One of the great pleasures of the Seychelles is that you can change islands in less time than it takes to commute in many cities. Mahé, Praslin and La Digue are close together, and most trips involve at least one transfer by sea or air. A little planning avoids missed connections and makes the journeys part of the adventure.
The basic map
Mahé is the largest island and the arrival point for international flights. Praslin lies to the northeast and is reached by a fast ferry in roughly an hour or a short domestic flight of around 15 minutes. La Digue is a small island a short hop beyond Praslin, reached from Praslin by a ferry of around 15 minutes, and sometimes directly from Mahé by a longer service. Smaller islands such as Curieuse, Saint Pierre, Cousin, Coco and Félicité are visited by boat from Praslin or La Digue.
Ferries
Fast catamaran ferries are the usual choice. Schedules vary by season and day, and services can be disrupted by rough seas, particularly during the stronger south-east trade winds from about May to October. Book ahead in busy periods such as Christmas, New Year and school holidays, arrive in good time at the terminal and keep luggage within the stated limits. If you are prone to seasickness, take a remedy before boarding, sit near the middle of the boat and choose the morning departure, when seas are often calmer. Check the latest timetable before you travel, because times change.
Flights
Small propeller aircraft link Mahé and Praslin and can be a good option if you want to save time or avoid a rough crossing. Baggage allowances are tighter than on international flights, so pack soft bags and keep heavy items to a minimum. Flights are also subject to weather and schedule changes, which makes a buffer day sensible on either side of an international departure. If your trip is short, flying one way and taking the ferry the other gives you a taste of both.
How to split your nights
With seven nights, three on Mahé, two on Praslin and two on La Digue is a comfortable rhythm. With five nights, choose two islands, and with three or four, base yourself on Mahé and add a day trip. Avoid moving every night, because each transfer takes time with hotel checkout, ferry check-in and the road to your next property. Staying two nights in each place gives you a full day for sights and a half-day for beaches.
Day trips from Mahé
A full-day Praslin and La Digue tour from Mahé covers the Vallée de Mai, Anse Lazio and Anse Source d'Argent in one long, early day. It is a good sampler, though not a replacement for an overnight stay. On Mahé itself, a Sainte Anne Marine Park reef safari gives a day of snorkelling, boat time and island stops without leaving the main island. Private island tours by road are useful on a rest day or on arrival or departure days.
Day trips from Praslin
Boats from Praslin visit Curieuse for giant tortoises, mangrove boardwalks and snorkelling, and Saint Pierre for a small rocky islet with excellent fish life. Cousin Island Special Reserve is open for guided visits on set days and offers some of the best birdwatching in the islands. Coco and Félicité are known for clear water and good coral. A sunset cruise is a gentler option for the end of the day. All of these depend on sea conditions, so keep a spare day if you can.
Getting around once you arrive
Taxis are the standard way to move between hotels and sights on Mahé and Praslin, and hire cars are available for those who are comfortable on narrow, winding roads driven on the left. Local buses are cheap but slow. On La Digue, bicycles are the main transport, and a few electric buggies and ox carts add to the island character. Plan beach and sight visits around the heat of the day, with an early start for cycling.
Practical tips
Carry cash for small purchases and tips, a waterproof bag for phones and cameras, and a light layer for breezy decks. Keep tickets and confirmation numbers accessible. Travel insurance that covers missed connections is valuable in an archipelago where weather can change plans. Respect marine park rules, and book activities with operators that give clear safety briefings. A flexible mindset is the best tool in your bag, and the reward for a few moving parts is a trip that feels like a real adventure across the islands.
