Seychelles Island Hopping: A Deep Travel Guide on a Budget
There’s a part of the world that feels like pure paradise, where time slows and nature takes centre stage. Turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, jungles, and vibrant island culture. Welcome to the Seychelles, an Indian Ocean archipelago that Ilse Woorts explored island by island. In her article for One Planet Journey, she takes you deeper into the Seychelles: cycling the car-free lanes of La Digue, wandering local markets, tasting fresh Creole takeaways, and watching the tranquil sunset over Silhouette Island on Mahé. Drawing on her years of travel experience as formerly employed in the airline industry, Ilse shows how to discover the Seychelles authentically and on a budget, proving this dream destination is more within reach than you might think.
Seychelles Island Hopping: A Tropical Adventure
The Seychelles is one of those destinations you only dream about. Far out in the Indian Ocean, it’s easy to assume it’s a place reserved for honeymooners or the rich and famous. But nothing could be further from the truth. I spent two weeks hopping from island to island and quickly discovered that it’s not only doable, but you can also tailor the trip to your own budget. Sure, you could stay in a high-end resort, but there’s something magical about island hopping in the Seychelles, staying in guesthouses run by locals, and enjoying delicious home-cooked meals from a small takeaway. This is what deep travel is all about. Immersing yourself in the everyday rhythm of the islands.
I actually found the best of both worlds: boutique hotels with unique charm, combined with guesthouses run by local families.
Discover the Flavours and Cultures of the Seychelles
You can reach the Seychelles with a stopover in Dubai or Doha, followed by a roughly four-and-a-half-hour flight to Mahé, the main island. The Seychelles is a tropical archipelago in the Indian Ocean, northeast of Madagascar. Of the 115 islands, most remain uninhabited. It’s a veritable paradise. Picture powder-white beaches, turquoise waters, swaying palm trees, and dramatic granite boulders, all set against incredibly rich wildlife, both above and below the water. The major languages spoken are Creole, English, and French, with Creole most common in daily life.
Around 100,000 people live in the Seychelles, mostly on the main island of Mahé. The population is of Creole descent, a unique blend of African, European, and Asian influences.
You can see this cultural melting pot everywhere: in the colourful houses, the lively music, and especially in the cuisine. Expect a mix of French finesse, bold African spices, and delicate Asian flavours. Think curries, grilled fish, and dishes made with fresh coconut. Pure, and truly delicious.
Best time to visit: April to May and October to November, when the weather is warm, the skies are clear, and the crowds are smaller. It’s also a good time for budget travel in the Seychelles.
Travelling Between the Islands
Hopping between the islands in the Seychelles is simple and spectacular, whether by ferry or a short domestic flight. Every day reveals a new piece of paradise, letting you fully enjoy the tropical adventure.
I’ll take you to three very different islands, each with its own character and charm: Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Mahé buzzes with lively markets and jungle trails, Praslin boasts the famous Anse Lazio, and the car-free La Digue offers a relaxed vibe with granite rock beaches you won’t find anywhere else. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey, letting yourself absorb this paradise, and draw inspiration for your next destination!
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Seychelles Island Hopping Begins: Flight to Praslin
My adventure begins spectacularly. After arriving at Mahé Airport, the main island of the Seychelles, I head straight to the domestic terminal for a flight to Praslin. Waiting for me is a small propeller plane, with room for no more than 15 passengers. There’s no door between the cabin and cockpit, so it feels as if you’re flying alongside the pilot.
The view is breathtaking. Below, the island unfolds as if plucked from a dream, turquoise waters lapping against white sandy beaches, dotted with rich greenery. The flight lasts just 15 minutes, but the adrenaline rush makes it an unforgettable and spectacular start to my journey.
Exploring Praslin’s Wild Charm
After a drive along the coast and through small villages, I arrive at Garden Chalets, the boutique hotel on Praslin where I stay for the next three nights. Situated right on the beach, the hotel features garden chalets set within a tropical garden, decorated in a boho style with earthy tones. What truly adds to the tropical feeling are the giant tortoises, moving slowly and lazily, a sight you can enjoy on all the islands.
To make the most of Praslin, I recommend renting a car; arranging it through the hotel is simple. This gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace, stop at beaches along the way, and plan your day as you wish. The roads are generally easy to navigate, although some stretches are narrow and winding, so I recommend a slow pace.
Visit the Famous Anse Lazio Beach
Visiting Anse Lazio feels almost unreal: turquoise waters, soft golden sand, swaying palms, and striking granite formations combine to create a scene straight out of a movie. The wide beach is perfect for a refreshing swim in the gentle waves.
Just behind the beach is a small, family-run restaurant named Le Chevalier where you can enjoy delicious local dishes. Try the grilled fish or the fish curry; both are absolutely heavenly. The flavours are rich and authentic, and everything is fresh and perfectly prepared. Expect no luxury, just passionate family cooking with heart, perfect for budget travel in the Seychelles. After soaking up the sun at Anse Lazio, I headed inland to explore the island’s jungle heart, the Vallée de Mai.
Jungle Wonders of Vallée de Mai
Vallée de Mai, in the centre of the island, is a nature reserve that feels like an ancient jungle. Here they grow the Coco de Mer, the largest coconut in the world, whose unique shape makes it instantly striking. Between towering palms and the songs of tropical birds, the inhabited world seems far away. A magical, UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Whether you choose a guided tour or a more budget-friendly self-led walk, Vallée de Mai offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the oldest and best-preserved palm forests on Earth. There are several trails available, ranging from 1 to 3 hours.
It’s also worth mentioning that the food at the hotel is delicious, but another real treat is picking up takeaway from Holy Bites Halal, just a short distance from the hotel. They serve tasty local dishes, perfect to grab and go. You even get cutlery, so you can enjoy your meal on your veranda or outside the chalet. A relaxed and pleasant way to spend your evening on Praslin.
