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How to Visit the Seychelles on a Budget

The Seychelles , an archipelago of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa, are known for being some of the most beautiful islands in the world — and for being extremely expensive. The pristine turquoise water and white-sand beaches come with a hefty price tag.

If you want to drop serious money on a holiday, the Seychelles definitely have plenty of places perfect for an eye-wateringly expensive trip. There are even whole islands commandeered by one resort, such as the North Island Resort , where high-end villas go for $6,000-10,000 USD per night. Another island-as-resort that’s “more affordably” priced is Cerf Island Resort , where rooms start at $360 USD per night.

But even though fancy resorts like that were way out of my budget, I was determined to visit these islands and do so frugally, with a backpacker’s budget in mind.

After spotting an obscenely cheap and convenient flight deal (and desperate to get out there and explore these beautiful islands) I booked round-trip flights from London without much research (though I don’t necessarily recommend this approach to travel planning).

I typically travel in Europe (often in Eastern Europe), so my idea of what constitutes a cheap trip might be distorted. Paying over $15 USD for my share of a night’s accommodation pains me. So my eyes widened when I saw the average cost in the Seychelles. But the flights were booked, so I had no choice but to figure out how to see the islands on a budget. I set to work, reading blogs and forums furiously, but there was very limited information available.

After securing some affordable accommodation, I braced myself for a painfully expensive trip. But, in the end, to my surprise, it was so much easier to be budget-conscious than I imagined.

Were the Seychelles the cheapest destination? No.

But, I learned, they don’t have to be prohibitively expensive either.

So, how do you save money in the Seychelles?

Here’s how you can take an affordable trip to paradise:

Note: Throughout this post you’ll see prices quoted in USD for tourist attractions, activities, and hotels, as these businesses accept (and sometimes only accept) USD, GBP, and EUR (the most preferred). At smaller businesses, you’ll need to pay in the local currency, SCR (Seychellois Rupee).

Table of Contents

1. Find cheap flights (they do exist!)

2. stick to cheap guesthouses (that serve breakfast), 3. eat take-out, 4. take the bus, 5. stick to beach-hopping, 6. bring enough sunscreen, 7. move slowly, 8. minimize cash withdrawals (and use the right atms), 9. drink the tap water (bring a bottle with a filter), 10. bring your own mask and snorkel.

We found round-trip flights from London with British Airways for just over $600 USD, a deal so good that it sparked the whole trip. I always use Skyscanner , as that’s where I reliably find the best flight deals.

As always, you’ll typically find cheaper flights if you travel in shoulder season; are flexible with exact dates, times, and layovers; and avoid school vacation periods. Some tips on how to save on your flight:

• Look at deal websites – Deal websites like Holiday Pirates , Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) , and The Flight Deal often have great last minute fares and package deals to the islands.
• Search the main cheap flight websites – Skyscanner lets you compare prices and see if there are any budget carriers flying the route.
• Be flexible with your dates – Airline ticket prices vary depending on the day of the week, time of year, and upcoming holidays. Moreover, it’s always cheaper to fly during the middle of the week than on a weekend, because most people travel on the weekends and airlines hike their prices then. If you zig when others zag, you are going to find better deals.
• Use points and miles – This is the best way to get cheap flights…because it gives you free flights. Airline rewards programs are a great way to get free flights, free upgrades, and free companion tickets. Points = free flights. Through credit card sign up bonuses, everyday spending, contests, online promotions, bonus points, and so much more, you can easily gain hundreds of thousands of points per year without ever spending extra money! To learn how to do this, check out this post .

For more tips on how to find a cheap flight, check out my ultimate guide to finding cheap flights!  

The best thing to do is to go onto your favorite budget accommodation site and put in the island you plan to stay on. That should show you a selection of accommodations so you can choose something in your price range.

To keep costs even lower, try to stay somewhere that offers self-catering facilities or that serves breakfast. Self-catering allows you to save by preparing your own meals, while an included breakfast takes care of a third of your meals and lets you fill up on delicious fruit, toast, yogurt, and eggs that will keep you going for hours. You can also take a few snacks from breakfast, like rolls or bananas, for later in the day when you need a boost of energy. All the places we stayed made clear in their Airbnb profile whether a kitchen was available or if breakfast was included, though you could also email and ask.

There is also a small Couchsurfing community in the Seychelles, with most of the hosts based on Mahé. Nothing is cheaper than free, so if you are fond of couchsurfing and happy to stay on the main island, this might be a good option.

Check out my comprehensive resource section for more tips on finding cheap accommodation!  

However, the Seychelles is also full of places to get take-out, small establishments, and mobile food vans all over the islands, directly alongside main roads or signposted clearly, serving up local dishes for incredibly low prices. These are where many of the locals eat dinner, along with visitors who are looking for delicious and cheap eats.

These meals tend to be fresh, Seychellois dishes that change every day, typically curries made with fish, chicken, beef, or vegetables, served with rice and salad. For just 75-100 SCR, you can buy a filling meal of fish or vegetable curry. There are also often Chinese-takeout-type dishes like fried noodles and rice.  

Taxis are insanely expensive — think 260 SCR for a trip of only a couple of kilometers — and are not a viable option for anyone trying to travel on a budget. You can rent a car for around 670 SCR per day (use Discover Cars to find the cheapest deals) which may be manageable if you are traveling in a group or splitting the cost with someone, but still expensive compared to the cheapest option: the bus.

As a bonus, the bus is as much an activity as it is a convenient transport option, as the bus bounces up and down hills on a road bordering the ocean!

On both Praslin and Mahé, you buy a flat-rate ticket as you get on and travel as far as you need to, whether that is one stop or ten. On Praslin, a bus ticket costs 10 SCR while tickets are 6 SCR on Mahé. The buses come infrequently, so it is worth consulting the timetable. I was given a Praslin timetable at my accommodation (though you can also find it online ), and you can download Mahé’s extensive schedule here .

La Digue has very few cars and no buses, so walking and biking are the best options, which is also true for all of the smaller islands.  

You can enjoy the pristine white sand and blue water; watch the birds, bats, and tortoises move around the island; and explore the amazing undersea wildlife straight from the beach — and it won’t cost you a dime.

My favorite free beaches are Anse Coco on La Digue, Anse Lazio on Praslin, and Beau Vallon on Mahé.

One big exception to the free beaches rule is that Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue, which is one of the world’s most beautiful beaches, charges you for entry. The cost is 150 SCR for a single entry, so go when you have time to spend the whole afternoon (or day!) enjoying the beach and its unusual rock formations. If you want to avoid the charge, then you can swim or walk through the ocean from just outside the entrance to the park and enter the beach that way. However, you’ll have to swim back out, as park rangers often check your ticket as you leave!  

An easy way to save a few bucks is to bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need. Sunscreen here is very expensive but also very necessary, given the blazing equatorial sun that can burn skin in minutes. I was woefully underprepared for the amount of sunscreen I would need, so much so that within two days I had to shell out a small fortune for a big enough bottle to get me through the rest of the trip. If you can avoid buying this necessary item on the islands, then do.  

There is only one ferry provider serving each of the main routes between the three major islands, making you a captive audience for their high prices. So, unless you’re Michael Phelps, you’re stuck paying whatever Cat Cocos (between Mahé and Praslin) and Cat Rose (between Praslin and La Digue) charge for the tickets. The less you travel between the islands, the cheaper your total transport bill will stay.  

