How should I split time between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue?

**For a 7-10 day Seychelles trip, the classic split is 3-4 nights on Praslin, 2-3 nights on La Digue, and 2-3 nights on Mahé.** This gives you enough time to experience each island's distinct character without feeling rushed, while accounting for ferry travel days and your international flights through Mahé.

**The Ideal 10-Day Breakdown:** - **Mahé**: 3 nights (arrival day + 2 full days for beaches like Beau Vallon and Anse Intendance, plus Victoria market) - **Praslin**: 4 nights (explore Anse Lazio, Anse Georgette, Vallée de Mai, and enjoy a relaxed pace) - **La Digue**: 3 nights (cycle around the island, visit Anse Source d'Argent, snorkel at Anse Severe)

For a **7-day trip**, compress to 2 nights Mahé, 3 nights Praslin, 2 nights La Digue. **Ferry tickets between islands cost 1,200-1,500 SCR per person** (Mahé-Praslin or Praslin-La Digue), and you should book through Cat Cocos or Cat Roses at least a week ahead during peak season (July-August, December-January).

**Pro Tips on Island Order:** Most travelers go **Mahé → Praslin → La Digue → back to Mahé** for their departure flight. This makes logistical sense, but consider the reverse if you want to end on Praslin's stunning beaches rather than backtracking. **Morning ferries (7:00-9:00 AM) from Praslin to La Digue let you drop bags at your accommodation and still have a full beach day** – don't waste time leaving mid-afternoon. The Praslin-La Digue ferry takes just 15 minutes and runs frequently (every 1-2 hours), costing around 150-200 SCR.

**Luggage storage** is available at Inter-Island Quay in Victoria (Mahé) for about **100-150 SCR per day** – useful if you have a gap between your ferry arrival and evening flight. Some guesthouses also offer free storage if you stayed with them previously.

**Seasonal Considerations:** - **April, September, October** (shoulder months): Excellent weather, calmer seas, and fewer crowds – ideal for this itinerary - **July-August**: Peak season, SE trade winds make western beaches (Beau Vallon, Anse Lazio) calmer than eastern coasts - **December-January**: NW monsoon brings occasional rain but spectacular snorkeling visibility

**Budget Travelers:** You can self-cater on all three islands to save money. Mahé has larger supermarkets (STC hypermarket in Providence, open until 8 PM), while Praslin and La Digue have smaller shops with higher prices. **Budget guesthouses run 800-1,500 SCR per night**, and booking directly (not through agencies) often gets you better rates and insider island tips from owners.

Don't try to cram in day trips from Mahé to La Digue – it's a 2+ hour journey each way. **Stay overnight on each island to experience the pace and evening atmosphere.** The magic of Seychelles happens at sunset when day-trippers leave.