Mahe to Praslin Ferry: Fast Cat Cocos Transfer & Easy Booking

Summary

Fast ferry from Mahe to Praslin with easy ticket pickup and local advice

You’ll feel the buzz of travel as you board the Cat Cocos fast ferry from Mahe to Praslin. Watch locals mingle with visitors, enjoy sea breezes through open decks, and relax knowing your ticket includes baggage allowance and simple pickup at the jetty office. This isn’t about luxury—it’s about feeling part of island life for an hour or so.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you’ll smell the sea before you see the boat,” our ticket guy grinned at the Mahe Jetty, and honestly, he was right. The salty air hit first — kind of sharp, but in a good way — while we waited with a mix of locals hauling big bags and a few other travelers like us, all squinting at the ferry schedule. There’s this low hum of chatter (Creole, English, sometimes French) and the odd clang from someone rolling their suitcase over the metal ramp. I fumbled my passport and almost dropped my ticket. Classic.

The Cat Cocos fast ferry itself is bigger than I pictured — not fancy, just practical — but it feels like everyone’s in on some small adventure together. Our seats were on the lower deck (cheaper), and I swear every time the hull slapped a wave, someone laughed or grabbed their coffee tighter. The crossing from Mahe to Praslin takes about an hour; it’s quick enough that you’re barely settled before they’re calling out for Baie Sainte Anne Jetty. I spent most of it watching the water flicker through salt-specked windows and trying not to eat all our snacks before we even landed.

I didn’t expect how organized everything would be: boarding started half an hour before departure, but people still showed up last minute, waving tickets and kids in tow. The staff checked names off with a nod — no fuss unless you forget your ID (don’t). There’s a real mix onboard: families with prams, older couples chatting softly, one guy who looked like he’d done this trip a hundred times. I liked that nobody seemed rushed; maybe it’s just island time doing its thing.

By the time we reached Praslin, my hair had gone full wind-tangle and I could taste salt on my lips. Not glamorous but honestly kind of perfect. If you’re planning this day trip Mahe to Praslin by ferry, just remember: bring your sense of humor (and maybe ginger candy if you get seasick). It’s not luxury travel — it’s just real life between two islands that feel both close and far away at once.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mahe to Praslin Island ferry transfer

• Pre-book Cat Cocos ferry ticket
• Provide full names and birthdates
• Collect tickets at Vision Voyages office
• Arrive at Mahe Inter Island Quay
• Board ferry 30 minutes before departure
• Ensure baggage within allowed limits
• Travel from Mahe to Praslin Island

Top questions

How long does the Cat Cocos ferry take from Mahe to Praslin?

The crossing takes about 1 hour each way between Mahe and Praslin.

Where do I collect my Cat Cocos ferry tickets?

You pick up your tickets at Vision Voyages DMC office at Mahe Jetty before boarding.

What is included in my Mahe to Praslin ferry ticket?

Your ticket covers one-way or return transfer plus baggage allowance according to class booked.

Are there reduced rates for children on Cat Cocos?

Yes, children aged 2-11 years get reduced fares; infants sit on an adult's lap.

When should I arrive for boarding?

Boarding starts 30 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes prior—don’t cut it too close!

Is the ferry wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options are wheelchair accessible for all fitness levels.

Can I bring large luggage on board?

You can bring up to 30kg checked baggage (40kg in business class) plus 7kg carry-on per person.

What’s included

Your journey includes confirmed Cat Cocos fast ferry transfer between Mahe and Praslin (one-way or return as booked), flexible schedule selection with advice if needed, easy ticket collection at Mahe Jetty office before departure, generous luggage allowance based on your deck class, child fare reductions for ages 2-11, accessibility for wheelchairs or prams, and support from local staff during check-in and boarding.