From Mahe eden island to Praslin & Ladigue Daytrip

Travelers dreaming of Seychelles’ picture-perfect beaches and lush islands often find themselves weighing the value of guided day trips. This particular tour, offered by SEY AMA, promises a comprehensive experience covering the most iconic spots on Praslin and La Digue, with the convenience of transportation from Mahe. We’ve gathered insights from travelers’ reviews and the detailed itinerary to give you a grounded look at what you can expect.

What immediately jumps out about this tour is its well-rounded approach: it combines natural beauty, cultural stops, and a taste of Creole cuisine—all at a reasonable price of $270 per person. We especially love the small boat capacity for a more intimate experience, the inclusion of bicycle rides on La Digue, and the chance to see the famous Coco de Mer. However, some might find the short time allocated for each stop a bit rushed, particularly if you’re eager to explore every detail.

This trip is best suited for those who appreciate a blend of scenic sightseeing and efficient scheduling. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a value-packed day with diverse activities, but not if you prefer extensive exploration or a very relaxed pace. Now, let’s walk through what makes this tour tick and whether it might be your perfect day out.

Key Points

• Well-organized itinerary: Combines island sightseeing, beaches, and cultural spots in one day.
• Comfortable boat trips: Smaller boats ensure a more intimate, less crowded ride.
• Authentic Creole lunch: Buffet at Fishtrap offers local flavors with a view.
• Active exploration: Bicycle rentals on La Digue provide a fun way to see the island.
• Limited time at stops: Short durations may leave some visitors wanting more.
• Clear pricing & inclusions: The fee covers transfers, guided tours, lunch, and island hops, with some optional extras.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Who It’s For

This full-day tour covers the essentials of Seychelles’ most celebrated islands, making it a practical choice for first-time visitors or those wanting a snapshot of the archipelago’s highlights. The tour starts with hotel pickup in the north of Mahe (or a special request), followed by a 1.5-hour boat transfer to Praslin. From there, a guided bus tour introduces you to key sights like Glacis Noir and the Coco de Mer palms, culminating in visits to the most famous beaches and attractions.

If you’re someone who enjoys organized, all-in-one experiences that minimize planning and maximize seeing the highlights, this trip fits well. The inclusion of bicycle use on La Digue and a buffet lunch with sea views adds a local, authentic touch that many travelers appreciate.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Transfer from Mahe to Praslin

Your day begins with a boat transfer from Mahe to Praslin that takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. The scenic ride offers a gentle introduction to the Seychelles’ waters and islands. According to reviews, the boat size is smaller, making the journey more comfortable and less crowded, which is a plus for those prone to seasickness or who prefer intimate boat rides.

Praslin Island Tour and Glacis Noir

Once on Praslin, the tour kicks off with a bus tour of the island, stopping at Glacis Noir. Here, you’ll view the famed Coco de Mer palms, an endemic species that draws admiration for its distinctive shape. One reviewer highlighted the guide’s passion and knowledge here, remarking, “The guide explained a lot about the Coco de Mer, which made the activity more meaningful.”

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Anse Lazio – The Iconic Beach

Next, the group heads to Anse Lazio, arguably Seychelles’ most famous beach. You’ll spend around two hours here—ample time for swimming, snapping photos, or simply relaxing on the soft sands. Visitors often describe it as breathtaking, with reviews noting, “The beaches in La Digue were gorgeous,” and that hiring bikes was the best way to explore.

Lunch at Fishtrap Restaurant

Back at the jetty, you’ll board the boat for La Digue, where a buffet lunch at Fishtrap awaits. The meal is noted for its Creole flavors and sea-view setting. Reviewers appreciated the tasty buffet, with one mentioning, “Lunch was fine, nothing outstanding but tasty,” and praising the friendly service.

La Digue Island Exploration

After lunch, the adventure continues with bicycle rentals to explore La Digue. Highlights include Anse Source d’Argent, famous for its granite boulders, and visits to vanilla plantations and giant tortoise farms. The use of bicycles allows for more flexible exploration and is a favorite aspect among travelers who enjoyed the informality and fun of riding around.

Optional Entrance Fees and Extra Costs

Be aware that government fees apply—€15 for entrance to the Vallée de Mai (though some reviews mention only a brief stop rather than full access) and a small jetty fee of 25 SCR (~€2). These are not included in the initial price, so budget accordingly.

