Seychelles is an island nation in East Africa. It is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. That island is famous for its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, sunset cocktails, palm trees and five-star beach resorts. For celebrities, billionaires and honeymooners, this is a luxurious enclave. But the question is can you enjoy a budget-friendly trip to Seychelles?
Seychelles is not a cheap destination. You can’t visit there without spending a lot. And you have to pay a little bit extra for the flights. Check the rates of Emirates flights or any other flights to know the cheapest ones available while booking.
Budget-Friendly Trip to Seychelles
Plan Ahead
As you know, there are a total of 115 islands in the Seychelles archipelago. Most of them are uninhabited, that’s why you have to choose only three main islands to enjoy the trip. Those islands are Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue.
Mahe is the biggest and home of Victoria (capital of Seychelles). Praslin is next and is accessible by ferry or plane. From there, you can get a ferry or plane to La Digue. La Digue is the smallest, quietest and prettiest island in Seychelles.
These islands are close to each other so you should try to visit them all. However, if your trip is for a few days only, you should focus on just one. Either way, the longer you stay the greater your savings on accommodation will be.
Mahe is the cheapest island there, and it’s very easy to go there. However, that means that there will be more competition for staying there. You should check out their different locations to visit.
It takes an hour to get from Mahe to Praslin and costs around 100 euro to return. Mahe to La Digue takes 90 minutes and it costs around 120 euro to return.
When to Visit
Tourist season is from December to January and from June to August. That is when the prices will be higher, so you have to book those times in advance.
There is a rainy season from January to February, but it’s still warm and enjoyable. Usually, the downpours are short. So if you have no problem taking in the sights during a shower, you can save money on accommodation costs by booking during these months. Besides, this is when the water is calmer.
The water is calmer during the rainy season. However, there can be sudden turnarounds. Large waves can appear. So, you need to check the condition of the beach before you are go.
Where to Stay
In Seychelles, you have to prove accommodation bookings in the airport, so this place is not the kind of place that you can bargain at the last minute and wing it. If you are looking for a hotel stay in Seychelles, and luxury options are out of the budget, then you need to book as far ahead as possible. Book Seychelles hotels with Almosafer to get some discounts and save some bucks.
In Seychelles, hotels are expensive. You must be ready to pay 60-110 dollars per room per night. This is all depending on the location and the place’s facilities.
Transportation
La Digue is so small that people get around there by cart or bike. But this is not possible in the case of Mahe and Praslin. They are bigger islands. The easiest way to explore these islands is by car, which costs about 30-40 euros per day.
If you want to save money, the best option is public buses. These buses cover 40 different roads across Mahe and Praslin. They use old blue Tata minibuses. In Seychelles, it’s very easy to find bus stops because they are painted. A single journey will cost 6 rupees which is cheap.
Food
Fish and a few varieties of vegetables are the main food of Seychelles. Apart from this, everything is imported, that’s why it is at a premium price. The basic meal in a restaurant will cost about 10 euros. But resorts will be more expensive. They will charge more like 50-70 euros per person with a drink and service charge.
There are many markets in Mahe. One of them is Beau Vallon, which is especially known for Bazar Labrin and freshly cooked dishes like grilled fish, satay,, and coconut curry. There are also food trucks around the islands. They serve Creole food for 3 euros.
Things to do in Seychelles
Beaches
You don’t have to spend money on beach life there because it’s free. But there is an exceptional case for this; it’s crowded. This is one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
National Parks
Many national parks like Morne Seychelles National Park, Saint Anne Marine National Park, Praslin National Park etc. These national parks have their beauty. So many amazing things are the attraction of this place for tourists. It will cost 4 euros per person for the entry fee through L’Union Estate coconut plantation.
Hiking
Other than beaches, there are other adventurous things to do. One of them is hiking. You will be hiking through mountain areas in Mahe. This hiking will lead to the breathtaking view from Morne Seychellois National Park.
Natural History Museum
You can enjoy the natural history museum with entry fees of 15 rupees. There is a famous Hindu temple there too. At Mont Fleuri, there are Botanic gardens with entry fees of 3 euros. Mahe is also famous for its tours which are held by Takamaka rum distillery. The tour is from Monday to Friday, and it will cost only 9 euros.
If you are ready to spend more money, you can take a boat trip to one of the uninhabited islands of Seychelles and try snorkelling or diving. If you go between August and October, you will be able to see whales and sharks.
Can You Go for a Budget-Friendly Trip to Seychelles?
If you have a tight budget, you need to focus on your accommodation and food. Beach time, hiking, staying in a hotel, renting a car, and food and drinks will cost only about 80-110 euros per day per person.
The total cost of the trip is about 2,800 euros for four family members for seven days, which is actually a pretty budget-friendly amount. It’s really easy to spend more once you’re there, but this is a good base budget price for you to focus on while planning.
So, the answer is yes, you can enjoy the taste of Indian Ocean paradise in a budget-friendly amount. This trip will be all worth it. Just pack your bags; this place is waiting for you!
