Praslin Island Cruise Ship Port Guide

Your ship will drop anchor off Praslin’s Baie St. Anne Terminal, and you’ll hop on a tender boat for a 15-25 minute ride to the island.

For other Seychelles Cruise destinations check out our Cruise Ship Ports of Call in Seychelles page.

Once you’re on dry land, transportation options are pretty straightforward – grab a taxi (they work on fixed rates), rent a car (€40-50 per day), jump on the local buses (only SCR 5-10), or pedal around on rented bikes (SCR 200-300 daily).

Make sure you check out the must-sees like UNESCO’s VallĂ©e de Mai, the gorgeous Anse Lazio beach, and the giant tortoises hanging out on Curieuse Island.

This guide covers all the bases for making the most of your Praslin visit.

Map of Praslin Island Cruise Ship Port

Arriving at Praslin’s Baie St. Anne Cruise Terminal

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Dropping anchor at Praslin’s Baie St. Anne Cruise Terminal

Your cruise ship pulls into Praslin Island at Baie St. Anne, the main hub for visitors. If you’re sailing on one of the bigger ships, you’ll drop anchor offshore and hop on tender boats to reach the island—a pretty ride that takes between 15-25 minutes.

The terminal itself is nothing fancy—just an open-air setup that blends right in with the tropical vibes all around. Once you step off, you’ll need to deal with immigration at their portable stations. Got an excursion booked? Lucky you—you’ll get to skip ahead of the regular crowd.

The pier can handle medium-sized ships with up to 1,200 passengers, but the bigger vessels might struggle with the shallow waters—it’s only 6.8 meters deep during low tide.

Getting Around the Island: Transportation Options

Getting Around the Island: Transportation Options

Just arrived at Baie St. Anne? No worries – there are plenty of ways to get around Praslin and discover all its hidden gems. The island offers something for every type of traveler and wallet size.

  1. Taxis are ready to whisk you away with fixed rates (SCR 400 from airport to Cote d’Or). Need a wheelchair-friendly ride or baby seat? Just ask when booking.
  2. Car rentals will set you back about €40-50 per day, with sweet deals if you’re staying longer. Stick with smaller cars – our winding roads aren’t built for SUVs!
  3. Public buses are a real bargain at just SCR 5-10. Three routes cover most of the island, including a stop at the famous Vallée de Mai.
  4. Bicycles and scooters cost around SCR 200-300 daily – perfect for hopping between nearby beaches like Cote d’Or and that postcard-perfect Anse Lazio.

Must-See Attractions and Natural Wonders

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Praslin’s beaches are gorgeous, but dig a little deeper and you’ll discover the island’s real natural gems. Check out the UNESCO-listed VallĂ©e de Mai with its prehistoric palm forests and the famous Coco de Mer – home to the biggest seed you’ll ever see!

If you’re watching your wallet, head to Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve instead. You’ll get amazing views without the premium price tag. Animal lovers should hop on a quick boat from Baie Ste. Anne to Curieuse Island, where giant tortoises roam freely.

Got your hiking boots? The Glacis Noir Trail is perfect – not too challenging but rewarding enough. You’ll spot some rare birds while walking through unique plant habitats, and best of all, it won’t cost you a penny to enter.

Beach Paradise: Exploring Praslin’s Coastal Gems

Beach Paradise: Exploring Praslin’s Coastal Gems

Why go for regular old beaches when Praslin dishes up some of the planet’s most jaw-dropping stretches of sand? Each spot along the coast serves up its own flavor of adventure, from globally ranked beauties to hidden pockets of paradise.

  1. Anse Lazio – Ranked #6 on TripAdvisor’s global beach hotlist, this stunner rocks the classic combo of powder-white sand, massive granite boulders, and killer snorkeling among vibrant coral reefs.
  2. Anse Georgette – Gotta book through Constance Lemuria Resort to snag access to this unspoiled crescent bay with its dramatic, photo-worthy tidal pools.
  3. CĂ´te D’Or – Join the beach crowd along this 2.5km stretch where you can swim year-round and snap pics of those impossibly curved palm trees for your social feed.
  4. Anse Kerlan – Catch planes cruising overhead at this western shore – a sweet spot if you’re into bodyboarding the waves.

See what’s on offer from the Victoria, Mahé for a different Seychelles Cruise destination.

Practical Information for Cruise Passengers

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PRACTICAL CRUISE INFO – PRASLIN

Ready to leave those picture-perfect beaches behind? Let’s talk logistics. Your ship won’t dock directly on Praslin – instead, you’ll anchor offshore and hop on tender boats to Baie Sainte Anne jetty. The ride typically takes about 15-20 minutes.

Once you’re on dry land, you’ve got options. Taxis line up with fixed rates ranging from €20-50 depending on your destination. If you’re watching your budget, public buses run hourly and are super cheap at just €1.5-3. Feeling like exploring on your own terms? Grab a bicycle from the nearby rental shops – they go for about €15-25 per day.

Weather-wise, pack for the tropics! Temperatures swing between 24°C-32°C, and random rain showers can pop up without warning. The sun is seriously intense here, so don’t skimp on the reef-safe sunscreen.

The port area has basic facilities, but if you need more, just walk the half kilometer to Baie Sainte Anne village where you’ll find everything you need.

Cultural Experiences and Local Cuisine

Beyond the stunning beaches, Praslin dishes up some pretty cool cultural experiences that’ll give you a real feel for authentic Seychellois life. Dive into local traditions while visiting this tropical paradise:

  1. Pop into the Praslin Museum and discover the island’s heritage and traditional crafts
  2. Head over to Orique in Zimbabwe village where locals share stories and show off their craftsmanship
  3. Don’t miss Festival Kreol in October – think pumping music, dancing, and mouthwatering Creole food
  4. Wander through the UNESCO-listed VallĂ©e de Mai with a guide who’ll fill you in on why the quirky coco de mer is such a big deal around here

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Medical Assistance Available at the Praslin Cruise Terminal?

While cruising through Praslin, you can get basic medical help at local clinics if you’re feeling under the weather or have minor injuries. The island doesn’t have a full-blown hospital, though. Most cruise ships have their own medical staff onboard for passengers who need attention. If something serious happens, just call 151 for an ambulance – they’ll sort you out.

Can I Rent Snorkeling Equipment Directly at the Beaches?

Hoping to just show up at the beach and grab some snorkeling gear on the spot? Well, the options are pretty limited. Most Praslin beaches don’t offer equipment rentals right on the sand. You’ll only find that convenience at the bigger resorts like Bliss Hotel or Hilton Labriz. Everywhere else, you’ll need to plan ahead.

Are There Any ATMS Near the Cruise Terminal?

Yes, there’s an MCB ATM at Grand Anse right by the cruise terminal that takes Visa and Mastercard. If that one’s not working for some reason, you can grab a taxi to the Cote d’Or MCB branch – it’s only about 10-15 minutes away.

What’s the Best Time of Year to Avoid Tropical Storms?

Looking for storm-free sailing? May through October is your sweet spot. The dry season gives you calm seas with almost zero chance of tropical storms hitting the Seychelles. If you want to dodge those cyclones, just stay clear of the wet season that runs from November to March.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photographing Wildlife in Nature Reserves?

Yes, there are some rules to follow. You need permits when shooting in protected spots, and it’s a big no-no to mess with wildlife or where they live. Skip the flash around night creatures or animals that are breeding, and stick to the paths in places like VallĂ©e de Mai. Common sense stuff, really.

Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from La Digue Cruise Ship Port.