Things to do in Praslin Island

Praslin

Praslin is the second-largest island in Seychelles. The entire island is composed of granite and covered by well-preserved tropical primeval forests, with fine white sandy beaches and azure waters stretching between massive granite boulders. The island's interior hides Seychelles' signature view—Vallée de Mai. This approx. 20-hectare primeval palm forest is listed as a World Natural Heritage site and is the native habitat of the Seychelles' national treasure, the coco de mer; wild coco de mer palms grow almost exclusively here. The coco de mer is dioecious with peculiar fruits that can weigh up to 30 kg when mature, making them the largest seeds in the plant kingdom. The forest is also home to the black parrot, which can be seen almost exclusively on Praslin; despite the name "black," its feathers are actually closer to dark brown. The island's coast presents a different face: Anse Lazio, famous for its fine, soft white sand and rounded granite boulders at the bay's entrance, is suitable for swimming and snorkeling. If you have extra time, you can also island-hop from the pier to nearbyCurieuse Islandto get up close with the free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Seychelles

Anse Source d'Argent

Anse Source d'Argent, also known as Silver Source Beach, is reached by following a tree-lined path through the Union Farm estate, giving it a tucked-away, secret feel. The beach's signature scene is the large, smooth granite boulders scattered across the fine white sand, which takes on a faint pink hue in the sunlight and contrasts with the clear, greenish-blue shallows. The outer edge of the beach is ringed by coral reefs, which keep the open-sea waves out, leaving the water shallow and calm. At low tide the water level is very low, making it ideal for wading and finding photo angles. At high tide the water becomes deep enough for swimming and snorkeling, and some low-lying sand coves may be briefly submerged. Checking the tide before you go can make a big difference in your experience. Cycling is the main way to get around the island, and renting a bike to get there is very convenient. Coconut groves and boulders provide natural shade, and the boulders link a string of small sand coves—each turn reveals a new composition, so allow time to wander slowly.

No. 1 of Cool Water Escapes in Seychelles

Anse Lazio

Located in the northwest corner of Praslin Island in Seychelles, Lazio Beach is a beach famous for its natural beauty. This beach attracts tourists with its fine white sand, clear blue waters and surrounding granite boulders. The natural environment of the beach has not been much developed, retaining its original tropical style, and is a great place to relax and enjoy the sun. Tourists can snorkel here and explore the rich marine life and coral reefs. Since the waters of the beach are relatively calm, it is suitable for swimming and other water activities. You can get to Lazio Beach by renting a car or taking a taxi. Public transportation on Praslin Island is relatively limited, so driving yourself is a more convenient option. There are no parasols and deckchairs for rent on the beach, so it will be more comfortable to bring your own beach mats and parasols. The sunset view at Lazio Beach is particularly charming, and it is a moment that photography enthusiasts cannot miss.

La Digue

La Digue is separated from Praslin by only a stretch of water and is a small island known for its laid-back atmosphere: there are almost no motor vehicles on the island, and traditionally, people got around by bicycle and ox cart. Today, renting a bicycle to slowly ride around the island along coconut-lined paths remains a classic way to experience it. La Passe on the northwest coast is the center of the island, where most of the piers, restaurants, and bicycle rental shops are concentrated. L’Union Estate Farm in the southwest is a place to visit on the island, where you can see demonstrations of traditional copra pressing for coconut oil, walk through vanilla plantations, and get up close to the massive Aldabra giant tortoises. Continuing through the farm, you will reach Anse Source d'Argent, famous for its weathered granite boulders, turquoise waters, and fine white sand; it gained fame as a filming location for the movie "Emmanuelle." Birdwatchers can head to the JRVH+3J6 to look for the rare Seychelles black paradise flycatcher, which is endemic to the Seychelles. Those with good stamina can hike to the island's highest point, Nid Aigle, which offers expansive views from the summit, taking in the entire island's coconut groves and the turquoise sea views of the surrounding islands.

Praslin National Park Waterfall

Vallée de Mai

Some people say that if Seychelles is paradise on earth, then the Valley of May is the Garden of Eden in this paradise. Located in the middle of Praslin Island, the Valley of May, also known as the Mahe Valley, is the world's smaller natural heritage, home to the sea coconut, famous for its more than 7,000 sea coconut trees.

Praslin National Park

Anse Georgette

Anse Georgette is located on the northwest tip of Praslin Island. The sand here is exceptionally white, highlighting the vibrant, crystal-clear water. The beach is on hotel grounds and requires advance booking. To the west of the beach is a viewpoint called Pointe Millers, where you can capture a panoramic view of the entire white beach and the turquoise bay. It cannot be accessed directly from the beach. We recommend a car charter or self-drive, turning onto the road and driving to the end of the coastal road.

L’Union Estate Farm

L’Union Estate Farm is located in the central-western part of La Digue, south of La Passe. You can visit the farm to see the coconut oil extraction process. Additionally, you can admire the seaside resort with its red roofs, which complements the traditional old boats moored along the shore, ride a bicycle under the tall coconut trees, or even go horseback riding on the farm.

Fond Ferdinand