Praslin-Mahé ferry and international flight on the same day in summer

Hello, We’ll be on vacation in the Seychelles in July and will visit La Digue, Praslin, and then Mahé in that order. Our 21-year-old daughter will have to leave earlier than us while we’re still on Praslin. We’re hesitating between the following options for her return: Option 1: - July 9: ferry from Praslin at 2:00 PM – arrives in Mahé at 3:15 PM. - International flight departing at 7:30 PM. - The connection is very tight, leaving a 1- to 2-hour safety margin in case the ferry is delayed. Option 2: - July 9: ferry from Praslin at 8:00 AM – arrives in Mahé at 9:15 AM. - International flight departing at 7:30 PM. - This is safer than Option 1, but it means she’d lose the whole day, spending it alone. We’d pay for a day pass giving her access to a hotel pool to kill time. From experience, what do you think? Are significant ferry delays (2 hours or more) common, especially in July with the swell, making Option 1 too risky? Or is even Option 2 too risky, and should our daughter take a ferry the day before (though that would mean missing a lot of time with us)? Or should she take an Air Seychelles flight the same day instead of the ferry? Is that safer than the ferry? But it’s much more expensive… I know no one can give me certainty on this, but I’d just love to hear your gut feeling from those who have experience with inter-island transfers in the Seychelles. Thanks so much in advance! Christophe

- It’s safer than option 1, but it means losing the whole day, during which our daughter would be alone.

Hi there, did you know there are beautiful beaches on the north of Mahé Island? Otherwise, there are beaches at Beau Vallon. As for the swell, I don’t remember any, but obviously, we can’t guarantee anything. Watch out for the coastline on the south side of Mahé Island, though—it’s dangerous with big waves.

Hi Christophe, I’ve taken the Cat Coco ferry many times and have never experienced a delay, let alone a cancellation—even when the sea was pretty rough. That said, I guess it *could* happen. Just a heads-up: you can totally leave your luggage at the airport left-luggage office, spend the day at the beach, and come back in the evening for your flight. Have a great day! Jacques

Thanks so much to both of you for your replies.

From experience, does anyone know if, in July (with the risk of wind), there’s less risk of major delays or cancellations for the Praslin-Mahé transfer by taking a ferry or an Air Seychelles flight? Thanks again.