Things To Do In Praslin: These 8 Activities Will Have You Rushing Back
The eight best things to do in Praslin will make you never want to leave the Seychelles.
This collection of the best things to do in Praslin will ensure you have a truly epic time in Seychelles.
Admittedly, you’ll have a perfectly lovely time in Praslin if you only manage a couple of the eight.
But there’s only one way to make sure your trip truly special, get these activities on your Praslin itinerary. We promise you won’t regret it.
The exceptional eight
- Anse Lazio
- Anse Georgette
- Anse Volbert
- Anse Consolation
- Vallee De Mai Nature Reserve
- Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
- Curieuse Island
- Le Rochers Restaurant
Best Beaches
You probably already know that the Seychelles are dripping with incredible beaches.
However, some of the best sand traps in the archipelago can be found on Praslin Island. The five star turns in-particular when it comes to soft white sand and turquoise waters are Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Anse Volbert, and Anse Consolation.
But why, in a nation full of dreamy coastlines, do these beaches come out on top? Let’s take a closer look at these brilliant beaches.
Anse Lazio
Where better to start than at the top of the shop. Anse Lazio is widely regarded as the best beach in Praslin. In fact, it’s also regarded as one of the best beaches in Seychelles – however top spot in that particular countdown probably goes to Source d’Argent in La Digue.
Anse Lazio beach is like something out of a fairy tale. Verdant palm-thronged hills and stunning azure waters surround the stretch of powder white sand. It’s the perfect spot for kicking back under the warmth of the tropical sun. The crystalline ocean water also lends itself perfectly to some snorkelling.
Anse Georgette
Anse Georgette is one of the smaller beaches on the island. But you don’t get diamonds the size as bricks!
Basically just a mini version of Anse Lazio, warm powdery sand spills over your toes as you wander down to the water. At Anse Georgette large granite boulders frame the beach into a picture-perfect retreat. Again swimming and snorkelling in the crystal clear waters are the best pastime here (apart from chilling, of course).
Anse Volbert
Known as the Seychelles’ Cote d’Or or Golden Coast, Anse Volbert is one of the most popular beaches in Praslin. This is chiefly due to its length which means stretches out ahead of many resorts and tourist spots.
Anse Consolation
Another smaller and quieter option for a stunning beach in Praslin.
Located on the island’s southernmost coast, this beach is perfect for families looking to log some time on the sand.
A relatively sheltered beach, the water here is extremely shallow thanks to some large rock formations and coral reefs cutting off the bulk of the water. Absolutely ideal for the minnows to have a splash about though.
Amazing National Parks
Praslin may be renowned for stunning beaches, but it also has its fair share of incredible national parks. In fact, one of them is that special it even boasts UNESCO World Heritage status. We’ll check that one out first.
Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve
Visiting Vallee de Mai should be right up at the top of your best things to do in Praslin list. When you visit somewhere often described as the “Garden of Eden” you know you’re in for a special day.
Vallee De Mai gained world heritage status back in 1983, mainly for the island’s brilliant work in keeping the vast palm forest full of rare Coco de Mer. The forest itself pre-dates history and there’s millennia of past written into its rustling leaves and creaking branches. It’s the presence of those Coco de Mer trees which ensure the park receives protected status. You can only spot Coco de Mer on Praslin and Curieuse Island – but we’ll get to that place later.
While you’re in the park, we definitely recommend heading out on the Glacis Noire Trail. A wheelchair accessible track which runs through the park taking in all the special sites, culminating in a stop at the top which boasts 360° views of the canopy. Also, while you’re on the trail, keep your eye out for the rare Black Parrot. The Seychelles notoriously shy national bird, you’ll hear it but might not spot it.
Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
Many will know about the incredible beauty at Valle de Mai, however it’s less well-known sibling Fond Ferdinand National Reserve is another awesome day out in nature – and it may be a little quieter too.
While Vallee De Mai is more renowned, Fond Ferdinand is actually six times larger and boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to endemic flora and fauna. Take the chance to have a ramble through the stunning park and you’ll eventually come across a viewpoint which offers spectacular views out over the inner and outer island including Mahe and La Digue.
Curieuse Island
We mentioned Curieuse Island before and it’s definitely worth a trip out if you’re looking for adventure in Praslin. Curieuse is just a couple of hundred metres from Praslin but it has life and history all of its own, playing host to a number of guests.
From a colony of lepers back in 1833 to the free-roaming giant tortoises who called the island home today Curieuse has had its fair share of inhabitants. Although, apart from the tortoises, now only a handful of rangers and an administrator stay full time.
Take the chance to see the tortoises and explore the island’s past in the old French colonial doctor’s house, which has now been turned into a visitor’s centre.
Le Rochers Restaurant
Moving on from all that natural wonder, one thing you may not know about Praslin, and the Seychelles as a nation, is it has a thriving gastronomy scene.
So when you get to being ranked the number one restaurant in Praslin on Tripadvisor, you know you’ve earnt it. That’s exactly what’s happened over at Le Rochers.
Le Rochers are seafood specialists who revel in bringing super-fresh ingredients straight from the sea to your table. Grab a table inside or outside on the rocks staring over the Indian Ocean and enjoy stunning fare like prawns and lobster grilled in ginger and garlic sauce.
However, while seafood tops the bill in Le Rochers, they also offer an enviable spread of vegetarian and vegan delights.
Where to stay?
Now, after hearing all that you’re probably wondering where’s the best place to stay in Praslin.
But the great thing about the Seychelles archipelago is the fact that you can get to all the “big islands” like Mahe, La Digue and Praslin pretty easily.
If you’re staying in Mahe, where the bulk of the amazing resorts are, there’s a 60-minute ferry which can take you across the water to Praslin. So you can get up and spend a day or two on the island pretty easily.
We recommend checking out Fisherman’s Cove Resort. A stunning five-star retreat nestled serenely on beautiful Beau Vallon Beach on the North West Coast of Mahe. Click the button below and we’ll tell you more about this spectacular resort.
Because, after all, if you’re going to a natural wonder, you should still be able to stay in luxury.