As in many other places, there are heavy charges levied on withdrawals at cash machines, to the tune of 100 SCR per withdrawal. These withdrawal fees are fixed by the ATM and are different than foreign exchange fees. Charles Schwab and Fidelity offer cards that refund these ATM fees, though Fidelity does charge a 1% foreign exchange fee.

However, a simpler solution than opening a new checking account is to be vigilant about which ATM you use. Barclays ATMs levy the withdrawal charge, while MCB ATMs tend to have no fee. A full list of MCB ATMs can be found by clicking here .

ATMs will only give you rupees, though most prices for purchases tourists will be making are quoted in EUR or USD. You can bring these with you or change them at the airport and banks for no charge. The Seychelles are largely cash-only, so figuring out how to get cash without incurring charges is important.

For more tips on avoiding ATM fees, check out my comprehensive article on how to avoid fees when traveling!  

While most online information says that the water in the Seychelles is not safe to drink, I quickly started drinking the tap water and was completely fine. Given the extreme heat and humidity, you will need to drink a lot of water, which adds up fast if you have to keep buying plastic bottles (not to mention the environmental impact of that much disposable plastic).

If you don’t feel comfortable drinking the tap water, then I’d recommend bringing a bottle with a built-in filter such as Lifestraw . Not constantly buying bottled water will help keep both your costs low and the environment clean.  

By following the above advice, it should be possible to take a trip to the Seychelles that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg (maybe just a hand). If you stay in small guesthouses that serve breakfast, eat takeout for most of your meals, spend most of your time exploring the beaches, and hunt for a good flight deal, you’ll spend between $120–140 USD per day (less if you are traveling with someone and can split accommodation costs), though it’s also good to leave some wiggle room for putting money in the hands of any Seychellois guides or vendors who really make a difference to your trip.

If you are willing to shell out more, then the sky’s the limit.

If splurging, I would recommend: a guided tour through the jungle (it’s typically not safe to venture out alone) or diving, as the Seychelles are home to some world-famous dive sites. A private guided hike in the national park costs around $200 USD , while each dive with Octopus Dive Centre is around $60 USD (less if you have your own equipment).

If you don’t dive, you can also join a small group tour to several different islands where you can go snorkeling for around $110 USD .

I firmly believe that the Seychelles is one of the world’s most beautiful places and should be on the bucket list of any avid traveler. And, hopefully, these budget tips will allow you to visit the Seychelles without breaking the bank!

Ellie Hopgood is a freelance travel writer based in London. She spends a borderline unhealthy amount of time editing photos and checking the cost of flights to places she has no immediate intention to visit.  

Book Your Trip to the Seychelles: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on Seychelles? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide to the Seychelles for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Seychelles Travel Budget - Visit Seychelles on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Seychelles Costs

• Is the Seychelles Expensive?
• How much does a trip to the Seychelles cost?
• Seychelles Hotel Prices
• Seychelles Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in the Seychelles
• Best Cheap Hotels in the Seychelles
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in the Seychelles
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the Seychelles
• Best Hotels for One Night in the Seychelles
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in the Seychelles
• Best Business Hotels in the Seychelles
• Best Hotels for One Week in the Seychelles
• Best Beach Hotels in the Seychelles
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in the Seychelles
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in the Seychelles
• Best Luxury Hotels in the Seychelles
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Seychelles Tour Prices
• How much does it cost to travel to the Seychelles? (Average Daily Cost)
• The Seychelles trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in the Seychelles?

Is the seychelles expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to the Seychelles?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to the Seychelles?

You should plan to spend around $205 (S₨2,779) per day on your vacation in the Seychelles. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $52 (S₨703) on meals
• $68 (S₨926) on local transportation
• $167 (S₨2,267) on hotels

A one week trip to the Seychelles for two people costs, on average, $2,865 (S₨38,899) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 205 S₨ 2,779
• One Week Per person $ 1,432 S₨ 19,450
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,865 S₨ 38,899
• One Month Per person $ 6,139 S₨ 83,355
• One Week For a couple $ 2,865 S₨ 38,899
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 5,730 S₨ 77,798
• One Month For a couple $ 12,278 S₨ 166,710

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to the Seychelles cost?

A one week trip to the Seychelles usually costs around $1,432 (S₨19,450) for one person and $2,865 (S₨38,899) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to the Seychelles on average costs around $2,865 (S₨38,899) for one person and $5,730 (S₨77,798) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in the Seychelles will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to the Seychelles on average costs around $6,139 (S₨83,355) for one person and $12,278 (S₨166,710) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in the Seychelles is $582 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Seychelles Island Hopping Mahé & Praslin 14 Days - 3 Destinations $ 2,424
• Seychellois Adventure 14 Days - 3 Destinations $ 3,275

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

The Seychelles is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Africa, the Seychelles is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Senegal or Zambia.

For more details, see Is the Seychelles Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to the Seychelles?

The average Seychelles trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Seychelles travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in the Seychelles

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in the Seychelles is $83 (S₨1,134). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in the Seychelles is $167 (S₨2,267). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 83 S₨ 1,134
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 167 S₨ 2,267

Hotel Prices in the Seychelles

Looking for a hotel in the Seychelles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in the Seychelles based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $165. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Bel Air Hotel Victoria Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 132
• Constance Lemuria Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 750

Local Transportation Budget in the Seychelles

The cost of a taxi ride in the Seychelles is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $68 (S₨926) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Seychelles.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 68 S₨ 926

Recommended Services

• Private Transfer Airport to or from Hotel in Seychelles Viator $ 44
• Taxi Services & Transfers on Praslin Island Viator $ 55

Food Budget in the Seychelles

While meal prices in the Seychelles can vary, the average cost of food in the Seychelles is $52 (S₨703) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in the Seychelles should cost around $21 (S₨281) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in the Seychelles is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 52 S₨ 703

Recommended

• Dinner at the Hilton, Kempinski, Four Seasons, Savoy or Carana | Mahé,… Viator $ 285

Entertainment Budget in the Seychelles

Entertainment and activities in the Seychelles typically cost an average of $39 (S₨528) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 39 S₨ 528

Recommended Activities

• Private Seychelles Islands Tour by Boat with snacks & drinks Viator $ 285
• Private Full day Mahé island tour (1-2 persons) Viator $ 259

Alcohol Budget in the Seychelles

The average person spends about $33 (S₨449) on alcoholic beverages in the Seychelles per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 33 S₨ 449

Related Articles

The seychelles on a budget.

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Top tourist attractions, popular foods.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

How to visit the Seychelles on a budget

Posted on Last updated: June 29, 2021

The Seychelles – just the name conjures up images of golden sandy beaches, palm trees, turquoise waters, sunset cocktails and five-star beachside resorts. The islands are a luxurious enclave for honeymooners, celebrities and billionaires. But what if your travel style’s more budget-luxury than five-star – can you visit the Seychelles on a budget?

When I found a flight to South Africa with a stopover in the Seychelles along the way, I couldn’t resist seeing if it was possible to visit the islands without spending big. And although it’s never going to be an ultra-cheap destination, it turns out that keeping costs down isn’t impossible, even when you’re following in the sandy footprints of A-listers and royalty.

