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Praslin Island
Praslin Island
Praslin Island

Praslin Island is a beautiful destination with a stunning coastline...

...and a spectacular scenery.

Praslin Island is great for an ultra-relaxing holiday.

Praslin Island

Praslin Island

Although it is Seychelles' second largest island, Praslin is still small with a more laid-back vibe than nearby Mahé and a stunning coastline.

Although it is Seychelles' second largest island, Praslin is still small. It occupies just 38 km² and has around 6,500 residents; it also has a more laid-back vibe than nearby Mahé. First claimed by French explorer Lazare Picault in 1774, Praslin was initially named 'Île de Palme', in honour of its magnificent palm forests. For many visitors, the towering indigenous trees of the Vallée de Mai National Park, especially the famed coco de mer, remain a reason to visit.

Forest aside, Praslin is also blessed with a naturally beautiful coastline. From tiny boulder-strewn coves to sweeping curves of powder sand, it is a beach-lover's paradise.

Snorkelling and diving opportunities abound with Curieuse Marine National Park bordering the island's north coast and a number of popular aquatic day trips available. Praslin's peace and beauty make it one of our favourite islands.

Praslin Island

Praslin Island: in detail

Holidays visiting Praslin Island

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Boxfish Island Holiday

8 days • 2 locations • 1 country
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT

Discover Mahé and Praslin islands on this slightly offbeat and excellent-value Seychelles trip combining green mountains, local culture and time on the beach.

Visiting Mahe Island, Praslin Island

US$2,560 - US$3,380 per person

Read more about the Boxfish Island Holiday

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Map of Praslin Island

Choices for where to stay in Praslin Island


Reference map

Most recent reviews of our beach holidays to Praslin Island

Click below to browse all 18 reviews from Praslin Island. All from our travellers; all are in full & unedited.


97%
18 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
16
Good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs SA from Norfolk

Arrived 22 Sep 2022, 17 nights

"BIrd Island and La Dige again"

"a week of having a whole sun drenched island to ourselves …" Read Mr & Mrs SA’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs M from London

Arrived 31 Mar 2022, 27 nights

"My April 2022 trip"

"Extremely impressed with Expert Africa and the service we received from Lucy …" Read Mr & Mrs M’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr T from Bangkok

Arrived 31 Mar 2022, 9 nights

"My Mar/Apr Seychelles 2022 trip"

"a great trip thanks to your excellent services & thoughtful advice throughout.. …" Read Mr T’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Miss C & Mr R from London

Arrived 20 Dec 2020, 4 nights

"Seychelles Dec 2020"

"Chris and Megan brilliant as ever. …" Read Miss C & Mr R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Birdman from Chesham

Arrived 12 Oct 2019, 19 nights

"October 2019 in The Seychelles"

"We enjoyed our trip immensely …" Read Birdman’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs SA from Norfolk

Arrived 6 Oct 2018, 15 nights

"Seychelles again in 2018"

"More than pleased that we returned to the Seychelles …" Read Mr & Mrs SA’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms Heidi from Chicago

Arrived 9 Sep 2015, 16 nights

"Incredible Honeymoon in Africa"

"Our first time in Africa...and we couldn't be happier... …" Read Ms Heidi’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Miss C & Mr R from London

Arrived 2 Jan 2015, 14 nights

"Brilliantly organised -- and a joyful holiday"

"Megan Ingoldby organised this trip so well thank you!...we'll have to go back …" Read Miss C & Mr R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Praslin Island reviews

When to go to Praslin Island

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Praslin Island in Seychelles


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seychelles in January

January is the wettest month of the year in the Seychelles: temperatures are warm, humidity levels high, and short, tropical downpours are common. Cyclone activity elsewhere in the Indian Ocean often results in heavy cloud cover too.

Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant.
Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.

For wildlife spectacles, January has definite highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.

  • The wettest time of year to travel, with high humidity levels.
  • Rain comes in short tropical downpours, after which the sun comes out.
  • Prices over the Christmas and New Year period rise significantly.
  • Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.
  • Migratory birds on shore from Alaska and Siberia.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Seychelles in February

Like January, February is one of the archipelago’s wettest months. Afternoon downpours are to be expected, humidity levels can be extremely high and cloudy skies the norm.

Although generally calm, the warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island. Waves and currents are also strong on Mahé’s north-west coast at this time.

For wildlife spectacles, February does have highlights and Bird Island is particularly special at this time of year. The Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appear.

  • Warm weather all year round.
  • One of the wettest months, expect clear mornings and wet afternoons.
  • Good time of year for birding, with migratory birds in residence.
  • Hawksbill turtles can be seen hatching.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in February

Seychelles in March

The heavy rains of the first few months start to die down by March, and the temperature begins to rise. Most days will be clear, with clouds sometimes gathering to a short thunderstorm in the late afternoon.

The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed – perfectly harmless, but can make swimming less pleasant. Picture-perfect beaches are abound on opposites sides of the island.

It is possible to dive throughout the year in the Seychelles, however waters are calmest from March to November, making this a great time of year for underwater adventures.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Hawksbill turtle hatchlings start emerging from mid December to mid March, and their journey to the ocean is wonderful to witness. Throughout the year the bird-watching is excellent, but from end-August to end-May, migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia arrive, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore, while from March-November, a staggeringly large colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost across the island.

  • Warm weather all year round.
  • Rains ease off and temperatures begin to rise
  • Great for diving, with warm water, good visibility, and calm seas.
  • The Hawksbill turtles generally hatch around now.
  • Great time of year for birding, migratory species are still around.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Seychelles in April

April is the calmest, warmest month of the year, making it one of the best months to visit the Seychelles. The wind drops, the temperature is delightfully warm and the seas are calm, offering great diving and brilliant visibility.
The birding is great, particularly on Bird Island, when migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are resident and displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. An enormous, chattering colony of Sooty Terns roost on the island from March-November.

