Sunday, February 23, 2025 - Praslin, Seychelles

Many people who have visited this beautiful island are convinced that it MUST be similar to the Garden of Eden God created for Adam and Eve.  From the moment we stepped on land, this island paradise inspired our imagination and captured our hearts. This magnificent setting reminded us to revel in life's simple pleasures.  The huge granite boulders are scattered along the coast, standing majestically almost like sentries guarding the precious fine, white sand beaches.

Praslin was first settled as a hideaway by pirates and Arab merchants.  The original name for the island, Isle de Palmes, bears testament to its reputation as home of the Vallee de Mai UNESCO World Heritage Site.  It is the only place in the world where the famous Coco de Mer, the world's heaviest nut, grows abundantly in the wild.  Praslin's exotic palm forests shelter many rare species.  It is much quieter and less developed than its neighbor island of Mahe.  It has few commercially developed tourist "sites."  Instead, the pleasures of Praslin largely involve relaxing or exploring the stunning beaches and magnificent forests.

Praslin is one of the Seychelles granite islands, and is one of the world's oldest ocean islands.  These islands broke off from the Indian plate millions of years ago.  The movement of the plate caused enormous sections of granite to break apart and form giant mountains in the ocean.  In time, the mountains eroded and the peaks became smooth, creating granite islands.  Enormous granite boulders continue to line the stunning white sand beaches.  The Seychelles are located in an isolated area of the Indian Ocean between Asia and Africa.  Although they are actually a bit physically closer to Africa, they identify much more closely with Asia.  

It wasn't until fairly recent years that modern conveniences reached the Seychelles, including Praslin.  In 1975, the airport was completed on the island.  Electricity was finally installed on Praslin in the 1980's and tourism began to grow. The magnificent beaches continue to attract increasing numbers of tourists every year.  However, residents are reluctant to allow their beautiful island to become overrun with huge resorts, long lines of traffic, and hordes of tourists descending on their small towns, so they have set a limit of 2200 hotel beds on the island. Our guide told us that at the present time no more hotels are being built om the island. 

From the moment land came into view I was eager to disembark the ship and revisit this beautiful island.  As we sailed into the gorgeous harbor we could see the lush, densely forested mountains.  Meticulously maintained houses were nestled among the trees on the hillsides, careful not to disturb the forest surrounding them.  The flat, white sand beaches were made even more secluded by the huge boulders which separated them into small, intimate hideaways.  When we disembarked we were met by a smiling, friendly crowd who welcomed us warmly.  We had an immediate sense of ease. We were divided into small groups and then assigned to a small bus which would serve as our transportation for the day. 

Once on the bus we departed for a scenic coastal drive around the island.  Our guide had a great sense of humor.  He told us that the French built the roads so there are lots of twists and turns because they were all drunk!!!  He got a good laugh.  Along the way our guide gave us some background and facts about Praslin.  He told us the biggest animal on the island is the giant tortoise!  He said there are lots of geckos, and a couple of harmless grass snakes, as well as some large and very intimidating looking, non-venomous spiders.  He also told us that there are three main languages spoken on the island which are Creole (which emerged from interactions between European traders, African slaves, and Asian indentured laborers in the Seychelles), French and English.  The most practiced religion on the island is catholic, followed by Muslim and Hindu and a few protestants.  He made a point of adding that all religions live in harmony and there is no friction among them.  Wouldn't that be refreshing in the US!!!  He told us that they don't have tsunami's or cyclones on the island due to their protected location, however they do receive lots of rain due to their nearness to the equator.

As we drove, we were captivated by the tapestry of shadows, colors, and textures. The light flickering through the enormous trees gives the setting an almost magical feel. What magnificent tropical beauty this island has to offer.  Our guide was very proud of all the fruit produced on the island.  He told us that sour cucumbers, mango, avocado, papaya, tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables are grown here.  He was particularly proud of one of the fruits, the coco de mer, which only grows in the Seychelles.  This fruit is very popular with tourists, due to its "unique" shape.  Many photos of this fruit taken with tourists are taken each day. There are male and female trees and they are pollinated by geckos traveling between the two trees.

As we drove, it was quite apparent that our guide really loves his island home.  He referred to it many times as an island paradise.  He was proud of their government and their democratically elected president.  He also boasted of all the products produced on the island, including Seybrew beer, which is the most popular beer in the Seychelles. Our driver even made a quick stop at a 7-11 type store to give our passengers an opportunity to buy some of the local beer!!  As we passed outdoor field facilities, he pointed out that although cricket and soccer are popular on the island, the national sport is actually volleyball!!!  Very surprising!!  Our guide was also quite proud of the largest "animal" on the island - the giant tortoise.  These amazing creatures were hunted in vast number by European sailors and were presumed to be extinct around 1840.  However, they were recently rediscovered and currently about a hundred of these tortoises exist. The giant tortoises are among the longest living animals om the planet, with some of them thought to be over 200 years of age. We were fortunate to see them in a variety of settings, including some of the botanical gardens.

We spent much of our time along the way admiring the magnificent granite mountains, lush green forests, and vibrant wildflowers which have squeezed their way through the boulders.  Our guide pointed out that the Seychelles are granite islands, which account for the magnificent boulders which line the beaches as well as the spectacular, jagged mountains.  The landscape is made even more magnificent by the differences in the rocks and soil, ranging from red to mocha colored.  Coral islands, on the other hand, are flat and have no mountains. 

 

As we made our way around the island, we spotted meticulously maintained houses nestled among the trees on the hillsides, always being careful not to disturb the forest surrounding them.  The flat, white sand beaches were made even more secluded by the huge boulders which separated them into small, intimate hideaways.   As we made our way through the forest these majestic trees were so enormous and dense that the light was only able to shine through in soft, gentle streams, adding a graceful texture and mystery to the environment.  

We passed the quaint fishing village of Cote D'Or where it appeared that time has stood still and life continues as it has for decades.  Most of the small shops on the island are operated by Indians, whose ancestors were brought here to serve as indentured servants.  We continued our drive and made a stop at Anse Lazio, located on the northern tip of Praslin Island, and often regarded as one of the world's prettiest beaches, often listed among the top five.  We had some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful warm, clear water.  As the afternoon wore on, more tourists and local families arrived to enjoy this beautiful setting. 

After a day of enjoying this breathtaking island, it was time to board our bus and return to the ship. What a blessing it was to have the opportunity to visit this picturesque island.  Now, looking forward to moving on to Mahe Island to enjoy more "island time."