Read more: Thing to do in Mahé: A one-day Seychelles road trip itinerary

Visiting the Seychelles on a budget

Planning your budget trip to the Seychelles

There are 115 different islands in the Seychelles archipelago, but most are uninhabited so it comes down to a choice between the three main islands as to where to stay – Mahé, Praslin and La Digue. Mahé is the largest and is home to the Seychelles’ capital Victoria and the international airport. Praslin is smaller and accessible by plane or ferry, and from there you can get the ferry to La Digue – the smallest, quietest and arguably prettiest island.

The islands are fairly close together so it’s tempting to try and see them all, but travel time and costs add up, so if you only have a few days it’s best to focus on one. Accommodation prices tend to be lower the longer you stay, so you save money by staying in one place.

Mahé is the cheapest island as it’s the easiest to get to and the biggest so there’s more competition for accommodation. As we only had a four-day stopover we stuck to Mahé, but if you have a week you can easily hop between islands and try a couple of different locations. From Mahé the fast ferry to Praslin takes about an hour and costs around €100 return, or Mahé to La Digue (via Praslin) takes 90 minutes and costs around €120 return.

The Seychelles’ currency in the rupee (SCR or Seychellois Rupee), with around 29 rupees to the Pound, 26 to the Euro and 21 to the US Dollar. Most things have to be imported, so bring plenty of sunscreen, mosquito repellent and toiletries to avoid high imported prices.

When to visit the Seychelles

Peak season in the Seychelles is from December to January and from June to August, which is when you’ll pay higher prices and need to book well in advance. Rainy season is from January to February, but it’s still warm and downpours are usually short. So if you don’t mind risking a shower you can save money on flight and accommodation costs.

Where to stay in the Seychelles

You need proof that you have accommodation booked when you arrive into the airport, so the Seychelles aren’t the sort of place you can wing it and pick up a last-minute bargain. When you’re looking at where to stay in the Seychelles , the luxury options outweigh the budget gems, so if you want to bag the best places try to book as far ahead as you can.

Hotels in the Seychelles can to be expensive, so instead look for either family-run guesthouses, preferably ones which include a good breakfast, or self-catering options like chalets, bungalows and villas so you can prepare some of your own meals. Expect to pay £60–£110 ($80–$150) per room per night, depending on location and facilities.

We stayed in the one of two Fler Payanke * studio apartments on the east coast of Mahé, which cost us £85/$116 a night. They’re set on a hill overlooking Anse Royale bay, with a balcony and kitchen and are walking distance to a beach, bus stop and shops.

Other good AirBnBs on my shortlist were this studio * in the far north of Mahé (£80/$110 a night for two) and this cottage * with pool on the west coast (£109/$149 a night for two).

Getting around the Seychelles

La Digue is so small that, other than a few taxis, most people get around the island by bike or ox cart. Both Mahé and Praslin are bigger so if you want to explore the easiest way is to hire a car. Car hire in the Seychelles costs around £30/$40 a day. The cars available are mostly small automatics, which are slow but nimble on Mahé’s windy mountain roads.

Petrol costs fluctuate but we paid around 170 rupees per 10 litres of fuel on Mahé – spending a total of 370 rupees (£13/$17) over four days after driving almost every road on the island.

If you don’t want to hire a car or want to keep costs to a minimum, the best option is the public buses – Mahé’s mountain roads are hard going for cycling and walking can be dangerous as there aren’t many pavements. The buses cover over 40 different routes across Mahé and Praslin – we spotted them even on the smallest beach roads. Though services are not always very frequent so make sure to check the timetables.

They use old blue Tata minibuses and the driving can be a bit crazy so hold on tight around the mountain hairpin bends! It’s easy to find the bus stops as they’re painted on the road, and a flat fare single journey costs 6 rupees (20p/30¢), however far you travel.

Things to do in the Seychelles on a budget

The Seychelles are all about the beaches – and they’re the islands’ best bargain. Most beaches are free access, so even those with five-star resorts on are open to the public. So you can beach-hop your way around the islands and join the jet set at the Banyan Tree resort * at Anse Intendance, MAIA resort * at Anse Louis or Four Seasons Hotel * at Petite Anse.

You can usually access the beach from the road so you don’t have to walk through hotel grounds. There are some off-road parking areas or otherwise you can park on the side of the road, and buses stop at all main beaches. Strong currents mean some beaches aren’t safe for swimming, or are only safe at certain times of the year, so check signs before taking a dip.

The one exception to the free beaches is the famous Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue – said to be one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It’s in a National Park so there is a 115 rupee ($5) entry fee per person through the L’Union Estate coconut plantation.

Away from the beaches there are a few other cheap things to do in the Seychelles on a budget. There are hikes along the coast or through the mountainous area in the centre of Mahé. Among the most popular walks on Mahé are the coast path from Beau Vallon to the secluded beach at Anse Major (around two hours return) and the steep climb up to Morne Blanc for amazing views out over Morne Seychellois National Park (two hours return).

If the weather isn’t so good there’s a Natural History museum (entry 15 rupees/50p/70¢) and a Hindu temple in Mahé’s capital Victoria, as well as the Botanic Gardens just outside the city at Mont Fleuri (100 rupees/£3/$5). Mahé is also home to the Takamaka rum distillery which runs tours and tastings from Monday to Friday (250 rupees/£9/$12).

If you have more money to spend and fancy splashing out (excuse the pun), you can take a snorkelling or diving trip, a boat trip to one of the uninhabited islands Curieuse, Cousin Island or St Pierre, or spot whale sharks between August and October.

Seychelles food and drink

Apart from fish and a few varieties of fruit and vegetables, everything else has to be imported into the Seychelles so it comes at a premium price. So a basic main course in a restaurant costs around 300 rupees (£10/$14) and at high-end resorts they can be much pricier. A three-course meal with drinks and service charge can easily cost £50/$70 per person.

One bargain in Mahé is Beau Vallon’s Wednesday market (4pm–8pm), known as the Bazar Labrin, with freshly cooked dishes like satay, grilled fish and coconut curry. You can also find inexpensive takeaways and food trucks around the islands which cater for locals and serve big portions of Creole food for under 100 rupees (£3/$5).

Self-catering helps keep the costs down – we mixed up dinners out and lunchtime picnics on the beach. Victoria’s covered market is open every day except Sunday and sells local fruit and veg, spices and fresh fish – you’ll also see fish sold at the roadside.

There are also lots of little Indian-run supermarkets around the islands where you can pick up drinks and basic food items. Or there are a couple of bigger international supermarkets in Mahé – a Co-op in the Eden Island development and a big STC on the outskirts of Victoria. Both sell a lot of imported European products (mainly from France) so aren’t cheap.

If you’ve got space in your bag it’s worth bringing a few food basics like pasta, cereal bars, tea and coffee to get you started, and stock up on alcohol at duty free before you arrive. You can’t bring any plant or animal products into the Seychelles from abroad, but you can bring in up to two litres of wine and two litres of spirits per person.

Both Seybrew beer and Takamaka rum are produced on the islands so they cost less than imported drinks. You can also save by buying drinks in local shops – you’ll pay around 35 rupees (£1/$2) for a Seybrew there versus 180 rupees (£6/$8) for a beach bar cocktail.

The verdict

So, can you visit the Seychelles on a budget? Well sort of! If you’re on a very tight budget you might struggle with food and accommodation prices. But for around £80/$110 a day per person you can stay in an apartment, rent a car, beach-hop and hike, eat takeaways and have a few local drinks. It’s very easy to spend more though, so it’s a destination where you need to always keep an eye on the budget – but it’s worth it for a taste of Indian Ocean paradise.

