Ferries between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue
The ferry from Mahé to Praslin is Cat Cocos: 1 hour 15 minutes from the Inter-Island Quay in Victoria to the jetty at Baie Sainte Anne, with two or three sailings a day in each direction. Cat Rose adds sailings between Praslin and La Digue. Departure times, terminals, classes, booking and luggage rules.
Choose your island base before booking
Your accommodation and transport plans belong together. Compare the areas first, then check individual stays for your dates.
- Where to stay on La Digue: compare La Passe, Anse Réunion and the north coast, with bike journeys and luggage in mind.
- Where to stay on Praslin: compare Côte d’Or, Grand Anse, Anse Kerlan and Baie Sainte Anne alongside your ferry or airport arrival.
The network
Two ferry companies connect Mahé, Praslin and La Digue:
- Cat Cocos (Inter Island Boats Ltd) has sailed between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue since 1998 and runs five high-speed catamarans.
- Cat Rose (Inter Island Ferry Pty Ltd), based at Baie Sainte Anne, runs the short Praslin–La Digue crossing.
Journey times
| Route | Operator | Journey time |
|---|---|---|
| Mahé – Praslin | Cat Cocos | 1 hour 15 minutes |
| Mahé – La Digue via Praslin | Cat Cocos | 1 hour 45 minutes |
| Mahé – La Digue direct | Cat Cocos | 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Praslin – La Digue | Cat Cocos and Cat Rose | 15 minutes |
The durations come from the Cat Cocos schedule page. The operator's About page gives a shorter 60 minutes for Mahé–Praslin, so allow for the longer figure.
How often they sail
Cat Cocos's published schedule for 2026 and 2027 (checked 16 September 2026) shows two or three sailings a day in each direction between Mahé and Praslin, one to three Cat Cocos sailings a day between Praslin and La Digue, and a direct La Digue–Mahé sailing on Saturdays and Sundays. With Cat Rose added, the combined Praslin–La Digue timetable published by SeyFerry shows six to nine departures a day. Schedules change during the year, so check the operator's current timetable (Cat Cocos also posts updates on its Facebook page) rather than relying on a copy.
Mahé–Praslin departure times
Cat Cocos's schedule for 2026 and 2027 (timetable image on catcocos.com, read 12 October 2026) gives these departures:
| Day | Mahé to Praslin | Praslin to Mahé |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00, 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00, 17:00 |
| Thursday | 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00 |
| Friday | 08:00, 10:30, 16:30 | 08:00, 14:00, 17:30 |
| Saturday | 08:00, 11:00, 16:30 | 08:00, 17:30 |
| Sunday | 11:00, 14:00, 16:30 | 08:00, 17:30 |
The 16:30 from Mahé sails every day. Cat Cocos can change or cancel sailings, so check the times with Cat Cocos or your booking agent before you plan a connection.
Praslin–La Digue departure times
Cat Cocos sails from Praslin to La Digue two or three times a day and from La Digue to Praslin one to three times a day, and the crossing takes 15 minutes. These are its departures on the schedule for 2026 and 2027 (timetable image on catcocos.com, read 12 October 2026):
| Day | Praslin to La Digue | La Digue to Praslin |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 09:30, 12:00, 18:00 | 07:30, 13:30, 16:30 |
| Tuesday | 12:00, 18:00 | 07:30, 13:30 |
| Wednesday | 09:30, 12:00, 18:00 | 07:30, 13:30, 16:30 |
| Thursday | 12:00, 18:00 | 07:30, 13:30 |
| Friday | 09:30, 12:00, 18:00 | 07:30, 13:30, 17:00 |
| Saturday | 09:30, 12:30, 18:00 | 07:30, 17:00 |
| Sunday | 12:30, 18:00 | 07:30 |
The schedule also shows a direct La Digue to Mahé sailing at 14:15 on Saturday and Sunday. Cat Cocos's booking system listed the same Monday times for 9 November 2026, each arriving 15 minutes after it leaves (checked 12 October 2026). These are Cat Cocos sailings only. Cat Rose also sails this crossing, but the guide found no timetable published by Cat Rose itself: its website returned an "Account Suspended" page on 12 October 2026.