Return to Mahe

The day concludes with a 2-hour boat transfer back to Mahe, arriving around 4 pm, just in time to unwind or continue your Seychelles adventure.

What Travelers Love About This Tour

Based on reviews, many guests commend the friendly guides, particularly Daniel, who was praised for clear explanations. The boat crew, especially Mary in charge of the boat, received compliments for their kindness and willingness to help.

The lunch at Fishtrap is another highlight; it’s considered tasty and well-presented, providing a satisfying break in the busy day. Plus, the small boat size makes the ride comfortable and less crowded, which many appreciated.

Authentic Experiences

Travelers also enjoy the bicycle exploration on La Digue, describing it as the best way to experience the island’s charm. The beaches, especially Anse Lazio, receive glowing reviews, with their gorgeous sands and photogenic granite boulders consistently mentioned.

Valuable for Money

Despite some comments about the short duration at each stop, overall, guests feel the $270 price offers good value, considering the inclusions of transport, guided tours, and meals. The convenience of an organized day takes a lot of the hassle out of planning your own itinerary.

The Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

While many reviews are positive, some guests found the short time at key stops limiting. For instance, the Valle de Mai visit was often described as a quick stop rather than a full exploration, with one reviewer stating, “You do not go inside; it’s just a stop to see the coco de mer.” If you’re eager to hike through the park or see more flora, this might feel rushed.

Plus, the lunch duration was sometimes criticized for being too brief, around 20 minutes, which can feel hurried if you want to savor the meal or chat more with fellow travelers.

Weather considerations also matter; since the schedule depends on weather conditions, rescheduling might occur, potentially affecting your plans.

Practical Details

Inclusions and Extras

The price includes:

• Transfers from Mahe to Praslin and La Digue
• Guided tour of Vallée de Mai (note: full entry may not be included)
• Bicycle use on La Digue
• Lunch at Fishtrap Restaurant
• Island hopping by boat

Extras like entrance fees to Vallée de Mai and other parks are not included. Budget around €15 for Vallée de Mai entrance and additional fees for optional activities.

Meeting Points and Timing

Meet at the Eden Island Seychelles hotel reception or the boardwalk restaurant. The tour ends back at the meeting point around 4 pm, giving you time to relax afterward.

What to Bring

Bring a hat, towel, camera, beachwear, cash, and goggles. Be prepared for a day outdoors—sun protection is essential.

Restrictions

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with altitude sickness, given the nature of the activities and terrain.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Mahe to Praslin and La Digue offers a well-rounded, efficient way to see Seychelles’ most iconic sights in one day. The comfortable small boats, authentic Creole lunch, and bicycle exploration on La Digue stand out as highlights. While the limited time** at each stop might leave some wanting more, the overall value and diversity make it a good fit for travelers eager to tick off multiple highlights without the hassle of organizing separate trips.

If you’re a traveler who appreciates guided convenience, enjoys beach days, and wants a taste of Seychelles’ natural beauty and culture, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to manage expectations about how long you’ll have at each location, and come ready for an active, adventure-filled day.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is generally suitable for those who can comfortably cycle on La Digue and tolerate a full day of activity, but check with the provider if traveling with young children.

How long is the boat ride between islands?
The transfer from Mahe to Praslin takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and between Praslin and La Digue, it’s approximately 15 minutes.

What’s included in the price?
Your fee covers boat transfers, guided tour of Vallée de Mai, bicycle use on La Digue, and lunch. Entrance fees to parks are extra.

Can I buy souvenirs on the tour?
You might find souvenir shops in La Digue, especially near Anse Source d’Argent, but time there is limited. Purchase before or after the tour for more options.

Is the lunch buffet a local Creole meal?
Yes, the Fishtrap restaurant offers a buffet with Creole cuisine, set with a scenic sea view, which many travelers found tasty and authentic.

Are there any optional activities not included?
Yes, entrance to Vallée de Mai is not included and costs about €15. You can also choose to skip some optional extras like the vanilla plantation or tortoise farm.

What should I prepare for the day?
Bring essentials like a hat, towel, camera, beachwear, cash for extras, and goggles for swimming or snorkeling.

What if the weather is bad?
The schedule depends on weather conditions; the provider might reschedule, so stay flexible and check the weather forecast before your trip.

This Seychelles daytrip offers a practical, enjoyable way to see some of the archipelago’s highlights, blending natural beauty with cultural insights—all at a fair price.

You can check availability for your dates here: