How Much Does Seychelles Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
The Seychelles is widely considered one of the most exclusive destinations in the world, with a daily budget floor higher than many other tropical islands. Travelers can expect daily costs to range from $158 / SCR 2,316 for budget-conscious solo trips to over $1,867 / SCR 27,371 for ultra-luxury experiences. While it is more expensive than the Maldives for entry-level accommodation, the availability of self-catering guesthouses and local takeaway culture allows for some flexibility. Costs are driven primarily by the high price of imported goods and the premium placed on private island seclusion. Most mid-range visitors should plan for approximately $395 / SCR 5,790 to $538 / SCR 7,895 per day to enjoy a mix of island hopping, comfortable dining, and organized tours.
Is Seychelles expensive to visit?
The Seychelles is an expensive luxury destination, where a realistic daily budget ranges from $158 / SCR 2,316 for budget travelers to $1,867 / SCR 27,371 for high-end luxury stays.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Seychelles
$158
per person /day
$538
per person /day
$1,867
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $474 | $1,616 | $5,600 |
| 5-Day Trip | $789 | $2,692 | $9,334 |
| 7-Day Trip | $1,105 | $3,769 | $13,067 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy, which costs up to $7.18 / SCR 105 per night, and the mandatory 25% combined VAT and service charge found at most sit-down restaurants.
How Does It Compare?
See how Seychelles stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Seychelles
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local Takeaway Meal The best value food option, usually fish curry and rice (~$8.62 / SCR 126). | $8.62 SCR 126 |
| Restaurant Meal (Mid-range) Cost per person is roughly $47 / SCR 684 (~$47 / SCR 684) excluding drinks. | $47 SCR 684 |
| Local Beer (SeyBrew 280ml) A smaller 280ml Seybrew at a supermarket is ~$3.23 / SCR 47. Expect to pay ~$8.55 / SCR 125 in bars. | $3.23 SCR 47 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Standard bus fare (Cashless) Payment must be made via a travel card (Visitor Travel Card) as the service is cashless. The fare is approximately $0.5 / SCR 7.38. | $0.5 SCR 7.38 |
| Inter-island Ferry (Mahe to Praslin) Standard adult economy ticket for the 1-hour crossing (~$79 / SCR 1,158). Port taxes may be extra. | $79 SCR 1,158 |
| Airport Taxi to Beau Vallon Taxis are expensive; agree on the price before starting the journey (~$54 / SCR 789). | $54 SCR 789 |
| Car Rental (Daily Rate) Hiring a car (~$68 / SCR 1,000/day) is highly recommended on Mahé and Praslin. Drive on the left. | $68 SCR 1,000 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Guesthouse (Self-Catering) Self-catering is the most cost-effective way to stay in Seychelles, costing roughly $118 / SCR 1,734 per night. | $118 SCR 1,737 |
| Mid-Range Beach Resort Covers 3–4 star properties near popular beaches like Beau Vallon (~$388 / SCR 5,683 per night). | $388 SCR 5,685 |
| Luxury Private Island/Resort stay Ultra-luxury villas often exceed $1,328 / SCR 19,471 per night during peak season. | $1,328 SCR 19,475 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Vallée de Mai Entrance Fee (Non-Resident) UNESCO site fee. Residents pay a much lower rate (~$1.76 / SCR 26). International fee is ~$32 / SCR 474. | $32 SCR 474 |
| Curieuse Marine National Park Entrance (Non-Resident) Standard entry fee for international visitors (~$22 / SCR 316). Resident rate is only ~$1.76 / SCR 26. | $22 SCR 316 |
| L'Union Estate Entry (Anse Source d'Argent) Required to access Anse Source d'Argent beach (~$11 / SCR 158). Ticket is valid for one day. | $11 SCR 158 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local Tourist SIM (Airtel) Provides reliable 4G coverage across the main islands (~$36 / SCR 525). | $36 SCR 525 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining is a major expense, with mid-range restaurant meals averaging $47 / SCR 684 per person before adding the standard 25% markup for VAT and service. To save, utilize local 'takeaways' like Jules Take Away, which offer Creole fish curry and rice for a much more manageable $8.62 / SCR 126. Alcohol is particularly pricey in establishments, where a local SeyBrew costs $8.55 / SCR 125 compared to just $3.23 / SCR 47 at a supermarket.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Jules Take Away
$5.39–$11 / SCR 79–SCR 158Victoria · Local chain
Arrive early at 12:00 for the best selection of fresh Creole curries for ~$5.86 / SCR 86.
Beau Vallon Night Market
$7.18–$18 / SCR 105–SCR 263Beau Vallon · Street market
Held on Wednesday evenings; try the locally made banana chips for ~$2.11 / SCR 31.
The Copper Pot
$6.46–$13 / SCR 95–SCR 190Beau Vallon · Local chain
Excellent Indian-Creole fusion; a large portion of biryani is ~$7.61 / SCR 112.
Victoria Market Stalls
$3.59–$8.62 / SCR 53–SCR 126Victoria · Street food area
Buy fresh tropical fruits here for snacks; a bunch of small bananas costs ~$1.41 / SCR 21.
Coco Rouge
$6.1–$11 / SCR 89–SCR 168Baie Sainte Anne, Praslin · Local chain
The bat curry (Civet de Chauve Souris) is a local specialty for ~$11 / SCR 168.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Taxis are prohibitively expensive for most, with a short trip from the airport to Beau Vallon costing roughly $54 / SCR 789, so renting a car at $68 / SCR 1,000 per day is the most efficient choice for Mahé and Praslin. The cheapest option is the public bus at only $0.5 / SCR 7.38 per ride, though visitors must purchase a Visitor Travel Card as the system is cashless. Inter-island travel relies on ferries, such as the Mahé to Praslin crossing which costs $79 / SCR 1,158.
