Seychelles is often seen as an exclusive destination for luxury travellers, but with some planning, it’s possible to explore this island paradise without breaking the bank. Follow these tips and tricks to tick the Seychelles off your travel bucket list.
Timing your trip can make a significant difference to the overall cost. The peak tourist season in Seychelles runs from December to February and again from June to August.
To save money, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons — April, May, October, or November. During these months, flights and accommodation are generally cheaper, and the islands are less crowded.
Securing affordable flights to Seychelles is possible with some flexibility and early planning. Use flight comparison websites like Sure Connect to track prices and set up alerts for deals. Flying mid-week or taking connecting flights instead of direct ones can also reduce costs.
Lastly, travelling on a package that includes return flights reduces the cost significantly, like these seven-night fly-in packages for Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, Coral Strand resort, Kempinski Seychelles Resort and Story Seychelles Resort.
Ask your trusted travel agent about travel suppliers that specialise in travel to the Seychelles, like our Seychelles travel partner World Leisure Holidays. These specialist travel suppliers have partnerships with hotels and resorts in the Seychelles, as well as with airlines. This allows them to create travel packages that are far more affordable than if you had to book direct.
For example, World Leisure Holidays is currently offering these incredible deals for the Seychelles: 7 nights at the Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino from R24,200 pps, 7 nights at the Coral Strand resort from R28,600 pps, 7 nights at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort from R35,500 pps and 7 nights at the Story Seychelles Resort from R38,600 pps.
While most hotel and resorts include breakfast, only fully all-inclusive packages will include lunch and dinner. And eating out in Seychelles can be expensive, especially at high-end restaurants.
To save money, eat where the locals do. Look for small eateries known as "takeaways" that serve delicious and affordable Creole cuisine. These meals are typically priced at a fraction of what you'd pay in touristy areas. Additionally, consider buying fresh produce from local markets and cooking your own meals if you’re staying in self-catering accommodations.
Getting around Seychelles doesn’t have to be costly. On the main island of Mahé, buses are the most affordable mode of transport. They are frequent, reliable, cover most of the island’s attractions, and a great way to meet locals. While taxis are available, they can be quite expensive, so it's best to use them sparingly or opt for a rental car if you plan to explore at your own pace.
For island hopping, ferries are the most budget-friendly option. Seychelles has an efficient ferry network connecting the main islands of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Book your ferry tickets in advance to secure the best prices.
Seychelles is renowned for its natural beauty, and many of its most stunning attractions are free to enjoy. Beaches like Anse Lazio on Praslin or Anse Source d'Argent on La Digue are consistently ranked among the best in the world and won’t cost you a dime to visit. So spend your days lounging on the pristine beaches and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters.
If you're into hiking, there’s no shortage of lush nature reserves. The Copolia Trail and the Anse Major Trail, both on Mahé, offer breathtaking views and cost nothing more than your energy.
Lastly, save money by booking a hotel package that includes land and sea activities, like these seven-night fly-in packages for Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino, Coral Strand resort, Kempinski Seychelles Resort and Story Seychelles Resort.
If you want to bring back a piece of Seychelles without overspending, shop smart. Avoid touristy shops and instead visit local markets where you can find authentic, handmade crafts, spices, and other souvenirs at more reasonable prices.
Remember to haggle politely—it's a common practice and can help you get the best deals.
While it might seem like an additional expense, travel insurance can actually save you money in the long run.
It covers unexpected costs such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage, which could otherwise blow your budget.
Exploring Seychelles on a budget is entirely doable with a bit of planning and smart choices, like choosing from one of these incredible deals:
7 Nights at the Berjaya Beau Vallon Bay Resort & Casino from R24,200 pps. Package includes return direct flights from Johannesburg, airport/hotel transfers, 7 nights accommodation in a Standard room, breakfast daily, all land and non motorised water sports, daily entertainment and approximate taxes and levies. Full package details here.
7 Nights at the 3-start Coral Strand resort from R28,600 pps. Package includes return direct flights from Johannesburg, airport/hotel transfers, 7 nights accommodation in a Coral Strand room, breakfast daily, all land and non motorised water sports, daily entertainment and approximate taxes and levies. Full package details here.
7 Nights at the Kempinski Seychelles Resort from R35,500 pps. Package includes return direct flights from Johannesburg, airport/hotel transfers, 7 nights accommodation in a Hill View room, breakfast daily, all land and non motorised water sports, daily entertainment and approximate taxes and levies. Full package details here.
7 Nights at the Story Seychelles Resort from R38,600 pps. Package includes return direct flights from Johannesburg, airport/hotel transfers, 7 nights accommodation in Junior Suite, breakfast daily, all land and non motorised water sports, daily entertainment and approximate taxes and levies. Full package details here.
