The Seychelles and Maldives may share the same waters, but nature has shaped them so distinctly that choosing between them is less about comparison and more about which destination resonates with you. These Indian Ocean archipelagos have a way of making even the most decisive travellers pause, each offering its own interpretation of paradise.
The Geography of Paradise
Seychelles lies 4° south of the equator, where 115 granite islands spread across 1.4 million square kilometres of ocean. These are no ordinary tropical isles – they're among Earth's oldest, their mountains rising 905 metres skyward, their forests dating back to when the continents were still finding their way. While Mahé's peaks pierce the clouds, Praslin holds the Vallée de Mai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where coco de mer palms have grown unchanged since the first ships spotted these shores. One of the few mid-ocean granite archipelagos on Earth, Seychelles stands as a reminder of our planet's ancient past.
1,192 coral islands seem to float on the Maldivian horizon. These tiny worlds, with an average elevation of just 1.5 metres, barely break the surface of the Indian Ocean, like stepping stones scattered across the blue. Most of them – less than a kilometre across – cluster into 26 atolls, the largest natural atoll formation on Earth. Nothing rises higher than the palm trees, and you can walk across most islands before your morning coffee gets cold. In the Maldives, the world's lowest-lying nation, even the tallest waves serve as a reminder of nature's delicate balance.
Life Here, Life There
In Seychelles, every morning brings a choice. You might wake to mist curling around mountain peaks, tempting you up trails where the air smells of cinnamon and vanilla. Or perhaps the sea calls instead – there's always a hidden cove around the next granite boulder, always another beach that looks too perfect to be real. The water holds its own treasures, but here, it shares billing with forests older than memory. Beneath the waves, divers discover schools of barracuda, stingrays, and reef sharks circling Shark Bank's granite plateau. At Aldabra Atoll, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ocean floor drops away to reveal giant groupers and manta rays drifting in the blue. Between September and November, whale sharks pass through these waters, offering a chance to swim with the world's largest fish.
Water defines life in the Maldives – with every view, every moment. Villas balance on stilts above lagoons so clear you can watch fish darting between the pillars from your bed. House reefs start where your deck ends, and even first-time snorkellers find themselves floating above coral gardens, watching turtles glide past with that unhurried grace that makes you forget about time altogether. At Hanifaru Bay, manta rays gather in large numbers between May and November, feeding in the plankton-rich waters.
Island Living
Seychelles has never been interested in one-size-fits-all luxury. North Island might ask £4,700 for a night's stay, but you'll also find family-run guesthouses on La Digue, where breakfast means fresh papaya and stories from your host about which beach is best that day. Some visitors split their time – a few nights up in a mountain villa watching birds ride the thermals, then down to a beach suite where the day's schedule is written in tides. Conservation remains a priority in Seychelles, particularly at Aldabra Atoll, home to the highest number of giant tortoises in the world.
The Maldives wrote its own rules about island hotels, with 160 resorts, each claiming their own piece of ocean. Some, like Joali and One&Only Reethi Rah, have villas starting at around £2,400 a night. Others offer their interpretation of paradise at gentler prices, starting around £640. But they all share one thing – that feeling of having your own island, where everything you need sits just a few barefoot steps away. Many resorts lead coral restoration projects, allowing guests to plant corals and contribute to marine ecosystem recovery.
Days and Ways
In Seychelles, each day unfolds differently. A morning hike through Morne Seychellois National Park brings cooler air with every climb, and the views stop you in your tracks. By afternoon, you could be cycling La Digue’s quiet paths, passing oxcarts that still trundle along while giant tortoises claim the right of way. Then there’s the sea – boat trips to tiny islands reveal skies filled with rare birds, with dives among granite boulders uncovering underwater mazes for curious fish.
The Maldives moves to the rhythm of the tides. Earlier hours could find you drifting over your house reef, counting the colours in a parrotfish's scales. Later, you may join marine biologists to learn about manta rays or take a boat to Hanifaru Bay, where these gentle giants dance in the plankton-rich waters. As evening draws in, there's always that impossible decision – watch the sunset from your overwater deck or from a sandbank where the only footprints are your own.
At the Table
Seychellois cuisine tells the story of these islands better than any history book. At places like Marie Antoinette, the same Creole recipes have been served for generations: octopus curry, and grilled fish come with a side of local lore. Markets overflow with fresh fruit and spices – just as beachside shacks serve up the day's catch with feet in the sand and new friends at the next table. Sustainability is ingrained into Seychelles' food culture, with many resorts sourcing produce from local farmers and fishers.
The Maldives brings the world to your plate. Each tiny island somehow houses enough restaurants to keep things interesting – from simple beachside grills to underwater venues where fish watch you eat fish. Chefs showcased their expertise with seafood caught hours ago, and destination dining might mean a table set up on your own private sandbank under a canopy of stars. Several resorts, including Soneva Fushi, offer zero-waste dining experiences, reflecting the country's growing focus on sustainable tourism.
The Question of When
Seychelles plays by its own weather rules. April and May bring mirror-calm seas and perfect visibility for divers. The southeast trade winds arrive in June, delighting sailors and surfers. September and October bring clear waters and whale sharks cruising past the western shores. With Seychelles' equatorial location, temperatures remain around 24 to 30°C year-round.
The Maldives keeps things simpler. Temperatures hover between 27 and 31°C. November to April delivers endless blue skies and calm seas, perfect for those overwater villa dreams. The other months might see some rain, but it rarely stays long, and there's something mesmerising about watching tropical showers roll across the ocean from your villa, knowing the sun isn't far behind.
Making the Choice
The decision between these destinations often comes down to the type of escape you're seeking. Seychelles mixes it up – you'll find mountains and beaches, wild forests and quiet fishing villages, luxury resorts, and family guesthouses. Days can be as active or laid-back as you like. The islands take conservation seriously, too, with the Blue Economy initiative making sure tourism works alongside local communities and nature.
The Maldives focuses on private luxury and underwater experiences. Each resort creates its own world, ideal for honeymoons and quiet getaways. The overwater villas, abundant sea life, and sense of complete removal from everyday life appeal to those wanting total escape. The country's dedication to ocean conservation, including extensive coral planting programmes, lets travellers participate in preserving the reefs.
The Final Word
Two archipelagos, two distinct characters. Seychelles offers more possibilities, mixing mountain trails and hidden coves with cultural encounters and quiet beaches. The Maldives keeps things elegant and simple – pristine islands devoted to privacy and underwater life.
Neither outshines the other. The choice between them isn't about finding the better destination but rather finding the one that matches your own vision of escape.
