Seychelles is one of my favorite trips till now because not only it was gorgeous but there was so much to do here as well. And while a lot of people say it is expensive, it doesn’t always have to be for you. There are a lot of ways to reduce your costs if you know how to plan your trip well.
In fact, some tips can even help you to do Seychelles on a budget.
For more information on how to plan a solo or backpacking trip to Seychelles, read our Seychelles Travel Guide.
Things to Do in Seychelles on a Budget
Honestly, Seychelles doesn’t have to leave you bankrupt. There are a lot of things to do in Seychelles which don’t cost a penny and still offer you a great experience.
So, if you are looking to enjoy life at one of the most gorgeous islands, then here are a few top things to do in Seychelles on a budget.
Explore the Islands on a Bus or by Walking
One of the best things to do in Seychelles on a budget is obviously to explore the entire islands. Now, you might think this can be expensive as cabs and self-drive rentals kinda charge a lot. However, there is another way to go around the islands without spending a fortune.
Make use of the public bus services in Seychelles and you will spend 1/10th of the amount you would spend by using a cab or a rental. In Mahe, you can simply get the bus ticket for the last stop and enjoy the entire journey. You can repeat this for several routes and you would have covered the entire island without spending a fortune.
The same can be done for Praslin island as well. Apart from the buses, you can also walk around. While it will be difficult for Mahe or Praslin, walking is actually possible on La Digue which is just 5 km in length and 3.3 km in width. So, if you love to walk and want to enjoy the ocean views completely then do walk around on the La Digue island. It’s completely free!
Go for Island Hopping
Okay, I’ll agree this might not be the most inexpensive activity in Seychelles. But c’mon, if you make a trip here then you have to check out a couple of islands. Well, lucky for you, there are many day trips from Mahe Island to nearby islands which cost around 20-40 Euros so you don’t end up spending a lot.
If you want to cover Praslin or La Digue though, you will have to be ready to shell a few extra bucks. But honestly, it would be worth it. Make sure that you definitely spend at least a day at La Digue if you want to experience the true Seychelles.
Trust me, you won’t regret spending money once you stay on this island. In fact, you will have several beautiful memories to accompany you.
Also Read: Mauritius Travel Guide: 25 Days in 15K INR
Enjoy Snorkeling or Swimming in the Crystal Clear Water
Known for its azure-colored sparkling clean water, Seychelles is a paradise for water lovers. So, one of the top things to do in Seychelles is to swim or snorkel in the crystal clear water. And if you have your own snorkeling/scuba diving gear then you can head to one of the spots here. You don’t need to pay anything extra to observe the fascinating underwater life here.
Also, if you don’t know how to snorkel or scuba dive then a simple swim can be quite pleasant here as well. The water is indeed crystal clear and will allow you to look at the fishes and corals without going inside too deep.
For people who don’t know how to dive or snorkel, there are a few Scuba Diving centers here as well. So, you can go underwater or take a full-blown course to learn scuba diving. Usually, snorkeling will cost about 20-25 Euros here and Scuba Diving will cost 80-100 Euros. But the price varies a lot and mostly depends on the Scuba Diving center.
Enjoy the Local Creole Cuisine
You absolutely have to try the local creole cuisine here which comprises of a curry made with local herbs and rice. It is similar to Indian rice dish and is quite as spicy as well but it is quite delicious. You get both vegetarian and non-vegetarian option here and the food costs around 30 – 50 Seychellois Rupees which is decent enough.
In the non-vegetarian, you get many options like octopus curry, chicken curry, mutton curry, and so on. And since seafood is quite famous in Seychelles, octopus curry is a must try when visiting Seychelles.
Play a Game at the Local Casino
One of the most exciting things to do in Seychelles when on a budget trip is to experience its casino. You might think this is a sure shot way of losing money and wasting it but hear me out. I am not asking you to use thousands of dollars or euros here.
Just try with 50 Seychellois Rupees and have some fun. You actually might end up winning and make more money to spend on your trip. And if not, well, you aren’t really behind by 50 Seychellois Rupees, right?
