Travel to Seychelles on a Budget

Travel to Seychelles on a Budget

Seychelles is known for its luxury tourism, with resorts costing thousands of dollars a night for posh villas. What about those of us on a budget? We want to see some of the world’s best beaches too.

While there is no way around certain costs in Seychelles, and there is no chance of free camping in Seychelles, you can still travel to Seychelles on a budget. Accommodation is the largest cost followed by food, but you can find a good budget guesthouse that is self-catering with a kitchen so you can cook your own meals.

Just because Seychelles sounds like an expensive holiday, doesn’t mean backpackers and budget travelers can’t make it work. Read on to learn how we spent only $400 USD in six days in Seychelles.

Seychelles on a Budget: Overview
Seychelles from Above

Content and photographs provided by Yana Kogan and Timon.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).


Pick the Island For You

Trip to Seychelles: Having Fun
Having Fun in Seychelles

International flights arrive in Mahe, the main island of Seychelles. Mahe is the largest island in Seychelles with the most accommodation and supermarkets as well as the Victoria market available to buy whatever you need. The bus system is good in Mahe, so you can get around the island very cheaply.

If you are staying longer than five or six days, consider going to La Digue. It’s a cheaper island for a budget accommodation and generally costs less than Mahe. The added cost of the ferry will be offset by the cheaper rooms.

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Budget Accommodation

Backpacking Seychelles Beach
Beaches Are Always a Free Activity in Seychelles

No matter what you read, there are some budget accommodations in Seychelles. While budget rooms could mean something different in nearly all countries, budget rooms in Seychelles start at $35 for one person.

You can get a budget self-catered apartment for two starting at $50 in Mahe. La Digue and Praslin both have guesthouses where a self-catered room is $40 a night for two and typically includes breakfast.

Nearly all budget options are self-catered, which is a huge factor in reducing costs. Check between different sources for the best rate between Airbnb, Agoda, and Booking.


Where to Stay on a Budget in Seychelles

Seychelles Cheap Accommodation: Beach Stay

The best place to stay is around Beau Vallon. There are lots of fun things to do, there’s a wonderful beach, several budget room options, ATMs, and supermarkets.

On La Digue island, there are several guesthouses and self-catered apartments for under $45 per night.

Here are three budget options to stay in Mahe, Seychelles on a budget:


Eating on a Budget in Seychelles

Trip to Seychelles: Beach
Seychelles

Restaurants can easily make Seychelles an expensive getaway. But luckily, almost all budget rooms have self-catered kitchens. You will likely have to cook your own food if you want to stick to a strict budget.

Supermarkets and the Victoria market are not very cheap, so be selective about what you buy. If you like to eat fish, you can buy them fresh starting from five rupees per fish. Eggs, canned food, bread, and cheese are very affordable. Meats, snacks, and produce can get expensive.

You also can get inexpensive street food, including curries, fish, and hamburgers.

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Mahe Public Bus System

Seychelles on a Budget

Car rentals in Seychelles will add a big cost to your trip. If you are staying near Victoria or Beau Vallon, you don’t need a car as the public bus system is only five rupees fare for all buses. Buses run often for popular routes and all buses lead to Victoria.

You can also take a bus from the airport  (a two-minute walk) and save on the $45 taxi. Check out Seychelles Public Transport for the bus schedule and routes.


Budget Car Rental in Seychelles

We rented a car for one day to do all the activities further from where we stayed. There are many car rental companies in Seychelles, including several older cars which are rented out privately by owners. If you do not need a car during your entire stay, you can find cheaper prices if you wait to rent something. Many cars advertise and have contact numbers on the side of the vehicle.

The bigger rental car agencies only rent cars less than three years old, so find one who will rent an older car and ask for a discount. Rent from Sylvest Car Hire in Beau Vallon (Sylvestcarhire@Gmail.Com, +248 251 7751) or from Classic Car Hire Seychelles at the Airport.

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That’s It – we hope you have a wonderful vacation in Seychelles!


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About the Author:

  • Yana and Timon

    Yana & Timon met at college in Boston, Massachusetts. After graduating, they started their professional careers. They moved to San Francisco in 2010, a city they loved living in for nearly six years.

    After working and saving up money for several years, they quit their jobs and set off on an adventure of a lifetime. They started living a nomadic lifestyle in December 2015 and have not looked back since.

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