Explore Seychelles

Cost To Visit Seychelles: Complete 2026 Budget Guide

Q: What currency is used in Seychelles?

Seychelles uses the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). You’ll see most local prices listed in rupees, especially outside big resorts.

Q: How much cash should I bring to Seychelles?

Cash is useful for local takeaways, buses, small shops, tips, and any spot that’s card-unfriendly. A practical cash buffer is about 400–900 SCR (≈ $30–$70) per person per day. ATMs exist, especially on Mahé, but can be less convenient in smaller areas.

Q: What is the cheapest month to visit Seychelles?

May is often one of the better-value months for Seychelles because it can fall outside the highest-demand travel windows, which can mean better lodging deals and availability. Weather can still vary by island and week.

Q: What is the most expensive month to visit Seychelles?

December is often one of the most expensive months due to holiday demand. Resorts can sell out early and rates rise, and flights from the U.S. are often at their highest.

Q: How long can $2,000 last you in Seychelles on a budget?

On a budget, a typical daily range is about 1,250–2,300 SCR (≈ $93–$170) per person including lodging, meals, local transportation, and modest activities. At that pace, $2,000 may last roughly 12–21 days. Island-hopping, taxis, and paid boat tours can reduce the number of days.

Planning a trip to Seychelles? This guide breaks down how much you will need to budget for lodging, food, attractions, day trips, getting around, and more!

Seychelles is a dream beach trip, but costs can add up fast. Below, you will find a detailed cost breakdown for what you will need to budget for hotels, food, transportation, and top attractions—plus day trip costs and realistic daily and weekly spending.

Seychelles uses the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). Prices are shown in SCR and converted to $ (USD) for ease of use for our U.S. audience.

Is Seychelles Expensive to Visit?

Yes—Seychelles is typically pricey by African and Indian Ocean standards. Most travelers feel it in the two biggest categories: lodging and getting around. Limited supply, a tourism market tilted toward resorts, and the cost of importing a lot of everyday goods all push prices up.

If you’re comparing it to nearby islands like Mauritius or Zanzibar, Seychelles usually lands on the more expensive side—especially if you’re doing beachfront resorts and guided excursions.

What a “budget” looks like in Seychelles

Even when you’re keeping it simple, Seychelles often costs more per day than people expect for “islands in Africa.”

Many travel budget breakdowns put “budget” spending around the ~$100/day range per person (not counting international flights), with mid-range closer to a couple hundred per day.
Hotels can swing wildly by season and island—deals exist, but averages skew high because of resort inventory.

Why it gets expensive fast

Resorts and beachfront hotels dominate the market—so “normal” rooms can price like special-occasion stays.
Groceries and many goods are imported—so food costs can surprise you even if you’re not eating fancy every night.
Transport isn’t always cheap—outside of walking/biking in smaller areas, you’re often relying on taxis, rentals, ferries, or paid transfers.

Can budget travelers still do Seychelles?

Yes—but you’ll want to build the trip around guesthouses and simple meals, not resorts.

You can find guesthouses and smaller stays on Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, and those are usually the best path to “budget travel in Seychelles.” Some booking platforms regularly show guesthouse-style options starting around the lower end of the market (depending on dates).

Keeping Seychelles within a reasonable budget

Stay in guesthouses or self-catering apartments and shop for breakfast/snacks.
Mix takeaway meals with a couple of nicer dinners instead of dining out for every meal.
Pick one or two paid tours—then spend the rest of your time on beaches, hikes, and viewpoints.

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Costly Times To Visit Seychelles

Christmas and New Year (Dec 20 – Jan 5)
Easter Holidays
European summer break (June – August)
These periods bring luxury travelers, causing flight and hotel rates to spike.

Less Expensive Months To Visit Seychelles

Late April – early June
September – early November
These are the best times for balance: ideal weather, fewer tourists, and more reasonable prices.

Vacation Cost For Seychelles

Here’s what you’ll typically spend per night and per day across budget levels.