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Sunday 12th of September 2021

Hi Lucy.. thanks for the tips. Im planning to fly over to Sezchelles the 1st week of Oct (from a trip to Doha) from NY (my home). Im travelling solo - female - late 40s.. any thoughts on that? Typically I like to immerse a bit in local.. buses, markets, etc.. Its my 1st Africa(ish) trip. But truly Id love your thoughts on WHERE.. ugh loaded question to stay.. Id like good beaches as in swimming.. little surf is good.. sometimes the prettiest have too much coral to really frolic in the sea; also like to stroll about shopping, restaurants, maybe take in something localish (show, etc.) Rather than the prettiest beach in a remote area Id be good with a regular beach around stuff but not super urban.. touristy town is good. Thanks!

Sunday 13th of June 2021

I want to visit sychilles next year with my husband Please can you tell us all expenses in US dollar to stay 5 days

Saturday 12th of June 2021

Nxt tym u come just holla me I can make you gluten free meal.

Monday 28th of September 2020

I am vegetarian and have a limited diet don't each much diary either. Would I find food I could eat in the seychelles?

Lucy Dodsworth

Tuesday 29th of September 2020

Vegetarian options should be no problem but you might be more limited with avoiding dairy too – some resorts do offer vegan options or the other thing you could do is rent a self-catering place and make some of your own food (supermarkets are quite pricey but sticking to local produce should help).

Wednesday 5th of February 2020

Hi Lucy, thanks so much for sharing your experiences. We are going there in April for our honeymoon and were wondering on the split of where rupees are used and where Euros would be needed. Since on a budget trip, we would be buying a lot of supplies from supermarkets and eating at small takeaway joints, Im assuming that these would accept rupees only? Also I assume that stuff like ferry bookings, car rentals, accommodation payments, etc would be in euros? Thanks

Monday 10th of February 2020

Hi yes that sounds about right – we mostly used Euros for major expenses, and rupees for drinks, snacks etc (I think often you get a better deal in rupees). There were banks and currency exchanges in the main towns so we never had too much trouble exchanging. Hope you have a fantastic trip!

Seychelles on a Budget – Amazing Destination for 2024

Seychelles. Just saying the word conjures images of pristine white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters, exotic marine life and stunning sunsets.

Imagine yourself lying in a hammock, a fresh coconut by your side, the sound of palm trees swaying in the breeze.

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We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

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Post Updated Jan, 2024

Sounds like heaven, doesn’t it?

That all sounds nice, yet super expensive! Is it possible to visit Seychelles on a budget?

Seychelles is known and sold as a luxury destination, it’s the place to go for honeymoons, cashed-up couples and special occasions.  

Many believe that this destination is out of the question for cash-conscious travellers, but nothing is impossible.

What if I told you that you can stay in beautiful accommodation , get around and eat at low costs – and it won’t break the bank. You just have to be smart about it.

Let us share with you all the information you’ll need to visit Seychelles on a budget.

The Seychelles archipelago consists of 115 islands with beautiful beaches, lush tropical vegetation and a wide variety of marine life.

Seychelles on a Budget – Essential Information

Table of Contents

Temperature varies from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius throughout the year.  From December to March, expect hot and humid weather. From May to September, the temperature is lower and less humid.

Do you require a Visa?

A visa is not required for non-residents entering Seychelles. A valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), a return ticket and proof of accommodation will be required to show immigration officials upon arrival.

PLEASE NOTE: A Yellow Fever Certificate is also required for every visitor.  You will not be able to enter if you do not have the original copy of this vaccination.

Seychellois Rupee (SCR). At the time of writing, 1 USD = 13.53 SCR

How to get to Seychelles on a budget

The cheapest flights to Seychelles can be booked online depending on where you are travelling from. We researched a few different websites, however, Skyscanner always has the best connections and the cheapest prices.

The best connections can be found with Ethiopian Airlines via/from Addis Ababa in Ethiopia. This country is definitely worth a visit, however, if your flight allows you a half-day or one day in the capital city – consider joining a City Tour of Addis Ababa , it’s a great introduction to this interesting city.

Emirates also have some great flights deals from Dubai. If you do choose to stop over in this fantastic city, make sure you read our post to visit Dubai on a budget , it’s totally possible!

Search for your flight to arrive at Victoria Airport (Seychelles International Airport). Using Skyscanner, you can view a whole week or month of flights to compare prices.

This is ideal for this destination, as costs can vary greatly depending on the travel days.

Skyscanner is permanently bookmarked on our browser! We use it all the time to research and book travel options for your trip, including flights, hotels and car hire.

How to get around Seychelles on a budget

Seychelles has many islands on which you can stay. The main island, Mahe, also the biggest has a local bus which has many connections around the entire island.

The hub is Victoria, the capital city and quite the bustling one at that.

This is where you can change buses and then travel to different beaches and destinations.

Each ride will cost you 7 Rupees or $0.50c. You can take this bus from the airport to reach your destination, just pay the driver when you jump on.

It’s a good idea to always have some small change with you to pay the driver.

How to take the bus from the airport to your accommodation

Exit the airport, turn left and you’ll see a bus stop on the opposite side of the road. Depending on which direction you are heading, take the bus from here. We stayed near Beau Vallon beach.

We took the bus to Victoria station (changed bus), then caught a bus towards Beau Vallon beach.  Our accommodation at Beau Vallon Residence was two minutes from the bus stop.

It was ideal. The fare was $1 each. The other option would have been to take a taxi for approximately 45 euros.

The buses leave every 30 minutes around the island, so you may have to wait a little bit, but it’s much cheaper than other options.

Car Hire: You can also hire a car on the island. Click here for the cheapest car hire in Seychelles.

The island is quite hilly and has lots of sharp bends – but a car can save you time exploring different beaches if you don’t want to wait for buses etc.

Where to stay in Seychelles on a budget

Affordable accommodation in Seychelles is hard to find. It’s all about location and which area you’d like to stay in.

We did lots of research for the best location, proximity to great beaches, small supermarkets and bus stops to access the island. One beach or location had the best reviews from previous travellers, so we searched in this area.

This  one-bedroom apartment that we booked in Beau Vallon, Mahe Island was superb! It allowed us to visit Seychelles on a budget.

We paid 80 euros per night, which is a great price considering the average rate of good accommodation on the island.

Our apartment was exceptionally clean, had fantastic reviews and was within our budget for Seychelles.

It included a front terrace with a table and chairs to eat, a sunbed, and two very comfortable chairs to sit and drink our coffee and look out over lush mountains and banana trees.

Inside we had a small kitchen with all amenities, a coffee maker, fridge etc. A/C, fans in living room and bedroom.

We enjoyed a very large bathroom with a huge walk-in shower. The apartment was very light, and secure, with Wi-fi, and cable TV. Two small supermarkets were only two minutes walk away, a bus stop very close by and Beau Vallon beach was only 400 m walk away.

Here you can find some great restaurants, epic sunsets, and market food/creole cooking that you can buy and eat on the beach.

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Where to Eat in Seychelles on a budget?

We stayed in Beau Vallon, Mahe Island. A few great places to eat are mentioned below. Around the rest of the island, you will find lots of great restaurants, ranging in prices that cater to visitors.

You will also find cheaper home-cooked food sold in small market shops for $10 or so for a meal.

A typical meal would include fish in some form: fish curry and rice, fish BBQ with rice and fried fish. It usually sets you back between $7-$12.

