northeast of Mahe. Its area is only 40 square kilometers, and the population barely reaches 5 thousand people. There is nothing remarkable about the history of this resort. It was discovered in the middle of the 18th century by French navigators – because of the dense palm was called Palm. 20 years later, the island was renamed. It received its current name in honor of the Duke of Praslin, who made a huge contribution to the development and development of the territory.
The main feature of Praslin Island is the proximity of a coral reef that surrounds it almost around the entire perimeter. This natural protection provides calm almost all year round.
There is no industry here. The local population is engaged in fishing, agriculture, tourism and making unusual souvenirs. The infrastructure is quite well developed – there are shops, diving centers, car rental points, restaurants and cafes (including haute cuisine).
The main ingredients of cooking are rice, chicken, fish, breadfruit and coconut milk. In general, there are fewer food outlets in Praslin than in other Seychelles islands, and prices are much higher. So,
- lunch of meat with a side dish will cost 150 rupees.,
- pizza – 250,
- coffee – 85,
- the bill for dinner in a not very expensive restaurant will be about 700 rupees (and this is without drinks).
Many establishments offer takeaway food.
Night life is inactive and mostly concentrated on the territory of hotels. There is a casino, a night club “Jungle”, in the summer they spend picnics on the ocean.
You can relax on the island all year round. The high tourist season runs from April to October, and the low tourist season runs from November to March. Peak traffic falls on New Year’s holidays and summer holidays. For this reason, the timing of your trip will depend on what you want to do. When it comes to sailing and snorkeling, go to the island at any time of the year. For surfing, windsurfing and walking around the reserve, the most successful period is considered to be May-September, for diving-spring and autumn. As for fishing, it is better to do it in the period from October to March.
There are several ways to move around Praslin:
- By bus-cheap, fast, convenient, run from 5 am to 9 pm, allow you to feel like real islanders. Travel costs $0.5;
- By taxi-suitable for night and long-distance trips. There are several companies operating on the island. All of them offer the same rates. However, many cars do not accept luggage;
- Bicycles can be rented, and there are bike paths throughout the island;
- Use a rented car – only four paved roads have been built in the resort, so there are not many cars here. Also keep in mind that the Seychelles is subject to left-hand traffic.
Praslin Beaches
Looking at Praslin’s photo in the Seychelles, you will surely notice the gorgeous coast. All recreation areas are absolutely free, but they can not boast of a developed infrastructure. In most cases, there is only a parking lot, small grocery stores, and a bus stop. Restaurants can be found in some areas.
There are mostly no sun loungers. The exception is the beaches of luxury 5* hotels, but only guests can use their sun beds.
Granite cliffs divide the coast into small bays, where you can retreat even during the peak tourist season. Because of the coral reefs, it is always very calm here. If there are storms, then only in the north-western part.
In January, the water warms up to +27°C, in July it is slightly cooler – about +25°C. The only inconvenience is caused by algae, which is caused by monsoon winds. However, they are regularly cleaned, so bathing is not particularly hindered. There are many beaches on the island, but 5 are considered the best.
Anse-Lazio
One of the best beaches in Praslin (Seychelles) is located in the northern part of the resort. Here they regularly arrange shooting for glossy magazines, and in the late 80’s they even shot a movie. The main difference between Anse Lazio is the fine sand, crystal clear water and smooth granite boulders. Palm trees and tokamaks grow along the entire coastline.
There is a shop and cafe, beach police and lifeguards work. The swimming area is fenced with a net that protects the water area from various marine life. Be sure to bring your underwater swimming gear with you. Free parking is available nearby, and a bus stop is a 10-minute walk away. There is also a taxi service and a shuttle service from hotels.
Anse-Georgette
The list of the best beaches in Praslin (Seychelles) also includes Anse Georgette. The bay, located near the Lemuria Resort hotel on the north-west coast, is considered an ideal place for snorkeling. However, at high tide it may not be safe – the depth increases quickly, you should be careful.
The recreation area is surrounded by numerous trees, it is quiet and secluded. The water is also very clean, and the sand is light and soft. Ghost crabs crawl on it, and if you are very lucky, you can see sea turtles.
Anse-Georges is open to everyone, but tourists note that if there are a lot of guests, the hotel security may not let “strangers”in. Shops, cafes and a sports equipment rental service can be found on site. Getting to this place is more convenient by car, the bus stop is far away.
Cote d’Or
Cote d’Or or Anse Volbert is located on the north coast of the island. The length is up to 2 km, the ocean is quite shallow, palm trees grow on the shore. The place is popular with couples with children, but active tourists will also not be bored. Among the available offers – sailing, deep-sea fishing, windsurfing, diving, snorkeling.
The popularity of Cote d’Or is also explained by the fact that the largest number of infrastructure facilities is concentrated here. Curieuse day trips can also be arranged from here. Cote d’Or can be reached by car, bus or boat.
Petit Anse-Kerlan
Petite Anse belongs to the Four Seasons, so the entrance to its territory is held through security. A path leads to the coast – you can walk or take a bus (the territory is large and quite hilly).
The beach is covered with white sand, the ocean is warm and calm. On the shore there are swings – they make great photos. Swimming may be restricted from April to November due to algae release.
Anse-Kerlan
The rating of the best beaches of Praslin in the Seychelles closes Anse Kerlan, located near the airport. Over the past 30 years, there has been a strong erosion of the soil. Breakwaters are installed to reduce the process.
The ocean in this place is deep, sometimes its bottom is completely covered with algae. Large waves are not uncommon here, the current is also quite strong, so Anse Kerlan is not suitable for children.
What to see and do?
