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Seychelles on a Budget: A Travel Guide
Let us start with an important point. Seychelles is not the most affordable place on earth. However, you can make smart choices to lower costs, stay longer and do more in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Seychelles on a budget may even make this destination an option for some people who think it is out of reach financially. These points will help make Seychelles more accessible if you did not think it was possible.
The Highs
The Lows
The Highs
The Lows
Plan Your Seychelles on a Budget Trip In Advance, Or Don’t?
You need to think carefully about what you want to see and do in Seychelles to cap your costs. Consider for a moment that Seychelles is saturated with beautiful beaches, nature, bars and hiking. Some islands shine on one aspect more than the others. This does not mean you must travel to get the best. Keeping the trip simple will keep costs down.
Limit Inter-Island Travel. Read the transportation section below. One of the biggest cost hits comes from inter-island travel. You also want to very carefully check the travel times for ferries, flights and more as this could make the difference in saving on transport, accommodation and sneaking in a bit of low-cost sightseeing (read: free!).
You should also think about what it is that you were going to do. Many of the islands are much the same so there is not much difference between the islands aside from seclusion or specific attractions.
Play Your Trip By Ear? It raises the question of whether you should just arrive, sort out the first two days and play the trip by ear. Maybe you would find a cheap day for an excursion or complete a group trip at a lower cost? This works in many countries. I did not see much price variation in Seychelles within the week. You will save money on flights, inter-island transport and deciding what to do, and not to do.
La Digue Fishing Boat near the La Digue Ferry Dock
Limit Inter-Island Travel. Read the transportation section below. One of the biggest cost hits comes from inter-island travel. You also want to very carefully check the travel times for ferries, flights and more as this could make the difference in saving on transport, accommodation and sneaking in a bit of low-cost sightseeing (read: free!).
You should also think about what it is that you were going to do. Many of the islands are much the same so there is not much difference between the islands aside from seclusion or specific attractions.
Play Your Trip By Ear? It raises the question of whether you should just arrive, sort out the first two days and play the trip by ear. Maybe you would find a cheap day for an excursion or complete a group trip at a lower cost? This works in many countries. I did not see much price variation in Seychelles within the week. You will save money on flights, inter-island transport and deciding what to do, and not to do.
La Digue Fishing Boat near the La Digue Ferry Dock
Getting to Seychelles on a Budget
There are two key points here: be prepared and pick your airline wisely. You will be able to take advantage of lower costs by booking at least six weeks out in advance. Websites like Skyscanner, Booking.com or Airbnb will also offer a range of deals. Just remember to book through reputable agents as online ticket scams are real.
Air Seychelles. Air Seychelles provides direct flights to Mahé Island, the main Seychelles island. My experience was Air Seychelles was the cheapest airline to get to Seychelles. Air Seychelles does codeshare with other airlines like Etihad Airways offering more routes. Air Seychelles offers a reduced flight schedule during COVID flying once or twice a week; yet, this means Air Seychelles offers limited flights at this time. A compromise for the lower price.
Top tip: Air Seychelles also indirectly flies to Praslin Island via Mahé Island. You will get a discount on your outbound flight to Seychelles by up to US$100 if you book all the way through to Praslin Island. Air Seychelles assumes you will get a flight back to Mahé Island with them so they ‘bake’ this into a discount for the outbound flight. You can still get back cheaper and save (see Transport below). You can get a slightly discounted trip to Praslin Island for a modest 2-hour layover in Victoria-Seychelles Airport. There is a bar serving brutally cold SeyBrew beers and cocktails in the airport.
Air Seychelles flight between Praslin and Mahe Island; Praslin Airport Arrivals
Looking for flights. As usual, you can find better deals through specific websites like Skyscanner and Momondo. Seychelles is a popular destination from the UAE, Israel, Ethiopia, Russia and France. Indirect flights, flexible dates will bring the cost down. You should also look at two single one-way tickets between different airlines to take advantage of lower costs during red-eye flights or other anti-social travel times. I flew on off-peak travel days during anti-social hours between two different airlines to take advantage of lower fares (Air Seychelles and Emirates Airlines).
Use air miles. As always, the ability to use air miles will also help to bring costs down or provide additional value such as lounge access, which can save on late checkouts or an additional day’s stay.
