A holiday to the Seychelles might sound like an exclusive luxury escape, but with a little planning, you’ll see it’s possible to enjoy it on any budget.
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You’ve seen the stunning photos and videos of Seychelles, and you might be wondering, “How am I ever gonna get there?”
Having spent a few weeks exploring the islands ourselves, we’re here to share a step-by-step guide that covers everything from booking affordable flights to planning island-hopping routes, all while keeping costs in check.
By following these steps, you’ll learn how to find deals on flights, accommodations, inter-island transport, and more to plan out your Seychelles itinerary.
Whether you’ve got plenty of time or just a little PTO, I’ll walk you through all the options to make a Seychelles getaway work for your budget and schedule. Let’s dive in!
Step 1: Flight Search
For us, flights are usually the deciding factor in where we go. With so many places on our bucket list, whenever we spot a cheap flight and the dates work, we book immediately.
If you’re not 100% sure about your dates, consider paying a bit more for a refundable ticket; you can always rebook later if a lower fare pops up.
To get started, set up alerts on your flight search tools—we’ve put together our top 9 resources for finding affordable flights in the free guide that you can sign up for below.
Your destination is Mahe, the main island in Seychelles, and the only one with an international airport (SEZ).
Since there are no direct flights from the US, keep an open mind about routing. Look for options like “positional flights,” where you book a cheap ticket to an airport that has better deals to your final stop.
Our flight itinerary? We flew with Qatar Airways to Doha, Qatar from JFK in New York, and after spending a day in Doha, we flew to Mahe in early April.
The Seychelles has distinct wet and dry seasons that can influence your travel experience. The rainy season typically runs from November to March, while the dry winter season lasts from May to October. The coolest months during the winter hover around 75°F, making them pleasant for exploration.
And if you’re trying to visit during Seychelles’ “best” season, this is what we go by: the best time is when you find the best deal.
Flexibility is key! But even if you’re locked into specific dates, turning on alerts and being ready to book as soon as you see a price you’re comfortable with can still land you a great flight deal.
Step 2: Plan How Long This Trip Will Be
The length of your trip really depends on two things: your time and your budget.
PTO is precious, and since Seychelles is a big trip, especially with the long travel time from the U.S., you’ll want to make the most of it.
Don’t forget to factor in flight time and jet lag—trust me, I learned the hard way. On my first day in La Digue, I was so jetlagged that I missed most of the day, which was one of only two days I’d planned there.
So, remember that you might need a day to recover before diving into activities.
Budget also plays a big role in deciding how long to stay.
The flight to Seychelles can be the biggest expense, but once you’re there, Mahé and La Digue offer a lot of free activities, affordable accommodations, and cheap takeaway food options.
If you’re interested in a private island experience or a luxury resort, that’s where things get pricier—but not always!
We’ll go over how we made a stay at the Waldorf Astoria on Platte Island surprisingly affordable for us a little later in this article.
But in the end, it’s all about balancing your time, budget, and what you want to experience.
Outline your priorities: what do you most want to do, and which islands should be at the top of your list? That’ll help you decide on the best trip length for you.
Step 3: Decide on the Islands
Starting in Mahe is a given for any Seychelles trip. This island is packed with incredible beaches—the kind you’ll never forget, and yes, they’re all free to enjoy!
We recommend renting a car since driving is easy here, and it’s much cheaper than relying on taxis and more convenient than the bus.
Plan for at least 3 days in Mahé to get a feel for its beauty; you might even want more time to explore.
Once you’ve soaked up Mahe, it’s time to decide on the other islands you’ll visit because, trust us, you won’t want to stick to just one!
La Digue is a must-visit—it’s practically a non-negotiable when coming to Seychelles.
We recommend at least 3 days in La Digue, but if you’re short on time, a day trip is doable, too. If that’s the case, head straight for Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most recognizable beaches in the world.
La Digue is easy to explore by foot or bike (no car rentals here), and we’ve shared our top 4 favorite beaches in La Digue in another article to help you make the most of your time.
Praslin is another popular island with tons to see, so plan for 2-3 days or consider a day trip if that’s all you have.
For those interested in a luxurious escape, Platte Island, owned by Waldorf Astoria, is an option—but a pricey one, with villas typically around $2500+ USD per night.
Woah. Budget travel where? Cue the Hilton credit card because that’s how we were able to curate a plan to stay there and not obliterate our budget.
We built up Hilton points by putting our regularly planned expenses on the card, earned the sign-up bonus, and used our points for our stay.
When you book 4 nights with points, you even get the 5th night free. This wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision; it took some intentional planning.
