Where is Praia located??

Praslin Island, island, second largest of the Seychelles archipelago, Republic of Seychelles, in the western Indian Ocean. The island is 2.5 miles wide and 7 miles long and is 25 miles northeast of Mahé Island. Praslin is granitic in origin and mountainous.

How do I get to Praslin Island?

The main international airport is on the island of Mahe.

There are two ways to reach Praslin: via ferry or local flights. The ferry from Mahé (main island) takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The ferry operates between once and three times a day. You can check the schedules and purchase your ticket online. Don’t forget to be at the ferry terminal 1 hour before departure to check-in.

There are speed ferries that run between the main island, Mahé, and Praslin (with onward connections to La Digue), which take about 50 minutes.

A flight from Mahé to Praslin will cost a bit more, however, it will only be about 15 minutes. The local plane operates 30 times/day. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay around $160 USD. These planes are tiny propeller planes, that offer a great bird's-eye view of the area. It is also very convenient if you are flying out of Mahe directly after your flight as the local and international terminals are side by side.

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

If you have not booked a private transfer with us, you have a few options. Taxis are located on the exit of the terminal and are available 24 hours. Taxis to and from the airport can be arranged in advance by your hotel if you inform them early. Fees for taxis are between $35-55 USD from the airport to other destinations around Praslin. All taxis in service display the white taxi sign and must have a meter.

There are car rental service desks available at the airport. Reservations or bookings are best made in advance as car rentals are very popular on Praslin. Expect to pay between $85-120 USD for a car for one day though this may vary depending on the car company.

What is the currency in Praslin Island, Seychelles?

The national currency in the Seychelles is the Seychelles rupee (Sr), which divides in 100 cents. Seychelles accepts all major currencies. Credit cards are widely accepted as a form of payment. You will likely only need rupees in certain smaller restaurants or shops, and these can be withdrawn from ATMs on Mahé, Praslin or La Digue. Most hotels will take Visa, MasterCard, or American Express cards.

What is the best time to visit Praslin Island?

The best time to visit Praslin Island is between April and May, or October and November, as these are the calmer periods between the two trade winds which hit the island each year. The northwest trade wind blows from November to March and the southeast wind from May to September. These winds cause seaweed to build up on some beaches, so it's important to consider when choosing your hotel locations at different times of the year.

The temperature in the area is around 86 degrees F all year round, with a mixture of sunshine and tropical showers, and sea breezes that disperse the humidity.

What languages are spoken on Praslin Island in Seychelles?

The official language of Seychelles is Creole, French, and English. Many people on the island speak English (some even as a first language). We suggest you get a good French, Creole-English translation book or app on your phone and learn a few key phrases such as Hello, Goodbye, Please, Thank you, and numbers 1-10.

Hello - Allo
Good Morning - Bonzour
Good Night - Bonswar
Goodbye - Orevwar
Please - Silvouple
Thank you - Mersi
Yes - Wi
No - Noh

Is tap water safe to drink on Praslin Island?

Tap water in Praslin is safe and drinkable. However, if/when visiting the other islands it is advisable to drink bottled spring water.

Are there any health matters I should be aware of?

A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over 1 year of age who come from or who have passed through a partly or wholly infected area (South America and Africa but excluding South Africa) within the preceding 6 years. There is no risk of contracting malaria or yellow fever in Seychelles. Health clinics exist on the island of Praslin (as well as Mahe and La Digue).

Is Praslin Island a safe place to visit?

Yes, the island is a safe place, and Seychelles in general is a safe country to visit. Beyond normal precautions you would exercise anywhere, such as being aware, watching out for pickpockets, and keeping your car doors locked, you should be fine. The worst that visitors typically experience is some petty crime in the form of pickpocketing, or you might have a strong tropical storm. World governments are mostly united in their advisories for citizens visiting Seychelles.

what is the culture of the Seychelles?

The majority of the people living in the Seychelles are referred to as Seychellois. They are of Creole, East African, and Malagasy origin. However, some Seychellois also have French, British, Chinese and/or Indian origins (among others).

What is the food like on Praslin Island?

The national cuisine of the Seychelles is a rich blend of British, Indian, French, and Creole culinary traditions. Common ingredients include seafood, rice, cocunuts, and a variety of fruits and vegetables. Spices locally produced are common and flavorfully added to most dishes. Promintent among Praslin's traditional dishes is the classic octopus curry served with caviar and rice, with the caviar referring to papya rather than the zucchini variety.

Shrimp and crab are very common on menus, as well as lobster and the rich flavors of shark meat. Some restaurants even offer dishes featuring bat. When you visit Praslin, make sure to save the unique bilimbi jam, derived from the cucumber tree, as one of the local highlights.

When if comes to beverages, wine is typically imported, with French and South African varieties being common choices. The islands also offer a variety of black coffee, along with vanilla tea and various herbal infusions. For a more "islandy" flavor, try the fermented cane juice.

Is Praslin Island a family-friendly destination?

With it's beautiful beaches and many of hotels offering children's clubs, Praslin Island can be an excellent destination for a family vacation.

What should I buy to bring home from Praslin Island?

The best shopping is from the tiny shops where local artists make and sell souvenirs. You can find anything from coconut shell artifacts to jewelry, spices, seashells, and fragrances. An advantage of buying from the street markets is the reasonable price.

What should I do if I need medical assistance or in an emergency?

Medical facilities in the Seychelles are limited, especially on the remote islands, and can be expensive. The island of Mahé has several clinics and a state-owned hospital in Victoria. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation.

Fire and rescue services
Call +248 432 3242 (Hotline) or +248 428 9950

Medical emergencies
Call 151 or go directly to a hospital.

Seychelles Hospital: +248 438 8000

Police
Call 999, 133 (Police Hotline) or visit the nearest police station.