Seychelles: prices, how much does a vacation on the islands cost

Magical islands, beckoning with their stunning views and beautiful beaches, have always been an elite destination. This piece of paradise can be accessible to tourists with any budget: find out all about prices for accommodation, transport, food, and excursions in the Seychelles.

Compared to tourist destinations like Mauritius, Bali, and Thailand, the costs of food, accommodation, and leisure in the Seychelles are higher. This corner of paradise has never been cheap. For example, a week of vacation in a budget format will cost at least $1,000 per person, excluding flights, which are the most expensive part of the budget.

Depositphotos

Cost of Accommodation in the Seychelles

Today, the Seychelles offer a wide range of accommodation options for every budget, from affordable guesthouses to luxury resorts. While the Seychelles were once an exclusively elite destination, the number of budget accommodations is gradually increasing.

Prices start from $75 per night and can reach several thousand dollars. Costs depend on your choice of accommodation: the most expensive vacations are on elite private islands, while the most budget-friendly are guesthouses. Accommodation costs range from $75-$150 per night, depending on the location and services offered by the hotel. Most of these options are on Mahe, the main island of the Seychelles.

Guesthouses and Apartments. A typical guesthouse in the Seychelles usually rents out just a few rooms. Unlike many other island destinations, the rule that the closer to the beach, the more expensive the accommodation does not apply in the Seychelles. On the contrary, even by the sea, you can find affordable guesthouses and apartments to enjoy a dream holiday in a paradise setting. However, not all Seychelles beaches are suitable for swimming due to rocks, currents, and stones.

Apartments are ideal for independent living. On the three main islands—Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue—there are several aparthotels (with multiple bedrooms) costing $40-$200 per night. They often come equipped with a kitchen. For example, a stay at the three-star La Residence on Mahe starts at $45 per day.

Mid-Range Hotels. A standard double room with breakfast in a hotel located 50 meters from the beach costs $190-$240 per night. Choosing a hotel closer to the coastline increases the price to $300-$400 per night.

• Stay at the 4-star Le Nautique Luxury Waterfront Hotel starts at $160 per person.
• Stay at the 4-star Double Tree by Hilton Allamanda Resort & Spa starts at $170 per person per night.

Villas. You can rent an entire house with a large garden and pool for a family or group. Villas are ideal for groups of 4-6 travelers, costing $250-$500 per night. A stay at La Villa Therese Holiday Apartments costs $450 per day.

For Comparison: A stay in a 5-star hotel with a wide range of services starts at $400 per day. For example, Seychelles Four Seasons Resort starts at $850 per person, and Six Senses Zil Pasyon offers packages from $700 per person per day.

We recommend booking your trip in advance to take advantage of lower prices and offers, especially during high season. For any questions about choosing a hotel, contact the Wiotto manager via online chat.

Le Nautique Luxury Waterfront Hotel

How Much Does It Cost to Visit the Seychelles

Budget Vacation: Up to $200 per day:

• Accommodation: $75-$100 (guesthouses, apartments).
• Meals: $15-$30 (local Creole cuisine in simple eateries; one dish costs $5-$10).
• Transport: $10-$20 (public buses or bicycle rental for island exploration).
• Leisure: $20-$50 (depends on excursions, but beach visits, hiking, and snorkeling are free).

Mid-Range Vacation: $200-$400 per day:

• Accommodation: $150-$250 (3-4 star hotels with amenities, pools, and on-site restaurants).
• Meals: $30-$60 (lunch at a mid-range cafe or restaurant).
• Transport: $20-$40 (car rental or taxi).
• Leisure: $50-$100.

Luxury Vacation: From $1,000 per day:

• Accommodation: $500 and up (luxury resorts or villas with exclusive locations and top-tier service).
• Meals: From $200 (gourmet dishes costing $50-$100 per serving).
• Transport: $50-$100.
• Leisure: $100-$500 (spa treatments, excursions across the Seychelles).

Prices are average for one day and may vary based on preferences, tastes, and seasonality.

Double Tree by Hilton Allamanda Resort & Spa

Food Prices in the Seychelles

Costs depend on where you choose to dine. Some hotels on private islands offer only their restaurant’s menu. However, in Victoria, the capital of the Seychelles, there’s a wide range of restaurants, from budget-friendly to upscale.

Depositphotos

Cost of Groceries in Stores and Markets

Island markets offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish at affordable prices—for example, fresh fish for two costs about $8 per kg, and tropical fruits like mango and papaya cost around $4 each. For context, a liter of milk is about $2, and 1 kg of chicken breast is around $6.5. Alcohol costs about $13 for a bottle of wine in a supermarket.

Depositphotos

Cost of Food in Cafes and Restaurants

Local Eateries. Takeaway eateries are common in the Seychelles, where locals typically eat. For tourists, this is a great way to experience authentic island cuisine and save money.

Delicious fish in Creole sauce with rice costs $4, octopus curry with rice $4-$5, and traditional chicken curry with rice around $4-$5. Popular dishes on Mahe include coconut crab curry and smoked fish salad, also around $4.

Most takeaway spots open around 12-1 PM and close by 8 PM. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, but confirm the payment method in advance.

Mid-Range Restaurants. Lunch for two costs around $60-$70, including alcohol. Sprite or Coca-Cola (0.33 l) is about $2, a cappuccino or espresso $4-$5, water (0.33 l) $1.8, and local beer $5-$6 for 0.5 l.

