Explore Praslin Seychelles
Explore Praslin, Seychelles' second-largest island, known for its exquisite beaches, rich biodiversity, and fascinating history, attracting global travelers.
Welcome to Praslin Seychelles, the second-largest island of the Inner Seychelles and a dazzling jewel nestled in the Indian Ocean. Located 44 km northeast of Mahé, Praslin has emerged as a premier tourist destination, drawing visitors from around the world with its pristine beaches, rich biodiversity, and history.
History and Geography:
Originally christened Isle de Palmes by explorer Lazare Picault in 1744, the island was later renamed in 1768 in honor of French diplomat César Gabriel de Choiseul, duc de Praslin. Spread across 38.5 km2, Praslin is home to approximately 7,533 people and consists of two administrative districts: Baie Sainte Anne and Grand’ Anse, with Baie Ste Anne, Anse Volbert, and Grand’ Anse being the main settlements.
Accessibility:
opportunities. Hotel accommodations are also available on a few nearby islets, including Round Island and Chauve Souris.
Tourist Attractions:
Praslin’s breathtaking beauty is showcased in its numerous beaches such as Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, attracting sunbathers and water sports enthusiasts alike. However, the island’s allure extends beyond its sandy shores. The island is also home to the Vallée de Mai Nature Preserve, established in 1979 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This lush tropical forest is renowned for its unique coco de mer palms and vanilla orchids. It’s not uncommon to spot endemic species such as the Seychelles bulbul and the Seychelles black parrot here, providing ample opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.
Let’s find out about all these attractions in more detail.
Anse Lazio
A jewel amongst Praslin’s beaches, Anse Lazio sets the tone with its stunning visual appeal. Even though this beach is not extensive, it makes up for its size with its outstanding beauty. Unspoiled white sands and blue water coupled with magnificent rock formations that appear to emerge from the ocean create an unforgettable panorama.
Despite being a popular stopover in island hopping tours around Praslin and La Digue, Anse Lazio does not typically get overly crowded. Its charm lies in the perfect balance it strikes between tranquility and vibrant beach life. One should note that the currents and waves can get quite strong, making it unsuitable for casual swimmers. However, even a day of relaxation on the beach, dipping toes into the crystal clear waters, can make the trip to Anse Lazio completely worthwhile.
Anse Georgette
For those seeking an intimate beach experience, Anse Georgette is the perfect choice. This serene, small beach is counted among the most beautiful spots on Praslin Island. Its tranquility makes it an ideal destination for beachgoers seeking a calm and peaceful retreat.
Anse Volbert
Anse Volbert offers a unique beach experience with its crescent-shaped stretch of sand extending for two miles. More than just a beach, it’s a natural sanctuary resplendent with exotic birds and trees. Despite its popularity, Anse Volbert has managed to maintain its pristine condition, offering visitors a chance to experience the untouched beauty of Seychelles.
Cote d’Or Beach
Last but not least, Cote d’Or Beach features a vast stretch of pure white sand, complimented by a sea of crystal clear water that gently slopes into the sea. Known for its excellent snorkeling opportunities, especially towards the far end, this beach provides both adventure and relaxation. As the day transitions into night, Cote d’Or Beach transforms into a stargazing paradise. Laying back on the soft sand and watching the stars in the night sky is an experience that should not be missed.
Each of these stunning beaches brings a unique flavor to Praslin’s vibrant coastal scene, offering something for every type of beachgoer. From the tranquil charm of Anse Georgette to the exhilarating currents of Anse Lazio, the untouched beauty of Anse Volbert, and the spectacular expanse of Cote d’Or Beach, Praslin, Seychelles, is truly a beach-lover’s paradise.
Besides the idyllic beaches we’ve mentioned, Praslin Seychelles, is a treasure trove of other attractions as well. From enchanting nature reserves to fascinating wildlife, the island offers a variety of experiences that allow visitors to immerse themselves in its unique ecosystem.
Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
Regarded as one of Seychelles’ two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is an ancient forest that seems untouched by time. This majestic reserve is home to the remarkable Coco de Mer palm, which produces the world’s largest seed. Moreover, it’s a sanctuary for various unique species of birds, plants, and reptiles that are endemic to Seychelles. A visit to Vallée de Mai offers an unparalleled opportunity to step back in time and encounter nature in its most authentic form.
Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island, a gem off the coast of Praslin, is a protected sanctuary dedicated to the thriving population of Giant Tortoises. These majestic creatures, reminiscent of prehistoric times, can be seen in abundance, calmly sauntering around the island, making it an absolute delight for wildlife enthusiasts.
Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
Though the Vallée de Mai usually garners most of the attention from visitors, the lesser-known Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve provides a captivating alternative. Opened only in 2013, it’s still under the radar for most tourists, making it a peaceful retreat. Starting from a small red and white sign in the car park at Anse Marie-Louise, a somewhat steep, winding road takes you to the heart of the reserve.
The journey through the reserve, whether it’s a leisurely stroll through the valley or a two to three-hour hike up to the viewpoint, is always rewarding. The viewpoint offers a sweeping view of Praslin and the other inner islands of the Seychelles. On a clear day, you can see Curieuse, Sister Island, Coco Island, Round Island, Felicité, and La Digue in one direction, and Frégate, Mahé, and Silhouette in the other. Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve’s untamed beauty and its panoramic views make it an essential stop on any visit to Praslin.
Continuing our exploration of the enthralling attractions of Praslin, Seychelles, let’s delve into the realm of culture, history, unique agriculture, and breathtaking nature trails.
Praslin Museum
The Praslin Museum offers a unique cultural experience that is not to be missed. As the only privately-owned museum in the Seychelles, it’s committed to exhibiting Seychellois traditions and culture in their most genuine forms. A substantial collection of traditional artifacts are on display, including musical instruments indigenous to the region.
A highlight of the museum is its fully functional traditional kitchen, the only remaining one in Seychelles. Visitors are invited to participate in a variety of activities, such as feeding domesticated fruit bats, grilling breadfruit, dehusking coconuts, and preparing Creole cuisine. You can also witness live palm wine tapping and partake in traditional children’s games.
The museum has a vanilla, patchouli, and citronelle plantation and hosts one of the most comprehensive collections of Seychelles’ endemic and medicinal plants. This feature makes it an excellent resource for researchers and nature lovers. Apart from the delightful fruit bats, you can see tortoises, blue pigeons, and different birds of the Seychelles, including endemic black parrots.
Pearl Farm de Praslin
Situated on the beach, the idyllic Pearl Farm de Praslin is a far cry from any typical farm you might imagine. This family-owned enterprise offers guided tours of their mussel cultivation process and provides insights into how the stunning black pearls are grown.
The farm comprises several shallow pools for oyster cultivation in the open air. A foreign object entering an oyster shell triggers the formation of a pearl, which is then isolated by layers of mother-of-pearl, a biomineral consisting of lime and organic material. The entire process takes about four years to yield a medium-sized pearl.
After understanding the intriguing pearl formation process, visitors can purchase a pearl from the farm’s delicate and charming shop. It’s not every day you get to buy a pearl, knowing exactly where and how it came to be!
Le Glacis Noir
Le Glacis Noir offers a mesmerizing journey through a native palm forest, with the Coco-de-mer—the world’s heaviest seed—as one of its main attractions. Listen for the call of the Seychelles black parrot, endemic to Praslin Island, and keep an eye out for other interesting fauna like the Seychelles bronze-eyed gecko.
The trail leads you to a fire tower, which offers a breathtaking view over Praslin National Park, including the Vallee de Mai. Walking through Le Glacis Noir is akin to stepping into a green canvas, where nature has painted its wonders in the most enchanting colors.
Praslin Seychelles is not just a destination for beach-lovers. It’s a realm that caters to the diverse interests of nature enthusiasts, history buffs, cultural explorers, and everyone in between. Its attractions stand as a testament to the island’s rich history, diverse ecosystem, and unique traditions, promising an unforgettable experience for all visitors.