In the evenings, you’ll also find small food vans selling burgers and chips starting at $6.00. To visit Seychelles on a budget, you have to get creative with what you choose to eat.

It can get very expensive to eat out for every meal, so if you choose to book an apartment as we did, you will have a full kitchen to cater for yourself.  We cooked the majority of our meals during our stay here, it was the key to visiting Seychelles on a budget.

Our portable coffee machine was our saviour! It’s hard to find a good coffee on the island, and if you do, you’ll be paying around $5 for one. We always travel with our espresso machine and a bag of freshly ground coffee.

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If you would like to eat out, we’d recommend these two places along Beau Vallon Beach

• Boabab Pizza – Great wood-fired pizzas from $13 each
• La Plage Fish Restaurant – Fresh seafood dinner for about $35.00 or $15.00 lunch specials

Things to do in Seychelles

Seychelles has some of the best beaches and diving/snorkelling in the world. Most guesthouses and hotels can organise daily excursions or you can book directly with operators that have small set-ups along the beach front.

The most popular day trips are below :

Private Seychelles Islands Tour   – This tour explores the best islands in Seychelles and all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the views from a private boat. The tour showcases Curieuse Island and St. Pierre. No need to bring drinks: Alcohol, soft drinks, and snacks are provided, as well as all snorkel gear.

Mahe Island Tour – Discover the largest island in the Seychelles, Mahe, on a full-day tour with a private tour guide. Visit Victoria Market in the capital to learn about the history of this island nation. Then, embark on a scenic drive to Port Glaud Lagoon, Baie Lazare Beach, and Anse Intendance.

Big Game Fishing trip  – Big game fishing trips are available. View all details here .

Book Ferry Transfers in Advance

• Book the 1-hour fast ferry from Mahe to Praslin Island starting from $54
• Book the Fast Ferry from Mahe to La Digue Island starting from $65

Local Ferry – It is possible to take local ferries between islands, however, you must coordinate your schedule accordingly. The return ferry from the port to La Digue island is 60 euros per person. Find a schedule here .

What other islands can you stay at or visit?

Praslin Island – As the second largest island in Seychelles, this island has some of the world’s best beaches.

La Digue Island – This is the island with the picture of one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the picture used on all the postcards.  The island is 3-5 km around, with no cars, just bicycles to get around.

How much does stuff cost (in USD) from smaller supermarkets?

**Index of prices** Price shown in USD

5L bottle of water $2.20

Canned tomatoes 0.70c

Small bag red onions 0.80c

2 x tomatoes $3.00

Loaf of bread $1.50

6 eggs $1.50

1 x small bottle beer $1.80

Bag spaghetti 500g 1.00

Bag potatoes $1.10

Bag fresh garlic $1.20

2 min noodles 0.50c

Bottle of wine $10.00

We shopped at a small supermarket which was located across the road from our apartment, so it was very convenient. There is also a bigger supermarket at Victoria Bus Station, prices are a little lower here.

Victoria Market – We caught the bus into the city (15min bus ride from Beau Vallon beach) and visited the fresh markets. Get off at the Hindu Temple and walk across to the market.

Markets are open from 08:00 – 16:00. It’s a small market, however, you can find fresh fish, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables for half the price as sold in the supermarkets and find fresh cinnamon, spices etc for Creole cooking. Upstairs you will see some small shops selling tropical light beachwear, souvenirs etc.

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Affordable or free things to do in Seychelles on a budget

All of the beaches on Mahé are public access, which means that you can enjoy the same beaches as the people staying and paying for the luxury resorts. The more popular beaches will have free parking (if you have a car) and facilities.

Many of the smaller beaches you will have to yourself. Bring your own food/picnic, snorkelling gear, and a good book and you’re all set to go.

There are so many incredible beaches to explore here and too many to name; however, my favourites were Petite Anse, Anse Intendance, Fort Launay and Beau Vallon.

There you go! See, Seychelles on a budget is possible! Interested in visiting the Maldives on a budget, too? Read more here.

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Travel Tips for Africa

Interested in visiting more countries in Africa? We’ve visited them all!

Our Ultimate Food Map of AFRICA will give you a great idea about what they eat in each country and our Africa Bucket List covers the best things to do when you get there. Have you ever wondered  how many countries in Africa are there? 54 or 55?

Seychelles feels like a Caribbean nation to us too, with Creole cooking and being so tropical. If visiting the Caribbean is something you’d love to do, then check out our comprehensive post about Island Hopping the Caribbean- all 13 AMAZING Islands.  

We share our best advice about logistics and useful things to know about this stunning region of the world.

These  top 6 travel hacks to save money  are a great tool for travel and if you’d like more of our best travel tips and advice for travel around the world, then head to our Travel Resources Page .

Travel Planning Resources

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🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

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6 comments . leave new.

Hi there, thanks for the article – very informative! Just a quick one on the yellow fever vax requirement; did you travel from or transit through a country with a risk of yellow fever on your way to the Seychelles? Or is the yellow fever vax requirement now for all travellers regardless of where they travelled from? Many thanks in advance.

Hi Cheryl, Thank you, we’re glad you enjoyed the post. We just checked the CDC (Centre for Disease Control) recommendation on Yellow Fever and it says it is required if you’re transiting though a country on your way to Seychelles with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission. Here’s the link to give you a little more information. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/seychelles

Thank you Very Hungry Nomads, I followed your advice and booked the same accommodation. I have just come back and I would like to thank you for the recommendation. It was a perfect retreat for my cash strapped partner and I! Loved Seychelles and we will be back!

Hi Sara, Amazing news! We love to receive messages like this. We’re so happy to hear that you guys loved Seychelles, it’s a true paradise 🙂

What about a photo of the original yellow fever certificate, or does it have to be the official yellow little certificate? Seems daft if it is required as can easily be damaged/lost/stolen whilst travelling.

As far as we’re aware, you must produce the original yellow fever booklet. It’s best to look after it with care, like you do with your passport.

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The Tales of a Traveler

Beautiful Destinations | Luxury Resorts | Travel Tips & Itineraries | Travel Fashion

The Ultimate Seychelles Itinerary & Travel Guide

May 7, 2020

 Looking for a perfect Itinerary to plan your trip to Seychelles? So here’s The Ultimate Seychelles Itinerary & Travel Guide – 10 Days Itinerary.

Have you ever imagined, what are the ingredients of the magic potion for a perfect beach vacation?   Throw in some breathtaking white powdery beaches into turquoise blue water teeming with marine life, punctuated with boulders, virgin forests brimming with diverse flora and fauna, fascinating tales of island life and add some warm and friendly locals. The outcome is a picture-postcard tropical vacation. 

To say every corner of Seychelles is out of Pinterest or Instagram is not an overstatement . Known to be favorite among celebrities, honeymooners for the luxury escapade, this tropical paradise is bound to charm even the most skeptical traveler with ease.

Seychelles is one luxe destination that should be on your bucket list no matter what. Legend has it that the stolen treasure by French pirates is still hidden on the shores of Seychelles and people are still in search of the treasure. Treasure or no treasure, the islands of Seychelles are captivating.

We present to you our itinerary to plan your trip to this beautiful island nation . Obviously, you could spend a lot longer exploring different islands of the archipelago nation based on your preferences. Pick and choose what tickles your fancy and tailor the itinerary that suits your budget and time. Here’s our travel guide to help you plan your trip to Seychelles.

