How should I plan a 7-day itinerary for Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue?

A 7-day itinerary in the Seychelles is most rewarding when split between **Mahé (3 days)** and **Praslin with a day trip to La Digue (4 days)**. For travelers visiting in December, staying on the southern or eastern coasts often provides calmer seas, though Beau Vallon remains a popular year-round choice. This balance allows you to experience the vibrant culture of the main island while still enjoying the world-famous granite boulders and turquoise waters of the smaller islands.

**Island Hopping and Logistics** Traveling between islands is most efficient via the **Cat Cocos ferry**, which runs several times daily from the Victoria Inter-Island Quay. A return ticket from Mahé to Praslin typically costs between **SCR 1,200 and SCR 1,500** per person. From Praslin, the Cat Roses ferry to La Digue is a short 15-minute hop costing around **SCR 300** return. In December, the North West Monsoon can make the crossing choppy; if you are prone to sea sickness, consider the 15-minute Air Seychelles domestic flight between Mahé and Praslin, which often costs **SCR 1,800 to SCR 2,500** round trip if booked in advance.

**Car Rental and Costs** On Mahé and Praslin, a rental car is essential for exploring beyond your resort. **Car rentals typically range from SCR 650 to SCR 950 per day** for a small automatic vehicle like a Hyundai i10 or Kia Picanto. - **Booking Rule**: Many local agencies require a **3-day minimum rental**. - **Insurance**: Basic insurance is included, but expect a deductible/excess of **SCR 15,000 to SCR 25,000** held on a credit card. - **La Digue Exception**: Note that cars are not available for tourists on La Digue; instead, you will rent bicycles for approximately **SCR 150-200 per day** from vendors near the jetty.

**Where to Stay on Mahé** For your Mahé portion, **Beau Vallon** in the north is the most convenient hub, offering a high density of "take-away" shops (local meals for **SCR 75-150**), restaurants, and dive centers. If you prefer a quieter, more local experience, **Anse Royale** in the south is excellent. It features a stunning reef-protected beach, a local market, and easy access to the scenic southern coastal road leading to Baie Lazare.

**Pro Tips for December Travelers** December is peak season, so **book your car and ferry at least 4-6 weeks in advance**. While it is the rainy season, showers are often short and tropical. To save on food costs, look for **STC Supermarkets** (Seychelles Trading Company) in Victoria or Anse Royale for groceries at regulated prices. Always keep small denominations of Seychelles Rupees (SCR) for bus fares (flat rate of **SCR 12-15**) and local market purchases.

For the most seamless experience, consider starting your trip on Praslin and ending on Mahé. This ensures you are on the main island closer to the international airport for your final departure flight, avoiding any potential ferry delays caused by seasonal weather.