Costs of a Seychelles Holiday

by Paula
(Geneva, Switzerland)

Why is Seychelles so expensive?

Hey Paula
Let's look at it from another angle: How can you expect paradise to come cheap? You must dig deep for the answers that you seek. And I do agree that costs here are not low but is it a fair trade? That should be the question.

I do not pretend to have the  answer to your question myself or intend to answer this in a few lines, and indeed there is no single answer, but here are some comments that I'll throw your way. But for a more complete understanding you'll have to read the hundred+ pages on this website - all about Seychelles starting here at Seychelles Islands Beaches home page...

But seriously, while Seychelles is endowed with unequalled natural beauty you must realise that it is small and isolated. And that, in itself, creates a problem since all basic commodities are imported and they come from thousands of miles across the ocean.

Then when you add up the high cost of transportation and skyrocketing fuel prices you are looking at a high cost of living - there's no denying that. Just like you the people of Seychelles feel the pain of the ever-increasing cost. That's a fact of life in these islands

You should also know that Seychelles is not for everyone. Even for the locals who have to put up with the costs 365 days. And perhaps for many of them, like you asking this question, they end up seeking a "better life" or a cheaper alternative elsewhere, again demonstrating that Seychelles is not for everyone - fair enough.

On that topic it may be of interest to note that at least 20% of people with Seychelles roots live outside the country! Yes in places as diverse and as far away as Australia, Africa, America and Europe. What does it tell you? Is this good?

Certainly. People vote with their feet and it makes way for others who seek and want what Seychelles has to offer without it getting overcrowded. Note that at any one time, visitors form less than 5% of the already tiny population of the Seychelles.

In my opinion the cost is justifiable when you consider what you get in return - an exceptional climate in a healthy environment with the complete absence of many diseases that afflict similar parts of the world. In short - a long healthy life! And a marvellous one when you can afford it - would you trade this?

Although you won't find cheap beer or dirt-cheap hotels in Seychelles you can still find affordable board and lodging in these islands. As long as you bear in mind that you are in Seychelles you can still have a great holiday without breaking the bank.

Even better news as of 2010 - Seychelles is now more affordable than it was just over a year ago because of the floating of the local currency (Seychelles Rupee) and its subsequent devaluation. Although prices are beginning to go up slowly, they are still down at least 50% in your currency.

So this is a good time to consider your options rather than complain about something you cannot change. And the higher cost does have an important side benefit. It means, Seychelles doesn't get swamped by tourists and that's good.

So, the more fortunate (both visitors as well as locals) get to enjoy these islands (paradise some say) the way it was meant - with less hustle and bustle. Life in Seychelles is at a more relaxed pace than you are used to - yes even in the capital...

It's often been said Victoria is the place  where the clock chimes twice. In fact in the capital the old clock does chime on the hour then again 10 minutes later to remind everyone to get on with it. So you see, why do it now when there'll be another call later...?

It might sound crazy to you but this is a way of life that the people treasure here. And it can only stay that way with less commercialisation of its unique asset - the beauty of the country. And if the higher cost has the effect of limiting the number of visitors then this is a positive effect!

Did you know that that there are no private beaches in Seychelles? And access to all beaches is free - did you know that? And why then do you think it is still possible to find a deserted beach in the middle of the day in these islands? Yes the most gorgeous beaches. The reason of course: it's the costs of getting here and staying here. Some will pay gladly for that.

The people here seem to agree on one aspect of tourism for the Seychelles and it is this - not to over exploit it - to take it slowly and to preserve this way of life. The old Victoria clock is a constant reminder that this is perhaps the right way to go. If you can appreciate that and want to sample paradise then you are welcome. If not then Seychelles is just not for you...

Since you are obviously concerned about costs, you may also want to check out this page about cheap hotels in Seychelles.

Lastly, do realize that out of millions who dream of a Seychelles holiday only a very small percentage live that dream and the very fortunate ones return to these shores again and again. Now did they get more value? Or are you missing something about Seychelles?

These are my thoughts but if you really want to know more about costs, budget allocation and such then visit the of the Seychelles government websites to see where the money goes to make Seychelles, in your words, "expensive."

Otherwise click the links in the left margin and explore this site further...