Avg. Accommodation Cost

Peak

Budget Travelers: 1,300–2,600 SCR (≈ $95–$190) per night
Mid-Range Travelers: 2,600–5,200 SCR (≈ $190–$385) per night
Luxury Travelers: 6,500–18,000+ SCR (≈ $480–$1,335+) per night

Shoulder-Season

Budget Travelers: 1,100–2,200 SCR (≈ $80–$165)
Mid-Range Travelers: 2,200–4,600 SCR (≈ $165–$340)
Luxury Travelers: 5,800–15,000+ SCR (≈ $430–$1,110+)

Off-Season

Budget Travelers: 900–1,900 SCR (≈ $65–$140)
Mid-Range Travelers: 1,900–3,900 SCR (≈ $140–$290)
Luxury Travelers: 5,200–13,000+ SCR (≈ $385–$965+)

Food Cost

Budget Travelers

Breakfast: 80–170 SCR (≈ $6–$13)
Lunch: 130–260 SCR (≈ $10–$19)
Dinner: 200–400 SCR (≈ $15–$30)

Mid-Range Travelers

Breakfast: 170–260 SCR (≈ $13–$19)
Lunch: 260–450 SCR (≈ $19–$34)
Dinner: 500–1,000 SCR (≈ $37–$74)

Luxury Travelers

Breakfast: 260–450 SCR (≈ $19–$34)
Lunch: 500–1,000 SCR (≈ $37–$74)
Dinner: 1,200–2,600+ SCR (≈ $89–$190+)

💡Big money-saver: Hostels or guesthouses with kitchens + groceries/markets can cut food spend dramatically.

Transportation Cost

Getting around is one of the biggest budget differences in Seychelles. Public buses are cheap, but taxis and private transfers are pricey, and island-hopping adds a second transportation layer.

Seychelles Airport (SEZ) → Beau Vallon / Victoria / South Mahé

Bus: 10–20 SCR (≈ $1–$2)
Taxi: 450–1,100+ SCR (≈ $33–$82+) depending on distance and time
Private transfer: often 900–1,800+ SCR (≈ $65–$135+)

Local buses (Mahé + Praslin)

Typical ride: 10–20 SCR (≈ $1–$2)
This is the best-value way to get around if you’re fine planning around routes and stops.

Taxi

Short rides: 250–600 SCR (≈ $19–$45)
Longer rides: 600–1,400+ SCR (≈ $45–$104+)
If you rely on taxis all day, transportation becomes a major line item.

Car rental (Mahé/Praslin)

Off-Season: 650–1,050 SCR (≈ $48–$78) per day
Shoulder: 750–1,250 SCR (≈ $55–$93) per day
Peak: 900–1,500+ SCR (≈ $67–$111+) per day
Add fuel and occasional paid parking where applicable.

Ferries (Mahé ⇄ Praslin ⇄ La Digue)

Mahé ⇄ Praslin: often 1,000–1,500 SCR (≈ $74–$111) round trip
Praslin ⇄ La Digue: often 250–450 SCR (≈ $19–$34) round trip
Booking earlier can help for popular travel windows.

Domestic flights (Mahé ⇄ Praslin)

Often 1,800–3,300 SCR (≈ $135–$245) round trip depending on demand

Private driver (day hire)

2,500–5,500+ SCR (≈ $185–$410+) per day depending on hours/stops

Attractions

Anse Lazio / Anse Georgette viewpoints & beach time: Free
Victoria market + city stroll: Free (spend optional)
Vallée de Mai (Praslin): 350–450 SCR (≈ $26–$34)
Seychelles National Botanical Gardens (Mahé): 100–200 SCR (≈ $7–$15)
Snorkel trip / marine park boat day: 1,100–2,600 SCR (≈ $80–$190)
Sunset cruise: 1,700–3,900 SCR (≈ $125–$290)
Scuba dive (single dive): 1,200–2,200 SCR (≈ $89–$165)
Island-hopping day tour (Curieuse + St Pierre style): 1,800–3,900 SCR (≈ $135–$290)