Seychelles Praslin Beach on Anse Takamaka
Air Seychelles. Air Seychelles provides direct flights to Mahé Island, the main Seychelles island. My experience was Air Seychelles was the cheapest airline to get to Seychelles. Air Seychelles does codeshare with other airlines like Etihad Airways offering more routes. Air Seychelles offers a reduced flight schedule during COVID flying once or twice a week; yet, this means Air Seychelles offers limited flights at this time. A compromise for the lower price.
Top tip: Air Seychelles also indirectly flies to Praslin Island via Mahé Island. You will get a discount on your outbound flight to Seychelles by up to US$100 if you book all the way through to Praslin Island. Air Seychelles assumes you will get a flight back to Mahé Island with them so they ‘bake’ this into a discount for the outbound flight. You can still get back cheaper and save (see Transport below). You can get a slightly discounted trip to Praslin Island for a modest 2-hour layover in Victoria-Seychelles Airport. There is a bar serving brutally cold SeyBrew beers and cocktails in the airport.
Air Seychelles flight between Praslin and Mahe Island; Praslin Airport Arrivals
Looking for flights. As usual, you can find better deals through specific websites like Skyscanner and Momondo. Seychelles is a popular destination from the UAE, Israel, Ethiopia, Russia and France. Indirect flights, flexible dates will bring the cost down. You should also look at two single one-way tickets between different airlines to take advantage of lower costs during red-eye flights or other anti-social travel times. I flew on off-peak travel days during anti-social hours between two different airlines to take advantage of lower fares (Air Seychelles and Emirates Airlines).
Use air miles. As always, the ability to use air miles will also help to bring costs down or provide additional value such as lounge access, which can save on late checkouts or an additional day’s stay.
Seychelles Praslin Beach on Anse Takamaka
I possess an unnatural obsession with food and, therefore, I will irrationally justify eating everywhere.
When to Come to Seychelles on a Budget
Seychelles experiences their rainy season between October to April each year. The betting money is to get to Seychelles during the transition months like October, November, April and May. My visit during April landed some heavy rain for an hour in the evening. I was grateful for the downpour to quell the humidity (which should not be underestimated).
As you would expect, the summer months are a key school holiday season so prices rise accordingly. December and January for people who are trying to look for winter sun. Avoid these months.
Seychelles La Digue Petit Anse Beach by drone
There are over 100 islands in Seychelles so inter-island transport is a serious consideration and variable cost. This raises the question of whether you should travel between the islands at all. The more you travel between islands then the more you spend on transportation.
If you do not want to travel between islands then I recommend you stay on the main Mahé Island. If you are willing to go to one island then I strongly recommend going to La Digue.
There are a few options but you are most likely to consider either getting an inter-island flight (from Air Seychelles) or cruising on a ferry.
A child surfing near Anse Source d’Argent; Slow Turtle Cider, a local Seychelles brew
The ferry is usually the cheapest option. Ferry times will vary between destinations and by the provider. During my visit, there were five ferries a day between Praslin and La Digue. There were two ferries a day between Praslin Island and Mahé Island leaving at 8AM and 4PM. Many of the ferry times are compromised because of COVID restrictions. You will want to plan in advance. Your ferry times may also have knock-on effects such as your accommodation and the length of time in each location to sightsee.
The ferry ride between Praslin and Mahé was €50 each way per person. This is approximately half the price of getting a flight with Air Seychelles one way. The ferry rides between Praslin and Mahé Island are €35 per person. This means you will save money getting the ferry back from Praslin Island if you opt into the flight through Mahé Island to Praslin Island on Air Seychelles. Naturally, you need to weigh up the other costs of staying on Praslin Island.
There is only one inter-islands provider that will connect you between the main islands in one journey. This will of course be the most expensive option because you are paying for the convenience. You can take advantage of using different ferry providers if you plan your journey. Make sure to use the connection times to explore the island! After all, you are here to check out one of the most beautiful places on Earth! You are seldom ever more than 15 minutes away from a stunning beach!
La Digue Petit Anse Beach, Seychelles
Self-catering. Your best cost-saving option is self-catering accommodation. Some will offer breakfast included in the price.
Airbnb or Tripadvisor are reliable sources for self-catering options around the island. Costs for self-catering will start around €35 a night but better locations will climb to €80 a night.
Get air conditioning. You may be tempted to avoid this or think it’s not essential. I’m here to tell you it’s essential. Seychelles is hot and it’s also very humid. You must check that every room or lodging comes with air-con. Fans are not enough.
