We are planning a trip to the Seychelles for next year. We have 12 nights. We have definitely decided to stay 6 or 7 nights on Mahé. It seems there is plenty to do and explore, lots of hiking possibilities and other activities - we do not just want to lie on the beach (though we will for some of it!).

We would like to move to Praslin or La Digue for the remaining 5 or 6 nights for a more relaxing part of the trip, though we would still be keen to get out and about and explore.

Which of Praslin and La Digue would you choose and why? We prefer to base ourselves in one place rather than move hotels alot and we think 3 islands in 12 nights is too much so we'd like to just stay on one of the two. At the moment we are leaning towards La Digue as I have heard the scenery is better. I also like the idea of no cars and using bicycles and walking to get everywhere. We would plan to day-trip to Praslin to see Vallée de Mai and some of the beautiful beaches. Is this possible - can you rent cars near the ferry on Praslin?
Any comments appreciated,

optimystic.

Twelve nights is a long time here, even though it is paradise. Even a week in Mahe can be long. And though I understand not wanting to change hotels often, they are easy transfers. Of course a minimum of 5-days on Mahe is ideal especially since you have the time. Be sure to rent a car while here to drive around the island.

As to Praslin vs. La Digue, I'd opt for Praslin which though larger, it's easier to do off-shore day trips from here than from La Digue; likewise rent a car to explore the island. Many who stay on Praslin, visit La Digue for a day. But you have the time, so I'd suggest at least 4-days on Praslin and the balance on LaDigue.

Yes, La Digue is remote with no vehicles, it's easy to navigate the entire island on foot or bike, have lunch, spend time on the beach in a full day tour. Otherwise, it's all beach beach and more beach. So as many as 6 or 7 may get very boring, regardless how beautiful.

I'd suggest you spend maybe 5-days on Mahe, then fly (15-minute) to Praslin for 4-days, then ferry (less than 1/hr) to La Digue for 2-days, ending with last day on Mahe (ferry from LaDigue then fly to Mahe) as this is from where your Intl flight will depart and you can do last minute shopping.

Sandi

Thanks for your reply which is very useful. Staying on all 3 islands is certainly something to think about, though I am still concerned about travel time. Surely it is still half a day to get between islands with transfers to and from the airport?

Our return Intl flight is a night flight, I think departing Mahé at about 9pm (I do not have the exact times to hand). In this case would you still reccommend staying the last day on Mahé?

It doesn't take half a day to transfer from one island to another.

I recall leaving Praslin on an 8:30am flight, flying 15-minutes and was landing at Mahe. We were met here for transfer to our hotel, which would have taken about 30-minutes. We, however, asked to be dropped off in Victoria (the capitol); the driver to take our bags to the hotel.

We spent the morning in Victoris, then at about 12N, took a local bus to our Northeast coast hotel... bus ride about 40-minutes. Had lunch and the rest of the afternoon to spend on the beach.

There are regularly scheduled flights between Mahe and Praslin... maybe every half-hour. Even when arriving on the Seychelles at 3pm, clearing Immigration, walking a few feet to the domestic flight, the transfer on Praslin had us at our hotel by 4:15pm. Pretty good, I'd say.

It's only from LaDigue/Praslin, having to ferry that takes more time, but this can easily be coordinated with a transfer at the dock to the Praslin airstrip for flight to Mahe. I don't know current ferry schedules, but if you were to board the early morning ferry you'd probably be at your hotel on Praslin within 20-minutes; if flying to Mahe, then before 11am.

We also departed for home on a late flight, but as we were already on Mahe the last two days of our visit, this was one very very long day. Up early, did some touring, spent time on the beach; by 6pm transferred to the airport, flight at 9pm to Nairobi, then onto AMS, then to New York... in total we were on the go for about 45-hrs. And, surprise of surprise, no jet-lag! Tired yes, but after only that night's sleep, we were fine.

It's doable.

There are only a couple of flights (the Emirates ones if I recall) leaving Seychelles which you cannot connect to from Praslin the same day.

If the outbound flight is 9 AM or later there is no problem being on Praslin the previous night ... no need to stay on Mahe. Flights from Praslin start as early as 6:30 AM and you can check in for the international flights on Praslin, checking your bags through to your final destination.

Praslin is the only island this is guaranteed to work.

If you only want to stay on 2 islands, do something like 7 on Praslin and 5 on Mahe or even 8 and 4. You can then easily get over to La Digue by ferry (30 minute sail) and wander around for the whole day. If you do that soon after arriving in Praslin you can still go back later in the trip if you wish.

Be careful with planning more than 3 nights on La Digue. Many people consider more to be just too much and cabin fever sets in.

hi

sandi, can you suggest a hotel for that required last night on mahe- near to airport, or shopping? thanks also for praslin best beach to stay on ideas!

kerikeri

Hi,
I was in the Seychelles last Feb. and March and do have a few questions for you. Hiking aside, what else do you plan on doing snorkeling, diving, sailing, biking, fishing etc. that may help us give you a few hints.
Check out the last of my pics. if you'd like to view a few Seychelles shots.
Sherry

http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLan...share&Ux=0

You may have to go to my report to gain access to the pics. Scroll to the bottom of report.
Sherry

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34766566

keri -

It's been quite a number of years since I've been to SEZ. I know new hotels and resort specific islands are available. As for Mahe, there are lots of hotels and even more guest houses in/around Victoria. I can't find the link I had for SEZ accommodations, but I'm sure if you Google, you'll find some sites. If I locate, I'll post.

There's plenty of shopping in Victoria, but remember - as an island, items tend to be expensive. Sure there are t-shirts, and I got a beautiful pareo for $10 (made of silk no less with amazing colors/design); so nice, I use as a shawl or a scarf. Jewelry was unique at various price points, so listen to your wallet. I'm sure there are plenty of little shops off the beaten track where there are "finds" to be found.

Boy, do I wish I can figure out how to get back there? Uhm... thinking!!!

thanks!

NoFlyZone,

why do you suggest more time on Praslin than Mahé. It seems to me Mahé is bigger with more activities - hiking etc. I am interested to know why you prefer Praslin.

Thanks for your help!
optimystic.

While Mahe is the larger island, and can keep you busy for 3 - 4 days, it is quite a distance from the smaller islands that many choose to visit on day-trips.

Praslin, on the otherhand, is closer to these day-trip destinations, many done on small boats; as well as to La Digue. From Mahe to La Digue is a flight and ferry or a very long boat trip. From Praslin, it's a short ferry ride.

The reason why many choose to spend more days on Praslin than Mahe.

The Sechelles, though a small chain of islands, do cover quite a large distance in the Indian Ocean.

Mahe is indeed bigger and has excellent hiking opportunities as well as several "attractions" such as the tea plantation, museums, Victoria, etc. Praslin, however, has the Valle de Mai, easy access to more pristine and beautiful beaches as well as to La Digue, easy touring to other islands. Watersports are about the same on each, but diving is better from Mahe.

But, of course, it depends on one's particular outlook...

Well thanks everyone for your input. It has been very helpful.

I'm now waivering towards 3 islands - 5 nights on Mahé, 3 nts on La Digue and 4 nts on Pralin, over just 2 islands, as it seems it may not be such a hassle to transfer between islands. Now I just have to convince my other half!