5 best day trips from Seychelles

Day trips compared

The day trips

45 km · About 1 hour by fast ferry

1.Praslin from Mahé

A long day trip from Mahé covers the Vallée de Mai and an afternoon at Anse Lazio or Côte d'Or. It is possible in a day, but Praslin rewards at least two nights.

Getting there

Fast catamaran from Victoria or a short flight

Best for

First-timers, Couples

7 km · About 15 minutes by ferry

2.La Digue from Praslin

Rent a bicycle at La Passe and cycle to the L'Union Estate and Anse Source d'Argent, then over the hill to Grand Anse. The short crossing makes it the easiest island day trip in the country.

Getting there

Inter-island ferry from Baie Sainte Anne

Best for

Couples, Families, Beach

10 km · About 15–30 minutes by boat between islands

3.Curieuse, Saint Pierre and Cousin

A classic Praslin boat day: giant tortoises and the mangrove walk on Curieuse, snorkelling at the boulder islet of Saint Pierre and, on some trips, a warden-led walk on the bird reserve of Cousin.

Getting there

Organised boat trip from Côte d'Or, Praslin

Best for

Families, Beach, Quiet stays

30 km · About 45 minutes–1 hour by boat

4.Silhouette Island

The third-largest granitic island, visible from Beau Vallon, is mostly protected national park with forested peaks, hiking trails and a single small settlement and resort. Trips depend on sea conditions.

Getting there

Boat from Beau Vallon or Mahé's north coast

Best for

Quiet stays, Couples

6 km · About 20 minutes by boat

5.Moyenne Island

A small island in the Sainte Anne marine park, bought in 1962 by the British former newspaper editor Brendon Grimshaw, who planted thousands of trees and introduced giant tortoises; it now has nature trails, tortoises and graves said to belong to pirates.

Getting there

Boat trip from Victoria or Eden Island

Best for

Families, Quiet stays

Day-trip tips

• Leave early: most trips are more relaxed with a morning departure and a return before dinner.
• Carry small change; fares are paid in cash to the driver.
• For trips over about 150 km, an overnight stay or an organised tour saves a lot of travelling.

Questions travellers ask