Seychelles may look small on a map, but once you start moving between the islands, the transfer planning matters. A holiday that includes Mahé, Praslin, La Digue or one of the private islands needs to be timed properly, especially if you are connecting straight after an international flight.
The main transfer options in Seychelles are domestic flights, ferries, helicopter transfers and private charters. Each one has its place. The best choice depends on your arrival time, budget, luggage, route, weather and how much comfort you want after landing.
Noah Tourism helps travellers choose the right connection so the trip flows properly from the start.
Mahé to Praslin by domestic flight
For travellers landing in Mahé and going directly to Praslin, a domestic flight is often the easiest option.
Air Seychelles operates frequent domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin. The flight takes around 15 minutes and the domestic terminal is only a short walk from the international terminal. This makes it a practical choice after a long international flight, especially for travellers who do not want to wait around or transfer across Mahé to the ferry harbour.
It is also a beautiful flight. On a clear day, travellers get a short scenic view over the islands before landing on Praslin.
Another advantage is baggage. Non-resident point-to-point domestic passengers are generally allowed 23kg checked baggage plus 5kg hand luggage. If the domestic flight is booked on a through ticket with an international flight, Air Seychelles states that passengers receive the same baggage allowance as the international ticket on the connecting domestic flight.
When the ferry makes sense
The ferry is still a good option for many travellers, especially those who are already staying on Mahé before heading to Praslin or La Digue.
Cat Cocos operates ferry services between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue, with departures from the Inter Island Quay in Victoria on Mahé. Travellers can also arrange shuttle transfers between Seychelles International Airport and the ferry harbour, but this needs to be booked in advance.
The ferry is often a more budget-friendly option than flying, and it works well if the timing lines up properly with your itinerary.
The main thing to watch is connection time. If your international flight lands late or baggage takes longer than expected, it can be stressful trying to make a fixed ferry departure. Missing a morning ferry can mean waiting several hours for the next available crossing, which is not ideal after an overnight flight.
Travellers going directly to Praslin after landing often prefer the domestic flight, while travellers spending time on Mahé first may find the ferry more convenient.
Mahé to La Digue
La Digue does not have the same scheduled domestic flight setup as Praslin, so most travellers reach La Digue by ferry via Praslin.
Common route
- Mahé to Praslin by ferry or domestic flight
- Praslin to La Digue by ferry
Travellers can also book certain ferry routes that continue from Mahé to La Digue with a stop at Praslin, depending on the schedule.
For guests who want a faster and more premium transfer, helicopter options may also be available to La Digue, subject to availability, luggage restrictions and weather.
Rough seas and seasickness
The sea conditions in Seychelles can change by season. From around May to September, the south-east trade winds can make the sea rougher. Travellers who are prone to seasickness should take this seriously, especially on longer crossings between Mahé and Praslin.
During these months, a domestic flight to Praslin can be the better choice. It is faster, more comfortable and avoids the risk of arriving at the next island feeling unwell.
The ferry is not a bad option, but it is not always the best option for every traveller.
Helicopter transfers and private island travel
For private islands, luxury resorts or travellers who want the most seamless arrival experience, helicopter transfers are often the premium choice.
Zil Air operates helicopter transfers in Seychelles from its base near the international airport runway. Its fleet can cater for up to four passengers per helicopter charter, depending on luggage and routing.
Published Zil Air transfer examples include:
Mahé to Praslin Airport
From around €916 per charter
Mahé to La Digue Helipad
From around €1,041 per charter
Mahé to North Island
From around €1,110 per charter
Mahé to Félicité
From around €1,121 per charter
Mahé to Denis Island
From around €2,058 per charter
Mahé to Bird Island
From around €2,214 per charter
These prices are approximate and should always be checked before booking, as rates can change depending on route, season, luggage, aircraft availability and special requirements.
Helicopter transfers work particularly well for honeymooners, private island guests, luxury travellers and anyone who wants to avoid multiple transfers after landing.
Scenic helicopter flights
Zil Air also offers scenic flights, which can be booked as an experience rather than a transfer.
Examples include short Mahé scenic flights, 30-minute scenic flights and longer island-view flights over Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. These are ideal for travellers who want a special add-on during the trip rather than only a practical transfer.
A helicopter is not the cheapest way to move around Seychelles, but it is one of the most memorable.
Domestic charters and private aircraft
For some routes, especially private islands, Air Seychelles and private operators may offer charter services. Air Seychelles lists domestic charter options to islands such as Praslin, Bird Island, Denis Island, D’Arros Island and Frégate Island.
This can be useful for guests staying at exclusive island resorts where scheduled flights or ferries do not fit the itinerary.
Private aircraft and helicopter options should always be planned early, as availability, luggage space and landing permissions can affect what is possible.
Which transfer option should you choose?
- For Mahé to Praslin after an international flight, the domestic flight is usually the most convenient option.
- For Mahé to Praslin or La Digue after spending time on Mahé, the ferry can work well.
- For Praslin to La Digue, the ferry is usually the standard and practical option.
- For private islands and luxury trips, helicopter or private aircraft transfers are often the smoothest choice.
- For travellers who get seasick, the domestic flight or helicopter is usually the safer recommendation during windier months.
Why book Seychelles transfers with Noah Tourism?
Inter-island travel in Seychelles is not difficult, but it does need to be planned properly.
The mistake many travellers make is looking only at the ticket price. What matters is the full journey: landing time, baggage collection, transfer to the ferry, check-in cut-off, sea conditions, luggage limits, children, older travellers and how tired everyone will be after the international flight.
Noah Tourism helps travellers choose the transfer that makes sense for the actual trip, not just the cheapest option on paper.
We can assist with:
- Domestic flights between Mahé and Praslin.
- Ferry bookings between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
- Helicopter transfers to private islands and luxury resorts.
- Private charters where available.
- Airport-to-ferry transfers.
- Hotel-to-harbour transfers.
- Luggage and timing advice.
- Full Seychelles island-hopping planning.
Better transfer planning from the start
If delays happen, having a human agent matters. Travellers have someone who can help check alternatives and adjust the plan where possible.
Final thoughts
There is no single best way to travel between the islands in Seychelles.
The ferry is practical and budget-friendly. The domestic flight is fast, scenic and convenient for Mahé to Praslin. Helicopters and private aircraft are more expensive, but they are ideal for private islands, luxury stays and travellers who want the smoothest possible transfer.
The right choice depends on the route, the season, the budget and the traveller.
With Noah Tourism, the transfer planning is handled as part of the bigger trip, so the holiday starts smoothly and every island connection makes sense.
