Island hopping in Seychelles is easy and is the best way to see the country. Fast catamaran ferries link Mahe, Praslin and La Digue several times a day, with Mahe to Praslin taking about an hour and Praslin to La Digue about fifteen minutes. Internal flights connect Mahe and Praslin in around fifteen minutes. Plan the route in one direction, book popular ferries ahead, hire a car on Mahe and Praslin, and cycle La Digue.
The Seychelles is not one island but many, and the best trips treat it as a route rather than a single base. Hopping between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue is straightforward, scenic and the thing that turns a beach holiday into a proper journey through the islands. Here is how to do it well.
The fast ferry, the backbone
The catamaran ferries are how most people get around. Mahe to Praslin takes about an hour, and Praslin to La Digue about fifteen minutes, with several departures a day on each route. They are comfortable, reliable and give you the islands rising out of the sea as you go. Popular departures fill up, so book ahead, especially in the calm high-season months.
Internal flights
For those short on time, internal flights link Mahe and Praslin in around fifteen minutes, a quick and scenic alternative to the ferry. They save time but cost more and carry tighter luggage limits, so weigh them against the easy ferry.
How to plan the route
Move in one direction so you never backtrack. Arrive through Mahe, where the airport is, work your way out to Praslin and then La Digue, and fly home from Mahe at the end. Avoid a tight ferry connection straight after a long-haul flight, sleep near the Mahe airport and start fresh in the morning. Two to three days per main island is a good rhythm.
Getting around each island
- Mahe. Large and spread out, so a hire car is best, with cheap buses as a backup.
- Praslin. A hire car is worth it to reach Anse Lazio and the Vallee de Mai, though buses run the main road.
- La Digue. Nearly car-free, so you hire a bicycle, which is part of the charm.
Day trips by boat
Beyond the three main islands, boat trips open up the smaller ones, Curieuse and St Pierre from Praslin, the Ste Anne park from Mahe, and Cousin or Aride for wildlife. These are day trips rather than hops, and they add a lot to an island-hopping itinerary.
Practical tips
Pack light to make ferry and flight transfers easy, keep some flexibility for weather, and do not over-schedule. The crossings can be choppy in the windy season, so take something for seasickness if you are prone to it. Confirm current fares and times when you book, as they change.
How to plan
Decide your route and the nights on each island first, then lock in the moving parts. Check the ferry schedule to line up your hops, hire a car for Mahe and Praslin, and browse verified places to stay on each island in our directory.
Frequently asked questions
How do you island hop in Seychelles?
Mainly by fast catamaran ferry between Mahe, Praslin and La Digue, several times a day, with internal flights linking Mahe and Praslin. Plan the route in one direction, arriving and leaving via Mahe.
How long is the ferry between the Seychelles islands?
Mahe to Praslin takes about an hour, and Praslin to La Digue about fifteen minutes. There are several departures a day on each route, but popular ones fill up, so book ahead.
Should you fly or take the ferry between islands?
The ferry is comfortable, scenic and the usual choice. Internal flights link Mahe and Praslin in about fifteen minutes and save time but cost more with tighter luggage limits.
How many days do you need to island hop in Seychelles?
About a week works well, with two to three days each on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. Move in one direction, arriving and departing through Mahe, and book popular ferries in advance.
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