PRASLIN ISLAND PRESENTATION - SEYCHELLES

"...somewhat quieter, and less developed than Mahé, but boasts an exotic paradise of dense vegetation..."
One of the most visited and largest islands after Mahé is Praslin, only fifteen minutes by a 20 seater "Twin Otter" plane from Mahé, or one hour by sea on "Cat Cocos," which can carry 159 passengers. This is an air conditioned catamaran, and it travels from Mahé to Praslin and back twice or three times a day. This island is somewhat quieter, and less developed than Mahé, but boasts an exotic paradise of dense vegetation and lush coconut groves.

Almost 100 years ago, General Gordon (of Khartoum) visited this island and became convinced that he had found the original Garden of Eden. He developed this theory when he saw the strange shape of the infamous "Coco de Mer." The enormous coconut is shaped like a female pelvis, which he then identified with Eve.

These coconuts only grow on the ancient giant palm trees in the Vallée de Mai nature park and are used locally as an aphrodisiac drink. They can be seen along with the insect-eating pitcher plant, vanilla orchids, and some of the earth's rarest birds: the Seychelles bulbul, fruit pigeon, and the black parrot on the nature trails when walking through the forest.

Praslin is famous for its soft white sandy beaches, and there are far too many to name, with the exception of Anse Lazio, which has consistently been voted one of the world's best beaches. They offer safe bathing and excellent snorkelling among the living corals, which are home to an amazing nine hundred species of fish.

One can either hire a bicycle, a taxi, go on an organised trip round the island, or hire a self-drive car from "Le Baron," and maybe even stay at his small, air conditioned hotel on Grande Anse beach.

Praslin Island - Seychelles - Another world - Perfect vacation for everyone