Eden Island offers a number of Airbnb locations from apartments to villas
Mahé Island is the largest island with the widest variety of accommodation options across the value chain. Other islands can be more pricey because they are more niche. La Digue is smaller, more isolated and highly sought after for its breathtaking beaches. Praslin is a honeymooners island replete with high-end resorts (but also a lot of self-catering options). This makes Praslin another option in case you want to stay somewhere different. Staying in and touring around La Digue can get very pricey. La Digue is best done as a day trip (but check ferry times, they finish around 3pm).
Mahé Island strikes the right balance. There are a number of very small islands around Mahé Island such as Silhouette, Therese and others offering day trips. You can ‘walk’ to Therese from Mahe Island.
Eden Island is positioned closed to Victoria-Seychelles Airport on Mahe Island
On a budget, you will probably choose two forms of transport: taking the bus or walking!
Buses in Seychelles cost about 6 rupees and they are popular with locals. The blue Tata buses can be a white knuckle ride so keep this in mind! There are a few routes and they are also notoriously slow. What is cheap is therefore not always good. There are flat rates here meaning you pay the same amount per day no matter how far you go or how many stops you make.
Walking. The islands are very walkable closer to the coast. I regularly walked from the hotel to restaurants or beaches. However, the interior of the island(s) is VERY hilly making for an unexpected hike. You should not take this lightly.
Car rentals. You should consider renting a car if you are in a group of four. Car rentals in Seychelles start from €35 a day. This is about €8 per person per day. You may not want to do this every day. For a one day rental, you will absolutely be able to get around Mahé Island in one day. I set off at 10 AM with a two-hour lunch stop, a swim to Therese Island and a few drone sessions. I still made it back to my Airbnb rental by 5 PM. A day rental gives you a lot of flexibility. Petrol is cheaper in Seychelles than say in Europe so seriously consider this option if you’re in a group. There are a dozen car rental places at Victoria-Seychelles airport.
Getting around La Digue on a bike is the most popular option but a Bull Cart is also an option!
La Digue presents a unique option: rent a bike!
Renting a bike in La Digue. There are three options but the most popular is to cycle around by bicycle. A normal pushbike costs a mere SCR150 per day (US$10, £7, €8). Electric bikes are available at certain places. Do not worry about getting a bike. Ten toes down on La Digue ferry pier and you will be hounded like a Hollywood A-lister sauntering down the red carpet. We went with Tati’s Bikes which is just around the corner on the right at the end of the pier. Tati also offers electric bikes for day rentals. The third option is to cruise around by golf cart. These were not available when we arrived on the 11.30AM ferry from Praslin. This tells me that you need to arrange a golf cart quite some time in advance.
A Note About Cycling Around La Digue. Pushbike cycling is wonderful. La Digue’s coastline is stunning with loads of small attractions nearby within moments of the ferry pier (see below). HOWEVER, the second you want to access the middle or eastern coast of La Digue, you better dig deep for an intense cardio workout. It’s a very hilly ascent through vines tangled around thick trees, brilliant flora and the odd chickens running into the road. It’s a tough trail but one that leads to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
As a food blogger, I possess an unnatural obsession with food and, therefore, I will irrationally justify eating everywhere. This adds up quickly in Seychelles. Eating local food will drive the bill down. Seychellois food is predominantly curries and fish-based. Staying away from tourist-trap areas like Beau Vallon, Eden Island, hotels and resorts will help considerably.
There are cheaper eats around the island with people cooking simple meals on grills on beaches or out of food trucks around the island.
There is a Wednesday market at Beau Vallon known as Bazar Labrin between 4pm to 8pm where you get tuck into local food and more for next to nothing.
A selection of local curries, chutneys and local vegetables
Mahe Island.If you want to self-cater all the way, there are large hypermarkets near Eden Island where you can line up with locals to buy food and essentials. Just note that a lot of items are imported and therefore come at a higher cost. Praslin Island. Towards Anse Volbert on the north side of the island, there is a high density of restaurants in the area catering to different budgets such as Pirogue Restaurant and Bar or La Goulue, both leaning towards local food.
