The Maldives has long been a dream honeymoon and the most desirable coastal escape for Indian travelers. The endless hype of this turquoise paradise continues to rule the wishlist of many! The crystal-clear turquoise waters with the finest villas suspended over them, serene surroundings, and ample leisurely time to yourself, the island never fails to make you live the most incredible moments, wrapped in the haze of heartbeats and the horizon.
What if there existed a destination that mirrors the impossibly clear waters of the Indian Ocean with a dramatic island setting, glass villas suspended over endless lagoons, and the exact indulgence of seclusion, just like the Maldives? Yes, it’s Seychelles, another hypnotic coastal haven, with the same shades of blue, granite boulders, sculpted landscapes, and powder-white shores.
It carries the exact same intimacy of the Maldives, but with a layered landscape. And that is where the confusion begins. To ease this and help you with your decision-making, below is a well-crafted Seychelles vs Maldives 2026 guide listing every aspect of both Indian Ocean islands. Let’s begin this expedition!
Seychelles vs Maldives 2026 Update: Confusion Simplified with Detailed Comparison Guide!
Since the Seychelles has also risen as one of the desired honeymoon destinations, offering Maldives-like settings and experiences, it’s important that we understand the exact Maldives vs Seychelles distinction before making a decision. It’s important to help you understand which destination best aligns with your expectations.
The Two Indian Ocean Icons: Seychelles and Maldives
For years, the Indian Ocean paradise began and ended with the one single name: Maldives. It’s been a dream honeymoon escape for a major fraction of the newlyweds and couples seeking the most intimate and refined moments in a secluded setting. The world-class luxuries add a fine touch to the overall experience, elevating it from a beach holiday to a carefully curated romantic retreat.
In the Maldives, which is undoubtedly one of the best island destinations from India, you get to savor the most dreamy views of the Indian Ocean, softly whispering like seconds of magic. The artfully crafted villas are poised over the blue lagoons, and the intimate settings ensure you have the island all by yourself, where you just breathe, linger in unhurried silence, share memorable loved-infused moments, and let the time slowly pass while you breathe in wonder. A little sensory? Yes, because that is what the Maldives is all about.
Then, quietly but decisively, another archipelago stepped into the frame: The Seychelles. This island slowly captured the interest of the Indian travelers with its Maldives-like turquoise waters, the same Indian Ocean clarity, yet layered with topography, movement, and contrast. The granite boulders set against the ivory sands, forests slowly ending into the sea, and many other factors made Indian travelers consider this destination as well!
So, if we happen to wonder, is Seychelles better than the Maldives for a honeymoon, then we keep reading this guide till the end.
Seychelles vs Maldives: Flights and Connectivity From India
When you evaluate the connectivity of both the island paradises from India, it’s surprising to learn that the Maldives and Seychelles offer impressive accessibility, but with slightly distinct travel experiences.
The Maldives has the privilege of direct and proximate access from major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Kochi, to Malé, with flight durations typically ranging from 2.5 to 4.5 hours. And this factor is what lures the Indian travelers the most! This short-haul convenience of traveling to the Maldives makes it a destination even for extended weekends.
But it’s important to note that after arriving in Malé, there will be significant additional time required for island transfers, adding logistical layers, time considerations, and incremental costs that must be factored into Maldives trip planning.
Seychelles, which is marginally farther from India, is all the more accessible for Indian travelers. Direct flights from Mumbai connecting to Mahé take 4 to 4.5 hours. From other major Indian cities, there are one-stop connections available, providing flexible routing. Moreover, unlike the Maldives, you can travel between the Seychelles’ islands by ferry or short domestic flights, creating a dynamic, multi-island itinerary.
The only defining difference between commuting to the Maldives and the Seychelles lies in post-arrival mobility.
In the Maldives, there are additional logistics and island transfers as tourists do not stay in Malé and need to travel to theresorts located on separate private islands. Whereas in Seychelles, you get to savor a multi-island experience.
Sun-kissed magic awaits with our thoughtfully designed Seychelles Package. Hurry and Book Now!
Seychelles vs Maldives: Visa and Entry Rules for Indian Travelers
Many Indian travelers are confused between Seychelles and the Maldives as to which one is the best island destination from India. This section covers visa-related information for both of these island treasures.
For Indian travelers, the Maldives offers a visa-on-arrival for Indian passport holders, valid for up to 30 days for tourism. Getting the visa is a pretty straightforward process: Indian travelers need a passport with 6 months’ validity, a confirmed return ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for their stay. Also note that all immigration formalities at Malé are efficient, making the process fast and smooth for travelers and maintaining the island’s reputation as one of the top travel coastal icons.
