The second-largest granite island in Seychelles has rare coco de mer palms in Vallée de Mai forest and white-sand beaches like Anse Lazio and Côte d'Or.
Praslin is the second-largest island in Seychelles, where you'll find the rare coco de mer palms in Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve and swim at Anse Lazio, consistently rated as one of the world's best beaches. The clear waters around the island are home to sea turtles, manta rays, and vibrant coral reefs, while inland you might spot black parrots and fruit bats in their natural habitat.
Getting to Praslin
You can reach Praslin from Mahé by a 15-minute flight or a 50-minute ferry ride. The ferry service runs multiple times daily, costing around €50, while flights cost approximately €130. Remember to arrive at the ferry terminal one hour before departure for check-in procedures.
Moving Around the Island
The 15-square-mile island has reliable public buses running from 5 AM to 9 PM on most routes. You can rent a bicycle from your hotel to explore the coastal paths and quiet roads. Car rental costs about €30 per day and makes reaching remote beaches and viewpoints easier.
Exploring Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
This UNESCO World Heritage site contains palm forests that are over 1,000 years old. The coco de mer palm produces seeds weighing up to 40 pounds - the largest in the world. As you walk through the forest, the palm leaves create a distinctive sound similar to rainfall. Visit in the morning hours to spot the Seychelles black parrot.
Best Beaches on Praslin
Anse Lazio stretches for 600 meters along the northern coast, with smooth granite rocks framing each end of the beach. Anse Georgette sits between thick mangrove forests and clear water. Anse Volbert runs along the northeast coast, where shallow, protected waters make it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. None of these beaches have large developments nearby.
Wildlife Encounters
You can see sea turtles and manta rays while snorkeling the coral reefs around Praslin. The island's forests are home to several endemic species, including the Seychelles bulbul and blue pigeon. Early morning walks give you the best chance to see fruit bats moving between trees.
Island Hopping and Day Trips
On Curieuse Island, just off Praslin's coast, more than 300 giant tortoises roam freely. A 15-minute boat ride takes you to La Digue island, where you can explore beaches and see traditional ox carts still in use. Cousin Island's bird sanctuary, home to several rare species, makes an excellent half-day trip.
Local Food and Restaurants
Café des Arts serves Italian-influenced dishes in an open-air restaurant right by the beach. At Les Lauriers, you can try local curry dishes and fresh-caught fish. Most restaurants maintain a casual atmosphere, and many have tables set up directly on the beach.
