How to Visit the Seychelles on a Budget (Yes, It’s Possible!)
The Seychelles is known for being one of the most expensive places to visit. With its clear waters, stunning white sand beaches, amazing sea life, and lush forests – ahh, it’s such a dream holiday destination.
It’s no wonder many celebrities visit. But let’s be real: the high costs can make it feel like this paradise is out of reach for those of us on a budget.
Before visiting the Seychelles, I had always imagined it to be one of those dreamy places that was only meant for rich people.
It’s easy to think such a beautiful place would be too expensive for regular people like you and me to visit.
So, you might be wondering then how you can visit the Seychelles on a budget and still enjoy everything that it has to offer without spending too much.
Well, don’t worry or let the price tag discourage you! You can explore the Seychelles without going over budget with the right planning and tricks.
In this post, I’ll provide cost-effective, proven strategies to help you fully experience the beauty and adventure this stunning destination has to offer, all without sacrificing your travel aspirations.
This guide is perfect for first-time millennial solo or couples travelling on a budget.
Let’s dive into it!
First Up! Choose Your Island Wisely
Did you know the Seychelles has 115 islands? I know—it’s surprising! Before visiting, I thought there was just one big island (maybe two). So, imagine my shock when I found out there are over 100 scattered across the Indian Ocean!
But don’t worry; most of these islands are uninhabited, so you don’t have to choose between all of them. When you visit, you’ll likely stay on Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue.
- Mahé is the biggest island and where international flights land. It has the most hotels, supermarkets, and markets—basically, everything you need. It also has a public bus system, making it relatively cheap and easy to get around. We stayed here, and I highly recommend it!
- La Digue is smaller and cheaper than Mahé, making it great for budget travellers. The ferry costs a bit more, but accommodation is more affordable once you arrive. Spoiler: This is the location of one of the world’s most photographed beaches (Anse Source d’Argent).
If you’re staying for more than 5 to 6 days, consider splitting your stay between La Digue and Praslin islands for a change of pace!
TIP: If you only have a few days, focusing on one island is best because they're close together. Staying in one place saves money because accommodations get expensive the longer you stay.
Best time to visit Seychelles on a Budget
Whether you are travelling on a tight budget or not, a trip to the Seychelles is all about beach hopping and water activities.
The best time to visit on a budget? May to October. This is when you can enjoy everything the islands offer without spending too much.
Why is this the best time?
The Seychelles has a tropical climate, but because of its location, the seasons are a bit different.
November to April is the rainy and winter season, but don’t worry—it’s nothing like cold winters in the West! Even when it rains, the weather stays warm and sunny most of the time.
Peak tourist season is in December and January, which means prices in Seychelles are more expensive.
But if you travel in April, May, October, or November, when there are fewer visitors, you can save money on flights and accommodation.
Quick Note: We visited in April 2022 when the island was still recovering from COVID-19 travel restrictions. This may have made things even more affordable during our trip.
How to get to the Seychelles
The only way to get to the Seychelles is by plane. And let’s be real—flights will probably be the most expensive part of your trip.
Your ticket price will depend on where you’re flying from. Finding cheap direct flights to this island paradise isn’t easy. Most flights have at least one stop, usually with Middle Eastern airlines like Etihad, Qatar, and Emirates.
If you’re flying from Europe, Turkish Airlines often has more affordable options, so it’s worth checking them out. That being said, budget-friendly flights do exist—you just have to search carefully!
When we visited the Seychelles, travel was still recovering from COVID, so flight prices were lower than usual. A round-trip ticket from London to Mahé normally costs around £900 per person, which was a lot for us as newlyweds.
After hunting for deals, we found Turkish Airlines had the best offer—a round-trip ticket for two people (with checked bags included) for just £1,070! The only catch? We had a stopover in Istanbul.
From our experience, flights will likely be your biggest cost. But once you arrive, you can save money in other ways—like choosing budget-friendly guesthouses instead of fancy beach villas or renting a car from locals instead of big companies.
With the right planning, you can enjoy the Seychelles without spending a fortune!
How to Get Around in the Seychelles
The best way to get around Mahé, the main island of the Seychelles, is by car.
