Seychelles: A world example of good island ferry service

Seychelles has been complemented by the region for its standard of ferry services being offered between its main islands. The one hour run between Mahe and Praslin islands, as well as the fifteen minutes service between Praslin and La Digue, are seen as a model in standard and service.

Both Inter Island Boats and the Inter Island Ferry services are today recognized as regional examples and are mentioned in maritime conferences as success stories.  Both companies owned by the Joe Albert and William Rose groups of companies have been able to build dedicated fleet sizes, enabling them to provide a professional service for the benefit of the people of Seychelles.

Ferry disasters resulting in drowning, make news in many countries, but the Seychelles professional approach to its ferry service continues to provide a seven day service, 365 days of the year. The published time table is always respected and the ferry company owners are even able to sustain maintenance schedules without any disturbance, because of their current fleet size.

The Seychelles did not always have such state off the art ferry service. In the seventies, the Mahe – Praslin – La Digue route was handled by the Lady Esme Government Ferry, that took four hours from Mahe to La Digue with stops at Grand Ange and Baie Ste.Anne Praslin, and that was once a day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Today, the economic growth of Praslin and La Digue Islands, are boosted by the fast and modern ferry service owned and operated by the island’s private sector.

Other smaller operators also provide excursions boats from Mahe to Praslin and La Digue on demand. Another company launched the Praslin Express a couple of years ago, but the service was haphazard and regular breakdowns, even at sea, resulted in the service being discontinued.