Cat Cocos shows the fare in its online booking system when you choose a sailing; the guide does not quote one here.
Terminals
- Mahé: the Inter-Island Quay in Victoria, where Cat Cocos has its sales office. SeyFerry says the Port Authority runs a left-luggage office at the Mahé harbour.
- Praslin: the ERO passenger terminal at the jetty in Baie Sainte Anne.
- La Digue: the jetty at La Passe. Cat Rose checks passengers in at the Seychelles Port Building.
SeyFerry notes there is no luggage storage at the harbours on Praslin or La Digue.
Classes on board
Cat Cocos boats have an air-conditioned economy cabin called Coco de Mer, an outdoor premium economy area called Island Hopper, and a business lounge called Lazio Lounge, with a bar kiosk and toilets. Cat Rose has no booking classes; according to SeyFerry, you choose between the air-conditioned lower cabin and the open upper deck.
Booking
Cat Cocos sells tickets online through its own booking system, paid by card, and at its sales offices on Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Booking agents including SeyFerry and Seychellesbookings sell both Cat Cocos and Cat Rose tickets, sometimes with hotel or airport shuttle transfers added.
Except for special-priced tickets, Cat Cocos tickets can be changed up to one hour before departure, subject to availability, for SCR 25 per ticket for one change or SCR 50 for more than one (Cat Cocos terms, checked 16 September 2026). Refunds are limited to health reasons (with a doctor's confirmation that you are not fit to travel) or accidents (with a police report), must be requested 48 hours before departure, and carry a 25% retention fee. Seasickness is not accepted as grounds for a refund.
Luggage rules
Cat Cocos's terms set out the rules in detail:
- Non-residents: 25 kg free in economy, 30 kg in business, with excess charged per kilo.
- No single suitcase over 32 kg.
- One piece of hand luggage, under 7 kg and within 50 x 30 x 20 cm.
- Checked bags are registered at the Cargo Department one hour before departure, must be locked, and cannot be reached until arrival.
- Cat Cocos does not accept liability for damage to the luggage itself, such as wheels, handles and cracks, and recommends insurance.
For Cat Rose, booking agents quote different allowances (23 kg from SeyFerry; one checked piece up to 30 kg from Seychellesbookings), so confirm when booking.
Before you travel
- Be at the jetty 30 minutes before departure with a passport or other valid ID.
- Infants aged two and under travel free on Cat Cocos but still need a ticket.
- Cat Cocos may refuse travel to women more than 24 weeks pregnant without a medical certificate of fitness to travel.
- Smoking is not permitted on board, and the terms bar bringing alcohol on board to drink.
- Crossings can be cancelled in bad weather, with a free change to a later sailing.
Key facts
- Mahé–Praslin
- 1 hour 15 minutes (Cat Cocos)
- Mahé–La Digue via Praslin
- 1 hour 45 minutes (Cat Cocos)
- Praslin–La Digue
- 15 minutes
- Cat Cocos fleet
- Five high-speed catamarans; operating since 1998
- Mahé–Praslin sailings
- Two or three a day each way on the 2026–2027 schedule
- Mahé terminal
- Inter-Island Quay, Victoria
- Free luggage, non-residents (Cat Cocos)
- 25 kg economy, 30 kg business; max 32 kg per case
- Boarding
- Be present 30 minutes before departure
More planning guides
Ferry operators
Boombastic Tours (private speedboat transfers)
Boat transfer
- Mahé (Eden Island Marina) to Praslin
- 45 minutesPrivate transfer on request; no schedule.
- Mahé to La Digue
- 45 minutesPrivate transfer on request; no schedule.
Cat Cocos
Ferry
- Mahé (Inter-Island Quay, Victoria) to Praslin (Baie Sainte Anne jetty)
- 1 hour 15 minutesCat Cocos says it runs multiple trips every day of the week. Its 2026–2027 schedule shows two or three sailings a day, depending on the day.
- Praslin (Baie Sainte Anne jetty) to Mahé (Inter-Island Quay, Victoria)
- 1 hour 15 minutesTwo or three sailings a day on the 2026–2027 schedule, depending on the day.
