Which is better Maldives or Seychelles: Let’s Find Out

Seychelles vs Maldives, wondering which one makes for a better island vacation? You aren’t alone in facing this dilemma. Millions of travellers 

Making a choice between the stunning islands of the Indian ocean – Seychelles and Maldives can be tricky considering their similarities in terms of weather and beaches. This is where this blog will help you compare and pick the best vacation destination for you.

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What to Choose Between Mauritius And Seychelles?

Seychelles Vs Maldives: Choosing the Better Option

Let’s take a quick comparative look at important metrics such as Seychelles vs Maldives price, safety, etc. before we delve into the details 

Now that you have a brief overview of Seychelles and Maldives, let’s take a closer look at each and more such factors

Seychelles Vs Maldives: Location & Accessibility 

Seychelles is located in the Indian Ocean. This is a nation consisting of 115 islands. Seychelles is known for its diverse landscape that includes rain forests, mountains & nature reserves. It is also home to 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Maldives is an archipelagic country situated in the Indian Ocean, Southern Asia. There are about 1192 coral islands in Maldives. This is located in the southern side of Sri Lanka.

Seychelles and Maldives are both easily accessible through direct flights from many countries. It takes 2 to 26 hours to reach these islands depending on your travel route and your current location.

Seychelles Vs Maldives : Best time to Visit & Weather 

Seychelles experiences tropical weather with almost similar temperatures throughout the year. The climate in Seychelles is a mixture of sunshine and tropical showers all year round.

The best time to visit Seychelles is April to May, and also October to November. During the month of April and May this island nation has little breeze and rainfall. And in the months of October and November Seychelles witnesses less winds. 

Due to the monsoon season Maldives witnesses maximum rainfall between June to November. In Maldives you experience tropical weather with the temperatures remaining between  23°C to 32°C throughout the year.

The best time to visit Maldives is November to April. But you should book your tickets early as this is considered as the peak season for tourists in Maldives.

Seychelles is blessed with incredible beauty both above and underwater.

How Many Days Are Enough to Explore Seychelles Vs Maldives?

Minimum 10 days are enough to explore Seychelles where you can cover 2-3 islands, adventurous activities, water sports and entertainment. But if you wish to stay on a private island you can spend 3-5 days.

You can explore Maldives in 4 to 5 days. These are limited attractions in Maldives as this is a small country.

VERDICT: If you plan a vacation for a minimum one week visit Seychelles or else you can choose Maldives

Seychelles VS Maldives: Which is Cheaper for Travellers? 

The cost of travelling to Seychelles is about 2200 – 6000 USD for two people, for 7 days.

The cost breakdown of Seychelles-

Travelling to Maldives for a week costs you anywhere between 2500 to 8000 USD for two. Maldives is one of the luxury travel destinations, so the costs are on the higher side 

The cost breakdown of Maldives-

VERDICT: Maldives is more expensive when compared to Seychelles

Vaadhoo Island’s bioluminescent beach is famous for its glow-in-the-dark waves in the Maldives

Seychelles Vs Maldives – The Better Beach Destination 

Seychelles is known for its splendid soft white sand beaches. You can also find some beautiful pink sand beaches here. You can find a lot of diversity here as there are small beaches, secluded and quiet beaches in Seychelles where you can reach only by boat. 

People are inclined to enjoy Maldives as it has the world’s most popular exquisite beaches. You can find white sandy beaches with clear and clean waters here.

VERDICT: Both Seychelles and Maldives have excellent beaches but in Seychelles offers more diversity 

Seychelles Vs Maldives – Which Has More Sightseeing Opportunities?

You can not only explore beaches in Seychelles but you call also visit its beautiful national parks, nature, wildlife and some temples. Not only this, you also get a chance to spot the rare black parrots here.

People visit Maldives to relax and enjoy the luxury of resorts, explore water activities and whales, turtles, different types of fishes and dolphins. But Maldives lacks a diverse pattern when it comes to sightseeing opportunities.