For Seychelles, there’s no visa-on-arrival required for Indian travelers. However, travelers must complete an online Travel Authorization (TA) prior to departure. This is a fast digital process that requires submitting passport details, travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and health declarations. And as soon as the TA gets approved, it gets automatically linked to your passport and presented upon arrival in Mahé.
In essence, both the Maldives and Seychelles do not require any complicated visa process or barriers for Indian citizens. On the one hand, the Maldives looks forward to a simple on-arrival visa requirement; on the other hand, Seychelles mandates a pre-travel digital clearance step.
Please note: Both destinations will require your valid passport, confirmed accommodation bookings, onward or return tickets, and proof of sufficient funds upon arrival. Make sure to arrange it in advance for a seamless arrival.
JW Tip: Travel insurance is not mandatory for either destination, but having it is strongly recommended as both the islands feature remote geographies and premium healthcare facilities.
Seychelles vs Maldives: Budget Breakdown for Indian Travelers
Another essential section of our Maldives vs Seychelles comparison guide is the budget breakdown for Indian travelers:
| Cost Factor | Seychelles | Maldives |
| Flight | ₹35,000 – ₹55,000: Airfares are on the higher side, with direct and one-stop options available | ₹25,000 – ₹45,000: Flights are competitively priced, as many Indian cities offer direct connectivity |
| Visa | Visa-free entry (Only online travel authorization is required, which costs ~₹1,000 – ₹1,500 approx.) | Visa-on-arrival (No fee for 30 days) |
| Stay Options (per night) | Guesthouses: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 (4-5 star) and Resorts: ₹25,000 – ₹60,000 or higher | Resort Rooms: ₹20,000 – ₹45,000Overwater Villas: ₹45,000 – ₹1,20,000 and even higher |
| Food Cost | ₹2,000 – ₹5,000 (Flexible and casual dining options) | ₹5,000 – ₹12,000 (Resort dining and meal plans) |
| Transfer | Inter-island ferries: ₹4,000 – ₹7,000Domestic flights: ₹8,000 – ₹15,000 | Transfer to private island: Speedboat: ₹5,000 – ₹15,000Seaplane: ₹25,000 – ₹40,000 |
When planning for Seychelles or the Maldives for a honeymoon, the budget framework plays as one of the most important deciding factors.
- The overall cost of a 5-night, 6-day Maldives honeymoon will range from ₹1.5L to ₹3L+, with a resort-led, premium structure.
- The overall cost of the Seychelles 5 Nights and 6 Days honeymoon will range from ₹1.2L to a max of ₹2.2L, with mid-range to luxury options.
Please note: While evaluating the Seychelles trip cost from India, keep in mind that airfare and hotel rates fluctuate significantly by season, timing, and other travel preferences, such as accommodation category, meal plans, and curated experiences. It's smart to clarify the inclusions, as the lump-sum amount shown in the package may not cover inter-island transfers between Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, select excursions, water activities, or private upgrades. Clarify with your tour operator in advance.
Seychelles vs Maldives: Activities and Experiences
Since both the Seychelles and the Maldives for honeymoon feature the same coastal marvel, the Indian Ocean, the experiences are likely similar, only differing when it comes to differences in texture, pace, and dimensionality.
Here’s a refined comparison for activities and experiences:
| Experiences | Seychelles | Maldives |
| Landscape | Dense hills, Granite Boulders, White-powdery beaches, and Blue Lagoons | Coral atolls, glass-clear lagoons, infinite horizons |
| Island Exploration | Ferry between Mahé, Praslin & La Digue, self-drive coastal routes, cycling | One private island resort |
| Nature & Wildlife | Hiking at Vallée de Mai, Morne Seychellois National Park, Giant Aldabra tortoises, and birdwatching experiences | Sightings of Whale Sharks (seasonal), Manta Rays, and Vibrant Coral Reef Ecosystem |
| Water Activities | Kayaking, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Paddle Boarding, Sailing, and Deep-Sea Fishing | World-class Snorkeling & Diving, Seabob, Sunset Dolphin Cruises, Jet Skiing, and Parasailing |
| Cultural Immersion | Victoria’s local markets, Creole cuisine, and authentic island village life | Limited Cultural Exposure |
| Adventure Level | Moderate to High(Focus on Beach Time & Adventure Activities) | Low to Moderate (Focus mainly on curated resort-experiences) |
| Romantic Experiences | Sunset Catamaran Cruises, Private Beach Picnics, and Granite-backdrop Aesthetic Photo Spots | Iconic Overwater Villas, Floating Breakfasts, Sandbank Dinners, and Underwater Restaurants |
| Stay Type | Luxury Villas, Boutique Hotels, Beachfront Resorts, Guesthouses, and Self-Catering Stays | Iconic Maldives Overwater Villas, Private Island Resorts, Ultra-Luxury Retreats, and Beach Villas |
Please note: Seychelles island hopping is a remarkable experience for tourists. Try to include all three, Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, in your Seychelles itinerary for a truly enriching experience. Remember, Seychelles rewards travelers who embrace movement and multi-island exploration.