- Mahé (Inter-Island Quay, Victoria) to La Digue (La Passe jetty), via Praslin
- 1 hour 45 minutesThe 2026–2027 schedule lists Mahé–Praslin and Praslin–La Digue sailings but no separate Mahé–La Digue departures.
- La Digue (La Passe jetty) to Mahé (Inter-Island Quay, Victoria), direct
- 1 hour 10 minutesSaturdays and Sundays only on the 2026–2027 schedule.
- Praslin (Baie Sainte Anne jetty) to La Digue (La Passe jetty)
- 15 minutesTwo or three Cat Cocos sailings a day on the 2026–2027 schedule, depending on the day.
- La Digue (La Passe jetty) to Praslin (Baie Sainte Anne jetty)
- 15 minutesOne to three Cat Cocos sailings a day on the 2026–2027 schedule; Sunday has one.
Cat Rose (Inter Island Ferry)
Ferry
- Praslin (ERO Passenger Terminal, Baie Sainte Anne) to La Digue (La Passe jetty)
- 15 minutesSeychellesbookings says up to six crossings a day on weekdays and five at weekends, all year. SeyFerry's timetable shows the same pattern for Cat Rose sailings.
- La Digue (La Passe jetty) to Praslin (ERO Passenger Terminal, Baie Sainte Anne)
- 15 minutesSeychellesbookings says up to six crossings a day on weekdays and five at weekends, all year. SeyFerry's timetable shows the same pattern for Cat Rose sailings.
Islander
Boat transfer
- Mahé to La Digue, direct
- 1 hour 30 minutesThe operator calls it a fixed schedule; its destinations page describes one morning departure from Mahé.
- La Digue to Praslin
- 15 minutesPart of the operator's scheduled day route.
- Praslin to La Digue
- 15 minutesPart of the operator's scheduled day route; its destinations page describes one afternoon sailing back to La Digue.
- La Digue to Mahé
- 1 hour 30 minutesIts destinations page describes one afternoon return to Mahé.
Where these details come from
- Boombastic Tours (private speedboat transfers): Boombastic Tours: Mahé – La Digue transfer (44 ft); Boombastic Tours: Mahé – Praslin transfer (44 ft); Boombastic Tours: Transfers list; Tourism Seychelles: VIP Transfers – Travel in Style listing (api.seychelles.com, updated 26 November 2025)
- Cat Cocos: Cat Cocos – About Us; Cat Cocos – Contact Us (sales offices); Cat Cocos – Fleet; Cat Cocos – official website home page; Cat Cocos – Schedule for 2026 & 2027 (timetable image published on catcocos.com); Cat Cocos – Terms (Inter Island Boats Ltd); Cat Cocos (Inter Island Boats Ltd), Ferry Schedule; Tourism Seychelles: guide to getting to and around Seychelles (blog 5129, updated 6 August 2026); SeyFerry: FAQ
- Cat Rose (Inter Island Ferry): iif-catrose.com (website given in the tourism board listing); Seychellesbookings – Cat Rose ferry bookings and schedules; Tourism Seychelles: Inter Island Ferry Pty Ltd – Cat Rose listing (api.seychelles.com, updated 30 September 2025); SeyFerry (booking agent): Cat Rose route page; SeyFerry: FAQ
- Islander: Islander: Destinations; Islander: FAQ; Islander: home page; Tourism Seychelles: Sea Fever Boat Charter listing (api.seychelles.com, updated 21 November 2025)
Checked 16 September 2026. Timetables, prices and rules change; confirm with the operator before you travel.
Ready to book
Stays near the ferry jetties
Open stays with a live, property-specific Booking.com link, nearest the jetty first. Distances are in a straight line; the road is longer.
Le Port Guest House & Boutique
Guesthouse in Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin
450 m in a straight line from the Baie Sainte Anne jetty
Le Port Guest House & Boutique is a small self-catering guesthouse at Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin, with a souvenir shop in the same building. The owners describe sea views from the balconies.
- Self-catering
La Digue Self-Catering Apartments
Apartment in La Passe, La Digue
150 m in a straight line from the La Passe jetty
La Digue Self-Catering Apartments has six apartments on the first floor of the Mills complex in the centre of La Passe, La Digue, with mountain and sea views.
