PRASLIN ISLAND
Praslin is the Seychelles’ second-largest island, a tropical paradise famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and unique, protected natural world.
It is home to the UNESCO-listed Vallée de Mai, the only place on Earth where the iconic, double-lobed Coco de Mer palm grows in its natural state.
Most Popular Attractions
Natural Wonders & UNESCO Heritage:
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve: The extraordinary prehistoric palm forest and UNESCO site, the true “Garden of Eden,” famous for the endemic Coco de Mer nut.
Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve: A less-visited alternative to Vallée de Mai, offering magnificent views, guided tours, and a chance to see the Coco de Mer.
Cousin Island Special Reserve: A small, granitic island and one of the most important nesting sites for seabirds and the endangered Seychelles Magpie Robin.
Curieuse Island Marine National Park: A protected island sanctuary, home to hundreds of free-roaming giant Aldabra tortoises and historic ruins.
Anse Lazio: Consistently ranked as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, famous for its perfect white sand, granite boulders, and clear water.
Anse Georgette: Another stunning, secluded beach, often considered a private paradise, accessible via a hotel or boat.
Beaches & Coastal Activities:
Côte d’Or (Anse Volbert): A long, shallow bay and the main tourist hub, excellent for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
Anse Consolation: A more rugged and secluded beach on the southern coast, known for its granite formations and tranquility.
Grand Anse: The longest beach on Praslin, a picturesque stretch of coast with beautiful sunsets and a great place for walking.
Petite Anse Kerlan: A small, picturesque cove on the northwest of the island, perfect for swimming during certain times of the year.
Fishing Charters: Enjoy deep-sea or bottom-fishing excursions, targeting species like marlin, tuna, and barracuda.
Snorkeling at St. Pierre Islet: A tiny, photogenic islet with clear water, perfect for snorkeling among coral and colorful fish.
Scuba Diving Excursions: Explore diverse dive sites around Praslin, including shallow reefs and deeper granite canyons.
Cultural & Local Sites:
Praslin Museum: A small, local museum offering a glimpse into Seychellois culture, traditions, and the history of the Coco de Mer.
Praslin Local Markets: Visit the small markets in Côte d’Or or Grand Anse for fresh local produce, spices, and souvenirs.
Black Pearl Ocean Farm (Pearly Beach): An attraction dedicated to the cultivation of rare black pearls, offering tours and a chance to buy jewelry.
Zimmmerwald Gallery: A local art gallery showcasing the work of talented Seychellois and resident artists.
Praslin National Park: The large protected area that encompasses the Vallée de Mai, covering a significant portion of the island’s interior.
Local Vanilla Plantations: Visit a small plantation to learn about the process of growing and curing vanilla beans, a key Seychellois export.
Viewpoints and Trails: Hike the trails around the Pasquière and Grand Fond areas for stunning panoramic views of the island and the ocean.
Boat Trip to La Digue: A short but essential ferry trip to the neighboring island of La Digue, famous for its cycling and unique beaches like Anse Source d’Argent.
Activities & Experiences
Explore the Vallée de Mai UNESCO Site: Wander through this ancient palm forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the only place on earth where the iconic Coco de Mer palm grows naturally. Look for the rare Black Parrot.
Relax on Anse Lazio: Spend a day at one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, famous for its powder-soft white sand, granite boulders, and clear turquoise water. Perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Snorkel or Dive at St. Pierre Island: Take a short boat trip to this small, picturesque islet for incredible snorkeling and diving among granite formations, teeming with colorful fish and sea turtles.
Visit the Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve: A less-crowded alternative to the Vallée de Mai, offering a fantastic 1.5-2 hour guided hike with stunning viewpoints and a chance to see the Coco de Mer.
Hike the Glacis Noire Trail: Embark on a challenging but rewarding hike that offers spectacular panoramic views over the island, including Grand Anse and the surrounding waters.
Go Island Hopping to La Digue: Take the ferry for a day trip to the nearby island of La Digue, famous for its laid-back pace and the stunning Anse Source d’Argent.
Take a Glass-Bottom Boat Tour: Explore the coral reefs and marine life around Praslin without getting wet, departing from Côte d’Or beach.
Learn to Creole Cook: Enroll in a local cooking class to master authentic Seychellois dishes, which heavily feature fresh seafood, coconut milk, and Creole spices.
