Cat Cocos is the main fast-ferry operator linking the three populated Seychelles islands. The catamaran runs Mahe to Praslin in about an hour, with connections on to La Digue, several times a day. It is the backbone of island hopping. Book popular departures in advance, arrive at the terminal early, and take something for seasickness if you are prone to it, as the open crossing can be bumpy in the windy season.
If you are visiting more than one Seychelles island, you will almost certainly travel on Cat Cocos. The fast catamaran service is the main link between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, and knowing how it works makes island hopping smooth. Here is the practical guide.
What Cat Cocos is
Cat Cocos runs the large fast catamarans that carry foot passengers between the main islands. The boats are sizeable and stable by ferry standards, with indoor seating and decks, and they are the everyday way locals and visitors move around. It is a scheduled scisp service, not a charter, so you buy a seat for a set departure.
The routes and times
The core route runs from Mahe, departing near Victoria, to Praslin in about an hour. From Praslin there are onward connections to La Digue, a short hop of around fifteen minutes, sometimes on a connecting boat. There are several departures a day, more in the busy season, and the timetable is built around sensible morning and afternoon crossings. Always confirm the current schedule when you plan.
Booking and tickets
Popular departures, especially the morning Mahe to Praslin runs and anything around weekends and holidays, fill up. Book in advance rather than turning up and hoping, particularly in the calm high-season months. Keep your booking confirmation handy and note any luggage rules.
At the terminal
Arrive early, as you would for a flight, to check in and board without stress. The Mahe terminal is near Victoria, easy to reach by car or taxi. Build in buffer time if you are connecting from a flight, and never schedule a tight ferry straight off a long-haul arrival.
Seasickness and comfort
The honest note. The crossing is in open sea, and during the windy south-east trade season it can be bumpy. If you are prone to seasickness, take something before you board, sit low and central where the motion is least, and keep your eyes on the horizon. On calm days it is a smooth, pretty ride.
How it fits your trip
Cat Cocos is what makes the classic Mahe to Praslin to La Digue route work. Plan your hops in one direction, book the popular crossings ahead, and use the ferry to string the three islands into one journey. Internal flights are an alternative between Mahe and Praslin if you would rather fly.
How to plan
Check the current ferry schedule to line up your crossings, book early for popular times, and browse verified places to stay on each island in our directory so your arrivals and departures match your beds.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Cat Cocos ferry?
The main fast-catamaran operator linking the populated Seychelles islands, carrying foot passengers between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue on a scheduled service several times a day.
How long does the Cat Cocos ferry take?
Mahe to Praslin is about an hour, with onward connections to La Digue taking around fifteen minutes. There are several departures a day, more in the busy season.
Do you need to book the Cat Cocos ferry in advance?
Yes, for popular departures and during the high season, as they fill up. Book ahead rather than turning up, keep your confirmation handy, and arrive at the terminal early to board.
Is the Cat Cocos ferry rough?
It can be bumpy in the windy south-east trade season since the crossing is in open sea. If you are prone to seasickness, take something beforehand and sit low and central. On calm days it is a smooth ride.
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