Seychelles vs Maldives Food Scene: Better for Indian Vegetarians & Families?
Next in our detailed Maldives vs Seychelles comparison guide comes the food and dining scenes, especially for Indian vegetarians and traveling families.
In the Maldives, where the entire experience revolves around private island resorts, international buffets are curated for tourists, and there is also à la carte fine dining. A major fraction of these resorts are well-versed in Indian preferences, including vegetarian menus and even Jain food options on special request. Your overall dining experience in the Maldives will be confined to resort restaurants, and meal plans (half board/full board) often shape it.
In Seychelles, there’s a more varied culinary landscape offered to tourists. Apart from dining at the high-end beachfront resorts, tourists can also hop onto the local eateries, Creole cafés, takeaway joints, and self-catering options. The food is prepared with fresh tropical produce, and the broader ingredient-based flexibility benefits Indian travelers. Providing casual-dining options and supermarket access can even support budget control and meal timing.
Where the Maldives is all about refined resort culinary experiences, Seychelles is more about flexibility and food diversity.
Seychelles vs Maldives: Honeymoon Scenes
For a honeymoon, both destinations are equally excellent, and choosing one completely depends on your mood.
The Maldives for a honeymoon is excellent if you prefer seclusion, quiet mornings with floating breakfasts, a world-class villa stay experience, and curated candlelight dinner scenes on the sand. To put it short: One island, One resort, One uninterrupted horizon where each second will feel cinematic.
Seychelles is best for honeymooners who love diverse experiences within dramatic landscapes. The honeymoon moments will not stay confined to your resort, but stretch far into drives along coastal roads, hidden coves discovered after short forest walks, sunset catamaran sails across open waters.
In essence, if you prefer serene moments within a world-class setting, all by yourself, then go for Maldives. If you prefer serene moments with a hint of adventure for an enriching experience, then Seychelles is the ideal choice!
In Essence: Which One to Choose?
So, is the Seychelles better than the Maldives in terms of exploration, experience, and post-arrival ease? We say yes, with nuance! Again, it depends on your travel preference, since many travelers like to be confined to a single private island where every detail is thoughtfully crafted, every meal pre-arranged, and every view uninterrupted by movement.
Where the Maldives is all about single-island, world-class seclusion, Seychelles prefers movement and an all-inclusive experience. Where the Maldives offers the pinnacle of luxury per rupee spent, Seychelles offers a more layered journey across its three iconic islands, crafting a travel experience that deepens with every transfer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Both the Maldives and Seychelles offer exceptional beach experiences. The Maldives is known for overwater villas, seclusion, and luxury-focused honeymoons, while Seychelles stands out for diverse landscapes, lush forests, granite beaches, and cultural immersion. Choose the Maldives for indulgence and privacy, and the Seychelles for variety, exploration, and scenic coastal experiences.
Yes, Seychelles edges ahead for budget-conscious couples, as the trip planning offers ample flexibility. Unlike the Maldives, where booking luxury villas is the norm, couples planning a Seychelles trip are offered a wider range of accommodations, from guesthouses to mid-range hotels, along with affordable inter-island ferry options.
The Maldives offers couples and honeymooners the best value for money and a luxury escape with its refined private-villa experiences, bespoke dining, and absolute privacy. The service and serenity in the Maldives are top-tier, with every experience crafted for pure indulgence. While Seychelles also features world-class luxury resorts, the Maldives is more globally recognised for its overwater villas and private island experiences.
From a well-crafted Seychelles honeymoon package, couples can expect flights, accommodations, inter-island transfers, island-hopping tours, and sunset cruises. Those who book luxury packages will also benefit from romantic add-ons such as private beach dinners, spa treatments, or personalised excursions.
As you know, your overall Maldives tour cost depends directly on the resort chosen and the luxury level selected. The estimate for a 5-7-day luxury honeymoon for a couple ranges from ₹3.5 lakh to ₹6 lakh, covering flights, a quality 4-5-star resort stay, transfers, and meals.
A 6-7 day Seychelles trip costs from India will range between ₹1.5 – ₹3.5 lakh overall, ensuring a comfortable itinerary, with inclusions such as flights, accommodations, meals, and select activities.