Review: Seychelles Tour from Mahe to Praslin & La Digue

Review: Seychelles Tour from Mahe to Praslin & La Digue

Thinking about a day trip exploring more of the Seychelles? A combined tour hopping from Mahe to Praslin and La Digue sounds pretty great, that is to say, especially when transfers and lunch are all sorted. So, just a little while back, I gave one of these tours a try, and I thought I’d share what the experience was like. Hopefully, it will help you figure out if it’s a fit for you, too. It’s almost worth exploring this type of island-hopping adventure.

Setting off from Mahe: A Smooth Start

Mahe Seychelles Departure

Things kicked off very early. Typically, these tours start with a hotel pickup. It’s usually a fairly smooth transfer to the ferry terminal in Mahe. The convenience is almost a big plus, you know, because who wants to fuss with local transportation at the crack of dawn? So, the anticipation started building as we approached the harbor, the fresh sea air doing its job to wake everyone up, just a little. This initial part, arguably, sets the tone for the entire day, and ours was rather easy.

Praslin: Vallée de Mai and Anse Lazio

Vallee de Mai Seychelles

Praslin was, anyway, our first major stop, very famous for Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s practically like stepping into a different primeval kind of place with those towering coco de mer palms, so it’s quite impressive. The guided tour that we had gave great insight into the unique ecosystem and the legends surrounding the coco de mer. After the forest, then there was a short drive to Anse Lazio, regularly listed among the stunning places that there are on the planet. The soft, white sand and clear waters, so blue, were definitely inviting for a swim, that’s right; It was a fantastic way to soak in Praslin’s beauty. I would say this portion was, clearly, a high point.

La Digue: Cycling to Anse Source d’Argent

Anse Source d'Argent La Digue

Next on the list was La Digue. La Digue requires transportation that includes an even shorter ferry trip. The relaxed pace there is immediately noticeable, because bicycles happen to be the main mode of transport. It was very fun. Cycling through the island to Anse Source d’Argent, probably the most photographed beach, it seems, with its granite boulders and clear turquoise waters, now, that’s something. I recommend that you remember to bring your camera, like your photography will thank you. Then, again, if cycling is not your style, you can typically hire a taxi to get around.

Lunch and Local Flavors

Seychelles Creole Lunch

The tour included lunch, as a matter of fact, usually served at a local Creole restaurant. I found that lunch offered a taste of Seychelles cuisine, with an array of dishes using seafood, rice, and local spices, very aromatic indeed. It wasn’t necessarily a gourmet experience, but it certainly did the job to refuel us. So, that we could enjoy the day; A tasty meal, typically served buffet-style, provides a chance to mingle with others on the tour. It’s likely the time when the island flavor would certainly add to the whole trip, arguably.

Transfers: Making the Connections

Seychelles Ferry Transfer

The transfers between the islands involved both ferries and smaller boats, arguably, always handled pretty efficiently. Still, boat rides can, that, be a bit bumpy sometimes. I want to suggest taking motion sickness medicine if you’re prone to sea sickness, because that’s smart. Overall, the logistics are usually managed very well, and the tour operators made a serious effort to keep everyone on schedule, which in itself, can be really helpful. This part’s very key to enjoying the experience; Otherwise, the transfers have you exhausted before anything else.

What to Bring

Beach Essentials

I found a few things particularly essential to have with me. Naturally, sunscreen is high on the list. Sunglasses and a hat are very key for protection against the sun. It seems comfortable walking shoes are helpful, primarily for Vallée de Mai and the cycling on La Digue. A swimsuit, certainly, and a towel should not be forgotten, for taking full advantage of those inviting waters. It almost seems like a camera, so, will capture all those unbelievable photo opportunities. Having some local currency comes in handy as well, specifically for smaller purchases or tips, for example.

A Long Day, But Worth It?

Seychelles Island Views

These tours typically span the entire day, departing early and returning late. It means that the pace can be a bit rushed, especially when trying to experience three islands in such little time. It might not be suitable, certainly, for those who prefer to explore at a more relaxed rate. The tour provided a snapshot of what each island has to offer, you, like so it makes it a fantastic option if you’re short on time. Is it worth it? If you are after experiencing a lot of variety in a short period, and do not have a ton of time to spend on each island alone, I’d say this kind of tour is usually very satisfactory.

The Cost

Cost Benefits of Tour

Tour prices can seemingly vary, yet often they range considerably depending on what’s all included and the provider, too. It almost seems it will be best to evaluate the inclusions carefully, transfers, entrance fees, and lunch should be figured out in the end to know the true cost that you are paying, it goes without saying. A few tours may offer extras. I guess it really depends on your priorities and spending budget. So you will want to balance convenience with the costs involved. Consider that sometimes booking things independently, for instance ferries and lunch and entry fees to places like the Vallée de Mai and Anse Source D’Argent can mount up.

Final Thoughts

Seychelles Happy Traveler

All things considered, this tour hopping from Mahe to Praslin and La Digue does pack in quite a bit. The well arranged transfers do save a fair amount of logistic concerns and provide a pretty good overview, that, of what the islands all have to offer. Still, that rapid pace isn’t for everyone. Weigh what your personal priorities and preferences are when selecting how you want to spend that valuable time in the Seychelles. Anyway, experiencing the diversity in nature and different cultures will stay with you forever. So make the most of your trip! In summary, then you should consider this kind of tour.

Key Takeaways:

  • Easy transport from Mahe to Praslin and La Digue, with great transfers included.
  • Chances to explore sites, even those protected by UNESCO, and great beaches.
  • Local tastes were nice at lunchtime.
  • Make sure you know the fast schedule ahead of time!
  • Think about whether or not the tour pace goes with you.

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