Try Deep-Sea Fishing: Charter a boat for a fishing excursion to catch species like Marlin, Tuna, or Wahoo in the rich Indian Ocean waters.
Cycle along Grand Anse: Rent a bike and cycle along the long stretch of Grand Anse beach for a gentle, scenic ride and to explore the local shops and guesthouses.
Relax at Anse Georgette: Access this secluded and beautiful beach (often requiring advance booking through the adjacent resort, or a short hike) for a tranquil, private beach experience.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Bus (SPT): Praslin has an affordable and extensive public bus network (Seychelles Public Transport, or SPT) that covers most of the island’s main roads. They run frequently, but the roads are steep and winding, so be prepared for a bumpy ride. Buses do not accept large luggage.
Car Rental: Renting a small car is the most flexible way to explore. Drive on the left and be aware of the extremely narrow, steep, and winding roads. Parking can be limited at popular beaches.
Taxis: Readily available at the airport, ferry ports (Baie Ste Anne and Grand Anse), and major hotels. They are more expensive than buses, and it’s best to agree on the fare before starting the journey, as most do not use meters.
Inter-Island Ferry: The Cat Cocos and Cat Rose ferries operate between Praslin (Baie Ste Anne), Mahé, and La Digue. It is the main way to island-hop. Book tickets in advance, especially during high season.
From the Airport: Praslin’s airport (PRI) is at Grand Anse. Taxis are the easiest option, but the local bus stop is nearby and very cheap if you have minimal luggage.
Currency and Payment: The local currency is the Seychellois Rupee (SCR), but Euros (€) are also widely accepted at major tourist spots, hotels, and sometimes shops. However, paying in SCR will often give you a better rate at local businesses and smaller stores.
Dining: Local Creole cuisine is a must-try. Look for traditional “Take-Aways” for delicious, affordable local food like curries, grilled fish, and rice. Dining times are generally earlier than in Europe, with dinner often starting around 7 PM.
Safety in the Water: While the beaches are stunning, be aware of strong currents and rip tides, particularly during the monsoon season (May to September on the south-east coast). Always check local warning signs. At Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, shark nets are in place, but general caution is always advised.
The Coco de Mer: The unique, double-lobed Coco de Mer nut is strictly protected. Do not buy one unless it comes with an official certificate of purchase and a Customs label, which is required to export it.
The Weather: Praslin is a year-round destination. The months between April–May and October–November are generally the calmest and warmest. Trade winds bring more seaweed to certain beaches depending on the season, e.g., Grand Anse in the SE trade wind season (May-September).
Hidden Gems:
- Praslin Museum: A small but insightful museum at Côte d’Or that focuses on the island’s folklore, traditions, and natural history, including Coco de Mer cultivation.
- The Black Pearl Farm: Located at Grand Anse, you can learn about the cultivation of the rare black-lipped oyster and buy unique black pearls.
- Anse La Farine: A lesser-known, secluded beach that is great for swimming and has a coral reef close to the shore. Access is usually by boat or through the resort located there.
Language: The official languages are Creole, English, and French. Creole is the most commonly spoken, but English and French are used widely in the tourism industry. Learning a simple “Bonzour” (Hello) and “Mersi” (Thank you) is appreciated.
Top Restaurants
Coco Rouge [$10-$20] – A popular, non-touristy spot near Grand Anse known for its authentic, hearty, and generously portioned Creole dishes, especially their excellent curries.
Village Take Away [$10-$20] – A local favorite offering a mix of local Creole cuisine and Chinese dishes, praised for its affordability and generous portions near the jetty.
Eve Restaurant, Bar & Take Away [$15-$25] – Located in Baie Ste Anne, this spot is popular for both sit-down meals and takeaways, offering generous portions of local Creole dishes like grilled fish and curries.
Cool Licks Cafe and Takeaway [$10-$20] – Situated right next to the Praslin jetty, this is a perfect spot for quick, budget-friendly pre-cooked local dishes and snacks before a ferry ride.
Petit Cabanes [$15-$25] – A charming and simple spot where you can enjoy home-cooked Creole cuisine from Marlene, featuring authentic dishes like the best tuna and local curries.
Leo’s Food Bus [$15-$25] – A highly-recommended food bus often found near Cote D’Or beach, famous for making one of the tastiest bacon cheeseburgers and fair prices for casual meals.