Most Beautiful Beaches in Seychelles

Day Trips & Excursions

Day Trip and Attractions Costs

Day Trip	Transportation Cost (Round Trip)	Top Attraction	Attraction Cost
Praslin (from Mahé)	1,000–1,800 SCR (≈ $74–$135) ferry • 1,800–3,300 SCR (≈ $135–$245) flight	Vallée de Mai	350–450 SCR (≈ $26–$34)
La Digue (via Praslin)	1,250–2,300 SCR (≈ $93–$170) ferries combined	Anse Source d’Argent	150–250 SCR (≈ $11–$19)
Curieuse + St Pierre (boat tour)	1,800–3,900 SCR (≈ $135–$290) tour boat	Giant tortoises + snorkel stop	Often included (tips/fees vary)
Silhouette Island (day tour)	2,200–4,600 SCR (≈ $165–$340) boat/tour	Remote beaches + snorkeling	Often included
Mahé island loop (self-guided)	80–250 SCR (≈ $6–$19) bus • 650–1,500+ SCR (≈ $48–$111+) car rental day	Beau Vallon + viewpoints	Free
Moyenne Island (short boat trip)	700–1,600 SCR (≈ $52–$119) boat/tour	Easy hike + tortoise spotting	Often included

Daily Budget (Per Person)

Here’s a solid all-season daily budget per person—covering lodging, meals, local transport, and a modest amount for attractions—for budget, mid-range, and luxury travelers.

Budget Travelers

Season	Daily Total (Per Person)
Peak	1,650–2,900 SCR (≈ $122–$215)
Shoulder	1,450–2,600 SCR (≈ $107–$193)
Off-Season	1,250–2,300 SCR (≈ $93–$170)

Mid-Range Travelers

Season	Daily Total (Per Person)
Peak	3,300–6,200 SCR (≈ $245–$460)
Shoulder	2,900–5,600 SCR (≈ $215–$415)
Off-Season	2,600–5,000 SCR (≈ $193–$370)

Luxury Travelers

Season	Daily Total (Per Person)
Peak	8,500–16,500+ SCR (≈ $630–$1,220+)
Shoulder	7,600–15,000+ SCR (≈ $560–$1,110+)
Off-Season	6,800–13,500+ SCR (≈ $505–$1,000+)

Weekly Budget (Budget, Mid-Range, Luxury)

Budget Travelers

Season	Lodging (7 nights)	Food (7 days)	Transport	Attractions	Total
Peak	9,100–18,200 SCR (≈ $675–$1,350)	1,900–3,700 SCR (≈ $140–$275)	350–1,400 SCR (≈ $26–$104)	1,000–3,500 SCR (≈ $74–$260)	12,350–26,800 SCR (≈ $915–$1,985)
Shoulder	7,700–15,400 SCR (≈ $570–$1,140)	1,800–3,500 SCR (≈ $133–$260)	320–1,250 SCR (≈ $24–$93)	900–3,200 SCR (≈ $67–$237)	10,720–23,350 SCR (≈ $794–$1,730)
Off-Season	6,300–13,300 SCR (≈ $467–$985)	1,700–3,200 SCR (≈ $125–$237)	280–1,100 SCR (≈ $21–$82)	800–3,000 SCR (≈ $60–$222)	9,080–20,600 SCR (≈ $673–$1,526)

