There is no better way to explore Seychelles than Island hopping. Seychelles is indeed a paradise and you need to see it to believe it. The archipelago of 115 islands floating in the Indian Ocean is a delight to explore. Imagine white sand beaches lined with coconut palms and warm waters teeming with bright coral. If you want to enjoy an ultimate beach getaway, Seychelles is it!
The most touristic part of Seychelles are the three large islands which include Mahe, La Digue and Praslin.
Mahe
Make is the largest island in Seychelles and you will land here no matter where you are flying in from. It is home to majority of the country’s population and all holidays begin in Mahe. You can also take connecting flights to other islands from here. Mahe is also a holiday destination in itself with lively resorts like the Savoy Seychelles Resort and Spa. There are many things to do in Mahe. You can hop to Cerf island which is only about four kilometers from Mahe’s ferry terminal.
Praslin
Famous for the UNESCO site Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, Praslin has a number of luxury resorts. It also has the best and the least crowded beaches in Seychelles. Anse Lazio and Anse Georgette have been featured as the best beaches in the world. It is famous for the Valley de Mai Nature Reserve which is a 45 acre world UNESCO heritage site and home to Coco de Mer trees.
La Digue
La Digue is a favorite island for honeymooners. It is the third largest island in Seychelles and has the one of the most photographed beaches on the planet. You can easily get around the sleepy island on a bicycle because there is less motorized transport here.
There are many private islands in Seychelles where you can book a hotel. The hotel generally arranges for your pick up and drop from the airport.
Island hopping combinations in Seychelles
Here are some of the most convenient island hopping options in Seychelles. You can include Mahe, Praslin and La Digue and other smaller neighbors like Cerf and Felicite. Many visitors combine a stop at one of the three islands and stay at a remote destination in a private island. Ideal island hopping combinations include:
Silhouette and Denis
La Digue and Praslin
Denis and Mahe
Mahe and Praslin
Silhoutte, Mahe and Praslin
Mahe and Silhouette
La Digue, Praslin and Mahe
Praslin, Cerf and Bird
Ways to hop between islands
Island hopping is made easier with internal flights in the Seychelles. Here are your options.
Mahe to Praslin Island- Air Seychelles has a 20 minute flight a number of times in a day between the two islands. The islands are only 43 kilometers apart.
Mahe to Denis Island - There is a 95 kilometer distance between the two islands. It is only 30 minutes by plane. The flights go once a day for seven days in a week.
Mahe to Bird Island- There is one plane in a day which covers the distance of 100 kilometers between the two islands. The flight time is 30 minutes.
You can also get between the islands by boat. It is a much cheaper option and there are boat companies which operate in the country and offer inter island ferry services.
Mahe to Praslin- There are three boats per day for the route and the journey will take an hour.
Mahe to La Digue- The journey will take 90 minutes and there are boats going to and fro multiple times in a day. The distance is about 50 kilomteres.
Praslin to La Digue- This is a short, 15 minutes boat ride.
Praslin to Round island- The distance is only five minutes by boat.
La Digue to Felicite Island- it will take 15 minutes by boat
Mahe to Cerf island- The distance will be covered within 10 minutes.
On island transport services
You can find a number of car and taxi hire services on the inner islands in Seychelles. Majority resorts offer a transfer around the islands for sightseeing and activities. You can also choose to explore the island by foot or on a bicycle. You can also consider the bus services between islands.
Cruising and sailing
The most luxurious way to explore Seychelles is through a sailing trip. You get to choose from the catamarans and yachts. If you want to enjoy a luxurious holiday, you can head on a boat trip and choose from various itineraries starting from Mahe. It will include different islands and multiple water activities.
Seychelles is not for everyone and if you do like remote places and nature, this is the place to be. You will absolutely love discovering the lesser known islands of Seychelles.
