How do I get between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue islands?

**Inter-island transport in Seychelles involves ferries and domestic flights**, with **Cat Cocos** and **Cat Roses** operating the main ferry routes, and **Air Seychelles** flying between Mahé and Praslin. The Mahé-Praslin ferry (1 hour) costs around **1,200-1,500 SCR per person**, while flights (15 minutes) run about **2,000-2,800 SCR**. The Praslin-La Digue ferry is quick (15 minutes) and costs roughly **300-400 SCR**. No flights operate to La Digue—ferries are the only option.

**Key Timing Considerations:**

- **Mahé Airport to Praslin same-day flight**: If you land at 3 PM, catching a same-day flight to Praslin is tight but possible—last flights usually depart around 5-6 PM. Check Air Seychelles schedules in advance. - **Connecting international flights**: For a 5:15 PM international departure from Mahé, arriving from Praslin at 2:20 PM gives you enough time (aim for 2-3 hours buffer). For the Praslin airport, **arrive 45-60 minutes before domestic flights**. - **Ferry-to-flight connections**: Taking the 4:30 PM ferry from La Digue to catch an 8:30 PM Mahé flight is manageable but stressful. **Flying from Praslin instead gives you much more buffer** (the Praslin-La Digue ferry takes only 15 minutes). - **Early morning connections**: Catching a 10 AM La Digue ferry after a 9:10 AM Praslin arrival is extremely tight—**allow at least 90 minutes** between connections. An 8:50 AM Praslin flight after a 7 AM Emirates landing is theoretically possible but risky; **book the 10-11 AM flight instead**.

**Transport on Each Island:**

- **Mahé**: Car rental is essential for exploring. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for peak season (April/Easter, July-August, December). Expect **600-900 SCR/day** for small cars. Roads like **Sans Souci and La Misère** are steep, winding mountain passes—challenging but scenic. Taxis from the airport to Cat Cocos ferry terminal in Victoria cost around **400-600 SCR** for 4 people; shared shuttles are cheaper at **150-200 SCR per person**. - **Praslin**: Car rental for 2-3 days is ideal (**700-1,000 SCR/day** for small cars). Many companies deliver to hotels like Côte d'Or. **Book ahead for Easter and peak season**. Taxis from the ferry to east coast hotels run **300-500 SCR** depending on distance. - **La Digue**: Cars aren't really an option—**bikes rule here**. Standard bike rental costs **150-200 SCR/day**, while **e-bikes run 400-600 SCR/day** (weekly rates around **2,500-3,500 SCR**). Several shops near the jetty rent bikes and adult tricycles. Golf cart rentals exist but are pricey (**1,500+ SCR/day**). For families with small children, **bike seats or trailers** are available, or hire a taxi for specific trips (taxis are limited but available near the port).

**Pro Tips**: Book ferry tickets online in advance during peak season—they do sell out. Store luggage at your Beau Vallon guesthouse while you island-hop; most hotels offer this service. For **baggage on connecting flights**, if you're on separate tickets (Air Seychelles + Qatar Airways), you'll need to collect and re-check bags in Mahé—**allow extra time**. The **bus from Victoria to Anse Royale** (for Fairyland Beach area) is usually route numbers in the 20s—ask at the Victoria bus terminal for the latest schedule as routes can change.

Inter-island travel requires planning but is straightforward once you understand ferry schedules and timing buffers. Always build in cushion time for connections—Seychelles runs on island time, and delays happen!