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Travel to The Seychelles Series Part 3: Praslin, Seychelles
Setting the Scene
They say every island in the Seychelles has its own personality, and if that’s true, Praslin is the one you fall in love with before you even realize it. It’s not the biggest, nor does it have the world-famous beaches of La Digue. But there’s something undeniably magnetic about Praslin—a mix of raw beauty and effortless charm that quietly wins you over. This island doesn’t need to shout; it whispers, and somehow, that’s louder than anything else. Here’s why Praslin stole the show for us and might just do the same for you.
If you’re just joining our Seychelles Travel Series, make sure to start with Part 1 for an overview of essential things to know before visiting the Seychelles. We also explored Mahe in Part 2, so be sure to check it out for inspiration and tips if Mahe Island is also on your Seychelles itinerary.
Let’s Set the Record Straight on Praslin
Before we dive into the treasures of Praslin, let’s address something important—how to pronounce it. Like many first-timers, we confidently called it “pra-s-lin,” thinking we had it nailed. But after a few conversations with the locals, we quickly learned we’d been embarrassing ourselves the entire time! The island’s name is actually pronounced “pra-lin,” with a subtle to no ‘s’. This pronunciation stems from the French influence on Seychelles Creole. It’s a small detail, but nailing the pronunciation is a sure way to start connecting with the Seychelles’ warm and welcoming culture.
Getting to Praslin
We took the ferry from Mahe to Praslin, a journey lasting about an hour.
While the ferry is a cost-effective option (€62 per person), it’s not for the faint-hearted. “At some point, after vomiting in three different barf bags, as well as on my clothes, I decided to go to the toilet and let my head hang over the pot for the remainder of the ride. It was disgusting. It was one of those moments where you wish the earth would swallow you whole and spit you up on the other side.”
But did we do it all over again to continue island hopping? Yes, yes we did. What a sucker for pain! hehe.
The seas can be rough, and if you’re prone to motion sickness like Nadia, consider flying instead. Flights are quicker and might save you a day of recovery from seasickness. But let’s be real—on our budget, flying between islands was like ordering champagne at a beer market – not an option! It was 100% out of the question, so the ferry it was, barf bags and all.
Where we Stayed in Praslin, Seychelles
Treasure Island Retreat
We chose to stay at Treasure Island Retreat, a luxury self-catering boutique apartment-style accommodation that turned out to be one of our favourite stays in the Seychelles. This one-bedroom apartment came fully equipped with a modern kitchen, a spacious bathroom featuring a double shower, and a cozy lounge area overlooking serene gardens and ocean views.
The facilities at Treasure Island Retreat were homey, practical and came with incredible views. Although we only had a short stay, the modern kitchen allowed us to prepare meals at our convenience, which makes this place great for longer stays. The bathroom was big, bright and clean – just the way we like it.
The lounge area, overlooking the lush gardens and stunning ocean views, quickly became our favourite spot for morning coffee and late afternoons, relaxing with a book. It’s the kind of place that effortlessly balances comfort with elegance.
What made our stay truly unforgettable was the people. The staff were welcoming, friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile. The hosts and owners, who live on the premises, were approachable and kind. We discovered their small art shop near the entrance of the property—a delightful surprise that added a creative and personal touch to our stay. Although we weren’t sure if it was open to the public, it made the property feel unique and special.
Theresea, the guesthouse manager, epitomized hospitality. Despite the accommodation being self-catering, she ensured that we felt looked after. She surprised us with fresh bananas and coconuts, adding a touch of local flavor to our experience. Additionally, her offer to handle our laundry for just $10 per load was a game-changer, especially since we’d been traveling for a while and hadn’t had the chance to properly clean our larger garments.
Treasure Island Retreat offered the perfect balance between the independence of a self-catering stay and the personalized attention of a boutique guesthouse. From the thoughtfully designed accommodations to the outstanding hospitality, every detail of our stay left a lasting impression. It’s a place we’ll always remember fondly, and we only wish we could have extended our time there. 2 Days simply wasn’t enough.
Highlights of Praslin
1. Anse Lazio
Arguably one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, Anse Lazio truly lives up to the hype. With crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and iconic leaning palm trees, it’s a slice of paradise that feels straight out of a postcard. This is also one of the best swimming beaches we’ve visited, with calm, inviting waters perfect for a refreshing dip. While there is a small parking fee, the experience is worth every penny.
One of the highlights of our visit was spotting bats—yes, real bats! Personally, this was the first time we’d ever seen them in the wild, and honestly, is it just us, or do bats look like mini puppies with wings?! Watching them glide through the trees added a unique charm to an already perfect day.
