Comparison · Maldives vs Seychelles · Maldives / Seychelles
Maldives vs Seychelles
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Potov - Noblige, CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
Choose Maldives for Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and a short break; choose Seychelles for Granite beaches, Coco de mer and free sights. Maldives is generally less expensive, and the two are about 2,231 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 2,231 km
- Less expensive
- Maldives
- Best time for Maldives
- December–April
- Best time for Seychelles
- April–May and October–November
Side by side
| Maldives | Seychelles | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Maldives | Seychelles |
| Known for | Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and Manta rays | Granite beaches, Coco de mer and Vallée de Mai |
| Best time to visit | December–April | April–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 7 days | 10 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $250–$500 | $300–$550 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Very expensive |
| Warmest month | April, 32°C (90°F) | March, 31°C (88°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 30°C (86°F) | July, 28°C (82°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 3 | 8 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | Hulhumalé beach | Anse Source d'Argent |
| Airports | MLE, GAN, DRV, VAM, KDO | SEZ, PRI |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Maldives for…
Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and a short break. The Maldives is a chain of about 1,190 low coral islands grouped into 26 natural atolls that stretch across the equator in the Indian Ocean. Almost every visitor lands at Velana International Airport beside the capital, Malé, then continues by speedboat to…
Choose Seychelles for…
Granite beaches, Coco de mer and free sights. Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean, about 1,500 km east of mainland Africa. Most visitors stay on the three main granitic islands: Mahé, with the international airport, the small capital Victoria and the mountains of Morne…
Top sights compared
| # | Maldives | Seychelles |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanifaru Bay manta rays | Anse Source d'Argent |
| 2 | Whale sharks in South Ari Atoll | Vallée de Mai |
| 3 | Banana Reef | Anse Lazio |
| 4 | Maaya Thila and Fish Head | Morne Seychellois National Park |
| 5 | Lankan Manta Point | Copolia Trail |
Food compared
| Maldives | Seychelles |
|---|---|
| Mas huni | Creole fish curry |
| Garudhiya | Octopus curry |
| Mas riha | Fruit bat curry |
| Roshi | Grilled fish |
Which is cheaper?
Maldives is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $250–$500 per person there, against $300–$550 in Seychelles (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Maldives on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 2,231 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 18 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Maldives or Seychelles cheaper?
Maldives is usually less expensive: about $250–$500 a day mid-range against $300–$550 (estimates).
+Is Maldives or Seychelles better for a first trip?
Pick Maldives for Overwater villas, House-reef snorkelling and a short break, or Seychelles for Granite beaches, Coco de mer and free sights.
+How far is Maldives from Seychelles?
About 2,231 km in a straight line.