VERDICT: Seychelles offers more sightseeing options when compared to Maldives 

Which is More Adventurous Destination – Seychelles Or Maldives? 

Owing to a diverse geography, Seychelles has many adventure activities to offer to visitors. You can feel the thrill by hiking in jungles, climbing through caves, rock climbing, and much more.

Seychelles also include water sports like – Surfing, scuba diving, kayaking, sailing and snorkeling.

Maldives also offer a majority of adventure sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, and catamaran sailing. Also, you can witness a big drum performance at Boduberu. Along with these activities there are incredible spa services that tourists love to visit and feel relaxed from their sessions.

However most of the activities are water related or  offered by the resorts visitors are staying.

VERDICT: Seychelles beats Maldives when it comes to adventurous activities

In Seychelles you can try many unique dishes like this traditional Octopus curry

Comparing the Unique Food Culture of Seychelles Vs Maldives

Seychelles food culture is influenced by Indian, French, Chinese and African cuisines. Seychelles cuisine includes seafood cooked, wrapped and served in banana leaves. Rice and curry dishes are a major part of its cuisine. 

Best Foods to Try in Seychelles are- Grilled Fish, Octopus Curry, Satini, Ladob, Caris Masala, Coconut curry. 

In Maldives, fish is the main staple food. The cuisine of Maldives is a fusion of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines.

Best Foods to Try in Maldives are- Coconut cake, fish curry, Garudhiya (Fish soup), Masroshi, Bis Keemiya, fried Yams, Maldivian live lobster, Sago Pudding.

VERDICT: Both Mauritius and Seychelles include fish as their staple food with diverse food culture

Which Has A More Exciting Nightlife – Seychelles or Maldives?

Seychelles has a decent nightlife when compared to Maldives. You can have a good time at DJ parties, pubs, casinos and clubs.

The best nightclubs in Seychelles that are located at Mahe are – Katiolo, Tequila Boom, Ozone, Lovenut, Upgrade 9T Club and many more.

Maldives’ nightlife is limited to the resort islands. Maldives boasts of  world’s first underwater nightclub, called Subsix.  Along with this you must visit ‘Glow in the Dark Beach’ at night.

Some of the best nightclubs in Maldives – Kurumba, Subsix, 15 Below, Babuna bar, Madh bar and restaurant. All these clubs are located within the islands.

VERDICT: Seychelles (Mahe) is a better place to enjoy nightlife when compared to Maldives

Cultural Experience in Seychelles Vs Maldives

Seychelles has a unique Creole culture and people here are very friendly. They like inviting tourists to their home and are very warm, cordial. 

Moutia is a traditional dance and Seychelles Ocean Festival is an underwater festival celebrated in December every year. Be part of Creole Festival in October month if you want to witness the colourful cultures and traditions of Seychelles.

Culture of Maldives is influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan, Arab and African regions.  It is quite challenging to look for and have cultural experiences in Maldives since most visitors are limited to the island resorts. 

Some cultural experiences that you can have here are going fishing with local people, watching Bodu Beru (Big Drums) performances, visiting the homes of artisans to see them make coir rope, exquisite wooden souvenirs, etc.

VERDICT: There are more cultural activities to explore in Seychelles than Maldives

Maldives has some of the most charming overwater bungalows that attract travellers from around the world.

Where Do You Get Better Accommodation Options – Seychelles or Maldives

Seychelles offers hostels, hotels, villas, resorts, etc. The cost of accommodation per night ranges anywhere between 100 – 500 USD. 

Hostels are cheaper and cost around 70-100 USD per night. 3-5 star hotels range between 200-500 USD on an average.

Most of the islands in Maldives are privately owned and have one resort in each island. You can get luxury accommodation options like water villas and overwater bungalows. The cost of an overwater bungalow per night starts around 300 USD.

