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ISLAND HOPPING IN THE SEYCHELLES
When you think of the Seychelles, you might picture ultra-luxurious resorts, private islands, and a price tag that makes your wallet tremble. But here’s the secret: this Indian Ocean paradise doesn’t have to break the bank.
Yes, the Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most exclusive accommodations—but it’s also a destination where independent travelers can thrive. Think charming guesthouses, local eateries serving fresh Creole cuisine, and public beaches that rival any five-star view. You don’t need a butler to enjoy the turquoise waters, lush jungles, and granite boulders that make this archipelago so magical.
Want to know how to experience the Seychelles on your own terms—and on a budget? Step off the resort path and keep reading…
SUMMARY OF OUR 13-DAY ROUTE
Day 1: Arrival at Mahé and off to La Digue
Day 2-5: La Digue
Day 6: off to Praslin
Day 7-9: Praslin
Day 10: off to Mahé
Day 11-12: Mahé
Day 13: In the evening back home
FULL ITINERARY OF THE SEYCELLES
Day 1: Arrival and transfer to La Digue
We arrived in Mahé in the morning, but the next boat to La Digue wasn’t until late afternoon. So, we decided to rent a car for the day and spend a few relaxed hours exploring Mahé.
We drove towards Beau Vallon, a lovely area with a beautiful beach and plenty of cozy bars—perfect for easing into island life after a long journey. It was the ideal way to start our trip slowly and soak up the tropical vibes.
Later, we headed back for the boat to La Digue. And wow… what a ride! The crossing was rough, and nearly half the passengers ended up seasick. Definitely check the boat schedule in advance—departures to La Digue are limited each day, so planning ahead is key!
Day 2 - 5: Exploring La Digue
Our first true stop of the holiday was La Digue—the smallest of the three islands we visited. Life here moves at a gentle pace, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. You won’t find cars on this island, just a few golf carts and lots of bicycles!
Cycling around La Digue isn’t just fun—it’s the main way to get around. With quiet roads, lush scenery, and stunning beaches just a pedal away, it’s the perfect way to explore.
Curious how to spend your days on this peaceful island? In the next article, we’ll share all the best things to do on La Digue—from hidden beaches to scenic trails and local spots you won’t want to miss.
Day 6: Off to Praslin
In the morning, we boarded the boat to Praslin. Thankfully, the sea was much calmer this time—no seasickness in sight! The journey itself didn’t take long, and before we knew it, we were stepping onto the second island of our Seychelles adventure.
Upon arrival, we were picked up and taken to our hotel, which was perfectly located in Anse Volbert. This area turned out to be a great base: not only is it close to the beach, but there are plenty of restaurants and cafés within walking distance. Whether you're in the mood for fresh seafood, Creole flavors, or just a cold drink with a view, you’ll find it here.
Today, we’re taking it easy and exploring the village. It’s the kind of place where you can wander without a plan—stroll along the beach, pop into local shops, and soak up the laid-back island vibe.
Day 7-9: Praslin exploring
We spent three full days on Praslin, the second-largest island of our Seychelles trip. Unlike La Digue, everything here is more spread out—so renting a car is definitely recommended if you want to explore comfortably and make the most of your time.
We chose to rent a car for two days, which gave us the freedom to discover the island’s stunning beaches, nature reserves, and scenic viewpoints at our own pace. On the third day, we joined a guided tour.
Praslin offers a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation, and having a car really helps you reach the more remote spots. From the famous Vallée de Mai to hidden coves and local eateries, there’s plenty to see and do.
Curious about what to explore during your stay on Praslin? In the next article, we’ll dive into all the highlights, must-see locations, and insider tips to help you plan your visit.
Day 10: Off to Mahé
Today we returned to the main island, Mahé—but this time, not by boat. Instead, we took a flight! Small propeller planes fly regularly between Praslin and Mahé, and the journey itself is a real highlight.
You board a tiny aircraft with no more than 20 passengers. The cockpit is open, so you can actually see the pilot at work, which adds to the thrill. As you soar above the islands, you're treated to breathtaking views of lush green landscapes and the crystal-clear turquoise waters below. It’s a short flight, but one you won’t forget—definitely worth experiencing!
Once we landed in Mahé, we picked up a rental car to explore the island over the next few days. Mahé is much larger than the other islands we visited, so having a car is absolutely essential if you want to see more than just your hotel surroundings.
Day 11-13: Exploring Mahé by car
We spent our last few days on Mahé, the largest and busiest island of the Seychelles. And when we say busy, we don’t just mean tourism—Mahé is where everyday life happens. It’s the heart of the country, with bustling markets, local neighborhoods, and a real sense of community.
Here, you can choose to stay in one of the large-scale hotels or resorts, but we opted for something more intimate and low-key. It gave us a chance to experience the island in a more personal way, away from the crowds and closer to the local rhythm.
One thing to know: all beaches in the Seychelles are public, so in theory, you can visit any beach you like. In practice, though, it’s not always that simple. Some areas have security guards or limited access, especially near luxury resorts. Luckily, we only ran into this once or twice and were able to enjoy most beaches freely.
