The Seychelles is an amazing destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have and amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to the Seychelles?
You should plan to spend around $241 (S₨3,235) 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:
- $86 (S₨1,160) on meals
- $69 (S₨926) on local transportation
- $169 (S₨2,267) on hotels
A one week trip to the Seychelles for two people costs, on average, $3,375 (S₨45,290). 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.
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.
Is the Seychelles expensive to visit?
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 Sao Tome and Principe.
Whether you're watching your wallet or ready to splurge, the Seychelles provides a range of accommodation options and things to do. For travelers on a budget, there are affordable hotels, while those seeking luxury can enjoy high-end stays, with mid-range hotels also available for couples and families.
While the Seychelles can be costly, following advice like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying free activities can make your trip more affordable.
On average, budget travelers spend $101 (S₨1,418) per person per day, mid-range travelers spend $230 (S₨3,235) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $437 (S₨6,151) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to the Seychelles.
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. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to the Seychelles cost?
the Seychelles on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$37
(S₨498)
|
$84
(S₨1,134)
|
$159
(S₨2,135)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$30
(S₨405)
|
$69
(S₨926)
|
$132
(S₨1,769)
|
|
Food 2
|
$38
(S₨507)
|
$86
(S₨1,160)
|
$165
(S₨2,216)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$17
(S₨231)
|
$39
(S₨528)
|
$75
(S₨1,009)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$7-22
(S₨98-294)
|
$17-50
(S₨224-673)
|
$32-96
(S₨429-1,286)
|
Praslin, Seychelles
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to have realistic expectations for your travel budget. While many people assume they can travel to the Seychelles without spending much money, the reality is that most people are not comfortable traveling on an extremely low "shoestring" budget. Consider what you really enjoy doing when you are on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you like to experience all of the activities, museums, and sights? Is dining out at delicious restaurants important to you? Your answers to these questions will affect your overall travel budget and itinerary.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
Many people hear that you can visit the Seychelles for $101 per day, but unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a significant amount more.
Backpackers can often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore major museums and attractions, many of which have entry fees. You won't want to miss all of the major sights and attractions. Since most things cost money, your daily budget should realistically be closer to $230 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in the Seychelles. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. In places like Grand Anse Praslin, La Passe, and Baie Sainte Anne, which are particularly family-friendly, you'll find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Also, in Grand Anse Praslin, Coco de Mer Hotel and Black Parrot Suites is a good kid-friendly option, and in La Passe, Le Repaire - Boutique Hotel & Restaurant is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for the Seychelles here.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $437 per day. To stay in nicer hotels, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and hire private drivers to get around, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. With this level of spending, you'll be traveling alongside the rich and famous in places like the major cities and resort areas. Or you could plan an multi-day adventure by booking a higher end tour such as Seychelles Family Holiday Package 7D/6N - offered by Across Africa Tours & Travel.
Accommodation Budget in the Seychelles
In the Seychelles, you'll find a wide range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Peak season brings higher costs, but if you travel in the off-season, prices drop. Booking ahead is another great way to save some money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in the Seychelles for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $169 (S₨2,267). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $84 (S₨1,134) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in the Seychelles? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Local Transportation Budget in the Seychelles
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $69 (S₨926) per person, per day, on local transportation in the Seychelles. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in the Seychelles is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Local Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$69
S₨926
If you're in the Seychelles, you'll find that public transportation is quite limited. It's probably a good idea to rent a car or organize some form of transportation ahead of time, like a tour or taxi service. However, this could reduce your overall trip budget.
Food Budget in the Seychelles
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in the Seychelles can vary significantly, the average cost of food in the Seychelles is $86 (S₨1,160) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$86
S₨1,160
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in the Seychelles is around $82 (S₨1160) per person, with previous travelers spending from $36 to $157. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in the Seychelles are as follows:
- Breakfast: $15 to $25
- Lunch: $12 to $41
- Dinner: $29 to $66
- Coffee: $7
- Fast Food or Street Food: $13
As an island nation, the Seychelles depends heavily on fish, seafood, and shellfish in its main dishes, which are cooked in a variety of ways-steamed, grilled, wrapped in banana leaves, baked, salted, and smoked. Seychellois cuisine, influenced by African, British, French, Indian, and Chinese cultures, also uses plenty of spices, including ginger, lemongrass, coriander, and tamarind. Coconut and local fruits like breadfruit, papaya, and mangoes are also widely used, as is curry and rice. Other ingredients include chicken, pork, dhal (lentils), and vegetables. A few local specialties also include:
Bat curry: Considered a delicacy in the Seychelles, this curry dish is made with fruit bat (yes, bats!).
Ladob: Can be eaten sweet or savory. The sweet version typically consists of ripe plantain and sweet potatoes boiled with coconut milk, sugar, nutmeg and vanilla until the fruit is soft and the sauce is creamy. The savory option calls for salted fish, cooked in a similar way as the dessert version, with plantain, cassava, and breadfruit, but using salt instead of sugar.