The beach did have quite a few visitors when we went, but it never felt overcrowded. There was still more than enough space for everyone to enjoy themselves without overshadowing one another. The only thing to keep in mind is that the shaded, tree-lined strip fills up quickly. We weren’t lucky enough to snag a shady spot, but it didn’t really matter—most of our time was spent in the water or climbing the big rocks for photos.
For those looking to add a bit of local flavour, Koko Loko, a rustic reggae beach bar, is a must-visit. This laid-back spot captures the carefree island vibe, offering ice-cold drinks and tasty Creole snacks like crispy banana chips. It’s the perfect place to unwind, sip a tropical cocktail, and watch the sunset. The reggae beats in the background brought all the vibes.
We had another top beach day here and would highly recommend it Anse Lazio.
2. Vallée de Mai
Ever wondered what the world looked like millions of years ago? A visit to Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve might just transport you back in time. Right in the center of Praslin Island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is like stepping into a real-life Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs, of course). The forest is home to the Coco de Mer palm, famous for producing the world’s largest—and let’s be honest, most fascinatingly shaped—seed.
The well-marked trails are perfect for a leisurely stroll as you soak up the unique vibe of this ancient forest. Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Seychelles black parrot, an endangered bird you won’t find anywhere else in the world. This place doesn’t just look like it’s out of a storybook; it sounds like one too, with birds chirping and palm leaves rustling in the breeze.
Being a UNESCO site, Vallée de Mai is the more “polished” experience, with a visitor center, guides, and an emphasis on preservation. It’s conveniently located near Baie Sainte Anne, so it’s an easy day trip for those staying on Praslin. Visitors should note that there is an entry fee to access the reserve, which goes towards conservation efforts. Upon entry, you’ll be provided with a detailed map for a self-guided tour, but there’s also the option of hiring one of the many guides waiting just outside the entrance. These guides offer in-depth tours filled with insights about the forest, but be prepared—this personalized experience comes at a steep additional cost.
3. Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
Fond Ferdinand, located on Praslin’s southeastern side, is said to be over six times larger than Vallée de Mai, with a more rugged vibe. It features extensive trails, a large population of Coco de Mer palms, and elevated viewpoints offering panoramic views.
With a lower entry fee and maps provided for self-guided tours, Fond Ferdinand is a budget-friendly option. Local guides are also available at more affordable rates than Vallée de Mai, offering deeper insights into the reserve. Fond Ferdinand is perfect for those seeking an adventurous, less crowded experience.
4. Anse Georgette
Theresea, the guesthouse manager at Treasure Island, recommended this stunning beach as one of Praslin’s must-sees. Accessible through Constance Lemuria Resort, the beach is free and open to the public, but you must pass through the resort gates. We tried to visit on our last day, parking at the resort as directed by security. From there, it’s a 15-20 minute walk to the beach. Unfortunately, we decided against rushing the visit to ensure we didn’t miss our ferry, but it remains highly recommended by locals and visitors alike.
5. Curieuse Island
A short boat ride from Praslin, Curieuse Island is famous for its giant tortoise sanctuary and lush mangroves. The island offers scenic walking trails leading to quiet beaches, making it a perfect day trip for wildlife lovers.
What we ate in Praslin
Praslin’s dining scene is fairly limited, with most restaurants tucked away in hotels and many closing early. This makes self-catering accommodation not just practical but almost essential for longer stays. That said, if you’re scrolling through Google for dining spots, one name you’ll likely come across is Zilwa, a popular local spot. Naturally, we had to check it out.
With its reggae-themed decor and colourful vibe, we arrived expecting a fun, loungy atmosphere—maybe even some dancing or music to set the mood. Instead, we found Netflix playing in the background. To be fair, it was a weeknight, so perhaps weekends bring a livelier energy?
The food? Reasonably priced, with good sized portions, though the flavours didn’t quite hit the high notes we’d hoped for. Still, if you’re in the area and craving a quick, casual bite, Zilwa is local and worth a try — just manage your expectations.
Practical Tips for Praslin
- Rent a car: Taxis are scarce, and having your own transport gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
- Pack essentials: Sunscreen, hats, and flip-flops are much more affordable if brought from home.
Praslin’s serene beauty and unhurried pace offered us a refreshing contrast to Mahe’s bustling energy. But as much as we thought Praslin was unhurried, we had no idea what unhurried truly meant until we arrived on La Digue Island. It’s an island that invites you to relax, reconnect with nature, and revel in its understated charm. From here, we’ll relive our La Digue memories in Part 4 of our Seychelles series.
Until our next post, keep #roamingwiththekolbes
With love,
The Kolbes
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