Island-hopping to Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse and St Pierre
Explore four of the Inner Islands in a single trip. This full‑day island‑hopping tour visits Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse and the snorkeling islet of St Pierre. Experience iconic beaches (Anse Lazio, Anse Source d'Argent), ancient palm forest in Vallée de Mai, giant Aldabra tortoises, and world‑class snorkeling in crystal clear Indian Ocean waters.
Location
Inner Islands (departures typically from Mahé/Victoria or Praslin), Victoria (Mahé) / Praslin (alternative departure), Seychelles
Duration
Full day: typically 8–10 hours (early morning departure ~07:00 — return late afternoon). Half‑day and multi‑day/private charter options available.
Best Time to Visit
April to October for generally drier weather and calmer seas; December to February is warmer and good for swimming. Avoid the roughest part of the year (November) if possible.
Pricing
From approximately USD 100–220 per person for a shared full‑day speedboat itinerary (price depends on group size, season and inclusions). Private yacht or luxury charter options range USD 700–2,500+ per day. Park entrance fees and optional bike/buggy hire on La Digue are extra (Vallée de Mai park fee ≈ USD 25–40 per person).
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Vallée de Mai (Praslin) — UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the endemic Coco de Mer palm.
Anse Lazio (Praslin) — consistently ranked among the world's best beaches.
Anse Source d'Argent (La Digue) — iconic pink granite boulders and shallow clear water.
Curieuse Island — giant Aldabra tortoises, mangrove walks and protected marine life.
St Pierre — a small granite islet ideal for snorkeling; abundant reef fish and dramatic rock formations.
Snorkeling in protected marine parks with high visibility and colorful coral/reef life.
Opportunity to cycle (La Digue), walk nature trails, and sample local Creole cuisine.
Itinerary
Departure from Mahé or Praslin harbour by speedboat or chartered yacht.
Early start recommended to make the most of calm seas and daylight. Transfers from hotels can usually be arranged.
Praslin — Vallée de Mai and/or Anse Lazio visit.
Option to walk the Vallée de Mai boardwalk (~45–60 min) to see the Coco de Mer, then spend time at Anse Lazio for swimming and photos.
La Digue — arrival, island orientation, Anse Source d'Argent visit.
Most visitors explore La Digue by bike or ox‑cart (short hire). Anse Source d'Argent is a short walk/cycle from La Passe jetty.
Lunch break on La Digue (local restaurants/cafés) or picnic aboard.
Try Creole dishes like grilled fish, coconut curry, and fresh fruit. Bring cash for small eateries.
Curieuse — guided walk, tortoise sanctuary and mangrove highlights.
Short guided walk to see giant tortoises and learn about conservation. Some operators combine Curieuse and St Pierre visits depending on tides and schedule.
St Pierre — snorkeling stop.
Snorkel over shallow reefs to see reef fish, small coral patches and dramatic granite outcrops. Life jackets/snorkel gear provided by many operators.
Return to Mahé or Praslin harbour.
Arrive back in the evening; times vary with departure point and sea conditions.
Safety Requirements
Wear a life jacket when on board; ensure the operator provides one for all passengers.
Inform the operator if you are prone to seasickness and bring medication (or wear a patch/band).
Follow crew instructions during embarkation/disembarkation and while snorkeling (no touching coral or wildlife).
Bring reef‑safe sunscreen to protect marine ecosystems and avoid sunburn.
Vallée de Mai and Curieuse visits require staying on marked paths and following park rules.
Tips
Book in advance in high season (Jun–Aug, Dec–Jan).
Bring quick‑dry clothing, swimwear, hat, sunglasses, reef‑safe sunscreen and a dry bag for valuables.
Carry local cash (Seychellois rupees or USD) for park fees, bike hire on La Digue and small purchases — card facilities may be limited.
If you want fewer crowds at Anse Source d'Argent, visit early or late in the afternoon.
Consider a private charter if you want more time on each island, flexible schedule or luxury inclusions.
Respect wildlife: do not feed giant tortoises, and avoid standing on corals while snorkeling.
Check weather and sea conditions the day before departure — operators may reschedule for safety.
Combine with accommodation on Praslin or La Digue if you prefer a more leisurely visit (overnight options).
