An AWESOME 5-Day Seychelles Itinerary (Praslin & La Digue)

Are you looking for the perfect 5-day Seychelles itinerary? Well, look no further! 

Located in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles is Africa’s answer to the Maldives.

This beautiful group of 115 islands has hundreds of white sandy beaches, surrounded by clear turquoise water. 

The Seychelles also features Victoria, one of the smallest capital cities in the world, and the ancient Aldabra Tortoise.

5-days in the Seychelles might seem too short, however, I assure you it’s enough time to get a taste of this magical place.

After visiting more than 50 countries and hundreds of beaches, I can say that the Seychelles have some of the most beautiful coastlines I’ve ever seen. So, even if you only have 5 days it’s definitely worth the trip!

I do not recommend flying long-haul just to spend 5 days in the Seychelles, I would recommend at least 1 week (minimum) in the Seychelles. 

However, if you are heading to the Seychelles as part of a larger trip to Africa, then this 5-day trip to the Seychelles is the perfect addition. 

So what’s included on a 5-day Seychelles itinerary?

Read on below to find out! 

Prepare for your trip to the Seychelles 

About this Seychelles 5-day Itinerary 

This Seychelles 5-day Itinerary is based on a similar Itinerary I followed for my trip to the Seychelles (I have tweaked this a little as I spent 1-week in the Seychelles). 

It will focus on the Seychelles’ two most beautiful islands, Praslin and La Digue, and will skip out the main island of Mahé as you won’t have enough time to fit everything in on this 5-day trip.

I believe It has the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure to ensure that you leave feeling like you have seen a glimpse of what this country has to offer, but also leave feeling that you’ve had some time to unwind. 

 In short, your Seychelles 5-day Itinerary will look a little something like the below:

• Days 1-2 – Praslin Island 
• Days 3-5 – La Digue Island 

Arriving in the Seychelles 

When you arrive in the Seychelles you will likely land at Mahé International Airport. 

If your flight arrives in the morning, then I recommend heading straight over to Praslin Island to reach the first stop on this 5-day Seychelles itinerary.

However, if you have a flight that arrives in the evening, then you will need to stay on Mahé Island for 1 night. 

Stay close to the city centre of Victoria so that you can be close to the Airport or Ferry Port (depending on how you travel to Praslin). 

Days 1-3 Praslin Island 

Stop 1 on your Seychelles 5-day itinerary is Praslin.  

Praslin (pronounced “pra-lin”)  is the second-largest island in the Seychelles and is home to some of the best beaches in the whole country. 

Praslin is not to be missed if you are heading to the Seychelles 

Getting to Praslin from Mahé

Getting to Praslin from Mahé is straightforward and you have two options to choose from. 

Ferry 

You can easily catch a ferry from Mahé to Praslin with the Cat Cocos ferry company.

There are between 2-4 ferries a day from Mahé to Praslin and the timetable can change depending on the day, so make sure to check the schedule ahead of time on the Cat Cocos Website so you can plan effectively. 

I strongly suggest purchasing your ticket online at least 48 hours before your trip. While it is possible to buy a ticket at the counter on the day of travel, you risk encountering long queues and the possibility of sold-out seats. Planning ahead is the better option.

The journey between Mahé and Praslin takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes and costs about $63.

Be aware that the trip can be quite bumpy, so if you are prone to seasickness, it’s advisable to buy some preventive medication in advance.

Flight 

The flight from Mahé to Praslin is just 15 minutes. Flight prices range from $140-$215. 

Where to stay in Praslin 

Praslin is a relatively small island, making it easy to navigate if you’re renting a car, so your choice of accommodation location isn’t too critical.

That said, I highly recommend staying in the Grand Anse area because it’s conveniently close to all the top attractions in Praslin.

While I should note that Grand Anse isn’t the most beautiful beach on the island, this shouldn’t be a concern if your plans involve exploring Praslin rather than lounging at your hotel.

If you are looking for a hotel in the Grand Anse area then Bliss Hotel Praslin is a great option. 

