Praslin’s Secret Shores: Discovering Untouched Beauty in Seychelles

Praslin, the second-largest of Seychelles’ granitic islands, sits roughly 44 kilometers northeast of Mahé, drawing around 8,000 residents and a steady stream of visitors who come for its blend of accessible beauty and quieter corners.

Praslin is an island of contrasts. On one side, you have the postcard-perfect coves framed by granite boulders that make Seychelles famous. On the other, a network of quiet trails, wilder shores, and intimate bays that most visitors never see. The key is knowing where to look—and when.

Anse Lazio: The Famous One, Done Right

Anse Lazio is consistently ranked among the world’s top beaches—a crescent of powdery sand framed by granite boulders and takamaka trees. It delivers in person, but it also draws a crowd by mid-morning. The trick is to arrive early, claim a spot near the rocky edges where the snorkeling is best, and soak up the calm before the day heats up.

Swimming is generally good here, though there’s no reef to soften the ocean energy, so keep an eye on the conditions. Snorkelers will find the most activity along the granite edges. A lifeguard is usually on duty, and the nearby Mabuya Restaurant makes it easy to stretch a beach day into the afternoon.

For those looking to go beyond the postcard, the trail from the northern end of Anse Lazio leads to Anse Georgette. It’s a moderate 1.5 to 2-hour hike marked with white arrows—sturdy shoes, water, and an early start are essential.

Anse Georgette and Anse Kerlan: Accessible Seclusion

Anse Georgette sits within the grounds of the Constance Lemuria Resort, which means access isn’t as straightforward as pulling up and parking. Non-guests typically need to request permission in advance, or you can earn your arrival via the hike from Anse Lazio. The beach itself is a smaller, more intimate version of Lazio—soft white sand, turquoise water, and granite boulders framing both sides. It feels gloriously private, but conditions can change quickly. The water gets deep fast and can have strong currents, especially during tide changes, so scan the water before diving in.

Just around the corner, Petite Anse Kerlan offers another resort-linked experience with a calmer, family-friendly feel. The water here is often glassy, making it perfect for snorkeling around the granite boulders. It’s also one of the best spots on the island for sunset, and the resort’s beachside bar or The Nest restaurant can turn the evening into something special—if you’ve arranged access.

Inland Forests: Vallée de Mai and Fond Ferdinand

Praslin’s interior holds a different kind of beauty—a prehistoric palm forest that feels a world away from the coast. Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve is the island’s headline act, a UNESCO World Heritage site covering just 19.5 hectares. It’s one of the smallest UNESCO sites on the planet, but it hosts the world’s largest natural concentration of Coco de Mer palms, which produce the largest seed of any plant. The canopy is dense, the trails are well-marked, and the atmosphere feels contained and ancient—a short walk here is memorable.

If Vallée de Mai feels too curated, head south to Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve. It’s more than six times larger at 122 hectares, far less crowded, and offers a more strenuous hike that rewards you with a panoramic viewpoint spanning Curieuse, La Digue, and even Mahé on a clear day. The entrance fee includes a guided tour, and the 9:30 AM morning tour is a great way to learn about the endemic plants and birds. The trail involves around 700 steps to the top, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

Côte d’Or and Grand Anse: Two Sides of Island Life

Want a lively beach with water sports and restaurants, or a wild stretch of sand with dramatic surf? Côte d’Or (also called Anse Volbert) is Praslin’s liveliest stretch, with a long, shallow beach that’s perfect for families. You can rent kayaks or paddleboards, grab a fresh coconut from a vendor, and walk to a dozen restaurants without leaving the sand. It rarely feels squeezed, even in peak season.

Grand Anse, on the other hand, is longer, wilder, and less protected. The surf here is dramatic, and the broad sand is excellent for long walks and big-sky sunsets. But swimming is often not advised due to strong rips and occasional seaweed. It’s a beach for feeling the raw side of Praslin, not for a leisurely float.

Anse Boudin and Copolia Trail: The Quiet Corners

Tucked away on maps and often overlooked by day-trippers, Anse Boudin is a small sheltered cove with calm, shallow water that’s perfect for timid snorkelers and families. It’s an easy quiet spot to unwind like a local, and the views toward Curieuse Island add to its charm. Nearby, the Copolia Trail offers a short hike up a wooded ridge that rewards with sweeping views across Praslin, Curieuse, and the inner islands. It’s popular with locals for sunrise and sunset, and it’s far less busy than the main beaches—a perfect pairing with a morning at Anse Boudin.

Planning Your Trip to Praslin’s Shores

Getting around Praslin requires a bit of strategy. Public buses are the budget lifeline, running roughly from 6:30 AM to 6 PM with fares around SCR 10 to 15. They cover the main routes but don’t run on a strict schedule. Taxis are readily available for more direct routes, with fares starting around SCR 300 for airport or major beach transfers. Renting a car gives you the most freedom to chase the quieter beaches and inland trails, with daily rates around SCR 800. For the adventurous, bicycle rentals (around SCR 100 to 150 per day) let you explore at your own pace, though be prepared for some hills.

The best time to visit Praslin’s secret shores is during the shoulder seasons of April to May and October to November. The weather is warm, the seas are calm for snorkeling, and the crowds are thinner. The drier months from May to September are popular for hiking but bring stronger trade winds and higher prices. The monsoon months from December to March can bring rough seas that sometimes cancel boat trips, but they also offer lower accommodation rates.

Before You Go: Praslin Beach Tips

Do I need to book Anse Georgette access in advance?

If you’re not staying at Constance Lemuria Resort, yes. Contact the resort ahead of time to request access. Alternatively, the 1.5 to 2-hour hike from Anse Lazio is a rewarding way to earn your arrival and doesn’t require prior permission.

Which beach is best for families with young kids?

Côte d’Or (Anse Volbert) offers the most amenities, shallow water, and rental gear. For a truly sheltered cove, Anse Boudin is calm, quiet, and rarely crowded—ideal for timid swimmers and picnics.

Can I visit Praslin’s beaches as a day trip from Mahé?

Technically yes, but you’ll be rushed. The ferry takes 45 minutes to 1 hour each way, and public transport on Praslin is limited. An overnight stay is highly recommended to experience the quieter shores at their best—early morning or sunset.

What’s the entry fee for Vallée de Mai?

It’s 450 SCR (around €31) at the gate, or 410 SCR if you purchase tickets online through the Seychelles Islands Foundation website. The guided tour is included in the fee and adds significant value.

Praslin’s Rhythm

Praslin gives you options. You can chase the famous postcard shots or find your own stretch of sand where the only sound is the waves. The secret shores are out there—they just ask for a little extra effort to find them. For more on building your Seychelles itinerary, see our guide to Praslin perfection and beyond.

References

Seychelles Islands Foundation. “Vallée de Mai.” SIF.sc. ↗

Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority. “Praslin National Park.” SPGA.gov.sc. ↗

Nature Seychelles. “Seychelles Black Parrot.” NatureSeychelles.org. ↗

Wikipedia. “Praslin Island.” Wikipedia.org. ↗

If you’re planning a broader Seychelles adventure, don’t miss the clear waters of Anse Severe or the untamed wilderness of Silhouette Island. For those watching their budget, our guide to Seychelles on a budget offers practical tips, while the best-kept secrets page uncovers even more uncrowded beaches.

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