Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles – Which Is Best

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One of the biggest honeymoon questions we get is ‘What’s the difference between Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles?’

You’ve already seen the photos and videos of their incredible beaches across your social media platforms. But how do you decide? What exactly is the difference between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles?

From the delicious food, to the stunning resorts and hotels, to the tropical scenery, all three are beautiful. Yet, while they might look similar at first glance, they really differ from each other!

We’ve been lucky to visit all three stunningly delightful honeymoon destinations, so we thought it was time to break down the difference between them

Let’s take you to the gorgeous Indian Ocean and help you decide between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles for your honeymoon! Let’s take you to paradise…

When you’re ready to give deeper, we’ve got the definitive guide to planning a Maldives honeymoon, the definitive guide to planning a Mauritius honeymoon, and the definitive guide to planning a Seychelles honeymoon. They cover everything you need to know. How to get there, the best time to visit, the best things to and the best places to stay!

Where are the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles

The Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles – all three stunning locations offer pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and luxurious resorts in the Indian Ocean – but where exactly are they located?

First up, the Maldives! The Maldives is a collection of 1200 tiny atolls located just south of Sri Lanka and India. An atoll is a group of tiny islands and islets surrounded by a lagoon. Only about 190 of the islands are inhabited.

The capital, Malé, is a bustling island city.

Next, we have Mauritius, an island nation located off the east coast of its giant neighbour, Madagascar.

While it may be just one island, there are around 50 uninhabited islets, some of which you can take day trips to.

The capital, Port Louis, is a small city with a smidgen of cultural activities.

Last, but definitely not least, we have Seychelles, a group of 100 islands situated off the coast of Tanzania and Kenya in East Africa.

This location is in the middle of the Indian Ocean, and the vast majority of the islands are remote and uninhabited. Tourists typically access less than 10 of these islands, with most of the population living on the main island of Mahé.

The capital, Victoria, is one of the smallest in the world.

When you make your choice between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, one thing is certain – all three destinations are relatively remote.

But don’t let that deter you. The seclusion and tranquility are part of what makes these honeymoon destinations so special.

Best time to visit the Maldives, Mauritius & Seychelles

When choosing between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, timing is everything! Each island has its own unique weather patterns and peak travel times.

Starting with the Maldives, this paradise destination does not experience significant temperature changes throughout the year and it’s always warm.

However, it has a rainy and dry season. The best time to visit Maldives for a honeymoon is during the dry season, from December to April. Find out more with our Maldives weather month-by-month guide.

That being said, many couples travel during the rainy season from May to October and it’s a great time to avail of discounts.

Seychelles does not get cold either, but experiences different monsoons or trade winds throughout the year. The best time to visit Seychelles is during the dry season between April to October.

Seychelles’ rainy season, particularly between December and February, can be extremely wet. Find out more with our Seychelles weather month-by-month guide.

Mauritius experiences cooler temperatures from June to August, that can average temperature around 20°C / 70°F.

If you don’t want humid weather, then this is a pleasant time to travel as weather is breezy but warm and dry. The rainy season in Mauritius runs from December to March.

The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to June and September to November. Find out more with our Mauritius weather month-by-month guide.

The islands rarely experience regular extreme weather events, although there can be occasional cyclones, thunderstorms, and heavy downpours during their respective rainy seasons.

In summary, weather might be one way to narrow down your choice between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles.

In summary, the best time to visit Seychelles is during the summer between April to October, the Maldives in winter and spring between December to April, and Mauritius in early summer and autumn, from May to June and September to November.

How to get to Maldives, Mauritius & Seychelles.

No matter which destination you choose between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, getting there is easier than you might think.

While these locations may seem remote, they are all well-connected by air.

One popular option for reaching these destinations is to fly via the Middle East.

You can catch connecting flights from cities in the UAE (with Emirates via Dubai or Etihad via Abu Dhabi), Qatar (with Qatar Airways via Doha) or Turkey (via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines).

These cities have frequent flights to the region for a smooth and convenient journey.

If you’re traveling to or from Southeast Asia, there are direct flights to the Maldives from cities like Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.

If you’re traveling to or from Africa, there are direct flights to Seychelles and Mauritius from Johannesburg and Nairobi.

There are also flights from European cities like London and Paris.

Getting around the Maldives, Mauritius & Seychelles

When it comes to getting around these Indian Ocean islands, they really differ from each other.

In the Maldives, the concept is “one island: one resort”.

99% of couples visiting the Maldives go straight from the airport to their hotel, spending the entire trip in the same resort, so you don’t need to get around, so to speak.

To get to your resort, you can take a speedboat, a seaplane over the atolls, or domestic flight followed by a speedboat ride.

While there are some opportunities to visit neighbouring islands from certain resorts, island hopping is not a common activity in the Maldives.

However, if you’re looking for a unique way to explore the islands, G Adventures has this wonderful traditional dhoni cruise for a more immersive experience.

Mauritius is a small island nation, and most couples will stay at a resort on the coast and base themselves there.

There are plenty of companies that will take you on excursions. However, if you’re looking for more freedom to explore the island, you can hire a car for a day trip or even for the duration of your stay.

