"...somewhat quieter, and less developed than Mahé, but boasts an exotic paradise of dense vegetation..."

One of the most visited and largest islands after Mahé is Praslin, only fifteen minutes by a 20 seater "Twin Otter" plane from Mahé, or one hour by sea on "Cat Cocos," which can carry 159 passengers. This is an air conditioned catamaran, and it travels from Mahé to Praslin and back twice or three times a day. This island is somewhat quieter, and less developed than Mahé, but boasts an exotic paradise of dense vegetation and lush coconut groves.

Almost 100 years ago, General Gordon (of Khartoum) visited this island and became convinced that he had found the original Garden of Eden. He developed this theory when he saw the strange shape of the infamous "Coco de Mer." The enormous coconut is shaped like a female pelvis, which he then identified with Eve. These coconuts only grow on the ancient giant palm trees in the Vallée de Mai nature park and are used locally as an aphrodisiac drink. They can be seen along with the insect-eating pitcher plant, vanilla orchids, and some of the earth's rarest birds: the Seychelles bulbul, fruit pigeon, and the black parrot on the nature trails when walking through the forest.

Praslin is famous for its soft white sandy beaches, and there are far too many to name, with the exception of Anse Lazio, which has consistently been voted one of the world's best beaches. They offer safe bathing and excellent snorkelling among the living corals, which are home to an amazing nine hundred species of fish. One can either hire a bicycle, a taxi, go on an organised trip round the island, or hire a self-drive car from "Le Baron," and maybe even stay at his small, air conditioned hotel on Grande Anse beach.

Two unique features of Praslin are it is the only island in the Seychelles with a Championship Golf course, and the only island outside Mahé with a Casino. It is also an excellent jumping off point to visit other islands like La Digue, Cousin, Curieuse and St. Pierre. These beautiful islands are inhabited by thousands of birds and turtles, and their waters possess beautiful coral reefs where snorkelers can see a variety of fishes.

Hotels on Praslin

Acajou

The resort is spread around beautiful Intendance Bay with its unspoiled beaches and the crystal-clear azure waters of the Indian Ocean... Learn more >>

L'Archipel

At the north-eastern corner of Praslin, recently renovated "L'Archipel" sits amidst tropical vegetation which forms a natural amphitheatre overlooking the clear, blue seas... Learn more >>

Black Parrot

Tucked away on a little hillside overlooking the ocean, with spectacular views of the neighbouring islands... Learn more >>

Coco de Mer

This stylish four star hotel is tucked away on the tranquil south-west coast of Praslin... Learn more >>

Chateau de Feuilles

Chateau de Feuilles is situated on 5 hectares of land on the island of Praslin a transfer time of only 15 minutes from Praslin Airport or 5 minutes by Helicopter from Mahe... Learn more >>

La Reserve

This idyllic property is perfect for Honeymooners and Romantics, or just for those seeking peace and tranquillity... Learn more >>

Le Duc de Praslin

Le Duc's open air restaurant offers some of the finest Creole cuisine in the Seychelles and is a popular choice with local residents.... Learn more >>

Lemuria

This Five Star property, opened in 1999, and the only hotel with an 18 hole, Championship Golf Course, complete with superb Club House and Bar, in the whole of the Seychelles... Learn more >>

Paradise Sun

Situated on the north east coast of Praslin, surrounded by lush tropical gardens, and adjoining the beautiful Côte D'Or Beach... Learn more >>