An updated travel guide outlining the options for how to get to La Digue Island in the Seychelles– from Mahe and from Praslin.
La Digue Island is commonly referred to as one of the most beautiful islands in the Seychelles. With highlights and acclaims like having the world’s most beautiful beach, as well as some of the most beautiful nature trails, it’s no wonder why so many people flock to La Digue on their vacation in the Seychelles.
But, how do you get to La Digue? In this guide, I’ll answer that question by providing you with the most updated options so you can prepare for the island trip of a lifetime!
Things to do: Complete La Digue Island Travel Guide
Where is La Digue Island
La Digue is one of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles. It's considered one of the 43 inner islands, and along with Mahe and Praslin, one of the three main islands visitors usually spend time on.
You'll find La Digue roughly 54 kilometres north east of the main island; Mahe, but only about 10 kilometres from Praslin. Below is a map that you can navigate to orient yourself when planning how to get to La Digue. Read on for the best options.
Best Travel Insurance for Seychelles
Important: All visitors to Seychelles must show proof of travel insurance covering expenses related to COVID-19. One of the best offerings with COVID inclusion is from Safetywing, which has cover starting at under $50.
How to Get to La Digue Island in the Seychelles
Below is a rundown on how to get to La Digue from both Mahe and from Praslin.
How to Get to La Digue from Mahe
From Mahe, you'll have three options to get to the island.
Update: Creole Adventures now run a day-trip tour to Praslin Island and La Digue Island. This is a great option if you're short on time but want to see many highlights like Praslin's famous beaches and the famous Vallée de Mai.
Option 1: La Digue Ferry (Cat Cocos)
The most popular way to get to La Digue Island from Mahe is to take the fast ferry boat departing daily from Mahe. This boat is called Cat Cocos, it's best to book it online in advance to secure a spot.
Ferry price: €72 for lower deck, €78 for Upper Deck, and €96 for Business Class
The journey departs from the Cat Cocos berth in Victoria, opposite the Orion Mall, approximately 9.5 kilometres north of the Mahe international airport. Traffic can get notoriously bad in Mahe heading north, especially in the morning, so give yourself adequate time to reach the ferry terminal. The website says you should aim to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure.
The Cat Cocos ferry takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes to reach La Digue Island from Mahe. Click the link below to check times, availability and to book your ticket.
Check price & availability: Cat Cocos Ferry Booking
Option 2: Fly to Praslin and get the 15-minute Ferry
The second option is the option that I took. You can take a 15-minute scenic plane flight from Mahe airport straight to Praslin. From there, take the Cat Rose from the ferry terminal on Praslin directly to La Digue (15 minutes).
The benefit of choosing this option is that you will get to experience the scenic flight over Mahe and Praslin. This was one of the highlights of my trip to the Seychelles for me and I'm definitely glad I got this option!
You'll first need to book a flight with Air Seychelles. I always check Skyscanner and CheapOAir for discounted rates and special deals before booking.
Once you arrive in Praslin, you'll need to get a transfer to the ferry terminal, which is about 15 minutes from the airport. The best way to get to the ferry terminal is via taxi. There are plenty of metered taxis waiting outside the airport. Don't worry, taxi drivers in the Seychelles are not pushy but are instead very friendly and accommodating.
Once you arrive at the ferry terminal, you'll take the Cat Rose ferry from Praslin. Again, this is a scenic fast ferry passing Round Island on the way and only takes about 15 minutes.
Check price & availability: Cat Rose Fast Ferry Booking
Option 3: Private Boat Transfer
For those on a tight budget or for the high rollers not interested in public transport wondering how to get to La Digue in style– there is a private boat transfer operating from Mahe to Praslin.
You can book this trip online through Viator but it is a much pricier option than taking one of the public transport routes.
How to Get to La Digue from Praslin
If you've already made it to Praslin and wondering how to get to La Digue, then you might see I've already covered this route above. However, for those who skipped straight here and want a quick answer, you're going to want to take the Cat Rose ferry.
Below I've pinned the exact location that the Cat Rose ferry departs from in Praslin. The journey for getting to La Digue from Praslin aboard the Cat Rose only takes 15 minutes and is quite cheap at only €17 per person.
Check price & availability: Cat Rose Ferry Booking
Things to do on La Digue Once You Arrive
I've written separate travel guides to the island and here are some of my favorite things to do:
Where to Stay Once You Arrive at La Digue
La Digue is quite a small island and you can get anywhere on a bicycle within 20-30 minutes. You'll find a lot of hotels on the west side of the island near the jetty but only a few along the narrow stretch of coastal road on the mostly inhabited eastern side.
On La Digue, there are a wide variety of hotel and resort offerings ranging from relatively "budget friendly" self-catering lodges to incredible luxury resorts.
Below is a quick summary of the best picks.
- Amazing Chateau: Hotel Chateau St Cloud (Mid-Range) - This is where I stayed on La Digue and I can personally recommend it as one of the best accommodation options on the island. This three-star hotel is perfect as a mid-range option as the location is excellent– just a little out from the main area on a quiet street that is close enough to both the incredible southwest beaches and the port.
- Waterfront Hotel: Le Nautique (High-end) - Rated as one of the best waterfront accommodations on La Digue, Le Nautique is a luxurious offering combining traditional Creole architecture with modern comforts including king-sized beds and rain-showers. Here, you'll also discover an amazing outdoor restaurant and beautiful garden surrounds.
- Self Catering: Dream Holiday (Budget) -located on the northern end of the island very close to the ferry terminal. Offers queen rooms with air-conditioning, TV, private bathrooms, and even a balcony. This is a great option if you're visiting La Digue on a budget while comfort and location are still a priority for you.
- ...9+ more top hotel picks on La Digue
More Seychelles Travel Inspiration
I hope you've enjoyed this updated guide on how to get to La Digue Island in the Seychelles.
The Ultimate Seychelles Travel Resource
Looking for more Seychelles travel guides and inspiration? Below are my most comprehensive guides that will serve as a great resource for your trip.
Whether you're on Mahe or Praslin, I hope I've made your vacation planning that little bit easier. While you're here on my blog, make sure to check out some of my other inspiring travel guides and photography from the Seychelles as well!