- Self-catering
Belle Rose Vue
Apartment in Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin
800 m in a straight line from the Baie Sainte Anne jetty
Belle Rose Vue is self-catering accommodation with four bedrooms in two units at Baie Sainte Anne, the ferry village on Praslin's east coast. The owners pitch it at couples and families and say the jetty is easy to reach.
- Couples
- Families
- Self-catering
Questions
- What time is the ferry from Mahé to Praslin?
- Cat Cocos's 2026 and 2027 schedule (read 25 September 2026) has a 16:30 departure from Mahé every day, a 10:30 on weekdays, an 08:00 on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, an 11:00 on Saturday and Sunday, and a 14:00 on Sunday. The crossing takes 1 hour 15 minutes.
- What time is the last ferry from Praslin to Mahé?
- On Cat Cocos's 2026 and 2027 schedule (read 25 September 2026) the last sailing from Praslin to Mahé leaves at 17:00 on Monday and Wednesday, 17:30 from Friday to Sunday, and 14:00 on Tuesday and Thursday.
- How long does each crossing take?
- According to Cat Cocos: Mahé–Praslin 1 hour 15 minutes, Mahé–La Digue via Praslin 1 hour 45 minutes, Mahé–La Digue direct 1 hour 10 minutes, and Praslin–La Digue 15 minutes.
- Where is the ferry terminal on Mahé?
- At the Inter-Island Quay in Victoria, where Cat Cocos has its Mahé sales office.
- Should I book ferry tickets in advance?
- Cat Cocos's online booking shows live seat availability, and ticket changes depend on seats being free. Cat Cocos sells online and at its sales offices, and agents such as SeyFerry and Seychellesbookings sell both operators' tickets.
- Is there left luggage at the harbours?
- SeyFerry says there is a left-luggage office run by the Port Authority at the Mahé harbour, but no luggage storage at the harbours on Praslin or La Digue.
- How long is the ferry from Mahé to Praslin?
- The Mahé to Praslin ferry takes 1 hour 15 minutes, according to Cat Cocos, and arrives at the Praslin jetty in Baie Ste Anne.
- How long is the ferry from Mahé to La Digue?
- Cat Cocos lists 1 hour 10 minutes for a direct Mahé to La Digue sailing and 1 hour 45 minutes for sailings that stop at Praslin on the way.
- Which ferry companies run between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue?
- Two companies run the fast ferries: Cat Cocos (Inter Island Boats Ltd), which has sailed between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue since 1998, and Cat Rose (Inter Island Ferry), which runs between Praslin and La Digue only. That makes Cat Cocos the scheduled ferry from Mahé.
- How much luggage can I take on the Cat Cocos ferry?
- On Cat Cocos, non-residents get 25 kg of checked luggage free in economy and 30 kg in business class, and no single suitcase may exceed 32 kg (terms, checked 16 September 2026). You also get one piece of hand luggage under 7 kg and within 50 x 30 x 20 cm; excess weight is charged per kilo.
- How early do I need to be at the ferry terminal?
- Be ready to board 30 minutes before departure, and register checked luggage with the Cat Cocos cargo department one hour before sailing (Cat Cocos terms, checked 16 September 2026).
- Can I change or cancel a Cat Cocos ferry ticket?
- Yes, with limits. Cat Cocos changes standard tickets up to one hour before departure, subject to seats, for SCR 25 the first time and SCR 50 after that; special-fare tickets cannot be changed. Refunds need 48 hours' notice, a doctor's note or police report, and management approval, carry a 25% fee and are not given for seasickness (terms, checked 16 September 2026).
- What happens if the ferry is cancelled because of bad weather?
- You can move to another scheduled Cat Cocos sailing free of charge. Its terms (checked 16 September 2026) let it cancel crossings in bad weather that threatens safety or passenger comfort, and say that when it cancels or retimes a trip, passengers can choose another sailing or a refund.
- Is the ferry from Mahé to Praslin rough?
