Seychelles or Maldives: which resort suits you
The Seychelles and the Maldives are often confused: both archipelagos lie in the Indian Ocean and have white beaches and turquoise water. But the holidays there are very different. The Maldives are island hotels for a relaxing beach holiday, while the Seychelles combine beaches with nature, excursions and island hopping.
Below we compare climate, activities, hotels, food and prices so you can choose the resort that suits your holiday style.
Maldives vs Seychelles compared
Criterion | Maldives | Seychelles |
|---|---|---|
Best season | November - April | April - November |
Holiday style | calm, relaxation, romance | beach, nature, excursions |
Hotels | mostly 4* and 5*, one island one hotel | from luxury villas to guesthouses |
Food | from BB to all-inclusive at the hotel | Creole cuisine, restaurants outside the hotel |
Activities | diving, snorkelling, spa | diving, fishing, island excursions |
Package tour price | usually lower | usually higher, but budget stays exist |
Climate: when to go to the Maldives and the Seychelles
The archipelagos are more than 2,000 km apart, and their dry and rainy seasons do not match. The Maldives have the best weather from November to April, the Seychelles from April to November. Rain in both is usually short, and the water and air are warm all year.
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Activities in the Maldives and the Seychelles
The Maldives are famous for luxury hotels, spas and some of the world's best diving with mantas and reef sharks. The Seychelles offer more activities: deep-sea fishing, diving, mountain hikes and trips between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue.
Hotels and infrastructure
In the Maldives most hotels occupy their own island with a private beach, overwater villas and every service, ideal if you do not want to leave the resort. The Seychelles offer a wider range, from luxury villas to simple guesthouses, and travellers move between islands more often.
Food
In the Maldives guests mostly eat at the hotel, with every board type from BB to all-inclusive. In the Seychelles try spicy Creole cuisine, fresh fish, seafood and local dishes such as shark chutney.
What to see
In the Seychelles: Morne Seychellois National Park on Mahé, Mont Fleuri botanical garden in Victoria, Sainte Anne Marine Park, best seen from a glass-bottom boat, and the beaches of La Digue. In the Maldives: in the capital Malé, the National Museum, the Islamic Centre with the Grand Friday Mosque, and Sultan Park.
Prices
Both are luxury destinations. A package tour to the Maldives is usually cheaper than to the Seychelles, but in the Seychelles you can save by choosing a self-catering guesthouse.
Which to choose: Maldives or Seychelles?
The Maldives suit those who want calm, high comfort, all-inclusive and a romantic holiday on a white beach.
The Seychelles are for those who combine the beach with excursions, nature and local food, and mostly just sleep at the hotel.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a honeymoon: Maldives or Seychelles?
For a calm romantic holiday people usually pick the Maldives with overwater villas, and for a trip full of experiences and island hopping, the Seychelles.
Where is a holiday cheaper: Maldives or Seychelles?
A package tour to the Maldives is usually cheaper, but the Seychelles have budget guesthouses.
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How to book a tour to the Maldives or Seychelles with Fly&Joy
Step 1
Leave a request on the website or message us.
Step 2
A manager will pick options for your dates and budget and answer your questions.
Step 3
Pay online or at the office and receive your travel documents.
Step 4
Set off on your trip, and the manager stays in touch until you are back.