This will give you the flexibility to see the sights at your own pace and explore beyond the resort.

In Seychelles, visitors typically land on the main island of Mahé and then travel to neighbouring islands by plane, ferry, or helicopter.

Most couples choose to base themselves on Mahé or Praslin and explore the surrounding islands from there.

The best way to get around on these islands is by car. In Seychelles, they drive on the left side of the road. So if you’re Irish, British or Australian — they drive on the same side, so it’s not daunting at all.

However, if you’re not comfortable driving, there are also plenty of excursions available to take you to the best spots.

If you have time, you might add a third island like La Digue to your itinerary, where the primary mode of transportation is bicycle.

If hiring a car, book early as a small nation, there are limited cars available for hire.

Whichever island honeymoon you choose between Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, all three are very easy to get around.

Where to stay in the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles

When you’re planning a honeymoon and choosing between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, you’ll have no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation.

You’re in for a treat with some of the world’s best hotels spread across these Indian Ocean paradises.

In the Maldives, resorts reign supreme. You’ll find a variety of options ranging from large, all-inclusive properties to lavish ultra lux resorts, perfect for couples on honeymoon.

One highlight of staying in the Maldives is the opportunity to stay in a villa, either a beach villa or an overwater villa.

These luxurious accommodations often come equipped with their own private plunge pool and direct access to the warm, turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Some resorts even have overwater villas with water slides and a handful are adults only.

There are some resorts that have blocks of rooms. However, for a true Maldivian experience, accept nothing less than a villa! Whether that is on the beach or over the water will depend on your budget. Discover the best Maldives honeymoon resorts plus some more affordable villa ideas, too.

If you’re looking for an authentic experience, you can go off the beaten track a little, as small hotels and guesthouses have started to open in recent years on local islands with a chance to immerse yourself in Maldivian island life and support the local community.

However, the Maldives is an Islamic nation and on local islands; the culture is more reserved and conservative than the privately owned islands.

Mauritius has a variety of resort-style accommodation options, from cool boutique hotels to ultra-luxurious properties.

Whether you’re looking for a chic, adults-only retreat or a resort with plenty of activities, you’ll find something to suit your tastes in Mauritius.

The vast majority of resorts in Mauritius are set right on the beach, with easy access to the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean.

In Seychelles, you’ll find a diverse range of accommodation options.

Eco-resorts provide a more sustainable and authentic experience, while private islands offer the ultimate in luxury and seclusion.

Seychelles is home to some of the world’s most exclusive resorts, where you can indulge in the finer things in life in a heavenly honeymoon hotel.

Whatever your ultimate choice is between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, you’ll find stunning hotels at the most magical beach destinations.

Where to eat in the Maldives, Mauritius & Seychelles

When it comes to culinary adventures between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, again, they are different from each other.

In the Maldives, many resorts offer all-inclusive packages, making it easy to enjoy a variety of meals and drinks without worrying about the bill at the end.

However, some resorts also offer bed-and-breakfast, half board (B&D*) or full board (B, L&D*) options. This is often the case at the higher end 5-star plus resorts in the Maldives. It might also be suitable for couples who don’t drink alcohol.

If you don’t go all-inclusive, you pay for what you eat & drink locally (added to your bill and paid at check-out).

Dining in the Maldives is a treat for the senses, with a fusion of Indian, Thai, and Japanese influences, as well as fresh seafood and exotic fruits.

Sometimes only the buffet restaurant is included in your package, so it’s worth comparing Maldives honeymoon packages.

All-Inclusive packages can be great value and sometimes have a handful of activities included. Others have an optional supplement that allows you to upgrade to dine around in multiple restaurants.

In Mauritius, the resort-style accommodation often includes all-inclusive packages, as well as bed-and-breakfast, half board or full board options, too.

Most couples will dine at their resort, although you can eat at local restaurants. Most are found in the island’s north around Grand Baie.

Mauritius is known for its diverse cuisine, which reflects the island’s multicultural heritage. Local dishes feature influences from India, France, Creole, and China, and fresh seafood is abundant.

Seychelles is not really an all-inclusive destination. Most accommodation offers either bed & breakfast, half board or full board.

There are only a couple of all-inclusive options. All-inclusive is not common like it is in Mauritius or Maldives, but many resorts offer bed-and-breakfast, half board, or full board packages.

We recommend going with either breakfast or half board. You may be out exploring during the day so you don’t want to be tied to having lunch at the hotel!

With a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Seychelles cuisine is a fusion of African, Indian, and Creole influences, with fresh seafood and tropical fruits taking centre stage.

While dining options may be more limited on some of the smaller islands, Mahé offers a handful of restaurants to explore.

When it comes to dining in the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, we highly recommend trying the local cuisine. From fresh seafood to exotic fruits and spices, the Indian Ocean islands offer a feast for the senses.

Many resorts also offer multiple dining options, from fine dining restaurants to beachside bars, making it easy to find something to suit your taste buds, including plenty of western-style foods.