Fish curry is a very popular local dish everywhere in Seychelles; Beau Vallon Market along the main beach near the Boat House
Bring your toiletries. Nothing is made in Seychelles so you are WELL advised to bring everything you need before you arrive, maybe even! Sunscreen, hand sanitiser, shower gel, shampoo – name it. You can get name brands but you will pay a lot more than you would at home.
Booze. This varies but local beer (SeyBrew), cider (Slow Turtle) and rum (Takamaka) are the cheap go-to options. A brisk SeyBrew will set you back about 50 SCR per bottle in the cheaper local bars. Supermarkets sell them cheaper.
Bring snorkelling gear. Even the most innocuous beach in Seychelles can offer beautiful snorkelling. Some excursions will offer this as part of the cost. Most places will charge you. It is worth bringing in a backpack with you.
Taking cash out. You will want to take cash out as little as often due to the conversion rates. There are also not as many cash machines on the island as I hoped, especially in Praslin and La Digue. Most places accept Euros and Seychelles rupees.
La Digue Notre Dame de L’Assomption Church
As you would expect, the summer months are a key school holiday season so prices rise accordingly. December and January for people who are trying to look for winter sun. Avoid these months.
Seychelles La Digue Petit Anse Beach by drone
Getting between Seychelles Island on a Budget
There are over 100 islands in Seychelles so inter-island transport is a serious consideration and variable cost. This raises the question of whether you should travel between the islands at all. The more you travel between islands then the more you spend on transportation.
If you do not want to travel between islands then I recommend you stay on the main Mahé Island. If you are willing to go to one island then I strongly recommend going to La Digue.
There are a few options but you are most likely to consider either getting an inter-island flight (from Air Seychelles) or cruising on a ferry.
A child surfing near Anse Source d’Argent; Slow Turtle Cider, a local Seychelles brew
The ferry is usually the cheapest option. Ferry times will vary between destinations and by the provider. During my visit, there were five ferries a day between Praslin and La Digue. There were two ferries a day between Praslin Island and Mahé Island leaving at 8AM and 4PM. Many of the ferry times are compromised because of COVID restrictions. You will want to plan in advance. Your ferry times may also have knock-on effects such as your accommodation and the length of time in each location to sightsee.
The ferry ride between Praslin and Mahé was €50 each way per person. This is approximately half the price of getting a flight with Air Seychelles one way. The ferry rides between Praslin and Mahé Island are €35 per person. This means you will save money getting the ferry back from Praslin Island if you opt into the flight through Mahé Island to Praslin Island on Air Seychelles. Naturally, you need to weigh up the other costs of staying on Praslin Island.
There is only one inter-islands provider that will connect you between the main islands in one journey. This will of course be the most expensive option because you are paying for the convenience. You can take advantage of using different ferry providers if you plan your journey. Make sure to use the connection times to explore the island! After all, you are here to check out one of the most beautiful places on Earth! You are seldom ever more than 15 minutes away from a stunning beach!
La Digue Petit Anse Beach, Seychelles
Accommodation in Seychelles on a Budget
Self-catering. Your best cost-saving option is self-catering accommodation. Some will offer breakfast included in the price.
Airbnb or Tripadvisor are reliable sources for self-catering options around the island. Costs for self-catering will start around €35 a night but better locations will climb to €80 a night.
Get air conditioning. You may be tempted to avoid this or think it’s not essential. I’m here to tell you it’s essential. Seychelles is hot and it’s also very humid. You must check that every room or lodging comes with air-con. Fans are not enough.
Eden Island offers a number of Airbnb locations from apartments to villas
Where to Stay in Seychelles on a Budget
Mahé Island is the largest island with the widest variety of accommodation options across the value chain. Other islands can be more pricey because they are more niche. La Digue is smaller, more isolated and highly sought after for its breathtaking beaches. Praslin is a honeymooners island replete with high-end resorts (but also a lot of self-catering options). This makes Praslin another option in case you want to stay somewhere different. Staying in and touring around La Digue can get very pricey. La Digue is best done as a day trip (but check ferry times, they finish around 3pm).
Mahé Island strikes the right balance. There are a number of very small islands around Mahé Island such as Silhouette, Therese and others offering day trips. You can ‘walk’ to Therese from Mahe Island.
Eden Island is positioned closed to Victoria-Seychelles Airport on Mahe Island
Getting Around the Seychelles on a Budget
On a budget, you will probably choose two forms of transport: taking the bus or walking!
