Backpacking in Seychelles is a bit of a paradox: it’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth—but not a classic “cheap backpacker” destination. Still, with the right approach, you can absolutely do it on a reasonable budget.
🌴 What Seychelles looks like
5
Think turquoise water, giant granite boulders, white sand beaches, and jungle-covered islands. It’s postcard-perfect almost everywhere.
🗺️ Best islands for backpackers
🏝️ Mahé
- Main island + international airport
- Base yourself near Beau Vallon for budget stays
- Good mix of beaches, hikes, and local life
🚲 La Digue
6
- Backpacker favorite
- No cars—just bikes and ox carts
- Home to Anse Source d’Argent
- Super relaxed, slow island vibe
🌿 Praslin
- Slightly more upscale but still doable
- Visit Vallée de Mai (home of the coco de mer palm)
- Beaches like Anse Lazio are among the world’s best
💰 Budget reality
Seychelles is expensive—but you can cut costs:
- Budget: ~€50–100/day (barebones backpacking)
- Accommodation: guesthouses > hotels
- Food: takeaway shops (“takeaways”) are cheap and good
- Transport: buses on Mahé & Praslin are very cheap
💡 Biggest costs = accommodation + island ferries
🚢 Getting around
- Ferries connect Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue
- Public buses (Mahé/Praslin) = very affordable
- Bike rental on La Digue (~€5–10/day)
🏕️ Backpacker tips
- Book early—budget places are limited
- Bring snorkel gear (renting adds up)
- Self-cater when possible
- Travel in shoulder season (Apr–May, Oct–Nov)
🧭 What you do there
- Beach hopping (honestly the main activity)
- Snorkeling & diving
- Hiking (especially on Mahé)
- Island hopping
⚠️ Downsides
- Not a social/party backpacker scene
- Limited hostels
- Costs can creep up quickly
- Weather can be humid year-round
🤔 Is it worth backpacking?
Yes—if you:
- Prioritize nature over nightlife
- Are okay with a higher budget
- Want a more independent, chill trip
If you’re expecting something like Thailand or Indonesia, it’s very different—much quieter and less backpacker infrastructure.