There are ‘garden villas’, which are economy rooms as these are situated in the middle of the island and not on the beach. But they offer these villas only if the resort is full. So, the cost of staying depends on the option that you choose.

VERDICT: Accommodation in Maldives is more expensive than Seychelles

Internal Transportation & Ease of Travel in Seychelles Vs Maldives

In Seychelles you can find public buses, hired cars and cabs in Mahe and Praslin islands. In La Digue there are only a few cabs and no public transportation. But bicycles are very common here as the roads are suitable for riding bikes.

Some islands like Bird Island are very small and you can cover them by walking. For inter island travel boats are available. Also, helicopters and a few flights are available on private islands.

Maldives offers a hassle free internal transportation system with many options. Taxis, bicycles, bus, ferry are some of the easily accessible options here.

Public ferries are cheap to explore Maldives. Whereas, Yachts and seaplanes are very expensive. But if your budget allows you, then you can get a unique and once in a lifetime experience through such luxury transportation.

VERDICT: Maldives is easier to explore with many accessible transportation facilities

Seychelles VS Maldives: Which Offers Better Shopping Experience?

Victoria market in Seychelles is a main place for shopping. You can find many small corner shops and a few large supermarkets all over Seychelles.

The best souvenirs to buy here are  coco de mer, as this is an exotic nut found only in this geography. Yi-King essential oils, black pearls, Venilla, are some other things to bag in Seychelles.

NOTE: Buy coco de mer legally that comes with holographic stickers and with an official permit.

There are many exciting street markets in Maldives. Male local market and Majedhee Magu are the best and popular street markets in Maldives. You can also find malls and superstores like STO Trade Centre.

You can buy bottled local pickles, coconut products, maldivian sarongs, local handmade jewelry and cosmetics in Maldives and many more things.

VERDICT: Seychelles and Maldives have very good marketplaces for shopping

Which is Safer for Visitors: Seychelles or Maldives?

Seychelles in most parts is pretty safe for travellers. You have to be just careful about thefts and non-violent crimes especially at night and in secluded areas.

In Seychelles there are also some widespread diseases like Chikungunya and Leptospirosis that spread because of mosquitoes and contaminated water. So, be careful about these things as well.

Maldives is also a safe destination for tourists. However, be careful about robberies and petty crimes. 

There are no such widespread diseases. But in Maldives there is a risk of Zika virus. 

VERDICT: Seychelles and Maldives are both safe

Which is Best For Family Vacation – Seychelles VS Maldives?

Seychelles trip with a family will be thrilling and enjoyable. Children will also love to explore amazing beaches, activities and sightseeing in Seychelles. The whole family can spend quality time in the lap of mother nature.

Maldives is suitable for family vacation and this nation is resort centric. Your entire family can enjoy holidays in resorts and get relaxed. Some resorts have tennis courts, football fields, tricked-out kids’ clubs, climbing walls and other family-friendly activities.

VERDICT: Seychelles is better suited for family vacation with young children who love to engage in a variety of activities. 

Maldives is one of the most preferred Honeymoon destination for couples

Seychelles VS Maldives – The Dreamy Destination for Honeymoon Couples

Seychelles is one of the top honeymoon island destinations in the world. Couples can enjoy their space with privacy. Couples can create romantic memories in the beauty of nature along with exploring activities and entertainment.

Maldives is the best when it comes to private island experience with its concept of ‘one island one resort’ when compared to any other island nations. Maldives is a peaceful and relaxing destination which is perfect for honeymoon couples.

VERDICT: Seychelles and Maldives both are excellent for honeymooners

Seychelles VS Maldives: Making the Best Choice

Seychelles and Maldives both are splendid island nations.

However, if you love to explore adventurous activities and sightseeing along with water activities, choose Seychelles. For more privacy and relaxation experience, opt for Maldives.

I hope now you are clear about your next island destination. Let me know what you have chosen – Seychelles or Maldives?

Happy Wayfaring!