Vallee de Mai Tour from Praslin: Coco de Mer & Endemic Birds

Ancient palms and the world's strangest fruit, all in one morning

A guided tour of Vallee de Mai on Praslin takes you through a UNESCO World Heritage palm forest where you walk among six endemic palm species, spot the Seychelles Black Parrot, and see the Coco de Mer. A double-lobed coconut that holds the record as the world's heaviest seed. The tour runs 2.5 hours and includes return transfer from your hotel and entrance to the reserve.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve

• Arrive at Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve
• Join guided tour of palm forest
• Observe Coco de Mer palms
• Spot Seychelles Black Parrot
• Discover endemic frogs, insects, chameleons
• Visit souvenir shop

The experience

The Coco de Mer is the draw here: a coconut so massive and distinctly shaped that it has inspired Eden mythology for centuries. You'll see these extraordinary fruits hanging from ancient, towering palms as you stroll the winding footpaths of Vallee de Mai. The reserve itself is a well-preserved palm forest, one of the planet's rarest ecosystems, and your guide will point out the smaller treasures too: stick insects, chameleons, and one of the world's tiniest frogs. Listen for the call of the Seychelles Black Parrot as you move deeper into the valley. The bird is one of the rarest you can encounter anywhere.

The tour is a walking experience through footpaths, not a vehicle-based stop-and-look. Your guide speaks English and introduces you to the forest's layout and its species as you go. The pace is steady but not rushed: 2.5 hours gives you time to absorb the strangeness of the place without exhaustion. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, as is entrance to the reserve and one bottle of water.

What’s included

• Return transfer from your hotel on Praslin.
• entrance fee to Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve.
• one bottle of water.
• English-speaking guide throughout the tour.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to ThursdayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (2 to 11 years)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 24 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Creole Travel Seychelles

Is this one for you?This tour works best for small groups or solo travelers who want a guided forest walk without a large crowd, and for anyone curious about rare plants and wildlife rather than beach time or water activities. The 2.5-hour pace suits a morning or early afternoon slot in a longer Praslin stay.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 11 years).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is a Coco de Mer and why is it so famous?

The Coco de Mer is a double-lobed coconut native only to Praslin and Curieuse Island. It holds the record as the world's heaviest seed and has a shape that resembles a woman's pelvis, which has made it legendary in local lore and a symbol of the islands for centuries.

Will I see the Seychelles Black Parrot on this tour?

The Seychelles Black Parrot lives in Vallee de Mai and you may hear its call as you walk the footpaths. It is one of the world's rarest birds, so sightings are not guaranteed, but your guide will listen for it and point out where they are most likely to be.

How much walking is involved in the Vallee de Mai tour?

The tour follows winding footpaths through the palm forest for 2.5 hours. The terrain is natural forest floor with gentle slopes. The walk is steady but suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or mobility challenges.

Does the tour include meals or drinks beyond the water bottle?

The tour includes one bottle of water. Lunch and other beverages are not part of the package, so plan accordingly or arrange a meal before or after the tour.

What other endemic species will I encounter besides the Coco de Mer?

Vallee de Mai is home to five other endemic palm species, as well as stick insects, chameleons, and one of the planet's tiniest frogs. Your guide will introduce you to these treasures as you walk through the reserve.