Overview: vessels and travel classes
The Cat Cocos ferry in the Seychelles runs the crossing from Mahé to Praslin and La Digue. Depending on the sailing, Mahé to Praslin takes about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. To La Digue, including a short stop on Praslin, it is around 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45 minutes. The short hop between Praslin and La Digue is run by the catamarans of Inter Island Ferry Services (Cat Rose), more on that below.
The catamaran
This 35 metre catamaran, with room for 350 passengers, has been in service since May 2007. It reaches a speed of 40 knots. The 45 minutes quoted in the past between Mahé and Praslin no longer applies: the current timetable gives about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Cat Cocos now also uses several catamarans of different sizes, so you may find yourself on a different vessel.
A state-of-the-art, computer-controlled ride control system is meant to give passengers the greatest possible comfort. Automatic adjustments keep the ride smooth, even when the sea gets rougher.
The friendly crew welcome you in each of the three travel classes. On board there is a snack bar, video screenings, a souvenir shop and more.

Travel classes
On the 350-seat vessel the seats are divided as follows:
- Lower deck Economy: 174 seats
- Upper deck Economy: 142 seats
- Business Class: 34 seats
Booking agents call the classes "Coco de Mer" (Economy, lower deck), "Island Hopper Upper Deck" (Economy, upper deck) and "Lazio Lounge" (Business). Business Class adds excellent personal service to the highest standard of comfort. Together with the Creole atmosphere of the cabin and the panoramic view over the Indian Ocean, your island crossing becomes something special.
Timetable
Cat Cocos: Mahé, Praslin and La Digue
| Day | From Mahé (to Praslin, onward to La Digue) | From 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 |
From La Digue the boats leave in the morning at 07:30 and in the early afternoon (13:30, or 14:15 at weekends), and on some days in the late afternoon. On weekdays there is no direct sailing to Mahé, so you change at Praslin. At weekends the timetable lists a direct sailing in the afternoon. On the way from Mahé to La Digue the boat makes a short stop of about 15 to 30 minutes on Praslin.
Inter Island Ferry Services (Cat Rose): Praslin and La Digue
The ferry company Inter Island Ferry Services offers a sea crossing between Praslin and La Digue with scenic views. You travel quickly and comfortably aboard a high-speed catamaran that holds 150 passengers. The crew make the 15-minute crossing as pleasant as possible. Sailings run daily. The traditional schooner "Curieuse" was intended for special tour packages around the islands, for nostalgics who want to experience a traditional Seychelles journey by sea. Whether it currently takes guests is best asked directly with the operator.
| Route | Monday to Friday | Saturday and Sunday |
|---|---|---|
| Praslin to La Digue | 07:00, 09:00, 10:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:30 | 09:00, 10:00, 11:30, 14:45, 16:30 |
| La Digue to Praslin | 07:30, 09:30, 10:30, 12:15, 16:00, 17:00 | 09:30, 10:30, 12:15, 16:00, 17:00 |
On some days Cat Cocos also runs individual sailings between Praslin and La Digue. If the Cat Cocos from Mahé is late, Cat Rose generally waits for booked passengers, according to booking agents. Boarding starts about 30 minutes before departure. You can also find the company's timetable on its website.
Prices and tickets
| Route (one way) | Economy adults | Child 2 to 11 years | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mahé to Praslin | from 56 € | approx. 27 € | approx. 79 € |
| Mahé to La Digue | approx. 66 to 68 € | approx. 37 € | approx. 89 € |
| Praslin to La Digue (Cat Rose) | approx. 15 €, with some providers up to 17 € | approx. 7 € | no classes |
Prices (as of November 2026) are calculated from the offers of authorised agents, in euros. The upper deck in Economy costs slightly more than the lower deck. Categories and amounts differ a little from one provider to another. On the Cat Cocos website you pay in Seychelles rupees. Some providers show a port fee of 2 euros from Mahé separately, while with others it is included in the ticket price. Ask about this before you compare.
Booking and changing bookings
Online bookings with agents are possible up to roughly 28 to 48 hours before departure, after that you can still buy at the ticket counter. According to one agent, changes within 24 hours of departure have to be made in person at a Cat Cocos office, at the latest 2 hours before departure. That applies to this provider's terms, other booking routes may have different conditions.
Getting to the piers
Mahé
The ferry leaves from the Inter Island Quay in Victoria. From the airport you can get there by taxi or airport transfer, and within Victoria also by bus. Agents offer hotel transfers to the port from about 13 euros per person (as of November 2026).
Praslin
The landing point is Baie Sainte Anne, and Cat Rose departs from the ERO Passenger Terminal. If you need a car on Praslin, you can take up a car hire offer, and some providers hand over the vehicle right at the pier.
La Digue
The ferry arrives at La Passe jetty. On La Digue most places can be reached on foot or by bike. Agents offer hotel transfers from about 17 euros per person (as of November 2026).
Tips and frequently asked questions
- Plan the islands in one direction, for example Mahé, Praslin, La Digue and back via Praslin.
- On the day of your international flight home, never take the last ferry. Travel the day before or on the first departure.
- In the trade wind season (May to October) the crossing between Mahé and Praslin can be rougher. If you are prone to seasickness, take a remedy beforehand. You will find more on weather and waves under best time to travel.
- Check the luggage rules when you buy your ticket, especially for large suitcases or diving equipment.
- For other ways of linking the islands, see Seychelles from A to B.
How long does the crossing take?
Mahé to Praslin takes about 1 to 1¼ hours, and Mahé to La Digue about 1½ to 1¾ hours including the stop on Praslin. From Praslin to La Digue it is about 15 minutes.
Is there a direct ferry from La Digue to Mahé?
Not on weekdays, when you travel via Praslin. At weekends the timetable lists a direct sailing in the afternoon.
Ferry or flight to Praslin?
The ferry is cheaper and allows more luggage. The flight takes only about 15 minutes but usually costs considerably more. Details under domestic flights.
What happens if the last ferry has left La Digue?
Then you have no choice but to stay overnight on the island. On day trips, allow enough time to get to La Passe jetty. You can find accommodation through hotel booking.
