Praslin, the second-largest island in the Seychelles, is home to over a dozen distinct beaches, each with its own character. Anse Lazio, on the northwest coast, is the most famous, but the island’s real draw is the variety—from the exclusive, resort-adjacent Anse Georgette to the near-deserted Petite Anse Lazio, accessible only by unmarked jungle trails. This guide covers the best beaches on Praslin, how to access them, and what to expect when you arrive.
Anse Lazio has no fringing reef, meaning deep water sits right off the shore—a rare feature among Seychelles beaches.
Most travelers spend 3–5 days on Praslin, which is enough time to visit several beaches without rushing. The island is compact, but driving between beaches can take longer than expected due to narrow, winding roads. A rental car is the most flexible option, though taxis and public buses are available.
Praslin’s beaches are genuinely beautiful, but they are not all equal. Anse Lazio is stunning but crowded by midday. Anse Georgette is quieter but requires advance planning. For the best balance of beauty and solitude, head to Anse Boudin at low tide or take a boat trip to Cocos Island. The catch: some of the best spots, like Anse La Farine, can disappear entirely at high tide.
Orienting Yourself on Praslin’s Coastline
Praslin lies northeast of Mahé, connected by a 15-minute Air Seychelles flight or a one-hour Cat Cocos ferry. The island’s beaches are spread across its coastline, with the most famous ones on the northwest and east sides.
Snorkelers
Solo travellers seeking quiet
Families with young children
The northwest coast is home to Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette, both known for dramatic granite boulders and deep water. The east coast features the long, shallow Cote D’Or Beach (also called Anse Volbert), which is better for swimming and watersports. The north end near Anse Boudin offers calm waters and views across to Curieuse Island. A car is the most practical way to move between these areas, though bicycles can be rented from hotels or shops on Praslin. Driving is on the left, and car rental agencies on Praslin offer delivery to hotels or the airport.
Praslin’s Best Beaches: Where to Go and What to Expect
Each beach on Praslin has a distinct personality, shaped by its location, access, and natural features. Here are the ones worth planning around.
Anse Lazio: The Famous Crescent Bay
Anse Lazio is a crescent-shaped bay on the northwest coast, with soft white sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic granite boulders. Because there is no fringing reef, the water gets deep quickly, making it less ideal for young children but excellent for snorkeling. Turtles may be spotted here, and a lifeguard is sometimes present. The Mabuya Restaurant and Anse Lazio Lodge are on the beach, providing food and accommodation. The main drawback is crowds: by late morning, the beach fills up, and parking can be tight. Arrive before 9 a.m. to secure a good spot.
Anse Georgette: Exclusive and Quiet
Anse Georgette, on the northwest side of Praslin, is quieter and more laid-back than Anse Lazio. Access requires staying at Constance Lemuria Resort or calling the resort in advance to request permission. Alternatively, a 45-minute scenic hike from the Mont Plaisir area leads to the beach. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so plan ahead. The water gets deep quickly here too, but natural shade from palm trees makes it comfortable for sunbathing. Snorkeling equipment can be rented from the nearby hotel.
Cote D’Or Beach (Anse Volbert): The Long Stretch
Cote D’Or Beach, also known as Anse Volbert, is the island’s longest beach at 2600 meters (1.6 miles). Located along the east coast, it has calm waves and shallow turquoise waters, making it ideal for swimming and watersports like surfing, windsurfing, sailing, and scuba diving. The beach backs onto a resort strip, with Les Lauriers Eco Hotel and other accommodations nearby. A set of bent palm trees in front of “Galerie Passerose” is a popular photo spot. Some vendors offering boat tours here do not have an official license, so book through a hotel or reputable operator.
For a truly deserted experience, follow the unmarked trails through the jungle on the north part of the island to reach Petite Anse Lazio. The trail picks up from the west end of Anse Lazio beach. Bring water and sturdy shoes—the path is rough and not signposted.
