Duration: | 8 Hour(s) - 0 Minute(s) |
Tour Category: | Cruise Tours |
Praslin Island, La Digue Island
Description:
Embark the AKULA at the Inter-Island Quay, and set sail towards Praslin Island. We begin the journey to discover Seychelles' second largest island. It occupies just 38 km² and also has a more laid-back ambience than the neighbouring island of Mahé.
First claimed by French explorer Lazare Picault in 1774, Praslin was initially named 'Île de Palme', in honour of its magnificent palm forests. For many visitors, the towering indigenous trees of the Vallée de Mai National Park, especially the world-renowned coco de Mer, remains the epicentre of nearly all visits to the island. Praslin is also blessed with a naturally beautiful coastline, from tiny boulder-strewn coves to sweeping curves of powdered sand, it is a beach lover's paradise.
Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve is a nature park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It consists of a well-forest, flagship species made up of the island endemic Coco de Mer, as well as five other endemic palms. The Coco de Mer has the largest seeds (double nut seed) of any plant in the world. Also unique to the park is its wildlife, including birds such as the rare Seychelles black parrot, mammals, crustaceans, snails, and reptiles.
From here, you will make your way back to the jetty to board the AKULA, in time for your snorkel experience and transfer to La Digue Island.
La Digue Island being one of the closer satellite islands of Felicite Marianne and the Sisters Islands, La Digue is the fourth largest island in Seychelles. La Digue takes its name from one of the vessels in explorer Marion Dufresne's fleet, sent by the French to explore Seychelles' granitic islands in 1768.
Apart from the endemic Seychelles black paradise flycatcher, one of the rarest birds on earth, La Digue's vibrant
biodiversity also features the Chinese bittern, cave swiftlet, waxbill as well as two rare species of terrapin. La Digue's forests also contain a wealth of flora in the form of delicate orchids, tumbling vines of vanilla, as well as trees such as Indian almonds and takamaka.
Gardens blaze with hibiscus and nepenthes against a backdrop of swaying coconut palms. La Digue is an island where time stands still and time-honoured traditions such as travelling by ox-cart and bicycle are still regarded as the main mode of transport. Traditional methods of boat building and refining of coconut products (copra) are still practised on La Digue. The friendly atmosphere of this intimate island with its languid pace of life, traditional architecture and breathtaking beaches, such as legendary Anse Source d’Argent, is an absolute must for visitors.
Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant followed by a guided tour of the island.
Upon return to the jetty, you will board the AKULA for your leisurely cruise back to Eden Island Marina.
Return to hotel in the late afternoon.
Day Itinerary:
08H00 Pick up at your Hotel on Mahe Island and transfer via private vehicle to the Inter-Island Quay
08H50 Board the AKULA Catamaran
09H00 Set sail to Praslin Island – 1-hour crossing, refreshments will be served onboard
10H00 Arrive Praslin Island and transfer to Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve by private vehicle for your private
guided tour.
12H00 Return to the Jetty and board the AKULA for your island crossing to La Digue. Here you will have the opportunity to snorkel the surrounding waters.
13H30 Arrive La Digue Island and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch to be enjoyed at leisure. Followed by a private guided tour of the island.
16H00 Return to the Jetty and board the AKULA to set sail back to Eden Island Marina
17H40 Upon arrival, transfer via private vehicle to your hotel on Mahe Island
*End of tour
QUOTATION RATES: Full Day Tour (09H00 - 17H00) Ho
AKULA Catamaran: Based on 2 adults
RATES BASED ON EUROS
Catamaran Rate (All-Inclusive):
Per Couple, Lunch, Service fee,
Water, Soft drinks & snorkelling accessories
Displacement Fee: EUR
Supplement Cost: Additional Pax
Per Person Rate (Max 6 pax)
(IDC taxes and all-inclusive board and lodging except for alcohol)
RATES DEPEND ON THE PERIOD OF TRAVEL AND NUMBER OF PAX
Included in Rates:
Lunch at a local restaurant on La Digue Island
Duration: 7 hours
Boat and crew
Snorkelling accessories
Water & Soft Drinks
Fuel, water, boat cleaning
Complimentary land transfers to Inter-Island Quay
Government taxes (GST)
Validity Period: September 2021 – April 2022
Not Included in Rates:
Cancelling insurance
Satellite telephone calls
Diving (possible at Desroches)
Alcoholic drinks are available at an additional cost
This program is subject to changes according to weather conditions
(consult us for program modifications)
Optional Inclusions:
*Available at an additional cost (not included in rates)
Alcoholic Beverages (Wine, Spirits, Beers & Champagne) – Cost advised upon request
Photographer services – EUR
Motor Boat 53 feet Standard Equipment:
Leopard 53”, owner version with generator, aircon, water maker 3 double cabins prepared with beddings,
four heads and toilet towels, plus bathing towels.
The crew includes a skipper and a cook.
Equipment of the boat includes a radio CD player, 50” TV, Surround Sound for movie nights, Stand-Up
Paddleboards, one fishing rod, snorkelling accessories, dinghy with an outboard engine.
Microwave Oven, Full-size fridge, Nespresso coffee machine, laundry machine, tumble dryer & ice maker.
ITINERARY SUMMARY & INCLUSIONS
Tour Inclusions:
Embarkation
Eden Island Marina Inter-Island Quay
Full-Day Island Hopping
AKULA Island Hopping Cruise
Disembarkation
Eden Island Marina Inter-Island Quay
*Eden Island Inter-Island Quay
***End