Praslin Holidays

Experienced walkers can hike between Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, with the journey taking around 1.5 to two hours one way. Some sections are steep, slippery and poorly signposted, so proper footwear is essential and a local guide can be useful.

From Praslin, a boat trip to Curieuse and St Pierre mixes wildlife, walking and snorkelling. Curieuse brings Aldabra giant tortoises and mangrove boardwalks, while tiny St Pierre adds clear water, granite scenery and a good chance to see colourful reef fish.

From Praslin, trips to Coco, Sister and Félicité spend the day hopping between some of the Seychelles’ best-known marine sites. Expect coral reefs, tropical fish and possible turtle sightings, with different excursions adding beach time or a barbecue stop on Sister Island.

Around Côte d’Or in Praslin, scuba diving reveals another side of the island, with reef sites supporting turtles, rays, colourful fish and occasional sharks. Local dive centres cater for beginners as well as certified divers, making the experience accessible without extensive previous diving experience.

At Anse Volbert in Praslin, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, snorkelling and swimming are easy to arrange directly from the beach. Equipment is available locally, while the generally calmer water makes this area particularly approachable compared with some of the island’s more exposed bays.

From Anse la Blague, a short trail leads towards secluded Anse La Farine. The route can be difficult to follow in places, so take water, wear proper footwear and check local directions before setting out.

From Praslin, a short ferry crossing reaches nearby La Digue, where bicycles are the easiest way around. Cycle to Anse Source d’Argent, L’Union Estate and quieter beaches, creating an active island day without turning the experience into a rushed sightseeing marathon.

Before becoming Praslin, the island was known as Isle de Palmes, a name inspired by its extraordinary palm forests. In 1768 it was renamed after César Gabriel de Choiseul, Duke of Praslin, who was serving as France’s Minister of Marine.

Historical accounts and local tradition link Praslin with pirates and Arab seafarers who used the Seychelles as stopping places before permanent settlement.

French and later British colonial rule left lasting marks on Praslin and the wider Seychelles. Present-day Creole culture developed through a difficult history involving enslaved labour and later migration, bringing African, European and Asian influences together across language, cooking and daily life.

Near Anse La Blague, the remains of an old cinnamon distillery recall a period when cinnamon was one of Seychelles’ important exports. Distilleries like this processed cinnamon leaves for oil during the early twentieth century. 

Vallée de Mai gained another layer of history in 1881, when British General Charles Gordon described the palm-filled valley as the Biblical Garden of Eden. It later became a nature reserve in 1966 and received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1983.

Coco de mer is more than Praslin’s famous palm. Found naturally only on Praslin and Curieuse, its enormous seed has become a Seychellois symbol, while Vallée de Mai and Fond Ferdinand help visitors understand the plant’s unusual biology, conservation and cultural importance.

Creole food offers one of the easiest ways to connect with everyday life on Praslin. Expect grilled fish, octopus curry, coconut-rich sauces, rice, lentils and plantains, with family-run places such as Coco Rouge serving straightforward Seychellois flavours rather than polished resort versions.

Baie Sainte Anne feels more local than resort-like, with the ferry terminal, small businesses and everyday island life unfolding close together. Stopping here for food or a walk gives visitors a useful glimpse of Praslin beyond its beaches and luxury hotels.

The Seychelles black parrot, locally called Kato Nwar, is closely tied to Praslin’s identity. This rare endemic bird lives around mature palm forest, especially Vallée de Mai and Fond Ferdinand, and patient visitors may hear its distinctive call before spotting it among the trees.

Constance Lemuria is home to the Seychelles’ only 18-hole championship golf course, with several holes opening onto sweeping coastal views. Even non-golfers can appreciate the setting, while players get a rare chance to combine a serious round with Praslin’s tropical scenery.

Côte d’Or, or Anse Volbert, is Praslin’s liveliest beach area, where a long stretch of sand meets restaurants, bars and easy-going beachfront activity. It works well for an unhurried afternoon, a casual meal or simply watching local life move along the shore.

Café des Arts brings a more social side to Praslin, pairing beachfront dining with music and a lively atmosphere. Seating ranges from indoor tables to terraces near the water, and evenings can feel energetic when DJs or live entertainment are part of the programme.

Sunset is an event in itself on Praslin, especially around Anse Georgette, Anse Kerlan and the island’s western coast. Arrive before the light begins to soften, find a quiet stretch of sand and let the changing colours provide the evening’s entertainment.

Held each January on Praslin, the Seychelles Sailing Cup brings yachts, catamarans and traditional pirogues together for several days of racing. A deep-sea fishing competition also forms part of the programme, adding plenty of activity around the island’s waters.

Rendezvous Praslinois celebrates Praslin’s food, crafts, music and island traditions. The rebranded 2026 edition was held at Fond Ferdinand, bringing heritage activities, traditional food, local crafts and live entertainment into the nature reserve.

Usually held later in the year, the Praslin Culinary & Arts Fiesta brings together local food, art, music and performances. It is one of the island’s main cultural celebrations, with residents and visitors gathering to enjoy Praslin’s creative and culinary traditions.

Each October, Praslin joins the wider Festival Kreol celebrations with its own programme of music, moutya, traditional dance, food and community events. It is a good time to experience Seychellois Creole culture in a setting that feels closely connected to island life.