If you want the freedom to explore at your own pace, drive along scenic (but hilly!) roads, and easily reach beaches and hidden spots, renting a car is your best option.
What About Public Transport?
Buses are the cheapest way to travel around Mahé, which is great for budget travellers! But from what we saw, they don’t run very often. Since we didn’t take any buses ourselves, I can’t give much advice, so it’s best to check the schedule before relying on them.
Also, keep in mind that some islands don’t have public transport at all, so your options may be limited depending on where you stay.
How We Rented a Car for Less
We usually book rental cars online in advance through RentalsCars or DiscoverCars, but for the Seychelles, we found a cheaper way!
While planning our trip, we read that renting from a local once you arrive can save money.
At first, we weren’t sure, so we asked our host for a price to compare with online rentals. Turns out, it was cheaper!
Many locals rent out older cars privately, and this is a common thing in the Seychelles. We loved this option because it saved us money and supported local businesses—win-win!
Tip: If you’re staying in a self-catering apartment, many places offer free airport pick-up or charge a small fee. Since we weren’t renting a car right away, we arranged a ride with our host.
Quick Tip! Things to know when you rent a car
- Before driving around in a rented car, I’d suggest finding the nearest fuelling station on a map. There are only 8 fuelling stations on Mahé, and all are spread apart
- Gas stations in Seychelles can close at odd times or even run out of fuel. So, always keep enough gas in your tank in case the station you go to is closed and you need to find another one (FYI, the distances between stations are long). We were lucky to stay near a petrol station, so we made sure to fill up before starting our day.
- Plan ahead for returning your rental car. Another great thing about renting a car through locals is that they are quite flexible, so you can return the car on the same day you leave Seychelles—just like we did! Our flight was at 8 p.m., so we checked out of our guesthouse at 11 a.m. Renting a car for the last day was a budget-friendly choice. It gave us time to explore a few more places we had missed. We kept our bags in the car, relaxed, and later drove straight to the airport. Dropping off the car was super easy—no need to meet anyone from the rental company! We literally left the car keys inside while parked across from the airport. But no worries—the car locked itself automatically once we shut the door!
Tips on Budget-Friendly Accommodation
If you’re travelling to the Seychelles on a budget, it’s important to plan and secure a place to stay. This isn’t the kind of destination where you can just show up and hope for a cheap deal—planning is key!
That being said, finding affordable accommodation is possible. But you just need to do a bit more research to find a place that fits your budget.
My honest advice? Forget the fancy resorts you see online. You don’t need them! If you’re like me, your dream trip to the Seychelles is about exploring its beautiful beaches and soaking up the local culture—not lounging in a pricey villa.
And the good news? Many of the best experiences, like stunning beaches and nature spots, are free or cost very little to see!
Now, keep in mind that even budget accommodation in Seychelles can be slightly more expensive than in other countries. A “cheap” stay here is usually between £50 and £100 per night at the time we visited (2022).
So, don’t be shocked if prices seem higher than what you’d expect elsewhere!
From our experience, the best way to save money is to skip the hotels and stay in family-run guesthouses or self-catering apartments.
Some of these even include breakfast, which helps cut costs. If you book wisely, you can expect to pay around £80 to £120 per night depending on the location and amenities.
Plan and choose wisely to enjoy Seychelles without going over budget!
Seychelles Budget Accommodation Option
We stayed at East Horizon, a one-bedroom self-catering apartment on the east coast of Mahé, for £80 a night.
It’s on a hill (walking up and down was tiring on the first day before we got a car, but totally worth it!). The apartment had a balcony, a kitchen, and a sea view.
The location was great—you can walk to a beach, bus stop, restaurants, and shops. A petrol station is about 15 minutes away.
If you’re looking for other budget-friendly areas to consider, Beau Vallon is ideal! It has a beautiful beach, affordable places to stay, ATMs, and supermarkets.
For an even cheaper stay, head to La Digue Island! You can find self-catering apartments and guesthouses for less than £40 a night, making it easier to stick to your budget compared to Mahé.
Here are three budget options to stay in Mahé, Seychelles, on a budget:
- South Hill Villa is just £77 for a Deluxe Double Room.
- Papaya Guesthouse is under £62 for a one-bedroom villa
- Sunbird Bungalow is another great, cheap option in the Seychelles.