Breeze Garden [$20-$35] – Known for its warm hospitality and high-quality food, this restaurant focuses on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a relaxed, tropical ambiance.
Capricorn Restaurant [$25-$40] – Located in Islanders Guesthouse on Anse Kerlan, this spot offers traditional Creole dishes, including a delicious chicken curry, right on the beach.
Les Lauriers Eco Hotel & Restaurant [$30-$50] – Highly regarded for its open-air, traditional Creole buffet, where dishes are prepared on a traditional barbecue for an authentic island dining experience.
Pirogue Restaurant & Bar [$30-$50] – Nestled in a lush orchid garden on Cote d’Or, this place specializes in Creole cuisine and international delicacies, often featuring live local music.
Le Chevalier Bar Restaurant Anse Lazio [$30-$50] – Located on the famous Anse Lazio beach, it’s popular for Creole seafood, including fish curries and garlic prawns, but also offers lighter meals like salads.
Chez Jules Restaurant [$20-$35] – A beloved local restaurant known for its simple, traditional Creole food, often featuring fresh fish and local vegetable dishes.
Cafe des Arts [$50-$90] – Located just off the beach in Anse Volbert, this place is famous for its artistic atmosphere, mouthwatering seafood dishes (especially the shrimp fried rice), and transforms into a lounge bar at night.
Le Duc De Praslin (Le Dauphin Restaurant) [$50-$80] – Known for being a gourmet restaurant, it offers a fine dining experience with French-Creole and international cuisine in an elegant setting.
Les Rochers Restaurant [$60-$100] – A family-owned, oceanfront fine-dining restaurant, incorporating the island’s natural rock elements, known for exceptional seafood, a signature octopus gratin, and an authentic Seychellois atmosphere.
Diva (Constance Lemuria) [$80-$130] – A chic lifestyle restaurant at the resort, but non-guests can book. It offers a sophisticated menu of modern international cuisine near the golf club.
Chateau de Feuilles [$100-$150] – An extremely luxurious retreat with a fine dining restaurant (open to non-guests for reservations) offering an unparalleled, high-end culinary experience with breathtaking tropical views.
Le Chevalier Bay Restaurant (Anse Lazio) [$30-$50] – Located right on the famous beach, it specializes in fresh seafood and Creole cuisine, highly recommended for its location alone.
The Sushi Room (Constance Lemuria) [$60-$100] – A high-quality dining option specializing in Japanese cuisine, an excellent alternative for those looking for a non-Creole, refined meal.
Legend Restaurant [$40-$70] – Requires reservations for non-guests, but offers a variety of dishes with a stunning view of the Indian Ocean, blending Creole and international flavors.
La Pirogue [$30-$50] – Often noted for its high-quality Creole and international dishes, served in a charming setting with frequent live music.
Fish Trap Restaurant & Bar [$30-$50] – While casual, its reputation for top-quality, fresh-off-the-boat seafood places it higher on the quality scale for simple, excellent grilled fish.
Le Dauphin Restaurant (Le Duc de Praslin) [$40-$70] – This primary dining venue at Le Duc de Praslin offers an elegant Creole and international buffet and a la carte menu.
Starfish Bar & Restaurant [$30-$50] – Combines international bistro classics with traditional Creole specialties, offering a pleasant and sophisticated casual dining experience.
Losean Restaurant [$60-$100] – Presents a range of dishes from all over the world, with a strong focus on Indian Ocean flavors, prepared in an open kitchen for an engaging dining experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Takamaka Beach Bar (Constance Lémuria): Located right on the picturesque Anse Kerlan beach within the Constance Lémuria resort, this bar is the epitome of Seychellois beach chic, serving signature rum-based cocktails in a sophisticated setting.
The Pool Bar (Raffles Seychelles): Positioned near the resort’s stunning infinity pools in Anse Takamaka, this bar offers luxurious service and expertly crafted cocktails with breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean and Curieuse Island, perfect for sunset.
Les Rochers Restaurant & Bar (Hotel L’Archipel): This beautiful seaside bar in Côte d’Or provides a relaxed, feet-in-the-sand atmosphere, making it a wonderful spot for a pre-dinner aperitif with the waves as a backdrop.
Diguois Restaurant & Bar (La Digue-Praslin Ferry Jetty): Found near the main jetty in Baie Ste Anne, this local favorite offers a casual, vibrant atmosphere and is a great place to mingle with locals while enjoying simple, cold drinks and classic tunes.