- It can be rough in July and August, when the south-east trade winds peak. The Seychelles Meteorological Authority describes seas as pretty rough then, with choppy seas building from late June, while April and November to December usually bring pleasant conditions at sea.
- What classes are there on the Cat Cocos ferry?
- Cat Cocos vessels have three classes: Coco de Mer, the air-conditioned economy cabin on the main deck; Island Hopper, an exterior premium economy area; and the air-conditioned Lazio Lounge business class.
- Do babies and children pay on the Cat Cocos ferry?
- Infants up to two years old travel free on Cat Cocos but still need a ticket (terms, checked 16 September 2026). Children under 16 must be accompanied and supervised at all times.
- Do I need to print my ferry e-ticket?
- Not necessarily: Cat Cocos accepts e-tickets either printed or downloaded and shown on your phone at luggage check-in and boarding, but warns that a screenshot does not always work. Carry ID such as your passport, as checks can be made (terms, checked 16 September 2026).
- Where does the ferry arrive on Praslin?
- Ferries arrive at the Praslin Jetty in Baie Ste Anne, which is also where Cat Cocos sailings between Mahé and La Digue make their Praslin stop.
- Can pregnant travellers take the ferry in Seychelles?
- Yes, with conditions. Cat Cocos asks pregnant passengers to declare it when booking, and crew may refuse boarding after 24 weeks without a medical certificate of fitness to travel. A pregnant passenger without a written doctor's approval must sign a disclaimer (terms, checked 16 September 2026).
- Can I pay for the Cat Cocos ferry by card?
- Yes. Cat Cocos takes credit and debit cards online and at the counter, where cash is also accepted (terms, checked 16 September 2026). Its terms say online booking carries no service fee but also that payment fees may apply to certain payment methods.
- Can I travel from La Digue straight back to Mahé?
- Yes. Cat Cocos runs sailings between La Digue and Mahé, some direct in about 1 hour 10 minutes and others via Praslin in about 1 hour 45 minutes.
- How much does it cost to change a ferry ticket?
- Cat Cocos charges SCR 25 per ticket for a first change and SCR 50 per ticket for further changes, up to one hour before departure and subject to seats; special-fare tickets cannot be changed (terms, checked 16 September 2026).
- What is the emergency number in Seychelles?
- Dial 999 for police, ambulance and fire in Seychelles (UK government travel advice, checked 16 September 2026). To report an incident to the police, the same advice gives +248 428 8000.
Sources
- Cat Cocos – About UsOfficial website, checked 16 September 2026
- Cat Cocos – Contact Us (sales offices)Official website, checked 16 September 2026
- Cat Cocos – FleetOfficial website, checked 16 September 2026
- Cat Cocos – official website home pageOfficial website, checked 16 September 2026
- Cat Cocos – Online Booking SystemOfficial website, checked 12 October 2026
- Cat Cocos – Schedule for 2026 & 2027 (timetable image published on catcocos.com)Official website, checked 12 October 2026
- Cat Cocos – Terms (Inter Island Boats Ltd)Official website, checked 16 September 2026
- Cat Cocos (Inter Island Boats Ltd), Ferry ScheduleOfficial website, checked 16 September 2026
- Cat Cocos: official website home pageOfficial website, checked 16 September 2026
- iif-catrose.com (website given in the tourism board listing)Official website, checked 12 October 2026
- Seychellesbookings – Cat Rose ferry bookings and schedulesBooking site, checked 16 September 2026
- SeyFerry – FAQBooking site, checked 16 September 2026
- SeyFerry – Praslin to La Digue (Cat Rose timetable and harbour information)Booking site, checked 16 September 2026
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice, Seychelles: Getting helpGovernment, checked 16 September 2026
- GOV.UK Foreign travel advice, Seychelles: Safety and securityGovernment, checked 16 September 2026
- Seychelles Meteorological Authority, Seychelles Climate GuideGovernment, checked 16 September 2026
- Tourism Seychelles blog, Your Journey to Paradise: How to Get to The Seychelles Islands (updated 6 August 2026)Tourism board, checked 16 September 2026
- SeyFerry (booking agent): Cat Rose route pageOther, checked 16 September 2026
Details last verified 12 October 2026.