Seychelles Trip Cost: Detailed Budget Breakdown 2026

You are likely looking at photos of granite boulders and turquoise waters, wondering if your bank account can handle a trip to Seychelles. It is a valid question. The archipelago has a reputation for being an exclusive playground for the super-rich, but the reality is quite different. You can certainly spend a fortune here, but you can also explore these islands on a surprisingly reasonable budget if you know how the local economy works.

We are breaking down the real costs of a Seychelles vacation for 2026. From the price of a flight to the cost of a local Creole curry, here is exactly what you need to budget.

Estimated Daily Budget Per Person

You can use this table to get an immediate idea of daily spending, excluding international flights. These figures cover accommodation, food, and local transport.

Is Seychelles Expensive? The Honest Truth

You will find that Seychelles is generally more expensive than Southeast Asia or even nearby Mauritius. Almost everything is imported, which drives up prices in supermarkets and restaurants. However, the biggest misconception is that you must stay in a luxury resort to enjoy the islands. This is simply not true.

The most critical update you need to be aware of for 2026 is the Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy. This is a mandatory fee charged per person, per night, collected directly by your hotel. It is not included in your prepaid booking.

• Small accommodations (1-24 rooms): 25 SCR per person/night
• Medium accommodations (25-50 rooms): 75 SCR per person/night
• Large accommodations (51+ rooms): 100 SCR per person/night

You must factor this into your accommodation budget as it applies to everyone, including children over 12.

Flight Costs and When to Book

Getting to the middle of the Indian Ocean is often the single most expensive part of the trip. Major hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Istanbul connect the world to Mahé.

If you are flying from Europe, you are looking at prices starting around €700 for a return ticket in economy. Travelers flying from the US have a longer journey, with prices typically starting from $1,100.

Pro Tip: You should aim to book your flights at least 3 to 4 months in advance. Prices soar during peak seasons like Easter, July, August, and late December.

Accommodation Costs: Guesthouses vs. Resorts

Your choice of bed dictates your entire budget. Seychelles offers a unique category called Self-Catering Guesthouses. These are fully equipped apartments or villas where you can cook your own meals. They are clean, comfortable, and often run by friendly locals.

• Self-Catering / Guesthouse: You can find excellent options for €70 - €100 per night. This is the sweet spot for smart travelers.

Staying in self-catering guesthouses is the smartest way to balance comfort and cost.

• Mid-Range Hotels: Expect to pay between €150 - €250 per night for hotels with more amenities like a pool and breakfast.
• Luxury Resorts: If you want the full "White Lotus" experience with private buggies and infinity pools, prices start at €450 and can go up to thousands.

Food and Drink: The Takeaway Culture

Dining out in sit-down restaurants is expensive. A main course of fish or steak can easily cost 400 SCR (€27). If you eat every meal at a hotel restaurant, your budget will explode.

The Solution: You should eat like a local. Seychelles has an incredible Creole Takeaway culture. These are small roadside stands or counters selling freshly cooked curry, grilled fish, rice, and lentils packed in boxes.

• Takeaway Box: A hearty meal costs just 70 - 100 SCR (€5 - €7). It is delicious, authentic, and cheap.

The local takeaway box is a culinary staple that offers authentic flavors at a fraction of restaurant prices.

• Local Beer (SeyBrew): You will pay around 35 SCR in a shop or 100 SCR in a restaurant.
• Bottled Water: Tap water is treated but most tourists prefer bottled water, which costs about 25 SCR for a 5L bottle at a supermarket.

Transportation Costs: Navigating the Islands

You have three main islands to consider: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Getting between them and around them involves different costs.

Inter-Island Ferries

Moving from Mahé to Praslin requires a ferry (Cat Cocos) or a flight. The ferry is the most common choice.

• Mahé to Praslin Ferry: Approximately €60 one way.
• Praslin to La Digue Ferry: A short 15-minute hop costing around €15.

Fast ferries are the primary and most scenic mode of transport between the main islands.

Getting Around on Land

• Car Rental: On Mahé and Praslin, renting a car is highly recommended for freedom. Small cars cost around €45 - €55 per day.
• Public Bus: The blue Tata buses are iconic. A trip costs only 12 SCR. It is incredibly cheap, but note that suitcases are not allowed on buses. You can only use them for day trips with a backpack, not for airport transfers.
• Bicycle Rental: On La Digue, bikes are the main transport. Daily rental is about 150 SCR (€10).

Attractions and Activity Fees 2026

Nature is free, but organized nature reserves are not. You should budget for these specific entry fees as they are the highlights of any trip.

• Vallée de Mai (Praslin): Home to the Coco de Mer. Entry is 450 SCR.
• Fond Ferdinand (Praslin): A fantastic, budget-friendly alternative to Vallée de Mai. Entry is 150 SCR.
• L'Union Estate (La Digue): You must pay this fee to access the famous Anse Source d'Argent beach. The cost is 150 SCR.
• Snorkeling: It is free if you bring your own gear. Guided boat tours start from €50.

Total Estimated Trip Cost Scenarios

Here is what a complete trip looks like for one person, excluding international flights, based on double occupancy.

7 Days (Budget Conscious): You stay in self-catering guesthouses, use the bus often, eat takeaways, and limit paid excursions.

• Total: €900

7 Days (Mid-Range Comfort): You rent a car for a few days, mix restaurants with takeaways, and stay in nice B&Bs.

• Total: €1,600

10 Days (The Sweet Spot): This allows you to visit Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue comfortably without rushing.

• Total Mid-Range: €2,200

5 Money-Saving Tips for Smart Travelers

1. Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear: Renting gear adds up. You save money and ensure hygiene by packing your own mask and fins.

2. Cook Breakfast: If you stay in self-catering, buy eggs, bread, and fruit from the local STC Supermarket. Eating breakfast on your balcony is a joy and saves you €15 daily.

Preparing your own breakfast with local fruits is a simple hack to save money for other adventures.

3. Use the Bus for Beaches: Once you are settled in your hotel, use the bus to hop between beaches on Mahé. It is an adventure and costs pennies.

4. Skip the Viewpoints with Fees: Some "sunset bars" charge entry. You can watch the same sunset from the public beach right next door for free.

5. Carry Local Currency (Rupees): While Euros and Dollars are accepted, you often get a poor exchange rate. You should withdraw Seychellois Rupees (SCR) from ATMs for day-to-day spending like takeaways and shops.