Praslin lies 45 km northeast of Mahé, 15 minutes by air or an hour by catamaran. Ten km long and nearly four km wide, it is the second largest island in the archipelago.
This lovely island preserves a splendid, palm-forested valley, the World Heritage Site of Vallée de Mai, where you can wander among the six endemic palms of the Seychelles, marvel at the extraordinary coco de mer and listen for the rare, endemic Black Parrot.
Beyond the coral reefs surrounding Praslin, you will see the hazy bulk of Mahé to the south and, to the northeast, Curieuse and Ile Ste Pierre. The seabird sanctuary of Aride is to the north, while Cousin (managed by BirdLife Seychelles) and Cousine lie to the west.
The island has small, sheltered coves with granite boulders and long beaches of fine, white sand bordered by palm and takamaka trees. Spectacular Anse Lazio is widely acclaimed as the most beautiful beach in the world.
Some of the best snorkelling is off Cote d'Or, where many of Praslin's hotels are found. Anse Lazio and Anse Boudin are also good for snorkelling. Sister Rocks, South Marianne and White Bank are among the top dive sites.
Take one of the walking trails and explore the island and secluded beaches like Anse Badamier. Visit Curieuse, with its colony of giant land tortoises or Ile St Pierre for snorkelling.
Shelley Phillips
Travel Specialist
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