Praslin is one of those rare places that feels tailor-made for a family holiday. White coral beaches, rustling palm forests, and a pace of life that lets you breathe. But to truly make the most of everything this island offers — especially with children in tow — you need the freedom to move on your own terms. That is exactly why renting a car in Praslin is one of the smartest decisions a family can make before arriving.
Rather than waiting on bus schedules or paying for taxis every time you want to change beaches, having your own vehicle means the whole island opens up. You can stop when the kids spot a troop of fruit bats overhead, linger longer at a beach that steals your heart, or duck away from a crowded spot and find a quieter cove around the corner. This guide walks you through the best family-friendly routes on Praslin, the must-stop attractions along the way, and how to choose the right car for your crew.
Why Families Should Rent a Car in Praslin
Praslin is compact — roughly 11 kilometres long — but that doesn’t mean you can walk everywhere with a pram, a beach bag, and tired toddlers in tow. The island’s road network winds through hilly terrain, and many of the best beaches and viewpoints are a fair distance from most accommodation. Public transport is limited and unreliable, particularly on the weekends.
When you’re travelling with family, convenience is everything. Renting a car in Praslin gives you the flexibility to set your own schedule, carry all your gear comfortably, and move safely between the island’s highlights without the stress of coordinating transfers. It also gives you access to areas that are simply not reachable by foot or public bus — like the quieter southern bays or the elevated viewpoints inland.
Triple T Car Rental, based at Côte d’Or, offers 24/7 customer support, home pickup and drop-off, and a fleet of well-maintained, clean vehicles — which is exactly what families need to feel confident on unfamiliar roads.
Choosing the Right Car for Your Family
Before hitting the road, you need the right vehicle. Triple T Car Rental offers several options that suit different family sizes and travel styles:
Kia Picanto (from €45/day) — The ideal choice for a small family or couple. It’s nimble on narrow roads, fuel-efficient, and easy to park near busy beach access points. If you’re a family of three or four travelling light, this is your go-to.
Grand i10 (from €50/day) — A step up in comfort with a slightly roomier interior. Great for families who want a reliable, affordable option that handles Praslin’s hilly roads without a fuss.
Urban Cruiser (from €60/day) — For families who want a bit more road confidence, this compact SUV offers better ground clearance and a more commanding driving position. It’s a practical choice if your itinerary includes some of the steeper or less-polished roads leading to quieter spots.
Suzuki Fronx (from €65/day) — The most versatile option in the fleet. It offers solid space, modern comfort features, and excellent fuel economy — a smart pick for families planning multiple day trips across the island.
Triple T Car Rental also offers easy online reservations and island-wide collection, so you can arrange everything before you land and step off the ferry already sorted.
The Best Family-Friendly Routes on Praslin
Route 1: The Côte d’Or to Anse Lazio Coastal Drive (North Route)
This is arguably the most scenic drive on the island and a perfect first-day route for families. Start at Côte d’Or — the long golden beach strip that’s also home to Triple T Car Rental’s base — and head north along the winding coastal road.
Your first major stop should be Anse Kerlan, a quieter stretch of beach on the northwest tip. It’s a favourite nesting ground for hawksbill turtles, and if you visit in the right season, the children may spot them along the shoreline. There are calm, shallow waters here that are excellent for younger swimmers.
From Anse Kerlan, continue to Anse Lazio — Praslin’s most celebrated beach and regularly listed among the world’s most beautiful. The drive alone is breathtaking. Anse Lazio has a small beach bar and restaurant (Bonbon Plume) where families can grab a fresh juice or snack between swims. The beach itself is sheltered and generally has gentle surf, making it safe for children.
The full loop from Côte d’Or to Anse Lazio and back takes about 45 minutes of driving time, but you’ll want to allow a full morning or afternoon to do it justice.
Route 2: Vallée de Mai and the Island’s Interior
No family trip to Praslin is complete without a visit to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of only two places on earth where the legendary coco de mer palm grows wild. This ancient forest feels like walking into a prehistoric world, and children are usually utterly captivated by it.
The reserve is located in the interior of the island and is only really accessible by car. When renting a car in Praslin, this is the kind of stop that makes the rental immediately worthwhile. Guided walking trails are well-maintained, shaded, and relatively easy underfoot — suitable even for younger children. Look out for the black parrot, Praslin’s endemic bird species, nesting in the canopy above.
After Vallée de Mai, a short drive south takes you to Anse Takamaka, a smaller, less-visited beach ideal for a family picnic. The drive through the island’s hilly middle section is stunning — lush, green, and punctuated by the occasional traditional Seychellois house.
Route 3: The Southern Beach Loop
The southern coast of Praslin is quieter, less commercialised, and absolutely worth exploring with the family. Head to Anse Marie-Louise and Anse Citron — twin bays tucked into the island’s southern tip. These beaches are largely undeveloped and give you that genuine away-from-the-crowd feeling.
From there, drive east along the southern road through the village of Baie Sainte Anne, where you can stop at the ferry terminal, browse local stalls, and pick up fresh tropical fruit. Children enjoy watching the inter-island boats come and go.
This route is best in the morning when the sun is still manageable. The roads on the southern loop are narrower and hillier, which is worth keeping in mind — an Urban Cruiser or Suzuki Fronx handles them more comfortably than a compact city car.
Practical Tips for Families Renting a Car in Praslin
- Drive on the left. Seychelles follows left-hand traffic rules, the same as the UK, India, and South Africa — so if you’re coming from a right-hand traffic country, give yourself a few minutes to adjust before heading on the main roads.
- Fuel up at Baie Sainte Anne. There are limited petrol stations on the island. The main one is in Baie Sainte Anne, near the ferry terminal. Fill up each morning before setting out.
- Road signage is minimal. Download an offline map (Google Maps works well with downloaded Seychelles data) before you arrive. Triple T Car Rental’s team is also on hand 24/7 if you need local directions or advice.
- Start early. The midday heat can be intense for young children. Morning drives and early beach visits are far more comfortable — and you’ll often have popular spots almost to yourselves.
- Book your car before you arrive. Praslin is a popular destination, and the best vehicles in a rental fleet can get booked quickly — especially during school holidays. Reserving in advance through Triple T Car Rental ensures you get the right car for your family’s needs.
Explore Praslin at Your Own Pace
There’s something genuinely special about loading the family into a car and driving across an island this beautiful without a fixed agenda. Praslin rewards the curious — hidden paths, local fruit stalls, a beach you just glimpsed through the trees. None of that is accessible on a group tour or a taxi itinerary.
Renting a car in Praslin with Triple T Car Rental is one of the most practical, affordable, and enjoyable ways to experience the island as a family. With best-price guarantees, home pickups, and a friendly team available around the clock, the logistics are taken care of — so all you have to worry about is which beach to visit first.
Ready to plan your family road trip across Praslin? Visit praslincarrental.com to browse the fleet, check availability, and make your reservation. The island is waiting.
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