How to get from Praslin or Mahé to La Digue Island (Seychelles) in 2022
An updated travel guide showing the options for getting to La Digue Island in the Seychelles from Mahe and Praslin. La Digue Island is widely considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles. With highlights and recognitions such as the most beautiful beach in the world as well as some of the most beautiful nature trails, it's no wonder so many people flock to La Digue for their Seychelles vacation. But how do you get to La Digue? In this guide, I'll answer that question by providing you with the most up-to-date options to get you ready for your island trip...
How to get from Praslin or Mahé to La Digue Island (Seychelles) in 2022
An updated travel guide showing the options for getting to La Digue Island in the Seychelles from Mahe and Praslin.
La Digue Island is widely considered one of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles. With highlights and recognitions such as the most beautiful beach in the world as well as some of the most beautiful nature trails, it's no wonder so many people flock to La Digue for their Seychelles vacation.
But how do you get to La Digue? In this guide, I'll answer that question by providing you with the most up-to-date options so you can prepare for the island trip of a lifetime!
Things to do: Complete the La Digue Island travel guide
Where is the island of La Digue
La Digue is one of the 115 islands of the Seychelles. It is considered one of the 43 inner islands and, along with Mahe and Praslin, is one of the three main islands where visitors usually spend time.
You can find La Digue about 54 kilometers northeast of the main island; Mahe, but only about 10 kilometers from Praslin. Below is a map that you can navigate to help you plan your journey to La Digue. Read on for the best options.
alt=“Rock formations on the beach of La Digue”>Anse Source D’Argent in the L’Union Estate
How to get to La Digue Island in Seychelles?
Below is an overview of how to get to La Digue from both Mahé and Praslin.
How to get from Mahe to La Digue
From Mahe you have three options to get to the island.
Update: Creole Adventures now offers day trips to the islands of Praslin and La Digue. This is a great option if you're short on time but want to see lots of highlights like Praslin's famous beaches and the famous Vallée de Mai.
Option 1: Ferry to La Digue (Cat Cocos)
The most popular way to get from Mahe to La Digue Island is by fast ferry, which departs daily from Mahe. This boat is called Cat Cocos, it is best to book it online in advance to secure a spot.
Ferry price: €60 for the lower deck, €65 for the upper deck and €80 for business class
The journey begins at the Cat Cocos berth in Victoria, opposite Orion Mall, approximately 9.5 kilometers north of Mahé International Airport. Traffic in Mahe heading north can get notoriously heavy, especially in the morning, so give yourself plenty of time to reach the ferry port. The website states that you should arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
The Cat Cocos ferry takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach La Digue Island from Mahe. Click the link below to check times, availability and book your ticket.
Check price and availability: Cat Cocos Ferry Booking
alt="Ferry terminal in Praslin">
Option 2: Fly to Praslin and take the 15-minute ferry
The second option is the option I chose. You can take a 15-minute scenic flight from Mahe Airport directly to Praslin. From there take the Cat Rose from the ferry terminal on Praslin directly to La Digue (15 minutes).
The advantage of this option is that you experience the sightseeing flight over Mahe and Praslin. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Seychelles for me and I'm definitely glad I got this option!
You must first book a flight with Air Seychelles. I always check Skyscanner and CheapOAir for discounted prices and special offers before booking.
alt=“Flight from Mahé to Praslin, Air Seychelles”>
Once you arrive in Praslin, you will need to arrange a transfer to the ferry terminal, which is approximately 15 minutes from the airport. The best way to get to the ferry terminal is by taxi. There are numerous metered taxis waiting in front of the airport. Don't worry, the taxi drivers in the Seychelles are not pushy, but very friendly and accommodating.
Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, take the Cat Rose ferry from Praslin. This is also a scenic fast ferry that passes Round Island along the way and only takes about 15 minutes.
Check price and availability: Cat Rose Fast Ferry Booking
alt=“La Digue Ferry Terminal”>Cruise ship arriving at the port of La Digue
Option 3: Private boat transfer
For those on a tight budget or for high rollers who aren't interested in public transportation and are wondering how to get to La Digue in style, there is a private boat transfer from Mahé to Praslin.
You can book this trip online through Viator, but it's a much more expensive option than taking public transportation.
How to get from Praslin to La Digue
If you've already made it to Praslin and are wondering how to get to La Digue, then you might see that I've already covered this route above. For those who jumped right here and want a quick answer, consider taking the Cat Rose ferry.
Below I have pinned the exact location where the Cat Rose ferry departs from in Praslin. The journey from Praslin to La Digue aboard the Cat Rose takes just 15 minutes and is quite affordable at just €17 per person.
Check price and availability: Book the Cat Rose ferry
alt="Cat Rose ferry from Praslin to La Digue">
alt="Boat terminal on Praslin">
Activities on La Digue after your arrival
I've written separate travel guides for the island and here are some of my favorite things:
- Anse Source D’Argent
- Anse Maron
- Große Anse
- Anse Cocos
- L’Union Estate
Where to stay overnight after your arrival
La Digue is a fairly small island and you can get anywhere within 20-30 minutes by bike. You'll find many hotels on the west side of the island near the jetty, but only a few along the narrow coastal road on the mostly inhabited east side.
La Digue has a wide range of hotel and resort offerings, ranging from relatively 'budget-friendly' self-catering lodges to incredible luxury resorts.
Below you will find a short summary of the best tips.
More: The 9 Best Accommodations, Resorts & Hotels on La Digue.
Amazing Chateau: Hotel Chateau St Cloud (Mid-Range) I stayed at Chateau St Cloud on La Digue and I can personally recommend it as one of the best accommodation options on the island. This three-star hotel is perfect as a mid-range option as the location is excellent - just a little outside the main district on a quiet street that is close enough to both the incredible southwest beaches and the harbor. The staff are all very accommodating and the breakfast buffet is great. The rooms are very spacious and the hotel even has a pool and bar.
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Waterfront Hotel: Le Nautique (High-End) Rated one of the best waterfront accommodations on La Digue, Le Nautique is a luxury offering that combines traditional Creole architecture with modern comforts like king-size beds and rainfall showers. Here you will also discover a fantastic outdoor restaurant and a beautiful garden setting.
alt=“Le Nautique Seychelles”>
Self Catering: Dream Holiday (Budget) Dream Holiday Self Catering is located at the northern end of the island, very close to the ferry terminal. This location is great as you are close to bike rentals, snack shops and even supermarkets on La Digue's main street. Dream Holiday offers queen rooms with air conditioning, TV, private bathroom and even a balcony. This is a great option if you're visiting La Digue on a budget, while comfort and location are still a priority for you.
alt=“Dream vacation La Digue Island Seychelles”>
More travel inspiration for the Seychelles
I hope you enjoyed this updated guide on how to get to La Digue Island in the Seychelles.
The ultimate Seychelles travel resource
Looking for more Seychelles travel guides and inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive travel guides that will serve as a great resource for your trip.
– 50 Things to Do in Seychelles – Seychelles Accommodation Guide – 18 Best Beaches in Seychelles – 10 Best Islands in Seychelles – 15 Best Hikes in Seychelles
Whether you're on Mahe or Praslin, I hope I've made your vacation planning a little easier. While you're here on my blog, be sure to check out some of my other inspiring travel guides and photography from Seychelles!
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