The best part is that it is a free entry here and you can buy tokens for 50 – 100 Seychellois Rupees as well. Plus, you have a plethora of games to choose from.
And while I don’t encourage you to gamble all your money away, taking a few lucky shots could actually turn out to be a lot of fun.
Spend a Night at the Beach Under the Moon
One of my favorite things to do in Seychelles was to simply spend some time on the beach. That feeling of being surrounded by the trees and water with no one around you is absolute bliss. And it becomes even more magical when you are lying down on the beach while watching the moon above. The moonlight lights up the sky and the ocean and it is one of the most beautiful sights ever.
So, make sure you spend some time at the beach during nighttime and listen to the soothing waves sound as they crash against the shore. This activity is completely free and you will have a hell of a memory to take back with you.
However, be careful of the crabs which will start scrambling around you when it gets dark.
Watch Gorgeous Sunsets From the Beaches
I am not kidding or exaggerating when I say that Seychelles offers the most beautiful sunsets to the tourists. This is why one of the most popular things to do in Seychelles is to watch a sunset. All you have to do is head to a beach which will give you a clear view of the sunset and just let the magic unfold. No need to pay anything or expend too much energy, just walk to a nearby beach and enjoy yourself.
Trust me, there is nothing as exhilarating as watching the sky turn a different shade of color in just a few seconds while you are on one of the most beautiful beaches ever.
Try the Local Takamaka Rum
One of the best things to do in Seychelles is to try the local rum here which will cost you about 180 Seychellois Rupees for a bottle. Yes, you heard me right! 180 for the entire bottle which can easily make 12 pegs for you.
So, if you love trying new things and don’t mind occasional alcohol drinks then do try the local rum here. There are two flavors available: Coconut and Chocolate which you would get from any local grocery shop. So, you can get a bottle, head to the nearest beach and enjoy a late night party here.
Also Read: Seychelles Travel Guide: Essential Tips for Exploring this Island Nation
Relax and Sunbathe on the Beautiful Beaches
Yes, one of the best things to do in Seychelles without spending a penny is to lay down on the gorgeous beaches and sunbathe for a while. And if you don’t enjoy a nice tan in Seychelles, have you even been to Seychelles?
Just get your towel, some sunscreen lotion and get ready to be tanned on a beautiful beach with a beautiful view. And since there is no scarcity of beaches here, you will easily find a clean and quiet beach to enjoy and laze around for the day.
All free of cost of course!
Cycle Around the Island at Night
One of the best things that I did while staying on La Digue is to cycle around the island at night. After just 10 p.m., the roads were all empty and the entire place was quiet. Everyone was safely enjoying their hotels or apartments and there wasn’t a single soul to be seen on the streets.
And I cycled beside the beaches and watched the moon’s reflection on the ocean during this quiet, dark night. Honestly, I was a little scared first but once I started cycling, it felt so exhilarating. To hear the sounds of the waves and feel the crisp, night air as I cycle my way through the entire island. It was honestly one of the most peaceful and amazing feeling ever.
Make New Friends and Party With Them
As we all know that making friends doesn’t cost you anything so Seychelles is a good place to do that. Now, a lot of you might think that only couples or families visit Seychelles but that is actually untrue. I met so many solo travelers here and we all had a blast here. In fact, we had a small party at La Digue at night and it turned out to be one of the most memorable moments of this trip.
So, don’t be scared to make friends. The locals and the tourists, both will surprise you. And they will show you a side of Seychelles that you never dreamt of.
Go For a Hike on the Numerous Trails
For adventure enthusiasts, there are several hiking trails here as well which are free and exciting. And the views from these trails is literally to-die-for. There are several hiking trails on Mahe and a couple of them on Praslin and La Digue as well. So, make sure that you do go for the Morne Blanc Trail on Mahe and N’id Aigle trail on La Digue.
There are a few hiking trails which take you to offbeat and empty beaches as well. And they are so secluded that you can easily lay down for the rest of the day here and enjoy some quietude. So, don’t forget to pack your hiking boots when packing for Seychelles and get your adventure mode one.
