When considering idyllic tropical escapes, the Maldives or Seychelles frequently take the lead in the preferences of travellers seeking a paradise experience.
With their turquoise waters, pristine beaches, and luxurious resorts, it’s no wonder these exotic locales are so coveted. To help you make an informed choice, let’s explore eight key differences between these two dreamy destinations.
Maldives Or Seychelles? 8 Things You Need To Know Before You Visit
1. Geographical Setting & Location
Maldives
The Maldives belong to the continent of Asia. The islands are in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka, south of India. The Maldives consist of two rows of 26 atolls that extend across the Equator. The capital city, Malé, is in the southern part of the North Malé Atoll.
The Maldives consists of more than 1,000 coral islands located in the Indian Ocean. It offers unique overwater bungalows and a wonderland for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Seychelles
Situated in the Indian Ocean, Seychelles is approximately 1,000 miles away from the coastline of Kenya, but it is geographically closer to the African continent.
Comprising 115 islands, the largest one, Mahé houses the international airport and serves as the capital, Victoria – though it might sound somewhat like the capital of the Maldives.
2. Key Selling Point
Maldives
Maldives Discover the Maldives, a collection of around 1000 islands that form the smallest Asian nation and the world’s most widely spread country.
The Maldives’ primary allure lies in its unique “one island, one resort” concept. Imagine having your very own private island getaway.
Upon arriving at the Malé island airport, your journey continues with seaplane transfers or speedboats to your chosen paradise.
For an exclusive experience, certain resorts even provide private lounges for seaplane travellers, offering treats like refreshing watermelon juice and quick mini-massages. This pre-arrival period allows you to breeze through pre-check-in formalities, ensuring a seamless transition to your villa upon arrival.
Seychelles
Seychelles is renowned as an ideal destination for island hopping.
Travellers usually spend a few days on the main islands, where towns like Mahé, La Digue, and Praslin offer a delightful immersion into Seychelles’ French-influenced culture.
Travellers Savor the local cuisine, experience the vibrant nightlife, trek through reserves like Vallée de Mai on Praslin, and indulge in the market shopping for an authentic experience.
After embracing the main islands’ energetic atmosphere, travellers usually retreat to the tranquillity of a private island whenever they desire a break from the crowds and cultural explorations.
3. Accommodation Styles
Maldives: Renowned for its overwater villas
You’ll discover the renowned overwater bungalows on private islands in the Maldives. The Maldives is famous for its unique concept of having one resort per island.
With more than two-thirds of the world’s overwater bungalows located here, the Maldives stands out. The islands are encircled by tranquil lagoons or reefs, creating calm waters.
This serene environment has led to construction of water villas on stilts directly above the water’s surface. To reach these villas, jetties/seaplanes extend like welcoming arms from the main island.
Certain resorts provide exclusive stand-alone water villas accessible only by boat. These exquisitely furnished luxury villas offer direct access to the inviting ocean.
Some even boast features like a private pool on the deck or a thrilling waterslide leading into the sea!
Seychelles Constructed on hillsides.
Seychelles presents an enticing combination of upscale resorts and charming boutique hotels seamlessly integrated into the natural environment. Currently, there are no water villa options available in Seychelles.
Accommodations in Seychelles are frequently constructed on hillsides or nestled within the granite formations, offering captivating ocean vistas.
Enveloped by lush tropical forests, opulent villas remain concealed within the native landscape. These accommodations epitomize a laid-back sense of luxury: the resorts showcase lavish villas ranging from 3 to 4 bedrooms, complete with secluded pools (ideal for families seeking seclusion), as well as exquisite one-bedroom hillside villas featuring sunken baths and private infinity pools.
4. Getting Around
The Maldives boasts a multitude of hotels and resorts that span across various islands. These islands don’t have towns or other conveniences.
While some resorts have expanded by adding sandbanks or villas over the water, the islands are still relatively small. To move around, people usually use boats, seaplanes, or helicopters. They often provide scheduled transportation to the main island if you’re staying at a resort.
Seychelles is home to two distinct types of islands: approximately 40 granite islands located near Mahé and more than 90 outer coral islands.
There’s a variety of transportation options at your disposal. From renting a car to explore the picturesque roads of Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, to hopping on local buses for an authentic island experience, getting around is both convenient and delightful.
For island hopping, transfers by small planes, seaplanes, and helicopters are usually provided by private resorts. Additionally, private boats and ferries are available for inter-island travel.
4. Activities and Adventure
The activities in the Maldives are more resort-centric than those of Seychelles.
There are no hiking trails or mountainous national parks. However, the Maldives are excellent for experiences, especially for those who love diving.