Ultimate Seychelles 10 Days Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Mahe.
• Day 2: Explore the beaches of Mahe/ Sightseeing/ Relax at the resort
• Day 3: Hop on a boat to La Digue
• Day 4: Rent a bike and explore the island.
• Day 5: Island Hopping Tour
• Day  6: Hop on a ferry to Praslin
• Day 7: Explore the island and beaches
• Day 8: Take a flight or ferry back to Mahe
• Day 9: Sightseeing in Mahe and Hiking Trails
• Day 10: Fly back to your home country

Seychelles Itinerary for a week – 7 Days (Recommended)

• Day 1: Arrival to Mahe and take a ferry/ flight to Praslin
• Day 2: Rent a car and explore the beautiful beaches of Praslin
• Day 5: Take a ferry back to Mahe
• Day 6: Explore and do some sightseeing in Victoria
• Day 7: Fly back to your home country

– Explore Mahé & Relax at a Beachfront Resort –

( day 1 & 2 ).

Fly into the capital of the Island nation. If you are short on time, we would recommend you, to either take a ferry/flight to Praslin or La Digue and return back to Mahe towards the end of your vacation.

  A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Jan 23, 2018 at 5:27am PST

Since we were there for 10 days, we stayed in Mahe for a few days and then took a ferry to La Digue.

We would suggest keeping a day or two to explore the island. If time is not a constraint, there are a plethora of activities that Mahé has to offer that can keep you going for weeks — hit the beaches , explore the vibrant local markets & art studios, hike the mountain trails, take in the views from the vantage points, go on a sailing trip, and last but not the least sample the delectable Creole cuisine.

  A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Feb 7, 2017 at 12:54pm PST

If you want a secluded honeymoon experience then stay in the south of the island at Kempinski Seychelles or Four Seasons, these resorts are an ideal choice for a secluded vacation. If you want to stay right next to the beach, market, restaurants, and water sports activities, Savoy Resort & Spa  is a great choice or you could stay in any of the resorts in and around  Beau Vallon Beach. 

Paragliding, Snorkeling and diving trips are quite popular and there are numerous kiosks to book your choice of activities. Wednesday market at Beau Vallon Beach is also quite popular both with locals and tourists. 

Victoria market is close to the pier so you can plan your itinerary accordingly. 

Things To Do / Places To Visit In Mahe 

  Hiking Trails – Morne Blanc, Copolia Trail  (Victoria)

  Beaches – Beau Vallon Beach, Petite Anse, Anse Intendance, Anse Takamaka Beach, Baie Lazare Beach

  Sightseeing at Victoria – Victoria Market, Clock Tower, Seychelles National Botanical Gardens,   Le Jardin Du Roi Spice Garden

  Moyenne Island

  Moraine National Park

  Port Glaud Waterfall

  Takamaka Distillery

Day Trips from Mahé –  Praslin (if you are short on time), La Digue (if you are short on time), Silhouette Island, Bird Island, Moyenne Island, Cerf Island, St Anne National Marine Park

  A post shared by Swati & Sam (@thetalesofatraveler) on Jan 16, 2018 at 5:19pm PST

Getting Around: Renting a car is the wisest thing to do in Seychelles. Not just it gives you the luxury to explore places on your own but you can also save tons of money. Taxis are super expensive in Seychelles . You can rent a car from the airport itself or at the pier and drop location can also be at Pier or airport whichever is convenient for you.

( Read a detailed post on – Things To Do In Mahe )

– Explore  La Digue –

( day 3, 4, 5 ).

La Digue is one of the prettiest islands we’ve ever visited. We highly recommend staying on this island rather than going for a day trip . We had booked our stay at Chalets D’Anse Reunion via Agoda, unfortunately, they canceled it at the last minute and we had to end up staying at another hotel. 

The best thing about the island is there are very few cars.  La Digue is a heaven for nature lovers and those seeking a glimpse of traditional island life. The beaches dotted just to the north are calmer as compared to the ones in the east. Beaches like  Anse Severe ,  Anse Patates in the north are easy to reach and are a great spot for snorkeling and swimming. 

Other stunning beaches you must visit are —  Grand Anse , next to it is  Petite Anse which is only accessible by foot and next to it is the most isolated beach —  Anse Coco.  La Digue is way too amazing to be just a day trip in your ultimate Seychelles itinerary. 

For luxury seekers, La Domaine De L’Orangeri is one of the finest resorts on the island.  You can check here  and compare prices.

Things To Do In La Digue 

  Beaches – Anse Source D’Argent, Anse Cocos, Anse Union, Anse Banane & Anse Formis, Petite Anse, Grande Anse, Anse Severe, Anse Gaulettes & Anse Grosse Roche, Anse Patates   Snorkeling & Diving Trips    Island Hopping   Trekking

Grande Anse ,  Anse Severe  or any of the beaches on the east of the island may be taxing due to the steep hills. Anse Severe &  Anse Source D’Argent are closer to town. L’Union Estate which is next to Anse Source D’Argent has numerous giant tortoises and farm animals.

Getting Around:

By Bike, electric  golf buggy, or on foot. There are very few cars on the island. Bicycles are usually provided free by the hotel.

( Read a detailed post on – Things To Do In La Digue  )

– beach hopping in praslin –.

( Day 6, 7 & 8 )

After having an amazing time at La Digue we headed to the neighboring island and the second largest island in Seychelles — Praslin. A short plane ride from the capital city of Mahe or a ferry ride will get you to this incredible island in no time. Praslin is known for its stunning beaches across the world.

Unfortunately, when we were there, it was cloudy and gloomy. We rented a car and had so much fun hopping from one beach to another in the rain. The drive is scenic.

In Praslin, you can while away your days lazing on the calm beaches or you can just strap your goggles and snorkel discovering the amazing marine world. Eat, swim, dive, and relax – these are the four major ways to pass the time here. Our Airbnb host was super sweet and cooked us a lavish dinner on our very first day. The beaches of Praslin are very pretty but the famous ones are a bit crowded.

If you’re planning to stay in Luxury – Raffles Praslin and Constance Lemuria are the best. But there are also plenty of budget options too. You can check Booking.com for more hotels and also compare the prices of hotels HERE.

We stayed at an Airbnb  which was close to the beach near Constance Lemuria and also visited the gorgeous and the best beach in Praslin – Anse Georgette during our stay. The beach is stunning and is secluded most of the time.

Things To Do In Praslin 

  Visit Unesco-listed Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve

  Hop over to Curieuse Island which is just a 20-minute boat ride and is famous for 500 Aldabra giant tortoises.

 Day trip to Cousin Island and Aride Island

  Stunning beaches – Anse Lazio Beach,  Cote D’or Beach, Grand Anse

 George Camille Art Gallery

  If you love gaming, head to Casino des Iles

( Read a detailed post on – Things To Do In Praslin  )

– Other Attractions –

 For Private Island Experience 

• Silhouette Island ( Stay at Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa )
• Denis Island ( Stay at  Denis Private Island Seychelles  )
• Round Island ( Stay at  Enchanted Island Resort )
• Bird Island ( Stay at Bird Island Seychelles )
• Cerf Island ( Stay at  L’Habitation Hotel )

For Ultimate Luxury –

• North Island ( Stay at North Island Resort )
• Felicite Island ( Stay at  Six Senses Zil Pasyon )

  Official name : Seychelles 

  Capital : Victoria (sometimes called Port Victoria ) 

    Official language : French, English, Seselwa 

    Currency :  Seychelles Rupee (SCR) 

  International dialing code :  +248 

  Credit Cards :  Many vendors prefer cash. Most credit cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted. 