Practical Planning for Praslin’s Beaches
Timing and access are the two biggest factors in enjoying Praslin’s beaches. Here is what you need to know before you go.
| Beach | Best for | Access note |
|---|---|---|
| Anse Lazio | Snorkeling, scenery | Free, public road access |
| Anse Georgette | Quiet, exclusivity | Resort permission or 45-min hike |
| Cote D’Or | Swimming, watersports | Free, public road access |
| Anse Boudin | Families, calm water | Free, public road access |
| Cocos Island | Snorkeling | Short boat trip from Praslin |
Getting There and Getting Around
The Mahé to Praslin ferry takes around one hour, while the La Digue to Praslin ferry is shorter. Air Seychelles runs scenic flights from Mahé in 20 minutes. Once on Praslin, a rental car is the most efficient way to reach multiple beaches in a day. Public buses connect most parts of Praslin, but they run infrequently. Taxis do not commonly use meters, so agree on a fare beforehand. Bicycles can be rented from hotels or shops, but the island’s hills and heat make this a tiring option for covering long distances.
Best Time to Visit
High season months for beach weather are April, May, October, and November. These months offer calm seas and clear skies. The off-season months are June to September, when the southeast trade winds bring stronger waves and rougher conditions, particularly on the south and east coasts. Visiting all beaches on Praslin is free with no entrance fee, but access to some requires advance planning.
Anse La Farine, accessible only by boat or jungle hike, can disappear at high tide. Check tide tables before setting out, or you may arrive to find nothing but rocks.
On the Ground: What to Know Before You Go
Beyond the beaches themselves, a few practical details will make your time on Praslin smoother.
Packing and Safety
The sun is intense year-round. Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and water shoes are essential, especially for beaches like Anse Lazio where the water gets deep quickly and the granite boulders can be sharp. Snorkeling gear is widely available for rent, but bringing your own mask and snorkel ensures a good fit. For those planning to document the coastline, a compact drone like the DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo is light enough to carry in a daypack and captures the scale of the boulder-strewn bays. If you prefer a more rugged option for beach hikes, the DJI Mini 4K offers similar stability at a lower price point.
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Local Etiquette and Customs
Seychellois are generally relaxed, but a few courtesies go a long way. Greet shopkeepers and restaurant staff with a simple “bonjour” or “bonsoir” before ordering. Dress modestly when away from the beach—cover-ups are expected in villages and shops. Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. On the beach, avoid playing loud music or leaving trash behind; the beaches are public and locals take pride in keeping them clean.
- Rent a car for maximum flexibility—public transport is limited and taxis are unmetered.
- Visit Anse Lazio before 9 a.m. to avoid crowds and secure parking.
- Book Anse Georgette access through Constance Lemuria Resort at least a day in advance.
- Check tide tables before visiting Anse Boudin or Anse La Farine—both can disappear at high tide.
Praslin Beaches: Your Questions Answered
Which Praslin beach is best for snorkeling?
Anse St Jose on Curieuse Island is one of the best beaches near Praslin for snorkeling, with turtles and reef sharks commonly spotted. Cocos Island, accessible by a short boat trip, is also excellent. For a beach you can walk to, Anse Lazio has coral reefs teeming with tropical fish just offshore.
Can you visit Anse Georgette without staying at the resort?
Yes, but you need to call Constance Lemuria Resort in advance to request permission. Alternatively, you can hike a 45-minute trail from the Mont Plaisir area. Daily visitor numbers are limited, so plan ahead.
Are Praslin beaches free to visit?
Yes, visiting all beaches on Praslin is free with no entrance fee. Some beaches, like Anse Georgette and Petite Anse Kerlan, require permission from nearby resorts, but there is no charge to access them.
What is the biggest downside of Praslin’s beaches?
Crowds at Anse Lazio during peak season can be significant, and parking is limited. Some of the quieter beaches, like Anse Boudin and Anse La Farine, are affected by tides and can disappear at high tide. Access to exclusive beaches requires advance planning.
How long should I spend on Praslin?
Most travelers spend 3–5 days on Praslin, which is enough time to visit the main beaches, explore the Vallee de Mai, and take a day trip to Curieuse Island. Any less and you will feel rushed.
Praslin’s beaches reward those who plan around tides and access rules. Anse Lazio delivers the postcard image, but Anse Boudin at low tide or a boat trip to Cocos Island offers something rarer: genuine quiet. For a broader look at the Seychelles beyond the sand, the hiking trails with unrivaled views provide a different perspective on the island’s interior.
Sources and further reading
Praslin Beaches Seychelles Guide. We Seek Travel, 2024.
Best Beaches Praslin Seychelles. Lilla Green, 2024.
Beaches Praslin Seychelles Guide. Megan Starr, 2024.
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