Take Photographs at the Beautiful Locations
One of the top things to do in Seychelles without spending a penny is to take photographs of the beautiful landscape here. Lots of it. In fact, if you open your Instagram account and search for Seychelles, you will be bombarded with the most magical photographs ever.
And these photographs are not a lie, such exotic locations do exist here. All you have to do is be determined enough to find them and take that perfect shot. So, make sure you get your camera here and be ready to take the most amazing shots ever.
Learn About the National Fruit – Coco De Mer
One of the most unique things to do in Seychelles is to learn about the national fruit here. Coco De Mer is a species of palm tree which is native to the Seychelles archipelago. It is endemic to islands of Praslin and Curieuse mainly where you can learn about the process of seeding and germination.
This special fruit has two forms which are displayed in the shape of male and female genitalia. Coco De Mer plants take 25-50 years to mature after which they start producing seeds. It takes about 2 years for the seeds to germinate and then another 6-10 years for the fruit to ripen.
The seeds from the male palm tree are used to germinate the female fruit and if this is missed, the female fruit withers and dies slowly. Fascinating, right?
Well, you can learn more about this fruit and the process by taking a tour of the Fond de Ferdinand in Praslin One thing to note is that this endangered coconut species is illegal for consumption or export. So, don’t make the mistake of trying to sneak one out of the country.
Enjoy the Nightlife in Seychelles
Do you love to party?
If yes, then make sure that you don’t miss out on the nightlife in Seychelles. There aren’t a lot of clubs or bars here but there are a couple of places where you can dance and enjoy yourself during the weekend. There is the Galle Face area in Mahe where there is a drive-in with a huge display which plays songs.
Here, you will see a lot of locals in their car, enjoying and catching up with their friends or family. You also have a couple of open bars and 1 proper night club in Seychelles where you can party all night long!
Enjoy Bird Watching in Seychelles
Did you know there are over 200 bird species found in Seychelles?
Incredible, right? Well, Seychelles does have unique flora and fauna which attracts thousands of tourists every year. There are several exotic birds and insects found here like the Seychelles Flycatcher, Blue Pigeon, Magpie Robin, etc.
And with over 200 bird species, this place is great for bird watchers as well. All you have to do is get a pair of binoculars and set out on a walk. In La Digue, Veuve Reserve is actually a good place to find the endemic Seychelles Flycatcher bird. And the entry is free to this reserve so you can just come for a walk in the morning and discover so many beautiful birds here.
Drive to the Mesmerising Viewpoints Here
Seychelles offers one of the most amazing viewpoints to the travelers here. So, make sure that you make the most of it. If you have a rental, then you can simply drive to these points and enjoy the view from here.
La Misere Viewpoint on Mahe Island definitely offers an amazing view of the Eden island during the daytime. And you can also head out here at night to enjoy a peaceful and quiet view of the entire Mahe island.
Apart from that, Mission Lodge Viewpoint, Morne Blanc Viewpoint, Fond Ferdinand Viewpoint, N’id Aigle, etc. are just a few other viewpoints that you should definitely not miss out on.
Also Read: 34 Amazing Places to Visit in Seychelles
Spend Time with the Aldabra Giant Tortoises in Seychelles
One of the most unique things to do in Seychelles is to spend some time with the famous Aldabra Giant Tortoises here. Native to the Seychelles archipelago, these giant tortoises are easily found in La Digue and Curieuse island. But if you don’t want to head so far away then there are small farms on Mahe and Praslin as well.
But, in La Digue, the L’union Estate has a proper, big Tortoise farm where you can even feed these tortoises. And there is a nursery here too where you can watch these small tortoise babies which are just adorable. Although just pay attention to the roads in La Digue because every now and then, you will come across a free Tortoise roaming around here.
Summary
Well, now you know that you don’t need to have a lot of money to actually plan a trip to Seychelles. Just plan well and stick to the budget-friendly activities and you are golden. And don’t forget to have an amazing time in this paradise in the Indian Ocean!