Shark chutney: Boiled, skinned shark, finely mashed, and cooked with squeezed bilimbi juice, lime, fried onion, and spices.
When traveling with children, look for restaurants with a kids menu. This can save you plenty of money as these options tend to be much lower in price. Some restaurants don't list the kids' options on their menu, so ask the waiter before you order.
While numerous hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, some might add it as an additional fee. The quality and pricing of breakfast can fluctuate based on the hotel. Knowing this information in advance can guide your decision on whether to indulge in a hotel buffet or opt for a cheaper bakery or café nearby.
Carrying a water bottle instead of buying drinks can help you save money while also being good for the environment.
If a tour is on your agenda, be sure to confirm which meals are covered beforehand. Paying for some food out of pocket can really add to your travel expenses.
If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in the Seychelles, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:
- Dinner at the Hilton, Kempinski, Four Seasons, Savoy or Carana | Mahé, Seychelles for $278 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in the Seychelles
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets 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.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$39
S₨528
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore the Seychelles. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Seychelles Islands Tour by Boat with snacks & drinks for $278 details
- Private Full day Mahé island tour (1-2 persons) for $252 details
- Private Nature Tours & Trail 1 to 5 persons for $268 details
- Mahe half day tour for $85 details
Nightlife Budget in the Seychelles
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $33 (S₨449) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in the Seychelles per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$33
S₨449
Nightlife is often a highlight, but cutting back on alcohol can help you stay within your travel budget.
Traveling in the Seychelles
The Seychelles
The Seychelles is an archipelago nation consisting of more than 100 islands, with only a few being inhabited. It is located in the Indian Ocean off the coast of East Africa and is a prime vacation destination for its sandy beaches, aqua-blue waters, and stunning island landscapes.
At a Glance
The archipelago is generally divided into the Outer Seychelles and the Inner Seychelles. The Outer island groups are largely uninhabited, mostly coral, and are further divided into the Aldabra Islands, Amirante Islands, Alphonse Group, Farquhar Group, and the Southern Coral Group. The Inner islands are where most of the Seychelles population lives, largely consist of granite, and also house most of the country's resorts. Inner Seychelles is further divided into five main islands. Mahe is the largest, most populated island in the Seychelles, and is the location of the country's largest airport. It is also home to the nation's capital, Victoria, which is the only major port in the Seychelles. Praslin is the second largest island and site of the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, which is also an UNESCO World Heritage Site. La Digue is one of the smaller islands. It is quieter and more exclusive than the larger two, and best known for one of the world's top beaches, L'Anse Source D'Argent. The final two are the Inner Corallines and Silhouette Island, which are fairly remote and undeveloped, except for one luxury hotel on Silhouette Island.
As far as activities go, most visitors flock to Seychelles' beaches, which are mostly untouched and uncrowded. There is a beautiful coastal hike from Beau Vallon, the most popular beach on the islands, to Anse Major, which is a more private, secluded beach. These beaches are great for swimming and sunbathing, though this does depend on seasonal winds and any posted swimming restrictions must be obeyed. The warm Indian Ocean waters surrounding the Seychelles also make great opportunities for watersports. Visitors can explore on board a yacht, power boat, glass bottom boat, catamaran, or sailboat, as well as catch some seasonal wind with windsurfing, best in May or October. Other popular water activities include scuba diving, snorkeling, and fishing, and guests often catch sight of wildlife like tropical fish and sea turtles during excursions. Beyond the waters, there are additionally land activities such as golf, tennis, squash, badminton, horseback riding, bird-watching, walking tours, biking, and hiking. Some of the best-maintained hiking trails can be found on the two largest islands, Mahe and Praslin.
Top Tourist Attractions
In addition to sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and island scenery, the Seychelles also has a number of markets, shops, art galleries, and colonial plantation houses. The main island of Mahe, in particular, has a handful of museums, a botanical garden, and several national monuments. One popular place to visit in Victoria is the Arulmigu Navasakti Vinayagar Temple. This beautifully decorated temple is the Seychelles' center of Hinduism. It is open to visitors, but footwear must be removed and any photography must be discreet and respectful. Also in Victoria is the Seychelles Natural History Museum, which offers interesting exhibits on the nature and geology of the local islands.
For those more interested in having an ecotourism experience, the islands of the Seychelles are also prime for viewing wildlife and exploring natural habitats. On Praslin, for example, there is the Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve-a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, visitors can see a variety of flora and fauna in their natural palm forest habitat, including the largest seed in the world: the coco de mer, or the sea coconut. Closer to East Africa, guests can also take a trip to the Aldabra Atoll to experience the habitat of a coral atoll. The atoll stretches about 22 miles east-west and encloses a tidal lagoon that is home to creatures like the giant land tortoise, tiger shark, and manta ray, among others.
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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.