You can try many different types of underwater sports, each with unique underwater landscapes and aquatic life to explore. The ocean is filled with vibrant and colourful sea creatures, and during certain times of the year, you might even witness whale sharks and manta rays as they gather to eat. Many resorts offer fishing and whale-watching excursions.
If diving isn’t something you’re interested in, you can still enjoy the beauty underwater by snorkelling. One of the things the Maldives is famous for is the easy access to stunning underwater scenes. You can snorkel right from the beach or from your water villa.
Seychelles: Rich in endemic species, offering opportunities for bird watching, hiking, and encountering giant Aldabra tortoises.
Seychelles typically stands out as the top choice when considering both adventure and activities.
The Seychelles has a more varied geography, meaning you can go to many places, like La Digue Island. This island is famous for its Vallee de Mai reserve, a special site recognized by UNESCO for its importance.
In the Seychelles, you’ll find a wider variety of things to do, such as hiking, national parks, rock climbing, ziplining, and more.
Seychelles is like a fun park for people who love excitement! The big islands have towns where you can experience Seychelles’ own culture. If you’re into action, Seychelles is perfect.
5. Weather
The Maldives is situated right on the Equator
It means it’s in a warm area with consistent temperatures throughout the year.
Even though there aren’t significant temperature changes between seasons, there are two main seasons in the Maldives. From January to March, there’s less rain, and it’s called the dry season because of the northeast wind.
Then, from mid-May to November, it’s the wet season because of the southwest wind, but don’t worry, rain usually lasts for a short time. In any case, the nicest time to visit is usually between these two seasons, from March to November.
Seychelles Lies South Of The Equator
Like the Maldives, the temperature doesn’t change much during the year, but there are two distinct seasons here that are pretty different from the Maldives.
From November to April, there’s a period called the northwest monsoon, when it’s rainy and humid and feels much warmer. Then, the southwest monsoon comes from May to October, bringing cooler and drier weather.
However, even during the “cool” season, the temperature is still around 26 degrees Celsius.
6. Privacy and Romance
The Maldives are renowned as one of the most coveted honeymoon spots globally, and rightfully so. The charm of its iconic sunsets, pristine white beaches, romantic oceanfront dinners, indulgent spa amenities, expansive views of clear lagoons, and breathtaking overwater villas is undeniable. It’s no surprise that honeymooners, including celebrities, are drawn here in large numbers.
The Seychelles offer a more discreet and understated form of romance compared to the extravagant settings of the Maldives. While the Maldives are preferred due to their luxurious opulence and overwater accommodations, the Seychelles’ varied natural beauty and exclusiveness are unparalleled.
A vacation in Seychelles is more of an exploration, making it particularly appealing to active honeymooners and couples interested in ecology or island-hopping across its 115 islands.
7. Food
While both Seychelles and Maldives provide an extensive array of dining choices, Seychelles could give you greater chances to experience local cuisine.
Seychelles offers many dining choices for travellers, spanning from blended flavours incorporating African, Indian, Chinese, and French elements to exceptional seafood eateries and steakhouse establishments.
In the Maldives, you can find a wealth of sophisticated dining options influenced by culinary inspirations worldwide. Expect an array of upscale dining experiences at every resort in the Maldives, featuring a diverse range of food choices, including seafood, steaks, pasta, inventive burgers, and traditional Dhivehi (or Maldivian) fare.
Notably, at Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, you can explore the renowned underwater restaurant, Ithaa!
8. Budget/Cost
Although both choices involve a certain level of expenditure, Seychelles generally presents a more affordable alternative than the Maldives. This is due to the availability of a greater variety of moderately-priced accommodations, dining options, and activities in Seychelles.
Given the broader selection of mid-tier choices for lodging, things to do, and culinary experiences, it’s feasible to manage your expenses more effectively in Seychelles through thoughtful planning.
Seychelles or Maldives, Which is better?
Both Seychelles and Maldives are well-known tourist spots, but they cater to different types of travellers.
Seychelles is known for adventure and affordability, while Maldives is synonymous with luxury and seclusion.
The Maldives might be your paradise if you’re after exclusivity, indulgence, and the quintessential overwater bungalow experience. On the other hand, if you are attracted to various terrains, a blend of cultures, and a variety of lodging choices, Seychelles may be your ideal tropical retreat.
Whether you’re raising a toast in a Maldivian water villa or exploring the granite wonders of Seychelles, both destinations promise a journey of a lifetime.
So pack your swimsuit and sense of adventure – your island paradise awaits, whichever you choose! 😊
You may like to read “5 Best Local Islands Of Maldives“