Food & Eating in the Seychelles
Eating out in the Seychelles can get expensive fast! To be honest, I was a bit disappointed by the food options.
I expected lots of fresh seafood since it’s a tropical island, but that wasn’t really the case. And cheap meals? Hard to find.
Luckily, our accommodation had a kitchen, so we could cook our own meals. If you’re on a budget, this is probably your best option.
We don’t mind cooking when we travel, but the tricky part was the supermarket selection—it wasn’t great.
And restaurant prices? Ouch. A simple main dish costs around 350 rupees (£25) per person. Fancy restaurants charge even more—up to £60–£80 for a meal!
So, what’s the best way to eat cheaply in Seychelles? Buy groceries from Victoria Market or a supermarket and cook your own food, especially if you’re staying for more than five days. But keep in mind, though:
- Supermarkets are limited and not very cheap.
- Since most food is imported, basics like eggs, canned food, and bread are pricey
- Some common veggies, like tomatoes, are hard to find
- Fast food chains? Almost none! I only spotted a small Burger King at the airport as we were leaving
If you want to save money on food, plan ahead. Eating out is expensive, but groceries can be more affordable. Figure out what works best for your budget and make a plan before you go!
Activities to do in Seychelles That Won’t Break the Bank
The Seychelles has lots of free or cheap things to do, so you can enjoy its beauty without spending too much.
1. Beach Hopping
Most beaches are public and free to access. Whether it’s the famous Anse Source d’Argent or secluded coves, sunbathing and swimming come at no cost.
The beaches in the Seychelles are a great deal! Most of them are free to visit, even the ones near fancy five-star resorts.
Unlike other tropical islands where you have to pay to just stay at an expensive resort to enjoy the beach, in the Seychelles, all beaches are open to everyone!
Quick Tip:
- You might need to walk for a while to reach some beaches from where you parked, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes. Petite Anse Beach is a great example.
- Most major beaches have bus stops and off-road parking near them
- Some beaches are unsuitable for swimming due to strong currents Anse Intendance Beach is a perfect example of a beach with strong currents, so check the signs before swimming.
2. Hiking
There are numerous hiking routes that are free to explore on the main island of Seychelles as well as other islands that have amazing views.
The Morne Seychellois National Park is highly recommended, but we were not prepared for such a walk during our stay. We did, however, take pleasure in exploring the island of La Digue.
3. Visit Seychelles National Botanical Gardens
Aside from the famous beaches and stunning hikes, there is much more to see. With just a small fee, you can visit the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens and the emerald-green rainforests that lead to beautiful powdery beaches with coconut trees.
4. Snorkelling
On most beaches, swimming and snorkelling are free. But if you want to snorkel in certain places where you can see cool sea life like tortoises, I suggest going on a small group trip with a guide.
Although these tours are somewhat pricey, you can find other reasonably priced guided tours offered by small scuba diving businesses if you just show up at random beaches and ask around. We paid less than £50 for ours.
5. Explore Victoria Town
The capital of the Seychelles is the town of Victoria. This is where most of the government buildings are located, along with many shops and markets. This is a great place to buy souvenirs or just walk around and gaze around.
6. Wander through the Eden Island
Eden Island in Seychelles is beautiful, with clear blue water, soft white sand, and colourful boats in the marina.
It has palm trees and fancy villas, but you don’t need to spend much to enjoy it. You can relax on the free beaches and look around the shops without buying anything.
It’s just a short bridge from Mahé, making it a great place to enjoy the island without spending too much.
You might also like: Everything you need to know about visiting Mauritius on a budget!from my friend Emma, from that travel blog. She has shared a thorough guide and some useful tips, which I'd recommend checking out.
Final Thoughts on Seychelles on a Budget
So, is it possible to travel on a budget to the Seychelles? Well, kind of! You can enjoy the beauty and uniqueness of Seychelles on a budget.
At first, we didn’t plan to visit Seychelles, but we’re so glad we chose it for our honeymoon! We spent more than we usually do on a trip, but that was a special exception.
If you want to visit Seychelles on a budget, it’s important to plan your Seychelles budget trip. This will help you avoid surprises and make the most of your trip.
