Logistics · Destination Guide

Praslin and La Digue

Granite reefs, giant tortoise day trips, and an easy two-island rhythm in Seychelles

Updated Mar 25, 2026 • 19 sources

View On Map

Logistics

Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.

Quick Facts

Primary airport: Seychelles International Airport (SEZ)
Typical transfer: About 15 to 20 minutesutes by road to the Victoria ferry terminal
Entry requirement: Seychelles uses an electronic border system rather than a classic prearranged tourist visa for most travelers.
Getting around: Transport style changes a lot between the islands.

Getting There

Almost all travelers arrive through Seychelles International Airport on Mahe, then continue to Praslin or La Digue by a short domestic flight or ferry.

Air Seychelles links Mahe and Praslin in about 15 minutes.
Cat Cocos is the main fast-ferry link between Mahe and Praslin and usually takes about 75 minutes.
Cat Rose handles the Praslin to La Digue hop in about 15 minutes.
If your trip starts on La Digue, the smoothest route is usually Mahe to Praslin first, then Praslin to La Digue.

Build in buffer time. The islands are close, but sea state, ferry comfort, and baggage handling still affect the day.

Airports

Seychelles International Airport

SEZ • FSIA

10 km • About 15 to 20 minutesutes by road to the Victoria ferry terminal

Main international gateway on Mahe. Use it as the handoff point to Praslin by domestic flight or to the Cat Cocos ferry terminal in Victoria by road.

Transport: Air Seychelles domestic connection, Taxi, Pre-booked hotel or DMC transfer

Praslin Airport

PRI • FSPP

11 km • About 20 minutesutes by road to Baie Ste Anne jetty or the Cote d'Or hotel area

Domestic airport at Grande Anse on Praslin, linked to Mahe by frequent short flights. It is the fastest arrival point for travelers basing on Praslin or crossing onward to La Digue.

Transport: Taxi, Hotel transfer, Rental car

Getting Around

Transport style changes a lot between the islands.

Praslin is easiest by rental car if you are moving hotels, beaches, and jetties with gear. Taxis and public buses also exist.
La Digue is a bicycle island first. Most visitors rent a bike near La Passe and use it for beaches, cafes, and reserve visits.
A few taxis and utility vehicles operate on La Digue, but the island makes most sense when you slow down and ride.

Entry Requirements

Seychelles uses an electronic border system rather than a classic pre-arranged tourist visa for most travelers.

Complete the Seychelles Travel Authorisation before departure. Applications can be filed up to 30 days before travel.
Standard processing is listed at EUR 10, with faster options sometimes available.
Seychelles Immigration states the country is visa-free for almost all nationalities, with Kosovo passport holders listed as the main exception.
You should still be ready to show an approved ETA, confirmed accommodation, an onward or return ticket, and proof of funds of at least US$150 per day.
The visitor's permit itself is issued on arrival and is free for the first three months.

Gear Logistics Checklist

Travel light if you can, but this is a workable destination for serious water gear.

Air Seychelles commonly lists a non-resident domestic allowance around 23 kg checked plus 5 kg hand baggage on standard Praslin flights, with higher bundles on some fares.
Cat Rose commonly allows one small carry-on plus checked baggage up to 30 kg.
Cat Cocos baggage and sports-equipment rules vary by class and booking channel, so confirm camera or dive-bag allowances before paying.
Most local dive centers can supply full scuba kits and snorkel gear, but specialist freedive hardware is better arranged in advance.

Practicalities

Currency

Seychellois Rupee (SCR)

Hotels, many dive centers, and larger restaurants usually take cards, but cash still matters for bikes, buses, takeaways, and small day-to-day purchases. Official tourism guidance recommends arriving with some rupees or withdrawing soon after landing.

Official tourism guidance says there are several ATMs at the airport and numerous ATMs on the three main islands. Praslin is easy for cash access, while La Digue is smaller, so it is smart to cross with enough rupees for the day.

Electricity

220V to 240V • 50Hz • G

Seychelles uses the British-style three-pin square plug. Bring one good Type G adapter and a dual-voltage charger if you are running cameras, strobes, or multiple batteries.

Communications

Mobile coverage is usually fine in the main settled parts of Praslin and La Digue, but do not assume perfect service on every beach, trail, or boat crossing.

Download ferry tickets, hotel directions, and weather screenshots before moving between islands.
The airport lists Cable and Wireless and Airtel services on site, so buying connectivity after arrival is straightforward.
For water users, the official Meteo SEZ app is worth having for marine warnings and daily forecast checks.

Language

Official tourism guidance lists English, French, and Seychellois Creole as the country's three official languages. English is widely usable in hotels, dive centers, and transport settings.

Insurance

Carry travel insurance that explicitly covers water activities, inter-island disruption, and medical evacuation. Divers should add specialist dive cover such as DAN and keep the 24/7 emergency number saved offline.

Packing list

Pack for sun, spray, and short island transfers rather than cold water.

A 3mm suit or shorty is enough for most divers, and many snorkelers will be happy in a rashguard.
Bring a dry bag, reef-safe sun protection, and a light waterproof layer for ferry crossings.
Add an SMB for diving, binoculars for the Veuve Reserve, and sandals that handle wet jetties and bike stops.
If you care about photography, pack lens cloths and salt-spray protection because boats and beaches get humid fast.