  Climate : Seychelles has two seasons: the cool southeast monsoon (May–September), and the hot northwest monsoon (October–April). High season- August, and Christmas to New Year time. 

Getting Around & Planning 

  The islands are interconnected via ferry.

Air Seychelles flies regularly connecting Praslin to Mahe and vice versa.

Air Zil chopper connects to most of the islands from Mahe.  Check out their  website for more info and details.

Sample Itinerary 1:

Fly to Mahe then take a ferry to La Digue stay for a couple of days and then take a 15-minute fast ferry to Praslin. From Praslin, you can either fly back to Mahe or take a ferry back.

La Digue -> Praslin -> Mahe

Sample Itinerary 2:

Fly to Mahe then take a ferry to Praslin stay for a couple of days and then take a 15-minute fast ferry to La Digue. And then from La Digue, take a ferry back to Mahe.

Praslin -> La Digue -> Mahe

What to Shop 

Seychelles is not a shoppers paradise. There are small shops selling locally produced stuff like soap, perfumes, oils, and artifacts.

Since most of the products are imported, the prices are exorbitantly high. But don’t forget to bring back home a few souvenirs like Coco De Mer Jewellery ,  Fridge magnets, Coconut oil, soap, perfumes, and artifacts.

What to Pack 

 You can easily survive in Seychelles packing light, just pack a few bikinis and sarongs and you are done, as most of the time, you will be on the beach or in the water. But there are few essentials that you should pack that can make your life easy whilst your time in Seychelles.

Check out our detailed post on packing for Seychelles. We have tried to cover almost everything.

( Read: Packing for Seychelles )

– GETTING THERE –

Air Seychelles has direct flights from all major cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkatta, and New Delhi to Seychelles. And if booked well in advance you can easily get a bargain.

( Read: Tourist Visa Seychelles )

Handy Tips:

• While planning your trip to Seychelles, try to keep Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue as a base to stay and explore all the tiny islands around these three islands. Plan at least 2 – 3 days on each island to explore in a more relaxed way, stopping by each and every beach.
• Make sure you pack your snorkel gear and a good book to retire quietly to the beach, swim and get the perfect tan.
• Pack plenty of food and water while exploring the islands. Keep yourself hydrated whilst exploring the island.
• Island hopping tour starts at 9:00 am and can be booked easily at the pier or by the resort/homestays itself. Depending on the tours, pick up & drop can also be arranged from the hotel.
• Renting a car is one of the best options in Mahe and Praslin.
• Add Silhouette island, Dennis island, or North island to your ultimate Seychelles itinerary for more secluded and private escapades.
• We would highly recommend renting a car from the airport/port itself as renting a taxi can create a dent in your wallet if you are on a budget. And moreover, driving has its own charm in this stunning country.
• Last but not least all the beaches of Seychelles are open to the public, so enjoy, relax and discover your piece of paradise.

RELATED POSTS:

Packing for Seychelles

Kempinski Resort & Spa, Seychelles

Four Seasons Resort & Spa, Seychelles

20 Photos to Inspire you to visit Seychelles

Tourist Visa Seychelles

Seychelles on Budget

Special thanks to  CSIA Mumbai and Air Seychelles for making this trip possible. We hope this post on Seychelles helps you in building your ultimate itinerary for your vacation in Seychelles.

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March 19, 2016 at 1:24 am

Such a lot to see and experience. You have done well collecting up all points here. And the scenes and colors are mesmerizing!!!

March 19, 2016 at 7:48 am

It is indeed a beautiful and you must plan a visit as we know you will enjoy it a lot. The direct flights from BLR are not too expensive.

March 19, 2016 at 2:02 am

The pictures are simply alluring… and I love the format of your post… food for thought for my travel blog 😉 thanks for sharing dear… tweeting it… 🙂

Cheers, Archana – http://www.travelwitharchie.com

March 19, 2016 at 7:47 am

Thank you so much Archie for sharing our post. We have been experimenting with the content, presentation and theme of the post. Glad to have heard the feedback and its nice to know that you liked it. Cheers. 🙂 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 2:17 am

Can we rent a boat on self drive and go around?

March 19, 2016 at 7:45 am

Yes of course!!! You just need to have a sailing license. Do invite us as well, when you plan to do so. 😀 😀

March 19, 2016 at 4:29 am

Now this is a place I would love to visit!!!

March 19, 2016 at 4:50 am

Extremely good presentation and useful information! Loved it guys – keep it going!

March 19, 2016 at 7:43 am

Thank you Desh for your kind words, we are trying to learn and improve. 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 10:29 am

OH! This post with your amazing captures has made us fall in love with Seychelles… All we dream about is visiting this place now! Very helpful tips guys, bookmarking this one! 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 10:55 am

Thank you so much darlings 🙂 Glad you liked the post and I am sure you are gonna fall in love with Seychelles 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 11:46 am

Great informative post 🙂 Beautiful pics.

March 19, 2016 at 11:55 am

Thank you so much rupam 🙂 🙂

March 19, 2016 at 5:11 pm

That swing is calling out to me! Such a gorgeous place and a nice informative post.

March 19, 2016 at 8:39 pm

Thanks a lot Chaitali

Seychelles is a stunning country, you must definitely visit and the best part is that you have direct flights from Mumbai 🙂

March 21, 2016 at 12:44 pm

Awesome is the Word 🙂

April 4, 2016 at 1:09 pm

Thanks Pooja for the kind words.

March 22, 2016 at 8:37 am

This is perfect! I am sharing this and will bookmark for a trip that we make to the beautiful Seychelles.

Thank you Swati 🙂

Thanks Puru, appreciate the gesture. 🙂

April 2, 2016 at 5:10 pm

Hey both, beautifully captured. The beaches are so lovely and clean. By the way, could you let me know the budget for your 8 day trip. I am looking to go to Seychelles at the end of this year.

April 4, 2016 at 2:25 pm

Thank you for your kind words. Do drop us an email and we would be happy to help.

July 8, 2016 at 11:12 am

This is a wonderful post, I completely enjoyed reading it, thanks for sharing such wonderful information. I come from a place called Manipal and you have some of the best hotels in Manipal. I think what makes a hotel awesome is not just the way it was built, but the kind of place it is surrounded by.

July 15, 2016 at 2:48 pm

Thanks a lot 🙂

July 16, 2016 at 10:59 am

nice blog!!!

Queensland Wedding Photographers | http://www.davidlynnephotography.com

July 16, 2016 at 11:02 am

January 11, 2017 at 2:44 pm

Wow, what to say… Who didnt hear of Seychelles yet? And to be honest – you could just have put these fabulous photos here to envy every visitor 🙂 Really great, this is exactly the kind of paradise I would imagine for a honeymoon (if I would not have been to Hawaii 😉 ) Cool that you suggest to rent a car, thats usually also my favorite way to explore new places.

January 11, 2017 at 2:50 pm

It certainly looks like a gorgeous place to visit! I love the tidbit that Victoria is the smallest capital in the world. I always give the kids information on destinations and they love stuff like that, too!

January 11, 2017 at 3:43 pm

French treasure? Treasure hunters, it sounds like the movie, ‘Into the blue’. I had to look on the map to see where these Islands are! It’s another country to visit, they are never ending. Thanks to your tips I have an idea what to do here!

