The UNESCO World Heritage Vallée de Mai on Praslin
Wednesday, October 13th
At 9 AM after breakfast, we pick up our rental car from Standard Car Hire and head to the smallest UNESCO World Heritage Site on earth. The Vallée de Mai is located in the island's interior, just 5 km away. It is the only remaining piece of prehistoric primeval forest in the Seychelles, untouched by human hands. This is the home of the unique Coco de Mer palm.
Three in One
Along the way, our guide shares fascinating facts about the valley. We're lucky enough to spot the rare Seychelles black parrot, a tree frog, and an elusive bronze gecko. Admission to the park costs SCR 340 (approx. €20). A guided tour costs an additional SCR 100 per person — all entrance fees go toward three conservation projects.
Anse Lazio — Praslin
In the early afternoon, we take an extended swim break at Anse Lazio in the north of Praslin. A gorgeous beach with great snorkeling — pure paradise. There's a restaurant with a kiosk on the beach, though it's rather pricey (a bottle of water and a Coke will set you back €10).
Sadly, this beautiful beach gained tragic notoriety on August 17, 2011, when a bull shark attack proved fatal. One can only hope this doesn't lead to yet another senseless shark cull.
On the way back, we book a dive for the next morning at the Octopus Dive Center.
Continue Reading the Seychelles Trip Report
Shark diving off Marianne Island and visiting Curieuse Island and St. Pierre off Praslin.