What to see in Praslin (Seychelles)? There are several interesting objects that everyone should see.
Valle de Maie
A large nature reserve of 20 hectares. This is the only place where coco de mer grows, the world’s largest palm tree, whose double coconuts ripen for 7 years. Their fruits weigh more than 20 kg, and the shape resembles female and male genitalia.
In addition, many other interesting plants grow in the park-dwarf oranges, coffee, wild carnations, palm trees of 5 endemic species, etc. The fauna of the reserve boasts no less diversity. It is home to black parrots (the rarest species), blue pigeons, salangans, bulbuls, flying foxes and chameleons.
In 1983, the Valle de Maie was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Register. The walking route is up to 1 km long. It is better to go for a walk in the morning, when it is not so hot yet.
Curieuse Island
Among the main attractions of Praslin (Seychelles) is Curieuse Island, which can be reached with an organized tour or by water taxi from Anse-Wolbert. The French discoverers called it Rouge, which translates as “red”. The reason for this is the dark scarlet soil, which can still be seen today.
In the mid-18th century, lepers lived on the island. The ruins of their homes are preserved in Anse Saint-Jose. Today, the Curiosity is home to giant sea turtles. Their meat is considered a delicacy, so in former times they were bred specifically. Now the animals are under state protection. They lay their eggs on the Grand Anse, and scientists nurse the babies and let them go free.
You can also play golf here. The field is surrounded by lush vegetation and offers a beautiful view of the ocean.
Excursions to other islands
What to see on Praslin (Seychelles), if you have already seen everything? We recommend that you go on water excursions organized to other islands.
La Digue
One of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles. Most of the territory is occupied by jungles, as well as cinnamon and coconut plantations. Recommended places to visit include Union Estate Park, Anse Sur D’Argent, a farm with giant tortoises, and the Paradise Flycatcher Sanctuary (this bird is considered lucky to see). Other activities offered at the property include horse riding. There are no normal roads on La Digue, so the best way to get around is by bicycle. A detailed description of the island can be found on this page.
Aride
A natural protected area inhabited by many rare birds and unique plants. In fine weather, boats dock at La Cour. There is no pier on the island, you need to take snacks and water with you.
The hiking trail starts from the tourist center, runs along the coconut plantation and goes out to the ocean. During the walk, you can see the Seychelles warbler, wedge-tailed petrel, tern, nectary, red-tailed phaeton and other rare bird species. You will also be shown 2 unusual plants-cucumber, whose flowers open exclusively at night, and Wright’s gardenia, which does not grow on any other island of the Seychelles.
Here you can go snorkeling or have a picnic. The coral reef is rich, but don’t forget about strong currents. Aride tours are available from May to September, depending on the weather. Read more about the weather in the Seychelles in this article.
Cousin
A small private island where Paul McCartney himself once rested. At the same time, it can accommodate up to 10 people – they are settled in beach villas. The main entertainment of tourists is endemic bird watching and snorkeling.
Accommodation on Praslin
Praslin Island in the Seychelles is divided into two districts: Grand Anse and Bay Saint Anne. Judging by the opinion of tourists, the latter is cleaner and more convenient — it is better to look for housing there. The choice at the resort is quite large. There are apartments, villas, bungalows, hotels, lodges and guest houses.
Most of the residential properties are located in the Cote d’Or, Anse Maria Luisa and Anse Lazio areas. However, Praslin is small, so this factor does not play a big role. Much more important are the level of comfort, the degree of privacy and the range of services offered (car rental, spa, tour desk, restaurant, etc.).
If we talk about prices, the highest of them are offered by luxury 5* hotels-from $1200 per day for 2 adult guests. No less popular are 3-4* hotels. They have everything you need for a comfortable stay, and the cost is twice as low (from $70). If your budget is limited, stay in guesthouses or apartments. In this case, you can keep within $40-50.
How to get to the island?
If you do not know how to get from Mahe to Praslin (Seychelles), use one of these methods.
Method 1. By ferry
Water connections between Mahe and La Digue with a stop at Praslin are provided by comfortable high-speed ferries “CAT COCOS”. The trip lasts no more than an hour. Boats depart from the waterfront in Victoria and arrive in Baie Sainte-Anne on the island’s southeastern coast.
Tickets are sold at the port. They can also be booked on the carrier’s official website www.seyferry.com/ru/ – this is more convenient and cheaper. The current schedule is also indicated there (due to the pandemic, it is compiled at the end of each month). The Mahe-Praslin ferry starts from€ 50 each way. The ticket price depends on the class – economy on the main deck, economy on the upper deck and business. You can cancel your reservation without penalty 72 hours before the ferry departs.
Method 2. By private company helicopter
The flight from Mahe to Praslin is no less interesting, but it costs more. The journey time is about 20 minutes. Some routes pass over the coast and the famous Morne Blanc, a mountain where runaway slaves hid on the slopes.
Useful tips
When traveling to Praslin (Seychelles), take note of these useful tips:
- If you plan to stay on the island for some time, you should book the tour in advance. Praslin is in demand, so rooms in good hotels can only be accessed in fragments (that is, for 3-4 nights).
- You can’t drink tap water – buy bottled water.
- Take some intestinal remedies, repellents, and sunscreen with you on vacation.
- For swimming, choose safe places, put on aquashirts – in the waters of the Indian Ocean there are sea urchins and poisonous fish.
- The island accepts both cards and cash. You can pay in euros, dollars, and Seychelles rupees.
- The currency in the Seychelles should be changed at banks or at the airport. Currency exchange with dealers is punishable by law.
- Change traveler’s checks – such operations are considered more profitable.