Buses in Seychelles cost about 6 rupees and they are popular with locals. The blue Tata buses can be a white knuckle ride so keep this in mind! There are a few routes and they are also notoriously slow. What is cheap is therefore not always good. There are flat rates here meaning you pay the same amount per day no matter how far you go or how many stops you make.
Walking. The islands are very walkable closer to the coast. I regularly walked from the hotel to restaurants or beaches. However, the interior of the island(s) is VERY hilly making for an unexpected hike. You should not take this lightly.
Car rentals. You should consider renting a car if you are in a group of four. Car rentals in Seychelles start from €35 a day. This is about €8 per person per day. You may not want to do this every day. For a one day rental, you will absolutely be able to get around Mahé Island in one day. I set off at 10 AM with a two-hour lunch stop, a swim to Therese Island and a few drone sessions. I still made it back to my Airbnb rental by 5 PM. A day rental gives you a lot of flexibility. Petrol is cheaper in Seychelles than say in Europe so seriously consider this option if you’re in a group. There are a dozen car rental places at Victoria-Seychelles airport.
Getting around La Digue on a bike is the most popular option but a Bull Cart is also an option!
La Digue presents a unique option: rent a bike!
Renting a bike in La Digue. There are three options but the most popular is to cycle around by bicycle. A normal pushbike costs a mere SCR150 per day (US$10, £7, €8). Electric bikes are available at certain places. Do not worry about getting a bike. Ten toes down on La Digue ferry pier and you will be hounded like a Hollywood A-lister sauntering down the red carpet. We went with Tati’s Bikes which is just around the corner on the right at the end of the pier. Tati also offers electric bikes for day rentals. The third option is to cruise around by golf cart. These were not available when we arrived on the 11.30AM ferry from Praslin. This tells me that you need to arrange a golf cart quite some time in advance.
A Note About Cycling Around La Digue. Pushbike cycling is wonderful. La Digue’s coastline is stunning with loads of small attractions nearby within moments of the ferry pier (see below). HOWEVER, the second you want to access the middle or eastern coast of La Digue, you better dig deep for an intense cardio workout. It’s a very hilly ascent through vines tangled around thick trees, brilliant flora and the odd chickens running into the road. It’s a tough trail but one that leads to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Eating Out In Seychelles on a Budget
As a food blogger, I possess an unnatural obsession with food and, therefore, I will irrationally justify eating everywhere. This adds up quickly in Seychelles. Eating local food will drive the bill down. Seychellois food is predominantly curries and fish-based. Staying away from tourist-trap areas like Beau Vallon, Eden Island, hotels and resorts will help considerably.
There are cheaper eats around the island with people cooking simple meals on grills on beaches or out of food trucks around the island.
There is a Wednesday market at Beau Vallon known as Bazar Labrin between 4pm to 8pm where you get tuck into local food and more for next to nothing.
A selection of local curries, chutneys and local vegetables
Mahe Island.If you want to self-cater all the way, there are large hypermarkets near Eden Island where you can line up with locals to buy food and essentials. Just note that a lot of items are imported and therefore come at a higher cost. Praslin Island. Towards Anse Volbert on the north side of the island, there is a high density of restaurants in the area catering to different budgets such as Pirogue Restaurant and Bar or La Goulue, both leaning towards local food.
Fish curry is a very popular local dish everywhere in Seychelles; Beau Vallon Market along the main beach near the Boat House
Day to day costs
Bring your toiletries. Nothing is made in Seychelles so you are WELL advised to bring everything you need before you arrive, maybe even! Sunscreen, hand sanitiser, shower gel, shampoo – name it. You can get name brands but you will pay a lot more than you would at home.
Booze. This varies but local beer (SeyBrew), cider (Slow Turtle) and rum (Takamaka) are the cheap go-to options. A brisk SeyBrew will set you back about 50 SCR per bottle in the cheaper local bars. Supermarkets sell them cheaper.
Bring snorkelling gear. Even the most innocuous beach in Seychelles can offer beautiful snorkelling. Some excursions will offer this as part of the cost. Most places will charge you. It is worth bringing in a backpack with you.
Taking cash out. You will want to take cash out as little as often due to the conversion rates. There are also not as many cash machines on the island as I hoped, especially in Praslin and La Digue. Most places accept Euros and Seychelles rupees.
La Digue Notre Dame de L’Assomption Church
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