January 11, 2017 at 3:47 pm

Such a lovely and helpful guide. I have not been to the Seychelles but would love to go there when an affordable airfare surfaces. I appreciated that you described some of the islands and what there is to do there. This is a post so worthy of bookmarking for future reference.

January 11, 2017 at 7:38 pm

This is a paradise! Thank you for such an inspirational and informative post. La Digue would definitely be our choice for a perfect vacation.

January 12, 2017 at 7:19 am

We wonder why we dont get to read much about Seychelles, its a paradise. Those white shimmering sandy beaches and the hues of blue waters are stunning enough to plan a trip soon.

January 12, 2017 at 12:44 pm

I would love to get to the Seychelles. The beaches look incredibly inviting and just the ticket to relieve stress. Your guide gives prospective visitors such important information to plan the ideal escape from every day life.

January 14, 2017 at 5:38 am

What a great guide to the Seychelles! I absolutely love your photo of the swing on La Digue. Great tips at the end. I really need to get over to that part of the world. Thanks for sharing

February 13, 2017 at 1:07 pm

Heaven on earth indeed! The Seychelles is on my list of wants and by the pictures and the write up it wont fail to impress. The photos are stunning! I had no idea there were loads of islands that made up the Seychelles and there is a community too! Very detailed and informative! Thanks for this

February 13, 2017 at 2:19 pm

La Digue looks absolutely incredible! Sri Lankan Air just started offering flights to the Seychelles from Colombo so I’m definitely looking into a trip soon. Pinning this for later 🙂

February 14, 2017 at 6:17 pm

The Seychelles is definitely on my list. Your photos make me want to visit sooner. Great tip about renting a car to save money.

February 18, 2017 at 1:11 pm

Such beautiful photographs! I love the blues of the water. Seychelles really does look like paradise. I will have to start saving pennies to go there, I have to admit it wasn’t on my list of places to go until now!

February 18, 2017 at 5:18 pm

The pics are amazing. And I love that treasure-hunt story, it always adds to the atmosphere of the place. What can I say about Seychelles, except that I cannot wait to go! Thanks for sharing. 🙂

February 19, 2017 at 2:01 pm

Such a great itinerary, I have always wanted to go to the Seychelles and hopefully in the next couples of years I will make it there! I didn’t know there was so much to see and do there so will definitely bookmarking this for when I do visit!

February 19, 2017 at 8:01 pm

This is incredibly detailed! I love how you’ve formatted all your points and how much information you’ve gathered. I’d love to be able to helicopter myself around the islands one day! That’ll be the dream, I reckon. La Digue looks like an absolute dream. I don’t think I’ll ever want to leave!

My dad’s always said that Seychelles was his favourite place on earth, I can see why he says that!

February 19, 2017 at 9:50 pm

This is an incredible guide! So detailed. La Digue sounds like the perfect place to disconnect and literally do nothing. Sounds just like what the doctor ordered for me :). I’ll definitely be saving this post for future reference.

February 19, 2017 at 11:20 pm

I have to say I am not a beach person, but these beach pictures are so scenic and this water is so blue I wouldn’t mind chilling on those bitches ! As i am French, I should really go 😉

March 23, 2017 at 5:14 pm

I’m moving to Dar es Salaam which has cheap flights to the Seychelles so I’m very excited to go there! I’ve saved this post for later as you really give a great overview of all the main places to visit.

March 25, 2017 at 11:32 pm

It seams like there is a lot to do here! Those beaches look outstanding. Where is Seychelles, exactly?

March 26, 2017 at 4:32 am

You are absolutely right: This is picture perfect. I hope that one day my wallet will allow me to spend some worryless days on the Seychelles 🙂

Happy continued travels! C

March 26, 2017 at 5:32 am

Beautiful pictures. I have been to n number of Beach destinations but never been to Seychelles. Maybe some time soon 🙂

March 26, 2017 at 6:19 pm

You have convinced me to visit Seychelles. The pictures are so exotic and now I am definitely looping it in my countries to visit.

March 26, 2017 at 8:37 pm

I would love to look for the French pirate’s treasure as who knows how much it would be worth. If you don’t find it you won’t be that disappointed as you are in a place with incredible scenery. Renting a car seems like the way to go.

March 27, 2017 at 4:35 pm

Don’t mind me, just adding La Digue to my list of places to go! Wow, first off did you ride that swing? And love places where cars are banned, it allows for the picture taker in me to not worry about getting hit by a car! Thanks for sharing.

March 27, 2017 at 4:36 pm

I’ve never been to Seychelles but I’ve heard so much about it and your pictures are gorgeous. Of course the pirate’s treasure would be a nice bonus as well!

March 27, 2017 at 4:39 pm

I’m yet to visit the Seychelles but the photographs here looking incredible. I like your tip about hiring a car, I think that is the right approach as you get so much more freedom.

March 27, 2017 at 4:50 pm

This is another paradise to add in my bucket list! The sand is so white, and it’s lovely! I like the thought of kayaking as well, as I love water adventures! Great post. Thanks for introducing this place!

March 27, 2017 at 4:57 pm

Seychelles tooks totally amazing and can’t wait to get out there. Currently at the top of Norway so looking at photos of Sun, Sea and Sand really wants me to get there as soon as possible.

March 27, 2017 at 5:14 pm

I’ve always wanted to go to the Seychelles, but was deterred by the length and the price of the flight from NYC. Thanks for your comprehensive guide to the different islands! I think La Digue looks like my speed, and that swing looks like a lot of fun!

March 27, 2017 at 10:22 pm

The Seychelles look beautiful! La Digue sounds like a perfect escape from the rest of the world. I need to put this on my list for sure!

March 29, 2017 at 11:54 am

What I would really love about the Seychelles, is the fact that you can have a peace of tropical beach all by yourself. It is like your own little paradise. Would definitely use this guide if we travel to the Seychelles.

March 29, 2017 at 11:57 am

Love the fact that you can have your own peace of tropical paradise at the Seychelles. No crowed remote beaches, but just pearl white sand and aqua blue sea. Would definitely use your guide when we travel to this beautiful destination.

September 6, 2017 at 3:09 pm

The Seychelles have been on my dream-list since like, forever. I totally agree with you that every corner is Insta-worthy (well, based on everyone’s Instagram pics of the place). Your itinerary is so thorough, I can’t believe how easy it is! I’m bookmarking this post for the future when I can make it to paradise!

September 6, 2017 at 5:31 pm

Great Post! Love your style of writing! This place is so beautiful.. would love to visit some day. Saved the page to my favourites. The pictures are simply breathtaking!! Thanks for sharing this amazing experience. 🙂

September 6, 2017 at 7:52 pm

Wow, I can see why the Seychelles are such a sought-after beach destination, with those white white sands, blue and turquoise waters and shoreline palms and rocks. Glorious photos, somewhere on the list to visit!

May 29, 2018 at 11:09 am

nice information… i love the quality of your photos….

August 18, 2018 at 5:43 pm

1. I am planning to visit Seychelles in Jan or Feb, is it good time to visit? As I heard at that time the raining will be there.. 2. Like cars can we able to take bike on rent what it will be cost? 3. As am planning in budget, self cooked villa is it best option? How it far from beach area? And there cost?

July 25, 2020 at 10:18 am

Beautiful Places i would live to visit some day. what is the good time to visit and please share the budget?

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