Praslin Holidays

Praslin has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches strung around its coastline, so if you just want to laze by the Indian Ocean, nobody could blame you. However, this is also where you can explore Vallée de Mai – the largest primaeval forest of ancient Coco-de-Mer palms on the planet, and one of only two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Seychelles. Praslin National Park is another great local beauty to lure you away from the beach. And don’t miss the chance to spot fruit bats and learn a traditional skill at Praslin Museum. If you’re into art, drop into the George Camille Gallery to see the works of local artists. Or head for Black Pearl and take a tour of the only ‘pearl farm’ in the Indian Ocean. 

Or you could discover the Seychelles’ underwater world. Water temperatures around Praslin are about 26°C all year round, so it’s balmy enough for snorkelling. And keen divers will love the reefs and coral gardens just a short boat ride away.

Even if the only beach you visited on your Praslin holiday was Anse Lazio, you’d go home happy. A curve of creamy sand around a sheltered bay on the island’s north coast, this spot is regularly named the Seychelles’ loveliest beach. Almost always uncrowded and peaceful – despite its fame – Anse Lazio is also great for snorkelling. And a couple of little oceanfront restaurants add to its paradisiacal perfection.

Another northern beach, tranquil Anse Georgette beats almost all the others for Indian Ocean sunsets. But if you want watersports and safe, shallow waters for swimming, the spacious Côte d’Or beach is the one to choose. It’s the longest on the island and the most popular, as it’s particularly good for families and within easy reach of Anse Volbert Village. Afterwards, make for Anse Cimitiere to see the gorgeous evening colours, as the light from the setting sun turns the shimmering white sand to a deep, rose pink.

You can’t visit Praslin without going island-hopping at least once. Catch a ferry and spend a day on Mahé – the Seychelles’ largest island and home of the lively capital city, Victoria. It’s also where you can explore the wonderful Morne Seychellois National Park, go zip-lining at Port Launay Bay, or laze on the rolling sands of Anse Intendance.

La Digue is another must-visit. This brilliantly green island is Praslin’s closest neighbour, where you can discover everything from historic architecture and traditional crafts, to extraordinary Anse Source d’Argent – one of the world’s most photographed beaches. Visit Cousin – an island just west of Praslin – to see some of the Seychelles’ rarest birds, as well as Aldabra tortoises, geckos and even nesting hawksbill turtles. Or, enjoy a short sail from Praslin to pretty little Curieuse and explore the only other Seychellois island where Coco de Mer palms grow.

Praslin is one of the ‘inner islands’ in the north of the Seychelles. Its lush, green landscape owes a lot to the tropical climate, with relatively high rainfall and temperatures which seldom drop below 26°C. The balmy Indian Ocean is warm enough to swim in all year round and, even at night, the air on Praslin tends to be warm.

Rainfall and humidity are highest between November and February, when heavy tropical downpours in the afternoon are the norm. March, April and May are the warmest months of the year with daytime temperatures of 30°C and evenings just a little cooler, so this is a great time to plan your Praslin holiday. It’s also a good time of year for bird-watching and diving.

From June to September, Praslin is dry and sunny with highs of 27°C and occasional, brief tropical storms at night. And if you want to go walking or hiking, sailing, snorkelling or windsurfing, this is the time to come, as you’ll be able to enjoy these activities at their best.