Whether you choose to go all-inclusive or pay as you go, the dining options in the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, are a delight. Although for us the Maldives has the best food.

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Things to do in the Maldives, Mauritius & Seychelles

Although the images might show you deserted paradise beaches, when you’re deciding between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, you’ll be glad to know there is plenty to do in all three destinations.

One common question we get is, ‘Is the Maldives too boring?’ or ‘Is the Maldives too quiet? The answer is NO!

The sound of the gentle lagoon lapping against white sand or under your overwater villa. Laughter as you sip on a cocktail by your private plunge pool living your best life – the best sounds on the planet.

How would your day go when you’re in a typical Maldives resort? You might choose to wake up to see the magical Maldivian sunrise, go for a leisurely breakfast, or spend the morning scuba diving or snorkelling amongst the coral reef. You could even plant some coral, a fun activity for couples passionate about sustainability.

Take an afternoon stroll on a sandbank or take part in some water sports. Sunbathe by your private pool, go to the heavenly spa, play a game of tennis and take a sunset dolphin-spotting cruise.

You can have the most beautiful dining experience by the beach, marvel at the wondrous night sky on a stargazing tour.

As you can see, there is plenty to keep you occupied if you’re an adventure travel focussed couple.

In Mauritius, you can laze away the days in your luxury resort and do all the things a fabulous beach honeymoon offers.

When you venture out, you’ll find national parks with fantastic hiking trails through pristine rainforests, waterfalls, birdlife, and butterflies.

Mauritius has a fascinating history. Explore it on a half-day trip to Port Louis, the nation’s capital. 

In Seychelles, a typical itinerary will involve an island hop from Mahé to Praslin and maybe La Digue or Silhouette. What is there to do in Seychelles?

There are many activities to discover! You can lie by the pool in your lovely hotel. However, the world’s best beaches like Anse Source D’Argent, Anse Lazio or Anse Intendance await!

Snorkel, swim, dive, and take a glass-bottom canoe. Spend your day meeting giant tortoises, hiking beautiful rainforest trails, visiting the colourful market on Mahé, or bike riding on La Digue.

We strongly recommend hiring a car. Wake up early at least a few times, so you get to the beaches before the crowds. If you get there at 8.30/9.00 am, you may find barely anyone around — just magic!

Whoever wins in the battle between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, there is plenty to keep you entertained and occupied in all three of these heavenly honeymoon destinations.

Which is cheapest between the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles

The cost is usually a factor when choosing between Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles.

Prices can vary greatly depending on factors such as travel dates, accommodation choices, activities, flight deals and how soon you book.

While there are some budget-friendly options available, the Maldives and Seychelles are generally considered more expensive destinations compared to Mauritius.

However, many resorts in Maldives offer all-inclusive, so food and drink can be included, whereas in Seychelles, all-inclusive isn’t a thing, so it’s harder to compare like for like.

Seychelles needs a little longer than the Maldives and Mauritius, too, as you hop between a few islands, so 10 nights is recommended.

Whereas a week is often ideal for the Maldives and Mauritius. Although you can spend longer in the Maldives and Mauritius, too!

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on how the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles compare, we recommend checking travel websites like Google Flights and Booking.com to check rough costs for your dates.

You can ask for a quick comparison if you’re consulting with a travel agent who can help you find the best deals and packages that suit your budget.

Remember that prices can fluctuate based on the time of year and other factors, like how soon you book, so it’s best to research and plan in advance.

Where to tag on to the Maldives, Mauritius & Seychelles

As we mentioned earlier, multiple airlines serve the Indian Ocean islands, so it’s fairly even when it comes to getting to the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles.

You can fly via our favourite, Dubai with its beautiful hotels, some with rooftop pools, or try Abu Dhabi as an alternative. Istanbul is also a great option.

Some European hubs such as Paris and London have direct flights too.

From Asia, you can fly directly from Bangkok to the Maldives for one of our all-time favourite multi destination honeymoons. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Thailand!

You can also fly from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. Any of these make for a great add-on to create the perfect multi-destination honeymoon itinerary with the Maldives.

Other honeymoon destination combinations we love include South Africa for an epic road trip itinerary, an epic safari in Tanzania and Kenya with Mauritius or Seychelles.

Wondering about Tanzania and Kenya? We’ve got the differences about those two fantastic safari honeymoon destinations, too.

Johannesburg and Nairobi have connections to both Mauritius and Kenya, so no matter what magical safari destination you choose, you can get to these wonderful island paradises.

We usually pair Sri Lanka or India with the Maldives because there are direct flights between them.

Currently, there are no direct flights between Africa and the Maldives, so they don’t go as well together.

To combine Maldives with Africa, you will need to fly via the Middle East, sometimes adding a considerable expense.

Of course, you don’t have to combine these destinations. You can just fly straight to these Indian Ocean paradises and stay there the whole time!

However, as you can see, there are some beautiful places to tag on, whether you choose the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles!

If you’ve been thinking about the Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles, we hope this article has helped you figure out the difference between these incredible destinations!

Let us know in the comments which one you choose in the battle between these destinations, Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles?

Happy Planning x