In late April, the capital city, Victoria, comes alive for the colourful parades of the Carnaval International de Victoria, with street performances, costume parades and parties.

  • One of the warmest and most pleasant months of the year.
  • Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
  • Windless periods make for lovely swimming and gentle boat excursions.
  • Good value rates, outside the Easter school holidays.
  • Good time of year for birding.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in April

Seychelles in May

May is the start of a relatively dry period and one of the best months to visit. There is little rain with plenty of warm beach days under clear blue skies.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches await elsewhere.

Birding is good, particularly on Bird Island, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing up until the end of the month, displaying their often spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns chatter and roost from March-November.

  • Warm, dry weather.
  • Great diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
  • Calm and windless periods, make for lovely swimming & boat excursions.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Seychelles in June

June marks the change of seasons but there’s little rain at this time and lovely long, hot, clear days. Coming before the start of the European Summer holiday season, June is often a quieter time to visit, and in some cases reduced rates can also be found.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though pristine beaches await elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.

  • Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
  • Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.
  • Accommodation prices slightly lower than high season.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in June

Seychelles in July

July is a time to bask in lovely warm days, with little chance of rain.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic, powder-sand beaches await elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with breeding birds and a vast colony of Sooty Terns chattering and roosting from March-November.

  • Warm, clear days & little rain. Sea temperatures drop to around 25C.
  • Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
  • Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Seychelles in August

Similar to June and July, August is both dry and lovely, with hot, clear days, comfortable temperatures and little chance of rain.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.

  • Hot, clear days & little rain. Water temperatures drop to around 25C.
  • Nesting Green turtles are common sightings on Bird Island.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • European school holidays push prices up in July and August.
  • Stronger winds make access to remote dive sites more difficult.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Seychelles in September

September is generally a time of warm and clear days, with a little rain possible towards the end of the month, and rising humidity.

The cooler, drier, south-east trade winds bring lively seas to south-west Mahé and result in seaweed being washed up onto the beaches of Praslin’s south coast, though idyllic beaches abound elsewhere.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Green Turtles, an endangered and protected species, are more commonly seen at this time (June and September), often whilst laying their eggs on the beaches of Bird Island. Birding is also particularly good here, with migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia appearing from end-August to end-May, displaying their spectacular breeding plumage in their final month ashore. A vast colony of Sooty Terns also chatter and roost from March-November.

  • Warm, clear days with a chance of rain towards to the end of the month
  • A good time of for diving with calm, warm water and clear visibility.
  • Whale sharks can be seen, attracted by the nutrient rich plankton.
  • It’s generally quieter and prices are slightly lower than high season.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in September

Seychelles in October

October is warm with calm conditions and rain increasing towards the end of the month.

During this calm season (October and November), whales migrate past the islands and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.

The warm, north-west trade winds bring good underwater visibility for diving but do also tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and can make for waves and strong currents on Mahé’s north-west coast. Picture-postcard beaches abound in other areas.

For some island culture, the Festival Kreol takes places on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue in late October, with colourful celebrations of Creole heritage.

  • Warm weather with rain towards the end of the month.
  • A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
  • Calm, windless periods are great for swimming and boat excursions.
  • Hawsbill turtles are nesting and migratory whales are often spotted.
  • A quiet and peaceful time with fewer visitors.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Seychelles in November

By November, the winds start to change, bringing light, warm breezes and the start of the main rainy season. Temperatures remain warm and pleasant.

The calm north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s eastern coast (Côte d’Or beaches) with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast (Beau Vallon). But elsewhere picture-perfect beaches abound and overall, the gentle winds make this a good time for water-based activities: diving, boat trips and swimming. The Seychelles Ocean Festival, celebrating marine diversity and highlighting reef protection, is held annually at this time.

Whales migrate past the islands throughout November and you may spot Southern Right, Humpback and Short-finned Pilot whales. The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season also begins in October, with Bird Island being a great place to witness the event. It is unusual for a guest who stays 3-4 nights not to see a Hawksbill turtle laying their eggs. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present here, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.

  • Warm days & little wind but the start of the main rainy season.
  • A good time of year for diving with calm, warm, clear waters.
  • Ccalm, windless periods, great for swimming and boat excursions.
  • Fewer visitors and lower accommodation costs.
  • Good opportunities to see nesting turtles and migratory whales.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Seychelles in December

December is one of the hottest and wettest months. During this Northwest Monsoon season, short tropical downpours are the norm after which the sun does generally come out again. The rain turning the islands staggeringly lush and green.

The Hawksbill Turtle nesting season is in full swing, and by mid-December some hatchlings begin to emerge. Migratory birds from Alaska and Siberia are also present, alongside a vast, noisy colony of Sooty Terns.

The calm, warm, north-west trade winds tend to litter Praslin’s east coast with seaweed, and waves and currents are strong on Mahé’s north-west coast, but there are plenty of other beautiful beaches.

Christmas is a huge celebration on the islands, for locals and hotels, and also within the southern hemisphere ‘Summer holidays’ making this an extremely busy and expensive time to visit, however, festivities are often fabulous.

  • December is hot and wet, with regular tropical downpours.
  • Vegetation is beautifully lush and green.
  • Migratory birds arrive from Europe.
  • Christmas and New Year are extremely busy times to visit.
  • Hawksbill turtles are nesting and hatching.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

Seychelles fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Praslin Island.


BIRD ISLAND LODGE in BIRD ISLAND

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