Praslin is the second-largest island in the Seychelles and is renowned for its pristine beaches, lush tropical forests and relaxed island atmosphere. Located around 45 kilometres northeast of Mahé, Praslin offers a slower pace of life while still providing many of the country’s most famous natural attractions. From the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches, the island is an essential stop on any Seychelles itinerary.
Although considerably smaller than Mahé, Praslin offers an impressive variety of experiences. Visitors can hike through ancient palm forests, snorkel above colourful coral reefs, relax on idyllic beaches or take boat trips to nearby islands rich in wildlife. The island’s quiet roads, friendly villages and spectacular coastal scenery make it an excellent destination for couples, families and anyone seeking a peaceful tropical escape.
Praslin is also one of the best places to experience the unique biodiversity of the Seychelles. It is home to the famous coco de mer palm, found naturally only on Praslin and neighbouring Curieuse Island, while its forests provide sanctuary for rare birds and other endemic wildlife. Combined with its beautiful coastline and welcoming Creole culture, Praslin perfectly captures the natural beauty that has made the Seychelles one of the world’s most desirable island destinations.
Best Things to Do on Praslin
Explore Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vallée de Mai is one of the Seychelles’ greatest natural treasures. This ancient palm forest is home to the extraordinary coco de mer, famous for producing the largest seed of any plant in the world. Well-maintained walking trails wind beneath towering palms, while visitors may also spot the rare Seychelles black parrot, one of the country’s few endemic bird species.
Relax on Anse Lazio
Often ranked among the world’s finest beaches, Anse Lazio is one of Praslin’s most spectacular natural attractions. Soft white sand, crystal-clear turquoise water and impressive granite boulders create a breathtaking tropical setting. The beach is ideal for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing beneath the shade of takamaka trees, while its peaceful atmosphere makes it popular with couples and photographers.
Visit Anse Georgette
Hidden on Praslin’s northwestern coast, Anse Georgette is another of the Seychelles’ world-class beaches. Access is limited, helping preserve its peaceful atmosphere and unspoilt beauty. Framed by lush vegetation and granite rocks, the beach offers calm, clear water for swimming and excellent opportunities to simply relax in one of the island’s most picturesque settings.
Take a Boat Trip to Curieuse Island
Just a short distance from Praslin, Curieuse Island is famous for its population of free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises and its unique mangrove forests. Visitors can walk scenic nature trails, observe these gentle giants up close and enjoy excellent snorkelling in the surrounding marine park. The island also supports natural populations of the rare coco de mer palm, making it one of the Seychelles’ most important conservation areas.
Snorkel at St Pierre Islet
The tiny granite islet of St Pierre lies just off Praslin’s coast and is surrounded by crystal-clear water teeming with marine life. Popular boat excursions allow visitors to snorkel among colourful coral reefs, tropical fish and occasional sea turtles. Its distinctive palm-covered granite rocks have become one of the classic images of the Seychelles and make it a favourite stop on island-hopping tours.
Discover Côte d’Or Beach
Stretching along Praslin’s northeastern coast, Côte d’Or is one of the island’s longest and most popular beaches. Calm, shallow water makes it ideal for swimming, paddleboarding and kayaking, while nearby hotels, restaurants and cafés provide plenty of facilities. It’s also a convenient departure point for boat excursions to Curieuse Island, St Pierre Islet and other nearby attractions.
Visitor Information
Getting There: Praslin can be reached by regular high-speed ferry from Mahé in around one hour or by a short domestic flight. Ferries also connect the island with nearby La Digue.
Getting Around: Hiring a car is the easiest way to explore Praslin, although local buses serve many of the main beaches and villages. Taxis are readily available, and organised excursions visit the island’s principal attractions.
How Long to Spend: Two to four days is ideal for exploring Praslin’s beaches, nature reserves and nearby islands. Many visitors combine Praslin with Mahé and La Digue as part of an island-hopping holiday.
Best Time to Visit: Praslin enjoys warm tropical weather throughout the year. April, May, October and November generally provide calm seas for swimming and snorkelling, while the drier months are ideal for hiking through Vallée de Mai.
Praslin perfectly combines spectacular natural scenery with a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re walking beneath ancient coco de mer palms, snorkelling in crystal-clear lagoons or unwinding on beaches that regularly rank among the world’s finest, the island offers an unforgettable experience and remains one of the true highlights of the Seychelles.