Praslin

Praslin is Seychelles second largest island and is 3 hours by boat or 15 minutes by air from Mahé. Praslin is Seychelles most popular island and it's not difficult to understand why.

Praslin Island

Praslin is a beach lover's paradise and a popular destination for honeymoon couples. Anse Lazio, in the north of the island, is Praslin's famous beach and one of the world's most exquisite. Anse Lazio is situated in the crescent shaped Bay Chevalier. The soft white sand beach leads to crystal clear water and is fringed with coconut palm trees and dotted with granite boulders.

The interior of the island is mainly tropical forest with the Praslin National Park covering a total surface area of 324 ha and includes the Vallée de Mai, a World Heritage Site. The Coco de Mer (Lodoicea maldivica) palm grows here - the only place in the world. Its extraordinary fruit, a double coconut shaped like a female pelvis, is believed to be a powerful aphrodisiac. The nut weighs up to 18kg (40 Ibs) and is the largest nut in the world. The Vallée de Mai is also home to rare birds such as the Black Parrot.

Praslin has a rich history and the legends are fascinating. The island was probably used by pirates and Arab merchants but was first settled by the French and their slaves. It later came under the control of the British until June 29, 1976 when Seychelles became a sovereign republic.

Getting To Praslin

Air Seychelles offer a shuttle service from the international airport on Mahé in 20-seat Twin Otter planes. The service operates at least 20 times a day with a flight time of just 15 minutes, Cat Cocos fast ferry operates between Mahé and Praslin twice daily with a sailing time of 1 hour. Helicopter transfers are also available with a flying time of 20 minutes.