Slow Travel in Praslin and La Digue
Skip Mahé and spend three nights each on Praslin and La Digue to slowly explore beaches, seabirds, and snorkeling spots.
Transfer to Praslin immediately upon landing to spend three nights exploring Vallée de Mai, Anse Lazio, and taking boat trips. Then, move to La Digue for another three nights to enjoy cycling, hiking, and snorkeling without rushing for ferry schedules. Giving up the capital and mountain forests of Mahé rewards you with peaceful mornings and evenings on La Digue. Perfect for return visitors, couples wanting more beach time, and those looking to avoid busy resort areas.
December to March is rainy; May to September can bring rough seas, and some beaches may have seaweed.
Day by day
Day 1 · Transfer and Check-in on Praslin
Praslin & La Digue（Anse Volbert (Côte d'Or)）
Take a domestic flight from Mahé International Airport (approx. 20 mins) or a fast ferry (approx. 1 hr 15 mins).
If your international flight arrives late at night, it is safer to stay on Mahé for the first night.
Stay: Anse Volbert (Côte d'Or)
Day 2 · Vallée de Mai & Anse Lazio
Praslin & La Digue（Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve、Anse Lazio）
Drive or take a public bus to Vallée de Mai (approx. 15 mins), then to Anse Lazio (approx. 25 mins).
Buses do not accept cash and large luggage is not allowed on board; buy a transit pass in advance.
Stay: Anse Volbert (Côte d'Or)
Day 3 · Curieuse Island Boat Trip for Giant Tortoises
Praslin & La Digue（Cousin Island Special Reserve、Curieuse Island、St. Pierre Islet）
Join a full-day boat tour, departing around 09:00 and returning around 16:30, usually including lunch and hotel transfers.
Aride Island is only open on weekday mornings; schedule this day between Monday and Friday.
Stay: Anse Volbert (Côte d'Or)
Day 4 · First Day Cycling on La Digue
Praslin & La Digue（L'Union Estate、Anse Source d'Argent）
Take a ferry from Baie Sainte Anne Jetty to La Passe (approx. 15 mins), drop off your luggage, and rent a bicycle.
Anse Source d'Argent must be accessed by purchasing a ticket through L'Union Estate; try to avoid the peak hours of day-trippers.
Stay: La Passe and La Réunion
Day 5 · Grand Anse Hike to Anse Cocos
Praslin & La Digue（Grand Anse, La Digue、Anse Cocos）
Cycle to Grand Anse (approx. 20 mins), then walk along the coast to Anse Cocos (approx. 30–60 mins one way).
Grand Anse has strong currents, so do not swim; the natural pool at Anse Cocos is safe for swimming.
Stay: La Passe and La Réunion
Day 6 · Nid d'Aigle & Île de Cocos Snorkeling
Praslin & La Digue（Nid d'Aigle (Eagle's Nest)、Coco Island、Anse Sévère）
Hike up Nid d'Aigle in the early morning (approx. 2 hrs round trip), take a boat from the jetty to Île de Cocos in the afternoon, then cycle to the north coast.
It is best to start the hike before 07:00; waves around Anse Patates can be rough at high tide, so check the tide table.
Stay: La Passe and La Réunion
Day 7 · Spot Paradise Flycatchers & Return to Mahé for Departure
Praslin & La Digue（La Veuve Special Reserve） → Mahé
Cycle to the Veuve Reserve in the early morning, take a ferry via Praslin to Mahé (approx. 1.5 hrs), then drive to the airport (approx. 20 mins).
Ferries can be delayed by sea conditions; it is advisable to book a flight departing in the evening or later, otherwise return to Mahé the night before.