Next Seychelles Island: La Digue
Time for the second stop on my Seychelles island hopping: La Digue. I simply take the ferry, a mere 15 minutes, and the moment I step ashore, I feel the laid-back vibe. Everywhere, people ride around on bikes, dreadlocks blowing in the wind, with reggae music drifting through the air.
La Digue is car-free, and that’s exactly what makes this island so special. I stayed in a local guesthouse, tucked away in the greenery, complete with a veranda and a hammock. It’s far more authentic than any luxury resort. Upon arrival, the guesthouse host greets me with a chilled tropical fruit cocktail, a warm welcome that instantly sets the tone for island life.
Food is never far away: scattered across the island, you find small local eateries serving tasty Creole dishes. Simple, affordable, and exactly what I’m looking for on a budget travel adventure to the Seychelles. Here, they’re even more plentiful than on Praslin, making it easy to escape the crowds and dive into everyday island life. Bikes are widely available on La Digue, perfect for exploring the island at a relaxed pace and discovering its many hidden beaches, and soaking in the island’s stunning beauty.
Deep Travel on La Digue
In the morning, I set off early to visit the iconic Anse Source d’Argent. To reach the beach, you first pass through L’Union Estate Park, a former coconut and vanilla plantation that is now a heritage site. After paying a small entrance fee, you cycle through the park, past giant tortoises, coconut palms, and old plantation buildings, before reaching the beach itself. Visiting early in the morning usually means fewer people. You can fully soak in the beauty and serenity of this world-famous spot.
The last part is on foot, along sandy paths shaded by palm trees, until suddenly the view opens up: towering granite boulders, shallow turquoise water, and soft white sand. One of the most photographed beaches in the world, and when you see it, you immediately understand why.
I have to pinch myself. Am I really here? I realise how privileged I am to be standing here. It’s absolutely worth it.
At the edge of the beach, I spot a small stall selling fresh fruit. While I’m still savouring the feel of sand between my toes, a friendly local prepares a smoothie right there, cold, fresh, and bursting with flavour: papaya, pineapple, coconut… all sourced from the island itself. I take a sip and think: this is true bliss!
Exploring La Digue by Bike
Cycling around La Digue is the perfect budget travel manner to discover the island. Everyone bikes here, and the hills are manageable. As you pedal along, you get a glimpse of real island life: schoolchildren walking to class, cows grazing by the roadside. No rush, no crowds, just the calm rhythm of daily life.
The beaches on La Digue are breathtaking, each offering its own unique charm. Despite the island’s small size, the coastline comes in wonderful variation. Apart from the famous Anse Source d’Argent, beaches like Anse Severe, Grand Anse, and Anse Patates are also worth a visit and easily reachable by bike. Along the way, you might stop at a small local stall for a fresh fruit plate or take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters.
A snorkelling tour is an absolute must. Boats take you to prime snorkelling spots like Small Sister Island, Big Sister Island, and Felicité. Swimming among tropical fish and vibrant coral, with sea turtles gliding lazily around you, it’s a truly extraordinary experience that reminds you why the Seychelles are so special.
Sunset at Anse La Réunion
Finally, don’t miss the sunsets. At the end of the day, I cycled to Anse La Réunion, the perfect spot on La Digue to watch the sun sink into the sea. The sky transforms into shades of pink, orange, and gold, while the palm trees sway gently in the breeze. It’s so beautiful that it takes your breath away. An amazing ending to another day in paradise.
It’s time to say goodbye to La Digue. I take the ferry back to Mahé, a journey of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The crossing goes straight across the Indian Ocean and can be quite bumpy, so it’s wise to be prepared.
Last Days on Mahé
The final days of my Seychelles island hopping adventure arrived. I stayed on Mahé, the main island, where life already feels busier. After all, most of the population lives here. My boutique hotel is perfectly located for the sunset, with views over Silhouette Island, the almost untouched island just off the coast of Mahé.
Breakfast is fantastic, barefoot, and every day I enjoy a freshly made omelette, lovingly prepared to your taste. During the day, you can relax by the pool, surrounded by mango trees, or get active with some snorkelling or kayaking. Or simply enjoy a gentle hike through the island’s tropical greenery, enveloped by the sounds of nature.
A visit to the capital, Victoria, is well worth it. Small but lively, the city is full of colourful markets, colonial buildings, and of course the famous Victoria Clock Tower, a historic landmark modelled after London’s Big Ben. Wander through the bustling streets, sample local street food like fresh seafood and Creole snacks, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this charming island city.
On the way back, make a stop at Beau Vallon Beach. Especially in the late afternoon and on weekends, many Seychellois come here to swim, picnic, or simply unwind. The beach is lively, with small stalls and restaurants lining the sand, giving a true taste of everyday island life. For a relaxed budget travel meal, try Baobab, where you can enjoy pizza with your feet in the sand, surrounded by the locals.
The Seychelles: A Dream Destination Doable on a Budget
What makes island hopping in the Seychelles so special? Variety. Each island has its own character, and hopping between them is incredibly easy. From luxury resorts to small guesthouses, you choose exactly how you want to travel.
The best part? Even with a smaller budget, you can experience it all. Local eateries, guesthouses, bike rentals, and of course, beaches that will truly blow you away, all seamlessly coming together.
A dream destination you can actually make happen on a budget. The Seychelles isn’t just for the rich and famous. With the right choices, you can experience pure and meaningful travel moments, even more beautifully than you ever imagined.
Have you been island hopping in the Seychelles? Which island did you like best? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to our newsletter and benefit from travel guides, sustainable tourism and luxury travel tips, insightful interviews, and inspirational places to visit. One Planet Journey – The World’s First Deep Travel Magazine.
