Seychelles is considered to be one of the most expensive holiday destinations in the world. With a number of luxury five-star resorts offering complete privacy and seclusion, it’s no wonder many celebrities choose Seychelles as their tropical island getaway. This, however, might lead some to believe that visiting the Seychelles on a budget is not possible. But this really is not the case.
In fact, it is entirely possible to visit the Seychelles and have an amazing holiday without having to spend an absolute fortune.
Here are some of our best tips for visiting the Seychelles on a budget.
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Visiting Seychelles on a Budget
1. Plan your Trip
This is an obvious one we know. But because it’s such a vital step, it needs to be included. And when we say plan your trip, we mean really take the time and look at all your options, from flights and accommodation to food and activities.
There’s a lot of research that needs to be done prior to travelling to any destination, including Seychelles.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when planning your holiday in Seychelles.
How long do you want to spend in Seychelles?
How long you want to spend and how long you can spend are two different things. It will depend on a lot of things including how much time off you have, what your budget is and what activities you want to include in your holiday.
When is the best time to visit Seychelles?
This is important for a number of reasons. First of all, it can dictate some of your expenses as flights during off-peak seasons are cheaper. The south-east and north-west trade winds will also influence the types of activities for any given period, so being aware of this is important.
What do you want to do while in Seychelles?
Aside from visiting the stunning beaches, what else is on your to-do list? Seychelles has a number of nature reserves, hiking trails, museums, galleries and water activities to enjoy. It really all depends on your preferences. Plus, if you’re travelling with kids, you want to ensure they have an amazing experience as well.
So, the planning stage cannot be overlooked. It’s the first and most important step to embarking on an amazing tropical adventure.
2. Find Cheap Flights
Finding great deals on flights is one way of cutting costs, and to be honest, you’re bound to find some really good ones.
There are a few things to remember when looking for flights. Generally, the earlier you book the better. Plus, being flexible with your dates can sometimes get you cheaper options. Travelling during weekdays for example tend to be slightly cheaper than weekend flights. And of course, it’s cheaper to avoid peak seasons.
Head over to your favourite sites, such as Booking.com or Travelsupermarket to search for the best deals. Qatar Airways also have some really good options. We find them to be one of the best airlines in terms of service, comfort and pricing.
3. Stay in Guest-Houses or Self-Catered Accommodation
Seychelles has no shortage of beautiful hotels and five-star resorts, but these can be quite pricey if you’re on a budget. Opting for self-catering apartments or guest-houses are a much cheaper option.
You’re sure to find something that suits your needs by searching sites like Booking.com. The filtering options make it so easy to search for the specific type of accommodation you want. In doing a quick search for 2 adults myself, I came across numerous establishments for around €60 – €80 a night.
4. Rent a Car
As for La Digue, tourists and locals typically use bicycles to get around as there are only a handful of vehicles on the island.
There is also the option of public buses on both Mahe and Praslin. You can visit the Seychelles Public Transportation Corporation (SPTC) website for more information.
5. Eat Take-Away Meals
Eating out can be expensive, especially when ordering starters, a main course and then dessert, not to mention the drinks. Instead, you can always opt for a take-away.
Because the Seychellois like to have a full meal at lunch time, there are a number of take-aways to choose from. The majority of these offer a wide variety of dishes, including typical Creole dishes, European, Chinese and Indian as well. Take-aways are a great way to sample some authentic Creole cuisine.
A large take-away (full) will typically range from around SR70 – SR80 (€4 – €5) and a smaller portion (half) for around SR50 – SR60 (€2 – €4). Typically this will include rice, a main and side salad. You’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re staying in a self-catering apartment, you can also prepare your own meals. You’ll never be far from a corner shop where you’re able to purchase the essentials, such as pasta, sauces, bread, etc. A great thing to do is pack a nice picnic lunch for when out and about during the day and then get a take-away in the evenings.
6. Bring the Essentials with you
Be sure to come with your essential items such as sunscreen, hats, flip-flops, etc. Depending on where you stay, you may or may not get shower gel, shampoo, etc. Therefore, it’s a good idea to pack these with you, even if they’re the small travel sized ones.
7. Take Advantage of Free Activities
The most popular attraction in Seychelles are the beaches, and they’re completely free. The exception is Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue. As this beach is located at the end of the L’union Estate park, you have to pay the park’s entrance fee of SR115 (≈ €7). It’s well worth the visit though.
Hiking is another popular activity and there are many trails with breath-taking views. If you like snorkelling, this is another good choice. Plus, if you’re able to bring your own snorkelling equipment, you can save even more.
There are also some very affordable attractions on Mahe, such as the Botanical Garden’s and the National History Museum. Entrance fees for these are around SR100 (≈€6) and SR150 (≈€9) respectively.
8. Tap or Bottled Water
Like sunscreen, you will need to have water on you at all times. The cheapest option is to drink tap water. Although tap water in Seychelles is safe to drink, some still prefer to filter the water. So bringing along a filter water bottle is a great option.
If you would prefer to buy bottled water however, then do so from the local shops as opposed to buying from hotels or restaurants, as it’s much cheaper.
Concluding Thoughts
So, is it possible to visit Seychelles on a budget? Absolutely!
Although Seychelles remains on the higher end of the expensive holiday destination list, it is in no way beyond reach for budget travellers. By following some of these tips, you’ll be able to experience the best of Seychelles on a budget.
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Ahhh finally! A budget-friendly guide. 🙂 I am a fan of budget trips because it lets you enjoy the vacation without actually worrying about debts later. 🙂 Looking forward to visiting Seychelles when everything else is back to normal! 🙂
The pictures are beautiful! I’d love to travel to Seychelles, and at first glance, it does “look” expensive! But as you mentioned renting an apartment sounds much cheaper (and you’d have more flexibility!)
Budget travel is right up my alley. Sounds so wonderful.
These are great tips! I’d love to visit Seychelles some day.
Wow! Looks like a great place for a holiday, thanks for the tips 🙂