Le Dauphin Bar (Côte d’Or Lodge): A cozy, intimate bar within a popular guesthouse in Côte d’Or, known for its friendly service and quiet, peaceful setting where you can enjoy a nightcap.
Vye-Lo Bar (Black Parrot Suites – Le Duc de Praslin): An elegant, open-air bar in Côte d’Or, known for its warm lighting and comfortable seating, offering a good selection of wines and spirits, and often featuring local musicians.
The Deck (Hotel Castello Beach): Situated with a beautiful sea view at Anse Kerlan, this spot offers a peaceful setting for enjoying drinks, especially known for its comfortable lounge chairs and gentle evening breeze.
Chill Out (Various Locations, typically pop-up): While not a fixed location, these small, informal beach stalls often appear near popular beaches like Anse Volbert (Côte d’Or) in the evenings, selling cold beer and simple rum-and-coke mixes to a relaxed crowd.
Pool Bar at Acajou Beach Resort: A central and welcoming bar in Côte d’Or that serves a wide variety of tropical cocktails and is known for its happy hour, offering a lively but still relaxed evening vibe.
The Curieuse Bar (Constance Lémuria): Located in the main area of the resort at Anse Kerlan, this is a sophisticated spot for enjoying premium spirits, wines, and classic cocktails with an air of elegance.
Coco Rouge (Baie Ste Anne): Primarily a restaurant, its outdoor bar area is a popular, bustling spot for locals and tourists to grab a beer or a simple cocktail while enjoying a meal or just the vibrant local atmosphere near the ferry port.
Le Grand Bleu (Anse Possession): A small, friendly restaurant and bar known for its casual, welcoming atmosphere, which stays open later than many other local spots, offering a quiet place for a late-evening drink.
Café des Arts (Anse Volbert): An upscale restaurant with an attached bar that offers a romantic and artistic ambiance. A perfect spot for sophisticated cocktails before or after a fine dining experience.
The Pirogue Restaurant & Bar (Côte d’Or): A popular venue right on the beach in Côte d’Or, known for its seafood and vibrant bar area, which often features soft music, making it a great place for an evening meal and drinks.
Tropicana Beach Restaurant & Bar (Côte d’Or): Located directly on the beach, this casual spot is famous for its lively dinner setting and transitions into a relaxed bar where you can enjoy drinks with sand between your toes.
Jungle: Widely considered the main and most consistent nightclub on Praslin, located in the Baie Ste Anne area. It often features a mix of local and international music, providing the island’s best approximation of a proper dance club atmosphere.
Oxygen Nightclub: Another popular option in the Baie Ste Anne region, offering a dedicated dance floor and playing a range of commercial hits, Afrobeats, and local music, especially active on weekends.
Kokoriko Club: A late-night venue, typically found in the Côte d’Or area (Anse Volbert), known for hosting themed nights and often featuring a local DJ playing a mix of reggae, R&B, and pop, attracting a mixed crowd of locals and visitors.
Beach Shak: An informal but lively spot that often hosts music events or DJ nights, particularly on weekend evenings, located near the main beaches or hotel areas in Côte d’Or, offering an open-air party atmosphere.
Kaz Zanana: While primarily a restaurant in the Baie Ste Anne area, it occasionally hosts special events, live bands, or late-night parties, transforming into a vibrant, music-focused venue.
Les Lauriers Restaurant & Bar (Côte d’Or): Known for its Creole buffet, its bar area sometimes features live local music (like Sega or Moutya rhythms) on certain nights, creating a lively, culturally rich late-evening experience.
The Casino Bar (Casino des Îles): Located near the main ferry terminal in Baie Ste Anne, this bar next to the island’s only casino offers a more consistent late-night environment, attracting patrons looking for entertainment after the main clubs close.
Island Hopper Bar (Côte d’Or): A smaller, very local spot that can turn into an impromptu club on late weekend nights, offering a rustic feel and a chance to experience the island’s authentic nightlife.
La Goulue Bar: A small bar in Baie Ste Anne that is a known local hangout. While not a club, on busy nights, the music is turned up, and the area outside becomes a spontaneous dance spot.
Ziblo Nightclub: Located outside the main tourist centers, this venue attracts a strong local crowd and is known for its intense energy and playing the latest Seychellois and global dance hits well into the early morning hours.