How Much Will a Trip to Seychelles Cost?
Seychelles comes to mind as one of the most developed countries in East Africa, making it perfect for your next travel destination. But the perfect travel destination isn't just based on how developed a country is. It also depends on many different factors like tourist spots, local culture, and, most importantly, the price. When you look at those perfect white-sand beaches, you might naturally ask: How Much Will a Trip to Seychelles Cost?
Planning a vacation here means balancing your dream of luxury with the practical reality of island prices. The cost changes based on whether you choose budget guesthouses or private villas.
In this guide, you’ll discover how much money to plan for your travel budget, including information on flights, accommodations, food, and activities. We break down the costs so you can plan your trip to Seychelles with confidence and unforgettable style.
TL;DR
The cost of a trip to Seychelles varies widely based on your style and choice of hotel. Excluding the flight, a 7-day trip for one person ranges from $1,150 for a budget traveler to over $7,750 for a luxury experience. The single biggest cost is the international flight, followed by the hotel. You have the most control over costs by choosing self-catering accommodations and eating at local spots.
The Total Cost: Breaking Down a 7-Day Trip
The total expenditure for a 7-day trip for one person (excluding the international flight) varies greatly based on your travel style, with options ranging from budget-friendly stays to ultra-luxury experiences.
Cost Breakdown by Category
Accommodation: This is a major factor. A budget traveler choosing guesthouses can expect to spend between $600 and $900. A mid-range traveler opting for a 4-star hotel will see costs rise to $1,500 to $2,500. For a luxury traveler staying in a 5-star resort, accommodation can cost $5,000 or more.
Local Transportation: A budget traveler relying on public transport or simple options can spend $100 to $200. mid-range travelers often budget for a rental car, estimating $300 to $500. luxury travelers typically use private transfers, costing $250 to $400.
Food & Drink: Dining at local spots, the budget traveler spends $350 to $550. mid-range travelers enjoying various restaurants should expect to spend $700 to $1,200. luxury travelers indulging in fine dining will allocate $1,500 to $3,000.
Activities: For simple activities like snorkeling and hiking, a budget traveler spends $100 to $250. mid-range travelers enjoying day trips and tours budget $400 to $800. luxury travelers engaging in exclusive activities, such as a private yacht charter, may spend $1,000 to $3,000.
Total Estimated Trip Cost
The estimated total cost for a 7-day trip, excluding international flights, ranges significantly. A budget traveler can expect a total between $1,150 and $1,900. The mid-range traveler will spend between $2,900 and $5,000. For a luxury traveler, the total cost starts at $7,750 and can exceed $11,400. For an amazing experience that feels truly special, experts recommend aiming for the mid-range budget, which allows for a comfortable hotel, exploration via a rental car, and engaging day trips.
Flights: The Cost of Getting to Mahé Island
The international plane ticket is the single biggest cost factor for your trip. Flight prices change based on where you start and the time of year you travel. Flights land at Mahé International Airport, which uses the airport code SEZ.
Flight Costs by Region
From Europe/UK: Flights typically range from $700 to $1,500 round-trip.
From North America: Flights are generally more expensive because of the longer travel distance and required connections. These flights often cost from $1,000 to $2,500+ roundtrip.
Smart Ways to Save on Airfare
You can reduce your airfare costs if you plan ahead.
Book in Advance: Buy your tickets well in advance, usually 3 to 6 months before your trip.
Travel During Low Season: Booking during the low season can also help reduce the cost. The low season runs from December to February and again from July to August.
Where You Stay: Accommodation Prices
Accommodation is the area where you have the most control over your budget. The islands offer three main types of places to stay, with prices varying based on the level of service and location, and the costs below are an average price per night for two people.
Style and Pricing
Budget/Guesthouses: These options typically cost between $80 and $130 per night. They include self-catering apartments and locally owned guesthouses. A key characteristic is that they are often located away from major beaches.
Mid-Range/Boutique: Priced from $220 to $350 per night, this category includes 3- to 4-star hotels and resorts that offer good amenities. These are often situated near popular beaches, such as Beau Vallon.
Luxury/Villas: These are the most expensive options, starting at $700 and reaching over $2,000 per night. This includes 5-star resorts and private villas, which often provide all-inclusive or half-board food packages.
Key Tip for Saving
For travelers focused on budget, a crucial tip for saving a large amount of money is to choose self-catering accommodations, such as apartments or guesthouses, which significantly reduces overall food costs.
Food and Dining Costs
Due to the country importing most of its food, dining out in the Seychelles is generally more expensive than in many other tourist destinations. Your daily food budget largely depends on your preference for self-catering versus fine dining. The following breakdown shows the estimated cost per person per day based on dining style:
Estimated Daily Food Costs
Budget ($50 - $80): This budget allows for local takeaways, purchasing food from markets, and cooking your own meals in your accommodation.
Mid-Range ($100 - $170): Travelers in this range can enjoy a mix of casual dining, mid-range restaurants, and happy hour drinks.
Luxury ($200 - $400+): This budget covers fine dining experiences, meals at hotel restaurants, and consumption of premium alcohol.
Pro Tip for Value
To get excellent value and experience authentic Seychellois cuisine, you should look for local Creole buffets.
Getting Around: Transportation Costs
Transportation money changes based on which islands you visit and whether you want freedom or convenience. The three main islands for visitors are Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue.
Island Travel Options
Public Bus: This is the most affordable way to travel on Mahé and Praslin. Each ride costs about $0.50. This is the best choice for budget travelers.
Rental Car: A rental car is strongly recommended on Mahé and Praslin for freedom to explore. Cars cost from $40 to $70 per day, plus fuel.
Inter-Island Ferry: Ferries are necessary for moving between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. A roundtrip ticket between Mahé and Praslin typically costs $100 to $150.
Bicycle (La Digue): La Digue has no cars and requires a bicycle rental. Bike rentals cost about $10 to $15 per day.
Activities and Excursions
Your activity money can stay small if you focus on public beaches, or it can become a large expense if you book private trips.
Cost Tiers for Fun
Free/Low Cost: You can enjoy hiking in Morne Seychellois National Park. Relaxing on public beaches like Anse Lazio is free. You can also do basic snorkeling right from the shore.
Mid-Range Tours: Organized boat tours to protected marine parks like Curieuse Island range from $120 to $200 per person. These trips often include lunch.
High-End Experiences: Private yacht charters, specialized diving trips, and deep-sea fishing can cost more than $500 per day.
Why Seychelles is Worth the Investment
Seychelles is an island paradise, and the cost of travel reflects its special status and remote location. The islands offer comfort, confidence, and unforgettable style. Knowing how much a trip to Seychelles costs can help you plan a journey that matches your style and priorities. Our team has explored over 150 countries, and we use that collective insight to find hidden corners and coveted reservations for you.
We custom-craft every journey to feel like it was designed just for you. With us, it’s always about how you will feel along the way. Every detail is perfect, allowing you to experience the world in comfort and confidence. Let us handle the planning so your trip to this East African gem is as seamless as it is unforgettable.