Accommodation Overview
While luxury private island resorts often exceed $1,328 / SCR 19,475 per night, the 'sweet spot' for value is found in self-catering guesthouses which average $118 / SCR 1,737 per night. Mid-range beach resorts near Beau Vallon typically cost around $388 / SCR 5,685 and often include breakfast, providing a more traditional holiday experience without the extreme private island price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Seychelles
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at local takeaways like Jules Take Away in Victoria or Coco Rouge on Praslin for $8.62 / SCR 126 instead of sitting in restaurants.
- 2 Buy SeyBrew beer and other drinks at local supermarkets for $3.23 / SCR 47 rather than paying $8.55 / SCR 125 at hotel bars.
- 3 Use the public bus for $0.5 / SCR 7.38 per trip; ensure you buy a Visitor Travel Card at the airport or jetty since cash is not accepted.
- 4 Book self-catering accommodation at roughly $118 / SCR 1,737 per night to avoid high resort dining costs and prepare your own breakfasts.
- 5 Visit the Beau Vallon Night Market on Wednesday evenings for affordable local street food and souvenirs.
- 6 Rent a car for $68 / SCR 1,000 per day to explore Mahé rather than relying on multiple taxi transfers which can cost $54 / SCR 789 each.
- 7 Bring your own high-quality snorkeling gear from home to avoid daily rental fees at marine parks and resorts.
- 8 Fill up on large 5-liter water bottles from supermarkets instead of buying small bottles at beach bars.
- 9 Hike to beaches like Anse Coco on La Digue; it is free to access and often less crowded than paid locations.
- 10 Shop for fresh fruit and spices at the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market in Victoria for lower prices than hotel boutiques.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jul, Aug, Dec, Jan
+30-50%
Feb, Mar, Jun
-20-25%
Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Apr–May and Oct–Nov are 'shoulder' months with calm seas (great for diving) and temperatures around 28–30°C (82–86°F).
Events to Watch
- ● Christmas & New Year: +60% hotel prices
- ● Seychelles Ocean Festival (late Nov): +15% near Mahe
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Anse Lazio (Praslin) - Frequently ranked as one of the world's best beaches and completely free to enter.
- 2 Anse Intendance (Mahé) - A wild, stunning beach in the south perfect for sunset photography and walking.
- 3 Arul Mihu Navasakthi Vinayagar Temple (Victoria) - A colorful Hindu temple that is free to view and visit respectfully.
- 4 Mission Lodge Lookout (Mahé) - Offers panoramic views of the central highlands and coastline for $0.
- 5 Beau Vallon Beach (Mahé) - The most popular public beach with plenty of space for swimming and people-watching.
- 6 Anse Coco Hike (La Digue) - A scenic 30-minute hike from Grand Anse leading to a secluded, free-access beach.
- 7 Victoria Market (Victoria) - Entry to the Sir Selwyn Selwyn-Clarke Market is free for those who want to experience local life.
- 8 Port Launay Marine Park Beach (Mahé) - The beach area is free to the public and offers excellent snorkeling close to shore.
- 9 Morne Blanc Trail (Mahé) - A challenging but free uphill hike through ancient mist forests with a spectacular summit view.
- 10 Anse Georgette (Praslin) - Access is free, though travelers must call the Constance Lemuria resort in advance to walk through their grounds.
- 11 Sunset at Signal Hill (Mahé) - A popular local spot for a free evening hike with views over the capital city.
- 12 Grand Anse (La Digue) - A massive, picturesque beach that is entirely free and easily accessible by bicycle.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Full-Day Private Catamaran Island Hopping
Cruising between the granite islands with snorkeling at St. Pierre is a quintessentially Seychellois experience for ~$301 / SCR 4,413.
Helicopter Transfer (Mahe to La Digue)
Unbeatable aerial views of the reefs and islands; saves hours of travel for ~$1,041 / SCR 15,264.
Fine Dining at Marie Antoinette
Classic Creole set menu in a historic colonial house; the definitive Seychellois dining experience for ~$85 / SCR 1,253.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Seychelles
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Seychelles and what they cost
La Digue Island
$172 / SCR 2,527 by ferry
$11 / SCR 158
$251 / SCR 3,685
Praslin Island (Vallée de Mai)
$158 / SCR 2,316 by ferry
$32 / SCR 474
$230 / SCR 3,369
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
1 $ ≈ 15 SCR
Yes
Widely accepted in hotels and restaurants; cash needed for takeaways, local markets, and bus cards.
10% service charge is usually included in bills. Additional tipping of ~$2.34–$5.86 / SCR 34–SCR 86 for excellent service is appreciated but not expected.
ATMs are readily available in Victoria, Beau Vallon, and Praslin. Use MCB or Absa ATMs to avoid extra bank-specific surcharges (~$3.51–$5.86 / SCR 52–SCR 86).
Connectivity
eSIM: $14–$29 for 5GB-10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $36 / SCR 525 for 10GB (Airtel Tourist Pack)
WiFi: Limited outside hotels; some cafés in Victoria and Beau Vallon offer it.
Buy a local Airtel Tourist SIM ($36 / SCR 525) at the airport for the best value and coverage.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Seychelles.
Updated: February 16, 2026
Ready to Visit Seychelles?
Book your flights, accommodation, and activities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Seychelles expensive to visit?
How much does Seychelles cost per day?
How much does a trip to Seychelles cost?
What is the cheapest month to visit Seychelles?
What are the hidden costs in Seychelles?
How can I save money in Seychelles?
More Seychelles Guides
Weather
Historical climate averages to help you pick the best time to visit
Best Time to Visit
Coming soon
Things to Do
Coming soon
Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
Itineraries
Coming soon
Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown