Praslin Island sits quietly in the Indian Ocean as the Seychelles’ second-largest island, yet it punches well above its weight in natural wonders and barefoot luxury. Famous for its powder-white beaches and impossibly clear turquoise waters, it also harbours a UNESCO World Heritage forest unlike anything else on the planet. If you’re arriving by cruise ship, consider yourself exceptionally fortunate — Praslin rewards curious travellers who step beyond the shoreline.
Arriving by Ship
Cruise ships typically anchor offshore at Praslin, with passengers tendered to the main jetty near Baie Sainte Anne on the island’s eastern side. The process is usually smooth, though tender queues can build during peak hours, so arriving early or late in the tender rotation pays off. If your ship docks at Mahé (the Seychelles’ main island) instead, a fast ferry connection to Praslin is a popular day-trip option. 🎟 Book: Cat Cocos: Mahe to Praslin Island Fast Ferry Alternatively, if you’re already island-hopping, the short crossing from neighbouring La Digue is a breeze. 🎟 Book: Cat Rose: Praslin Island / La Digue Island Fast Ferry Once ashore at Praslin, taxis, hire cars, and minibuses are all readily available at the jetty to whisk you around the island’s 38 square kilometres.
Things to Do
The single most unmissable experience on Praslin is walking through the Vallée de Mai, the ancient palm forest at the island’s heart. This primeval landscape is home to the coco de mer palm, which produces the world’s largest seed — a magnificent double-lobed nut weighing up to 25 kilograms. Wandering beneath these prehistoric trees feels genuinely otherworldly, and you may spot rare black parrots overhead. Allow at least two hours and bring water, as it gets humid inside the valley.
Beyond the forest, Praslin’s beaches demand serious attention. Anse Lazio consistently ranks among the world’s most beautiful beaches, with granite boulders framing a sheltered bay of crystalline water — ideal for snorkelling directly from shore. Anse Georgette is equally stunning and slightly less visited.
For an unforgettable half-day on the water, the trip to Curieuse Island combines giant tortoise encounters, mangrove forests, and snorkelling around the vibrant reef at nearby St Pierre islet. 🎟 Book: Half Day Curieuse and St Pierre Island If you’d prefer a full day exploring these same wonders with a Creole BBQ lunch included, there’s a fantastic tour that covers everything at a leisurely pace. 🎟 Book: Curieuse,St Pierre &AnseLafarine fullday trip CreoleBBQ
Local Food
Seychellois cuisine is a beautiful collision of African, French, Indian, and Chinese influences, and Praslin offers several wonderful spots to experience it authentically. Look for grilled red snapper or octopus curry served with breadfruit, a starchy local staple that absorbs spice beautifully. Coconut milk appears in almost everything — from dhal to desserts — and the results are rich and deeply satisfying.
Along the main road near Anse Volbert, small restaurants and beach shacks serve fresh seafood caught that morning. Bonpé restaurant and Le Chevalier Bay are local favourites worth seeking out. If you spot ladob on a menu — a sweet dish made from green bananas or breadfruit cooked in coconut milk and vanilla — order it immediately. It’s one of those flavours that stays with you long after you’ve sailed away.
Shopping
Praslin isn’t a destination for duty-free electronics or designer labels — and that’s entirely its charm. The island specialises in unique, nature-inspired souvenirs you simply cannot find anywhere else. The coco de mer nut itself (legally certified for export) is the ultimate keepsake, though at several hundred dollars for a full nut, most visitors opt for smaller carved versions or jewellery made from the husk. Local craft stalls near the Vallée de Mai sell handmade items including woven palm baskets, vanilla pods, and bottles of cinnamon oil.
For a broader selection, the small shops along the Anse Volbert beachfront stock Seychelles-made soaps, spices, and batik fabrics at reasonable prices. Always look for the official certification sticker on any coco de mer product to ensure it’s a legitimate export.
Practical Tips
The Seychellois rupee is the local currency, but euros and US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards work at larger restaurants and hotels, but carry cash for smaller vendors and market stalls. The island is small enough to explore meaningfully in a single day — a private guided tour is an excellent option if you want to cover Vallée de Mai, the best beaches, and local lunch stops without the planning stress. 🎟 Book: Private Tour of Praslin Island Seychelles Sunscreen, a hat, and reef-safe products are essential; the tropical sun is fierce year-round, and the island’s marine parks appreciate the environmental consideration.
Praslin moves at a beautifully slow pace, and that’s its greatest gift to any cruise visitor. Come with curiosity, leave the itinerary slightly loose, and let this extraordinary island show you what truly wild and unspoiled looks like.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
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📍 Getting to Praslin Island Seychelles
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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