Mahé, Praslin, La Digue: choosing your island
The archipelago counts one hundred and fifteen islands, but many first trips focus on three of them. They combine easily, with regular sea and air links whose schedules vary by season.
Mahé, the gateway
This is the main island, home to the international airport and to Victoria, the capital. It concentrates the shops, the hospitals and the widest choice of places to stay.
- Who for: a first trip, a late arrival, travel with young children.
- What to see: Victoria market, Beau Vallon beach in the north, the southern coves such as Anse Intendance, and Morne Seychellois National Park for hiking.
- How many nights: three or four, with the first one for absorbing the time difference.
Praslin, the balance
Forty-five minutes by catamaran, Praslin is quieter without being cut off. You get around by hire car or by bus.
- Who for: travellers who want postcard beaches without giving up comfort.
- What to see: Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, and the Vallée de Mai, a World Heritage site where the coco de mer grows.
- How many nights: three, with one full day given over to neighbouring Curieuse island.
La Digue, the slow one
Fifteen minutes by boat from Praslin is enough to change era. You get around by bicycle, with almost no cars.
- Who for: anyone who loves granite landscapes and days without a plan.
- What to see: Anse Source d'Argent and its sculpted boulders, the L'Union Estate reserve, and Grand Anse for swimming when the swell allows.
- How many nights: two or three, booked early: the choice of accommodation is limited.
Travelling between the islands
Two options sit side by side.
- The catamaran. Daily sailings between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Book ahead in high season, as the morning crossings sell out.
- The plane. Fifteen minutes between Mahé and Praslin, with a reduced baggage allowance. Handy when time is short.
A ten-night itinerary
One possible sequence is four nights on Mahé, three on Praslin and three on La Digue. Return to Mahé with a generous margin before an international flight, as sea conditions can disrupt crossings.
Before booking, check the requirements that apply to your passport on the page for your nationality.