Praslin

The Coast

Natural  History

Conservation    & Research

Area Size:  37.56 Km²
Maximum Altitude:  330 metres
Population:  7,103
Island Highlights:  Vallée de Mai, Coco de Mer, Seychelles Black Parrot, a hub for sailing, two of the world's top 10 beaches: Côte d'Or, Anse Lazio

Introduction
Praslin is the second largest island in the Seychelles and is situated to the north east of the archipelago. This granite island lies 45km to the northeast of Mahé, the largest of the Seychelles Islands. 

Prior to French settlement on the islands in the mid eighteenth century, Praslin's Côte d'Or coastline was a favourite haunt of pirates.  The island was named after the Duc de Praslin, the French Marine Minister in 1768.

Praslin is popular island to visit in the Seychelles with a widely recognised tradition of Creole hospitality. We can call upon a relatively wide range of accommodation and amenities on the island which overall has a very peaceful and relaxed vibe.

The island has both a bus and taxi service, with cars also available to hire, although limited in numbers during the busy season.  The island makes for an ideal start and finish point for sailing, acting as a base for easy access to many Inner Island reserves such as St Pierre, Cousin, Cousine, Aride, Coco, Curieuse, many of which are important sanctuaries nurturing rare species of endemic flora and fauna.  Praslin is also the start point for anybody wishing to visit the neighbouring island of La Digue.

Praslin Museum is located along the Cote D'Or coastline, presenting the Creole traditions and culture of the Seychelles.  The museum features a garden of endemic and medicinal plants of the archipelago, where visitors can see fruit bats and sample local Citronelle tea and fruit juices.  Visitors can get a feel of the real Seychelles here and partake in traditional activities such as coconut dehusking, grilling breadfruit.

Deep in the heart of Praslin, lies the wondrous Vallée de Mai, which is one of Seychelles's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The valley is home to six endemic palm species, including the famous and magnificent Coco de Mer palm, whose double-lobed heart shaped nut weighs a colossal 22kg, making it the heaviest seed on the entire planet. 

Praslin boasts some truly beautiful beaches, namely Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, which in recent years have both appeared on the top-10 list of the world's best beaches.  In addition to these stunning beaches, there are also three stunning natural harbours.  Baie Pasquiere and Anse Volbert are located in the north, while Bai St Anne is in the south, all of which are best appreciated on a boat trip from Mahé to Praslin.

Photographs kindly provided by Ralph Pannell, STB

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