Dinner at a luxury restaurant in a 5-star hotel with exquisite cuisine starts at $120 for two. You can try tuna tartare, lobsters in cream sauce or garlic butter, and premium alcoholic drinks, with top-tier service.

Depositphotos

Cost of Transport in the Seychelles

Transfer to Mahe. To reach your hotel from the airport, you can use a transfer service. Group transfer to Mahe: $17 for adults, $8 for children aged 2-12. Individual transfer (up to 3 passengers): $80. Minibus (up to 8 passengers): $140. Car: $160-$170 for two.

• Bus. For travel within an island, buses are the most budget-friendly option. A Store Valued Travel card for bus payments costs 50 SCR (about $3.5). A one-way trip within Mahe costs 10 SCR (about $1). A travel pass is available for $7. Note that this applies mainly to Mahe, as buses run less frequently on La Digue and Praslin.
• Bicycle. Bicycle rental costs from $11 per day, depending on the bike’s condition and rental location.
• Car. Car rental costs $55-$80 per day, or $70-$100 for a more comfortable vehicle. Gasoline costs $1.5 per liter. Rentals are available only on Mahe and Praslin.
• Taxi. Taxis are a significant expense in the Seychelles. The initial fare is about $9, plus $3 per kilometer. A 15-minute trip from the airport to central Victoria costs $20-$25. Many taxis lack meters, so negotiate the fare upfront. Payment is typically in Seychelles rupees, but drivers may accept euros or dollars.
• Ferry. Seychellois travel between the three main islands mostly by ferry. Costs vary by distance. The high-speed Cat Cocos ferry from Mahe to Praslin starts at $70, and to La Digue at $82. From Praslin to La Digue costs $15-$20. Upper deck seats cost an extra $6, business class $24. The price includes 25 kg of checked baggage plus free carry-on, or 30 kg for business class. Children’s tickets (ages 2-11) start at $30, and travel is free for kids under 2.
• Air. Seychelles has domestic airlines operating nearly hourly flights between islands, with prices varying by season. For example, a flight from Mahe to Praslin in summer starts at $130.
• Helicopter. Some luxury islands are accessible by helicopter. A transfer via Airbus Colibri EC120 for 2-4 passengers up to 15 km costs about $480.

Sightseeing flights lasting 15-30 minutes cost $300-$500 per person. Examples of one-way helicopter transfer costs:

• Constance Ephelia Resort: about $400.
• Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island: over $500.
• Kempinski Seychelles Resort: over $400.
• Maia Luxury Resort & Spa: about $400.
• Constance Lemuria Resort: about $800.

Depositphotos

Cost of Beaches in the Seychelles

Most beaches are free for both locals and tourists. You can enjoy stunning sunsets, crystal-clear water, and wildlife without worrying about your budget. However, some private resorts and hotels charge for access to their beaches, including private facilities or services. A day pass for resorts like Constance Ephelia and Sainte Anne ranges from $100-$200, though this is an exception.

On free beaches, you only pay for equipment or activities if desired. Surfboard or kayak rental costs $20-$40 per hour, and snorkeling gear costs $10-$20 per day.

Depositphotos

Cost of Excursions in the Seychelles

The islands’ beautiful and diverse nature is hard to resist. Examples of excursion prices:

• Scuba diving among reefs for 3-4 hours costs from $70, including equipment rental, a guide, and refreshments.
• Diving and water sports: Dives cost $100-$150 per person, depending on the provider and dive area.
• A day trip to Praslin and Curieuse, including giant tortoise watching and a visit to the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve, costs $60-$80 per person, including a guide, lunch, and snorkeling gear.
• Sainte Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island: from $135.
  Reef Safari (snorkeling, fish feeding, and lunch, group day trip): from $146.
• Praslin and La Digue (group day trip): from $265.
• La Digue, Curieuse, Saint Pierre, and Anse Lazio beach by private boat from Mahe: from $828.
• Seychelles Islands tour (private, 4 or 8 hours): from $187.
• Sainte Anne Marine Park and Moyenne Island with Creole lunch (private boat): from $524.
• Day trip to Praslin-La Digue from Mahe: from $232.
• Private full-day tour of Mahe (1-2 people): from $262.
• Traditional crafts tour (weaving): from $128.

Group tours are often cheaper than private ones, offering a great way to explore the Seychelles’ natural beauty while saving money.

Depositphotos

Flights to the Seychelles: Prices

Flight costs depend on the airline, date, season, and departure country. Many countries lack direct flights to the Seychelles, requiring transfers. Direct flights are available from some European cities (e.g., Frankfurt, Zurich), and flights with transfers (e.g., via Dubai, Doha) are common. Economy-class round-trip costs from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland vary by season, booking time, and airline. Example prices:

• Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi to Mahe: from $460.
• London-Mahe, British Airways: about $450.
• Air France from Paris: about $800-$900.

During high season (November-January, July-August), prices range from $800-$1,200, rising further during Christmas, New Year, or European school holidays.

Depositphotos

How to Save Money in the Seychelles

• Subscribe to airline newsletters for Seychelles flights and enable route tracking.
• Choose apartments with a kitchen to save on food compared to hotel dining. Consider a guesthouse with breakfast, or cook with local products for even more savings.
• Use public transport for the cheapest travel option.
• Stay on a small island like La Digue, which is only 5 km long and easy to explore on foot or by bike.
• Buy fruits at local markets, where prices are much lower than in supermarkets or malls. Local products are cheaper than imported ones.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear for the Seychelles.

Depositphotos