Is Seychelles expensive? Ultimate Budget Guide to Seychelles

Seychelles Travel Tips: Splurge vs. Save for Budget Travelers

The Seychelles is often synonymous with luxury—think overwater bungalows, secluded private beaches, and celebrity honeymooners soaking up the sun. With its pristine natural beauty and world-class resorts, it’s no wonder the islands are a dream destination for high-end travelers. However, despite its reputation for opulence, the Seychelles isn't only for the rich and famous. Budget travelers can also enjoy the incredible beauty and culture of this paradise without emptying their wallets. With a bit of smart planning and flexibility, it's possible to explore these idyllic islands on a more modest budget. The key to traveling the Seychelles affordably lies in knowing where to splurge and where to save, whether it's on accommodations, dining, or activities. In this guide, we’ll break down the real costs of visiting Seychelles and provide tips on how to plan a trip that fits your budget, without compromising on the experience of a lifetime.

Flights to Seychelles: How to Find a Good Deal

Your first major cost when traveling to Seychelles is likely to be airfare. Since the islands are located off the coast of East Africa, flights can be pricey depending on your point of departure. However, by booking in advance and keeping an eye on flight deals, it’s possible to score reasonably priced tickets.

• Budget Tip: Use flight comparison websites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track prices and set alerts for deals. Travel during the off-season (May to September) for cheaper fares and fewer crowds.
• Cost estimate: Flights range from $600 to $1,500 depending on where you are flying from and how early you book.

Accommodation: Luxury Villas vs. Affordable Guesthouses

Seychelles is famous for its luxurious resorts, but don't let that scare you off if you're traveling on a budget. There are several accommodation options, including budget guesthouses, hostels, and affordable Airbnb rentals.

• Budget Stays: Guesthouses and self-catering apartments are a great way to save money. Many are family-owned and provide a more authentic Seychellois experience. Prices for budget accommodation can range between $50 and $100 per night.
• Luxury Splurge: If you're hoping for a touch of luxury, even just for one night, boutique hotels or eco-friendly resorts can give you the high-end Seychelles experience without committing to full-on opulence for your entire stay.
• Cost estimate: Budget stays range from $50 to $150 per night, while luxury hotels start around $300 and can soar upwards of $1,000 per night.

Food and Dining: Feast on Fresh Seafood Without the Pricey Bill

Seychelles offers fresh, flavorful Creole cuisine that doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Although you’ll find five-star restaurants with world-class chefs, there are plenty of local spots where you can dine well without blowing your budget.

• Eating Out: Local eateries, known as “takeaways,” serve traditional dishes like grilled fish, curries, and fresh fruit. Meals can cost as little as $5 to $10 per person, especially if you’re dining at small, casual spots. Beachfront restaurants and resorts will be much more expensive, with meals ranging from $30 to $100.
• Self-Catering: If you're staying in self-catering accommodation, hit the local markets to pick up fresh fish, fruits, and vegetables. Cooking your own meals can dramatically cut costs.
• Cost estimate: Budget meals at local restaurants range from $5 to $15, while fine dining can set you back $50 or more per person.

Transportation: Getting Around the Islands Without Breaking the Bank

Seychelles consists of 115 islands, but most travelers will focus on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Getting around these islands is fairly straightforward and there are budget-friendly transportation options.

• Public Transport: On Mahé and Praslin, public buses are an extremely affordable way to travel, with fares costing as little as $0.50. Buses run frequently and cover most of the main attractions.
• Ferries: To hop between islands, you can take ferries which run between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Prices vary depending on the distance, but a ferry ride from Mahé to Praslin, for example, will cost around $50 one-way.
• Renting a Bike: On La Digue, cycling is the primary mode of transport, and renting a bike is an inexpensive way to get around, costing about $10 per day.
• Car Rentals: Renting a car on Mahé or Praslin gives you more flexibility, especially if you’re staying for a longer period. Expect to pay around $40 to $60 per day for a compact car.
• Cost estimate: Public buses ($0.50 per ride), ferry rides ($50 each way), bike rentals ($10 per day), car rentals ($40–$60 per day).

Activities and Excursions: Island Adventures for All Budgets

Seychelles is a nature lover’s paradise, and many of its top attractions—like its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and snorkeling spots—are free or relatively cheap.

• Beaches: Most beaches in Seychelles are free to access, and some, like Anse Lazio on Praslin, have been voted among the most beautiful in the world. Pack a picnic and enjoy a day on the sand for next to nothing.
• National Parks and Nature Reserves: Entry fees to some nature reserves, like Vallée de Mai on Praslin, are around $25, but it’s worth it for the experience of seeing the endemic Coco de Mer palms and rare birds.
• Snorkeling: If you have your own snorkel gear, Seychelles offers countless snorkeling opportunities at no cost. If you need to rent equipment or take a guided tour, expect to pay around $30 to $50.
• Boat Excursions: A day trip to nearby islands or a boat tour can range from $50 to $150 depending on the experience. Consider splitting the cost with fellow travelers to keep it affordable.
• Cost estimate: Many activities are free or under $30, while guided tours and boat trips may range from $50 to $150.

Daily Budget: What You Can Expect to Spend in Seychelles

Depending on your travel style, here's a rough estimate of what a daily budget in Seychelles might look like:

• Budget Traveler: $70–$120 per day (staying in guesthouses, eating at local takeaways, using public transport, and enjoying free activities).
• Mid-Range Traveler: $150–$300 per day (staying in mid-range hotels or Airbnbs, dining at a mix of local and upscale restaurants, taking ferries or renting a car, and doing a few paid excursions).
• Luxury Traveler: $500+ per day (staying in luxury resorts, fine dining, private boat tours, and high-end activities).

Total Cost of a 7-Day Trip to Seychelles

The total cost of a 7-day trip to Seychelles can vary greatly depending on your travel style, but with a bit of budgeting, you can enjoy the islands without overspending. For a budget traveler, the cost can range between $1,200 and $1,800 per person. This includes round-trip flights (around $600 to $1,000), budget accommodation (about $50 to $100 per night), meals from local eateries ($10 to $20 per day), and public transportation or bike rentals ($50 total). Mid-range travelers might spend between $2,500 and $4,000 per person, with costs allocated toward slightly more upscale accommodations, dining at restaurants, and a few organized tours or boat trips. On the other hand, luxury travelers can easily spend $5,000 or more on flights, high-end resorts, gourmet dining, and private excursions. Careful planning allows you to customize your Seychelles experience based on your budget preferences.

Seychelles doesn’t have to be reserved for the ultra-wealthy. With smart planning, budget-conscious travelers can enjoy this slice of paradise without emptying their wallets. By mixing and matching accommodation, eating like a local, and taking advantage of the island’s free and natural attractions, you can enjoy an unforgettable adventure in Seychelles at a price that suits you.