Tagesausflüge ab Praslin: Die besten Ausflugsziele & Touren 2026

No visit to Praslin is complete without a day trip to the enchanting island of La Digue. Famous for its timeless beauty and tranquil pace, La Digue feels like stepping back in time. The island is renowned for its iconic granite boulders, particularly at Anse Source d'Argent, one of the most photographed beaches in the world.

Getting there is incredibly easy with a regular ferry service from Praslin's Baie Ste Anne jetty. The journey typically takes about 15-20 minutes, costing approximately ~€10-20 for a return ticket. Once on La Digue, the primary mode of transport is bicycle, which can be rented straight from the jetty or your accommodation. Exploring the island by bike allows for an intimate experience, letting you discover hidden coves and local life at your own pace. A full-day trip is highly recommended to soak in all the beauty and enjoy a leisurely pace, especially if you plan to visit the Veuve Nature Reserve or cycle to Grand Anse and Petite Anse. The best season to visit is generally during the drier months, from April to May and October to November, though La Digue is stunning year-round. This trip is perfectly suited for those without a car, as bicycles are the preferred vehicle.

For an unforgettable encounter with nature and vibrant marine life, a day trip to Curieuse Island and the nearby St. Pierre Islet is a must. Curieuse Island is a national park and sanctuary for hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises, which roam freely across the island's sandy shores and lush interior. It's an incredibly unique experience to walk among these gentle giants, feed them, and learn about their conservation efforts.

The typical way to visit is by booking an organised boat tour from Praslin, often departing from Anse Volbert or Baie Ste Anne. These tours usually include a BBQ lunch on Curieuse Island, time to explore the tortoise sanctuary, and a snorkelling stop at St. Pierre Islet. A half-day to full-day duration is ideal, allowing ample time for both land and sea exploration. The boat journey to Curieuse is short, usually around 20-30 minutes. Prices for these tours vary but expect to pay ~€50-100 per person, which often includes the national park entrance fee and lunch. St. Pierre Islet is a spectacular snorkelling spot with crystal-clear waters, teeming with colourful fish and vibrant coral formations. This trip is perfectly accessible without a car, as boat transfers handle all transportation.

Just a short distance from Praslin lies Cousin Island Special Reserve, a critically important conservation success story and a haven for seabirds. This small granitic island is owned and managed by Nature Seychelles and serves as a vital breeding ground for several species of seabirds and a sanctuary for endemic land birds like the Seychelles Warbler and Magpie Robin.

Access to Cousin Island is strictly controlled to protect its delicate ecosystem. Visits are only permitted via licensed boat operators who follow strict guidelines, often as part of a combined tour with Curieuse and St. Pierre. The boat journey from Praslin takes approximately 30-45 minutes. A half-day is generally sufficient for the guided tour around the island, which is mandatory to ensure minimal disturbance to the wildlife. The best time to visit for bird watching is during the breeding season (May to September), though migratory birds add to the spectacle from October to March. The tour involves walking paths and learning about the island's conservation efforts. This unique destination provides an immersive experience into the Seychelles' pioneering environmental work and is only accessible by boat, making it entirely car-independent.

For those seeking a truly remote and pristine natural experience, a day trip to Aride Island Nature Reserve is highly recommended. Located 10 km north of Praslin, Aride is the northernmost granitic island of the Seychelles and is considered one of the finest tropical island nature reserves in the world. It hosts the greatest density of lizards, seabirds, and endemic plants of the granitic Seychelles.

Similar to Cousin Island, access is restricted to preserve its unique ecosystems. Visits are generally organised by local tour operators from Praslin, often requiring specific permits. The boat journey can take about 45-60 minutes, and due to potentially rough waters, it's best undertaken during calmer periods, typically the shoulder seasons (April-May, Oct-Nov). Once on the island, a warden will guide you through the various habitats, explaining the incredible biodiversity, including millions of nesting seabirds and endemic species like the Wright's Gardenia. A full-day trip is ideal to fully appreciate the island's untouched beauty and learn from the knowledgeable guides. This destination is for serious nature lovers and photographers. It's a completely car-free experience, relying entirely on boat transfers and guided walks.

While not an island you can walk on, Cocos Island (Île Cocos) is a breathtaking marine national park renowned for its exceptional snorkelling and diving opportunities. Located just off the shore of La Digue, it features dramatic granite rock formations both above and below the water, creating a surreal underwater landscape.

Day trips to Cocos Island are often combined with visits to Félicité Island and Grande Soeur (Big Sister Island) and are easily arranged through tour operators from Praslin. The boat journey to the marine park itself is relatively short, often less than an hour from Praslin. These tours typically focus on providing ample time for snorkelling in the pristine waters, where you can expect to see parrotfish, clownfish, turtles, and even small reef sharks among vibrant coral gardens. A half-day is sufficient for the marine park experience, though some tours extend to a full day with other island stops. The best season for snorkelling is during calmer seas, usually April to May and October to November, offering the best visibility. This is purely a boat-based activity, requiring no car. It's a fantastic spot for solo travellers to discover marine life alongside a travel buddy from the urlaubspartner.net community, sharing the wonder of the underwater world.

While this guide focuses on trips from Praslin, it's worth highlighting destinations on Praslin itself that offer a 'day trip' feel, especially for those who prefer not to take a boat. Exploring Praslin's west coast reveals different facets of the island. A drive or cycle towards Grand Anse and further south brings you to more secluded beaches and local villages, providing a stark contrast to the bustling areas around Anse Volbert.

Consider renting a car for the day (~€40-60) or taking local buses (very affordable, ~€0.50 per ride) to explore areas like Grand Anse, which is excellent for long walks during low tide, or visiting local shops and eateries. Further south, you might discover small, family-run establishments offering authentic Creole cuisine. A visit to the Black Pearl Farm (Praslin) near Grande Anse offers insight into the pearl cultivation process. A half-day or a leisurely full-day could be spent exploring this less-touristy side of Praslin. This area is enjoyable year-round, though the west coast can be more affected by seaweed during the southeast monsoon (May to September). While a car offers maximum flexibility, local buses can get you to most places, making it 'car optional'.

Effective planning is key to maximising your day trips from Praslin. Firstly, considering the weather is paramount. While Seychelles enjoys a tropical climate year-round, some months offer calmer seas and better visibility for marine activities (typically April-May and October-November). Book your ferry tickets to La Digue in advance, especially during peak season, through operators like Cat Cocos. For other island excursions, it's often best to book with local tour operators directly from Praslin's main beaches (e.g., Anse Volbert) or through your hotel. This allows for negotiation and insight into local conditions.

Pack essentials like sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a refillable water bottle, and sturdy walking shoes. Reef shoes are also highly recommended for rocky beaches or snorkelling. Always carry some cash (Seychellois Rupees) for small purchases, though many places accept credit cards. Inform your accommodation about your day trip plans, especially if it involves an early start or late return. Embrace the slower pace of island life; schedules can sometimes be flexible, so a relaxed attitude is beneficial. Lastly, respect the environment by not leaving any litter and adhering to national park rules, especially on protected islands. Enjoy the journey!