Remote, scarcely populated and all but unexplored, the many islands of the Seychelles let you live out your castaway daydreams. The Seychelles rewards intrepid sailors with strong winds, warm weather, spectacular wildlife and mesmerizing scenery.
Home to our Seychelles base, the thick forests of Mahé Island hide many rare plant and animal species, including some that are found exclusively within the Seychelles. Hiking Mahé’s mountains offers rewarding views and the chance to witness remarkable and unusual wildlife, including carnivorous pitcher plants and the Seychelles’ 26 species of land-dwelling crab.
Both onshore and offshore the Seychelles are home to some rare and beautiful wildlife, and visitors can encounter giant tortoises, sea turtles and huge coconut crabs, or even swim alongside the world’s largest fish species: the magnificent whale shark. Diving and snorkeling in the Seychelles is among the very best on Earth, with the native wildlife largely unafraid of humans. Fish for tuna, sailfish and giant trevally out in the Indian Ocean or windsurf, sail, kayak or paddleboard in bathtub-warm waters. Develop a taste for adventure in this scarcely explored island chain.
The world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only a page.
– St. Augustine
Praslin Island Holiday
The second-largest island in Seychelles, Praslin lies 45km from Mahé, about an hour by boat. The Indian Ocean island is known for its palm-fringed beaches, such as Anse Lazio. Then there’s the interior, a vast jungle-covered paradise that encompasses Praslin National Park. Here you’ll find the legendary Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of only two places in the world where Coco de Mer trees grow. These unique trees bear enormous fruit that is shaped like a woman’s torso, weighing around 18kg and believed to have aphrodisiac properties.
Hike through dense, ancient forests to discover abundant wildlife and plants, including Seychelles black parrots, bulbuls and tree frogs. The North East coast, known as the Golden Coast, is home to some exquisite beaches and on the Southern Coast, you’ll find the black pearl farm, the only one in the Indian Ocean. Praslin is also a hop-skip-and-jump from Curieuse Island and its luminescent coral reefs and sea turtle nesting sites.
Why visit Praslin
IslandPraslin boasts some of the best beaches in the world, including Anze Lazio and Anse Georgette. Legend has it that Praslin’s Vallee de Mai was the original Garden of Eden – it’s that spectacular. Praslin offers a romantic, relaxed holiday in a magnificent tropical destination. Snorkeling is superb in the magnificent coral reefs off Anse Lazio beach.
Praslin may be smaller than magical Mahé, but that is part of its charm. Praslin accommodation ranges from relaxed to luxurious. Praslin is surrounded by smaller islands that are a delight to explore, including Curieuse, St Pierre and Cousin. Book now to experience beautiful Praslin island, one of the most popular 2023 holiday destinations in Seychelles.
