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

Summary

Fast ferry transfer between Mahe and Praslin with smooth boarding and local help

You’ll step onto the Cat Cocos ferry at Mahe or Praslin jetty, ticket in hand after a quick stop at the Vision Voyages office. Feel the ocean breeze as you cross between islands with locals and travelers alike. There’s space for your luggage and time to watch the water shift from turquoise to deep blue — it’s simple but feels like a real part of island life.

What’s the experience like?

We were still laughing about my attempt at Creole when we rolled our bags up to the Mahe jetty — honestly, I’d been nervous about missing the Cat Cocos ferry, but it was all pretty chill. The woman at the Vision Voyages office waved us over with this big smile, checked our names (she double-checked my spelling, which made me weirdly grateful), and handed us our tickets. There’s something about the mix of salt in the air and that distant thrum of engines that makes you realize you’re really island-hopping in Seychelles. Boarding started early, so no last-minute rush — just a slow shuffle with other travelers and a few locals who seemed to know everyone by name.

I didn’t expect the inside of the ferry to feel so… normal? Not fancy, but clean and cool, with people peeling mangoes or dozing off against their backpacks. Our guide from earlier had told us to watch for flying fish if we sat near the window — I tried, but mostly just got distracted by kids giggling every time the boat rocked. The ride from Mahe to Praslin is quick (about an hour), but there’s this moment halfway where you look out and it’s just blue everywhere, like being suspended between two worlds. The coffee from the little counter wasn’t great, but it was hot and somehow tasted right with all that sea breeze.

Luggage was easy — they weighed our bags at check-in (30kg each for economy deck), tagged them without fuss. I saw one guy almost forget his cabin bag; someone shouted after him in French and everyone laughed. It’s those small things — strangers helping each other out — that stick with me more than any brochure photo ever could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ferry transfer from Praslin to Mahe

• Pre-book Cat Cocos ferry ticket
• Provide full names and birthdates
• Collect tickets at Vision Voyages office
• Arrive at Praslin Quay 30 minutes early
• Board ferry before boarding closes
• Travel with carry-on and checked baggage

Top questions

How long is the ferry ride from Mahe to Praslin?

The Cat Cocos fast ferry takes about 1 hour between Mahe and Praslin.

Where do I collect my Cat Cocos ferry tickets?

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

What is the baggage allowance on Cat Cocos ferry?

You can bring 30kg checked baggage per person (economy decks) plus a 7kg carry-on; business class allows 40kg checked.

Are children allowed on the ferry? Is there a discount?

Yes, children aged 2-11 get reduced rates; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use a specialized seat.

Is boarding wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both boarding areas and ferries are wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to provide passport details when booking?

You need full names for all passengers; for children, date of birth is required too.

Where does the ferry depart from on Mahe?

The Cat Cocos ferry departs from Inter Island Quay in Victoria on Mahe Island.

Can I book a one-way or return ticket?

You can book either a one-way or return ticket; prices are per person per way.

What’s included

Your trip includes your reserved Cat Cocos fast ferry transfer between Mahe and Praslin (or vice versa), space for up to 30kg of checked luggage plus your carry-on bag, child discounts if needed, wheelchair access throughout, and ticket collection right at the jetty office before departure.