We’ve broken down all the steps on how we made this luxury stay budget-friendly in our Explore Seychelles Travel Guide.
Just keep in mind that using credit card points is only advised if you’re responsible with your credit. Going into debt to travel is never ever ever worth it.
RELATED ARTICLE: What to Do in Mahe, Seychelles
Step 4: Book Everything
Alright, so what does “everything” really mean? Your flights should be secured already, so let’s look at the rest.
First, accommodations! You already know how many days you’ll be on each island, so book your stays accordingly.
For reference, we paid $61 USD per night on Mahe, $76 USD per night on La Digue, and 130,000 points per night on Platte Island.
As you can see, the spending potential of each island varies, and can dictate the islands you decide to visit. Spoiler alert – you can’t go wrong with any of the islands, they’re all breathtaking.
Next, inter-island transportation. You’ll have options here. You can take a quick 20-minute flight, or opt for a ferry, which is usually more affordable.
For example, the ferry from Mahe to La Digue takes about 90 minutes and costs around $73 USD per person, one way.
Now, the 20-minute flight from Mahe to Platte Island was $700 USD per person—a stretch for budget travel, but since there’s no other way to get to Platte Island, and the rest of our time was spent in points, it ended up being worth it for us.
That’s for you to decide if it’s worth it for you.
Finally, book your transportation on each island. For Mahe and Praslin, we recommend renting a car.
We paid around $54 USD per day for our rental car, which gave us the freedom to explore easily.
In La Digue, you’ll get around by bike (no cars here!) You can either rent a bike in advance or pick one up when you arrive, as there are plenty available near the ferry terminal.
Some La Digue accommodations even offer bike rentals, so check with yours. For reference, we paid about $7 USD per person per day for bike rentals on La Digue.
Plus, communicating on the islands of the Seychelles is easy since English is wide-spoken as an official language alongside the Seychellois Creole, and French.
Step 5: Budget for While You’re There
Now that you’ve covered the big-ticket items, let’s plan for everyday expenses like food and activities.
Luckily, a lot of experiences are free—including most of the stunning beaches. But for other activities, there may be a cost.
For instance, clear kayaking in La Digue runs about $20 USD per person per hour.
When it comes to currency, many places accept credit cards, which makes it convenient for travelers.
However, be aware that some of the more local spots may only take cash, so it’s best to have small bills on hand in Seychellois rupees.
This way, you can easily pay for anything from street food to local souvenirs without any issues.
To help you finalize your budget, our Explore Seychelles Travel Guide has over 30 activities across the islands and 20+ dining spots to fit any budget. Plus even more tips on how to save money in the Seychelles.
Step 6: Pack Your Bags
I think you’re about ready now, so let’s get those bags packed!
Remember to add some essentials to your Seychelles packing list like: reef-safe sunscreen, comfortable water shoes, snorkel mask, LifeStraw filtered water bottle, and mosquito repellent.
Also, before you travel, you’ll need to complete a digital travel authorization within 30 days of your flight, which costs ~$10 USD per person.
It’s best to take care of it before you go because once you land, the price goes up to ~$80 USD per person.
FAQs
How much is a trip to Seychelles?: We spent $590 USD per person in 6 days in Mahe and La Digue.
Which Seychelles islands should I visit?: Mahe and La Digue are our top 2 recommendations. If you have more time, consider also visiting Praslin and/or Platte Island.
How many days are needed for Seychelles?: We recommend 12 days to explore 3 islands in the Seychelles.
Is 7 days enough for Seychelles?: Yes, 7 days can be enough if you plan your itinerary well, focusing on the highlights of 2 islands.
How safe is Seychelles for travelers?: Seychelles is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates, but always exercise common sense and stay aware of your surroundings.
What’s the best way to get around between islands?: The best way to get around is by ferry or small flights, depending on your destination and budget.
Are there affordable food options for vegetarians/vegans?: Yes, there are several local restaurants and takeaway spots that offer vegetarian and vegan options at reasonable prices.
What are entry requirements or visa rules for Seychelles?: There is no visa for US citizens to visit the Seychelles, but you do need a completed digital travel authorization, and a valid passport.
Explore Seychelles Travel Guide
The Seychelles may seem like a luxury-only destination, but with some planning, it’s possible to experience the islands on a budget.
Whether you’re there for a few days or a few weeks, your trip will be worth every effort to make it happen.
If you’re looking to save time and money on your Seychelles vacation, consider checking out our Explore Seychelles Travel Guide.
This 37-page digital guide is an instant download straight to your email and is packed with insider tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.
Happy travels!
Get exclusive access to the Explore Seychelles Travel Guide today!