Getting around Praslin 

Rent a car 

Renting a car in Praslin is one of the most convenient and cost-effective transport options. You can book a rental car in advance or on arrival at the Praslin ferry port for as little as $57 a day. 

Public Bus 

Whilst there is a public bus service in Praslin, there are only 3 bus routes which have limited schedules. 

If you want to make the most out of your Seychelles 5-day itinerary then I would recommend renting a car on Praslin. 

Taxi

Taxis are readily available on Praslin, however, they are extremely expensive. 

What to do in Praslin 

Day 1

Visit Vallee De Mai 

Vallee De Mai is a renowned nature trail that houses the iconic Seychelles Coco De Mer. These seeds are the largest and heaviest in the world, weighing up to 25 kilograms and measuring 40 to 50 centimetres in diameter. They’re also well-known for their striking resemblance to human bottoms.

Beyond the Coco De Mer, the Vallee De Mai trail is teeming with wildlife. Be sure to watch for the elusive black parrot!

Entrance to Vallee De Mai costs around $32 per person. Guided tours are available for an additional fee.

Spend the day lazing at Anze Lazio Beach 

After exploring the Vallee De Mai nature trail, you’ll undoubtedly deserve some rest and relaxation, and Anse Lazio is the perfect spot for it.

Anse Lazio Beach is the highest-rated beach in Praslin and one of the finest in all of the Seychelles. 

It’s certainly one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever visited in my entire life! 

Spend the remainder of your day 1 unwinding at Anse Lazio, soaking in the breathtaking views.

You’ll find a few beach bars along the shore offering freshly made cocktails and fruit platters. If you’re feeling a bit hungrier, there’s a small shop and a restaurant conveniently located near the car park.

If you have extra time or prefer smaller beaches, make sure to check out Anse Georgette as well!

Day 2

Book on a boat trip and see the famous Aldabra Tortoises 

When visiting the Seychelles, seeing the famous Aldabra Tortoises (some of the oldest living creatures on Earth) is a must.

The best place to encounter these magnificent animals is Curieuse Island, which is easily reachable from Praslin by booking an all-day boat tour.

We booked our Curieuse Island boat trip with Geoli Charters through Get Your Guide, and it was fantastic.

The trip included two snorkelling stops, island and beach hopping, a guided tour of the Curieuse Island mangroves, plenty of time with the tortoises, a freshly cooked BBQ lunch, and Takamaka rum cocktails.

Meeting the Aldabra Tortoises was an unforgettable experience and is a must-do on your Seychelles 5-day itinerary.

Days 3-5 La Digue Island 

Stop 2 on your Seychelles 5-day itinerary is my personal favourite, La Digue Island. 

Being one of the smaller islands in the Seychelles (5 km long and 3 km wide) La Digue is extremely chilled and laid-back and somewhere where they definitely do run on “island time”. 

Getting to La Digue 

You can get to La Digue from Praslin by ferry (there is no airport in La Digue). Both the Cat Cocos and Cat Rose ferry companies travel to La Digue meaning that there is a regular Service to and from La Digue. 

The Journey to La Digue from Praslin is only 15 minutes and costs approximately $18 per person. 

Where to stay in La Digue 

Given La Digue’s small size, your accommodation location isn’t too critical since you’ll always be near the island’s top attractions.

However, I recommend staying close to the ferry port to avoid carrying your luggage too far to your hotel.

Although there are a few taxi and shuttle services available on La Digue, they are limited. The main mode of transport on the island is the bicycle.

We stayed at Coral Apartments which was less than a 10-minute walk from the ferry port. The rooms are huge and breakfast is included. 

Getting around La Digue 

As I mentioned earlier, bicycles are the primary mode of transport on La Digue and the best way to explore the island. You can rent a bicycle for as little as $13 per day.

While most hotels offer bike rentals, if yours doesn’t, there are several bike rental stands near the ferry port.

What to do in La Digue 

Day 3

Spend the day at Anse Source D’argent 

After arriving on La Digue and settling into your hotel, it’s time to visit your first beach on the island.