Mid-Range Travelers

Season	Lodging (7 nights)	Food (7 days)	Transport	Attractions	Total
Peak	18,200–36,400 SCR (≈ $1,350–$2,700)	3,700–7,700 SCR (≈ $275–$570)	700–2,600 SCR (≈ $52–$193)	2,200–6,500 SCR (≈ $165–$480)	24,800–53,200 SCR (≈ $1,842–$3,943)
Shoulder	15,400–32,200 SCR (≈ $1,140–$2,385)	3,500–7,000 SCR (≈ $260–$520)	650–2,400 SCR (≈ $48–$178)	2,000–6,000 SCR (≈ $148–$445)	21,550–47,600 SCR (≈ $1,596–$3,528)
Off-Season	13,300–27,300 SCR (≈ $985–$2,020)	3,200–6,300 SCR (≈ $237–$467)	600–2,200 SCR (≈ $45–$165)	1,800–5,500 SCR (≈ $133–$410)	18,900–41,300 SCR (≈ $1,400–$3,062)

Luxury Travelers

Season	Lodging (7 nights)	Food (7 days)	Transport	Attractions	Total
Peak	45,500–126,000+ SCR (≈ $3,365–$9,330+)	8,400–18,200+ SCR (≈ $620–$1,350+)	2,600–9,100+ SCR (≈ $193–$675+)	3,900–13,000+ SCR (≈ $290–$965+)	60,400–166,300+ SCR (≈ $4,468–$12,320+)
Shoulder	40,600–105,000+ SCR (≈ $3,000–$7,780+)	7,700–16,800+ SCR (≈ $570–$1,240+)	2,400–8,400+ SCR (≈ $178–$620+)	3,500–12,000+ SCR (≈ $260–$890+)	54,200–142,200+ SCR (≈ $4,008–$10,530+)
Off-Season	36,400–91,000+ SCR (≈ $2,700–$6,740+)	7,000–15,400+ SCR (≈ $520–$1,140+)	2,200–7,700+ SCR (≈ $165–$570+)	3,200–11,000+ SCR (≈ $237–$815+)	48,800–125,100+ SCR (≈ $3,622–$9,265+)

Flight Cost

Round-trip flights from the U.S. to Seychelles International Airport (SEZ):

Peak Season: $1,200–$1,700
Shoulder Season: $900–$1,300
Off-Season: $750–$1,100

What currency is used in Seychelles?

Seychelles uses the Seychellois Rupee (SCR). You’ll see most local prices listed in rupees, especially outside big resorts.

Do they accept US dollars in Seychelles?

Sometimes—mainly at resorts, tour desks, and some tourist-facing businesses. But for the best value, plan to pay in SCR. If a place takes $ USD, the exchange rate is often worse than paying in rupees.

Will US credit and debit cards work in Seychelles?

Yes—U.S. cards usually work at resorts, hotels, larger restaurants, and many tour operators. Smaller takeaways, beach vendors, and buses are often cash-based. If your card terminal offers USD conversion, choose to pay in SCR to avoid poor dynamic currency conversion rates.

How much cash should I bring to Seychelles?

Bring cash for local takeaways, buses, small shops, tips, and any spot that’s card-unfriendly.

Practical cash buffer: 400–900 SCR (≈ $30–$70) per person per day
If you’ll use taxis frequently or eat out for every meal, lean higher.

ATMs exist (especially on Mahé), but availability can be thinner outside main areas.

What is the cheapest month to visit Seychelles?

May is often one of the better-value months for Seychelles because it can sit outside the highest-demand travel windows.

Why it’s cheaper: more lodging availability and better deals than peak periods.
Tradeoff: weather is still great, but conditions can vary by island and week.

What is the most expensive month to visit Seychelles?

December is often one of the most expensive months due to holiday demand.

Resorts can sell out early and rates jump.
Flights from the U.S. are often at their highest for the year.

How long can $2,000 last you in Seychelles on a budget?

Seychelles is tough to do “ultra-cheap,” but $2,000 can still go a decent way if you use guesthouses, buses, and local takeaways.

Budget daily range (per person): about 1,250–2,300 SCR/day (≈ $93–$170/day)
Estimated duration: $2,000 may last roughly 12–21 days on a budget style.
Big swing factors: beachfront lodging, taxis vs buses, and how many paid boat tours you add.

If you’re island-hopping frequently (extra ferries/boats), plan for fewer days on the same budget.