Mahe to La Digue Ferry: Fast Cat Cocos Tickets & Schedule

Summary

Fast ferry ride between Mahe & La Digue with local tips

You’ll cross from Mahe to La Digue by fast Cat Cocos ferry, with your ticket ready for pickup at the jetty office. Expect salty air, friendly locals sharing tips, maybe a stop at Praslin if needed—and plenty of ocean views along the way. Arriving on La Digue feels like stepping into another rhythm entirely.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you’ll smell the sea before you even see the boat,” the woman at the Vision Voyages office grinned as she handed me my Cat Cocos ticket. She was right — that salty, humid air hit me first thing at the Mahe Jetty, mixed with a little diesel from the engines and someone’s coconut sunscreen. It was early, but there were already a few families and couples waiting around, all clutching bags and chatting in French or Creole. I kept checking my phone to make sure I had the right time — boarding starts thirty minutes before, but everyone seemed pretty relaxed about it.

The Cat Cocos ferry itself is bigger than I expected. I found a spot on the lower deck (cheaper ticket), squeezed my backpack under the seat, and tried not to look too touristy as I watched locals greet each other with quick nods. The engine started up with this deep rumble that made my stomach flutter for a second — maybe nerves or just excitement? The crossing from Mahe to La Digue takes a while, sometimes stopping at Praslin if there’s no direct ferry that day (they’ll tell you when you book). The water looked almost fake — like someone turned up the saturation too much — but then a breeze came through and suddenly it felt real again.

I chatted with Li, who was heading home to La Digue after visiting family in Victoria. She showed me how to stash my bag so it wouldn’t roll away (honestly wouldn’t have thought of that). At Praslin Jetty some folks got off, others got on; there was this brief chaos of luggage being shuffled around and people calling out names. It smelled like sunscreen and wet rope for a minute. I tried saying “merci” in Creole — Li laughed so hard she nearly dropped her phone. The rest of the ride was just ocean and sky and that weird sense of floating between places.

Arriving at La Digue felt quieter than I expected — just bikes lined up at the jetty and someone selling fresh juice under a faded umbrella. My hair was full of salt spray and I realized I’d barely looked at my phone since we left Mahe. There’s something about moving between islands by ferry that makes everything slow down in your head. Even now, weeks later, I still think about that last stretch over open water — how small everything looked behind us.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mahe to La Digue ferry transfer

• Pre-book Cat Cocos ferry ticket
• Provide full names and birthdates
• Collect tickets at Mahe Jetty office
• Arrive at Inter Island Quay, Victoria
• Board ferry 30 minutes before departure
• Ensure baggage meets weight and size limits
• Ferry departs to La Digue Island

Top questions

How do I get from Mahe to La Digue by ferry?

You can take the Cat Cocos fast ferry from Mahe’s Inter Island Quay directly to La Digue or via Praslin if no direct service is available.

Where do I pick up my Cat Cocos ferry ticket?

Tickets are collected at the Vision Voyages DMC office at the Mahe Jetty before boarding.

How much luggage can I bring on Cat Cocos?

You’re allowed 7kg carry-on plus 30kg checked baggage (40kg in business class), with extra weight charged per kg.

Is there a direct ferry every day between Mahe and La Digue?

No, sometimes you’ll transfer via Praslin depending on schedule—check when booking or ask for help fitting your itinerary.

Are children’s tickets available for Cat Cocos?

Yes—children aged 2-11 get reduced rates; their date of birth must be given when booking.

Is Cat Cocos wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for this route.

When does boarding start for Mahe to La Digue ferry?

Boarding opens 30 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes before leaving.

What’s included

Your trip includes confirmed Cat Cocos fast ferry transfer between Mahe and La Digue (or vice versa), with ticket pickup at the jetty office, checked baggage allowance up to 30kg per person (or 40kg in business class), plus space for cabin bags—just show up early enough for boarding and let them know your preferred travel time when booking.