Anse Source D’Argent is frequently hailed as one of the most beautiful (and most photographed) beaches in the world, most famous for its unique granite boulders.

Having seen it myself, I can confidently say it’s one of the most stunning and unique beaches I’ve ever encountered! (I know I’ve said this about a lot of the beaches in this post, but the beaches in the Seychelles just keep impressing.)

The beach is divided into three sections, each separated by rock formations. In each section, you’ll find beach bars where you can enjoy fresh coconuts and potent rum cocktails!

Anse Source D’Argent is located in the L’Union Estate, and you’ll need to pay an entry fee to access the beach. 

The cost is 300 SCR, which is approximately $23. The estate also offers other attractions, such as a vanilla plantation and a coprah factory.

Day 4 

Hike to Anse Cocos 

A local recommended Anse Cocos to us, and I’ve learned that when a local suggests something, you should definitely check it out! Anse Cocos did not disappoint.

To start your hike, you’ll need to cycle to Grand Anse, park your bike, and then hike the 30-minute trail to reach Anse Cocos.

There’s a small beach bar at Anse Cocos that serves delicious cocktails and an incredible fish BBQ at lunchtime.

Please note that most of Anse Cocos is unsafe for swimming due to strong currents, but there’s a small rock pool at the far left end of the beach where you can safely take a dip.

For my full guide to the Anse Cocos hike please click here.

Day 5 

Chill out on Anse Severe

Assuming you don’t need to catch an early ferry back, your final day on La Digue can be (yes, you guessed it) another day at the beach. 

This time, head over to Anse Severe Beach, conveniently located near the ferry port. Be sure to stop by Bikini Bottom Bar for some delightful frozen cocktails and/or smoothies.

If possible, try to stay until sunset. Anse Severe is also one of the top spots on La Digue to watch the sunset.

Getting back to Mahé for your flight home 

To return to Mahé from La Digue, you’ll need to take a Cat Cocos ferry. There are three ferries per day, and the journey takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The fare is approximately $80.

Once again, make sure to book your trip at least 48 hours in advance to secure your spot.

Please note that the ferry to Mahé makes a brief stop in Praslin, where you might need to disembark to change ferries. The Cat Cocos staff will handle transferring your luggage between ferries.

Know before you go 

If you are travelling to the Seychelles you must fill out an entry authorisation form ahead of time. If you do not do this in time you could be denied boarding on your flight, or be fined on arrival into the Seychelles. 

Seychelles FAQ’s

Is 5 days enough time in the Seychelles?

Yes, five days can be enough to get a taste of the Seychelles. With careful planning, you can visit the main islands and enjoy some key activities.

What is the best month to visit Seychelles?

The best months to visit Seychelles are April to May and October to November. The weather is usually nice and calm during these times, perfect for activities like snorkelling, diving, and relaxing on the beach.

Is the Seychelles expensive?

Yes, Seychelles is generally expensive. Hotels, food, and activities can cost a lot, especially at high-end resorts. However, there are cheaper options like guesthouses and self-catering places that can help you save money.

What is the wettest month in the Seychelles?

January is usually the wettest month in Seychelles. This month gets the most rain, often with short, heavy showers.

Is it easy to island hop in Seychelles?

Yes, it’s easy to island hop in Seychelles. There are regular ferries, domestic flights, and even helicopter rides between the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Smaller islands can be reached by boat trips, making it easy to explore different islands during your visit.

You Might Also Enjoy…

• The ULTIMATE Seychelles 7-Day Itinerary
• 16 Of The Very Best Things To Do In La Digue, Seychelles
• The 10 BEST Things To Do In Praslin, Seychelles
• Anse Major Hike, Mahé – EVERYTHING You Need To Know
• Hiking the Anse Cocos Trail in La Digue – EVERYTHING You Need To Know

Happy Exploring

I truly hope you have a wonderful 5 days in the Seychelles and that this 5-day seychelles Itinerary was useful in helping you plan your trip!

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.