Port information & tips for Praslin
Praslin is the fascinating green heart of the Seychelles, welcoming travelers with a paradisiacal blend of dense jungle and spectacular granite formations. The island radiates an incomparable tranquility and, thanks to its untouched nature, offers ideal conditions for unforgettable experiences. Absolute highlights include the legendary UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site Vallée de Mai, home to the rare Coco de Mer, as well as the picturesque beach Anse Lazio with its crystal-clear water. Cruise ships usually use the Baie Sainte Anne Jetty as a central anchorage for tender boats. From this terminal, the town center as well as local bus connections and taxis are directly accessible, enabling a convenient and at the same time varied exploration of the entire island.
Praslin, a picturesque island in the Seychelles, is a popular port of call for cruise ships, which usually anchor off Baie Sainte Anne. From there, guests are comfortably transported by tender boats to the main jetty in the small town of Baie Sainte Anne. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, a pre-cruise overnight stay on Mahé or Praslin is always recommended.
Airplane
Arrival for guests from the DACH region is primarily via Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the main island of Mahé, which is served by major European airports. From Mahé, Air Seychelles will take you to Praslin Island Airport (PRI) in Grand Anse in about 20 minutes. Taxis are available at Praslin Airport for transfers to your accommodation or embarkation point; travel time to the Baie Sainte Anne Jetty is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Ferry
A popular alternative to the domestic flight is the ride on the "Cat Cocos" high-speed ferry from Mahé to Praslin. The ferries depart from the Inter Island Quay in Victoria (Mahé) and reach the Praslin Jetty (ERO Passenger Terminal) in Baie Sainte Anne after a travel time of around 75 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is recommended to book tickets online and arrive at the terminal for check-in at least one hour before departure.
Transfer on Praslin & Pre-Cruise Hotel
From Praslin Island Airport or the ferry terminal in Baie Sainte Anne, you can easily reach your accommodation or the meeting point for the tender boats by one of the numerous available taxis or pre-booked private transfers. Given the international travel and for your comfort, a pre-cruise hotel on Praslin, for example in Grand Anse or Baie Sainte Anne, is highly recommended to start your cruise adventure in a relaxed manner.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Praslin, a picturesque island in the Seychelles, is a popular port of call for cruise ships, which usually anchor off Baie Sainte Anne. From there, guests are comfortably transported by tender boats to the main jetty in the small town of Baie Sainte Anne. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, a pre-cruise overnight stay on Mahé or Praslin is always recommended.
Airplane
Arrival for guests from the DACH region is primarily via Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the main island of Mahé, which is served by major European airports. From Mahé, Air Seychelles will take you to Praslin Island Airport (PRI) in Grand Anse in about 20 minutes. Taxis are available at Praslin Airport for transfers to your accommodation or embarkation point; travel time to the Baie Sainte Anne Jetty is approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
Ferry
A popular alternative to the domestic flight is the ride on the "Cat Cocos" high-speed ferry from Mahé to Praslin. The ferries depart from the Inter Island Quay in Victoria (Mahé) and reach the Praslin Jetty (ERO Passenger Terminal) in Baie Sainte Anne after a travel time of around 75 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes. It is recommended to book tickets online and arrive at the terminal for check-in at least one hour before departure.
Transfer on Praslin & Pre-Cruise Hotel
From Praslin Island Airport or the ferry terminal in Baie Sainte Anne, you can easily reach your accommodation or the meeting point for the tender boats by one of the numerous available taxis or pre-booked private transfers. Given the international travel and for your comfort, a pre-cruise hotel on Praslin, for example in Grand Anse or Baie Sainte Anne, is highly recommended to start your cruise adventure in a relaxed manner.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The port in Baie Sainte Anne is the ideal starting point for exploration and, thanks to its central location, offers convenient access to the island's most beautiful attractions.
Local Public Buses
The blue SPTC buses operate regularly directly from the port area, providing an affordable journey through the lush vegetation to the Vallée de Mai National Park or to the picturesque coastal sections.
Taxi
Numerous taxis wait directly at the pier for visitors, offering a comfortable and flexible way to reach remote dream beaches like Anse Lazio directly and without waiting times.
Water Taxi and Ferries
From the port, excursions to neighboring islands such as La Digue or Curieuse can be easily arranged by water taxi or high-speed ferry, making Praslin the perfect hub for island hopping.
To make the most of your precious time on Praslin, we recommend a combination of the authentic flair of the harbor area and the world-unique natural treasures in the island's interior and along the coast.
Baie Sainte Anne
The charming harbor area serves as a lively gateway to the island and offers an authentic insight into the relaxed island life of the Seychelles with its small boutiques and local cafes. Furthermore, the central location provides a perfect starting point for further explorations while offering picturesque views of the turquoise waters of the bay.
Vallée de Mai
This legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to the famous Coco de Mer palm and allows visitors to immerse themselves deep into a primeval palm forest thanks to well-maintained paths. This magical place is ideal for a shore excursion and impresses with its rare flora and fauna directly in the heart of the island.
Anse Lazio
This world-famous stretch of coast in the north is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the world and, thanks to its easy accessibility, is a perfect destination for a refreshing dip in the Indian Ocean. The interplay of white powdery sand, striking granite rocks, and crystal-clear water creates a picture-perfect setting ideal for unforgettable photo moments.
Anse Lazio
The world-famous beach Anse Lazio in the north of Praslin is easily accessible from the port of Baie Ste Anne in about twenty to thirty minutes by taxi and is considered one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. Thanks to the iconic granite rocks, powdery white sand, and crystal-clear, turquoise water, this location offers the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable beach day. The infrastructure on site is ideal for cruise guests, as the adjacent restaurants serve delicious Creole specialties as well as refreshing drinks, and shaded spots under the Takamaka trees invite you to relax. It is best to visit the bay directly in the morning to enjoy the peace before the larger crowds of visitors arrive, and plan your return journey to the port at least ninety minutes before departure so that you reach your ship on time and relaxed.
Returning to the port in Baie Sainte Anne is very relaxed and safe thanks to the manageable size of the island. Plan a sufficient time window for the return journey from the remote bays so that you reach your ship on time.
Taxi
Taxis are reliably available at well-known visitor points such as the Vallée de Mai National Park or Anse Lazio beach and will take you directly to the pier in Baie Sainte Anne. In addition, staff at beach restaurants or hotels will gladly call a vehicle for you, allowing you to start your return journey comfortably and without waiting time.
Local Buses
The light blue SPTC buses operate on fixed routes across the island and stop at the central station directly at the ferry terminal. Thanks to the regular connections from the west coast and the north back to Baie Sainte Anne, this is an easy and affordable option for the return journey to the ship.
On Foot
From the immediate center of Baie Sainte Anne, you can easily walk back to the port area in just a few minutes. The path is flat and well-worn, and the prominent port facility serves as an ideal landmark for a safe walk to the tender pier or berth.
