The heat is definitely on. Not like the WWE Ramble smack down, but more like a guide. Mauritius and Seychelles are one of the most famous islands of the Indian Ocean. Both have their strong suites and weaknesses, and today ladies and gentlemen, we are going head-to-head on which one will suite you for your holiday staycation with Adequate Safaris. In this article I will give you an overview of each to help you decide which you will enjoy most.
Few names spark joyful, fulfillment excitement like the Mauritius and Seychelles when it comes to enjoying the blue turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. These two rank among the world’s dreamed tours and for a valid reason. Both attract thousand of tourists from all over the world and offer flourishing tropical jungles, mix of cultures and the golden sand beaches.
Complete Overview Difference: Mauritius vs Seychelles
Here is the main difference between Mauritius and Seychelles islands in terms of what each has and the other doesn’t.
- Geographical Location: Mauritius is an island country located in the east of Madagascar and a prosperous Indian Ocean archipelago. The island covers 1,860 square kilometers and is known for its golden pristine white sand beaches. On the other hand, Seychelles is an archipelago consisting of 115 islands located in the western Indian Ocean. The island covers approximately 1,600 square kilometers.
- Hotel Hunting / Accommodation: Mauritius offers a wide variety of hotels to choose from; all found on the main island. If you are after luxury high end hotels, on the east side of the island is where you will find them in a more remote area. The luxury hotels are made for travelers seeking a quite peaceful retreat and privacy. In Seychelles, luxury hotels are commonly found in the North Island, where Kate Middleton and Prince William had their honeymoon. Hotel hunting is Mauritius is much easier than in Seychelles if you are on a budget while in Seychelles it is easier if you are a luxurious traveler.
- Ease Of Access: Mauritius is much easier to access than its other counter partner with direct air connections to East Asia. The island offers direct connecting flights from Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore. It is also easier for tourists visiting from African and European countries to access Mauritius than it is for them to access Seychelles.
- Golden Powdery White Sandy Beaches: On this one, Seychelles by far takes the lead. Seychelles has 115 islands each unique in its own beauty. The main island of Mahe has exciting backdrops and also island of Praslin. Beaches found in Seychelles such as Takamaka, Baie Lazare and Grand Anse are all known to be mesmerizing. Mauritius also has a unique beach known for its warm waters, the Blue Bay that is located in Mauritius’ main island.
- Things To Do: Mauritius is known for offering tourists a spoilt of choice, when it comes to things to do the island has to offer, more than Seychelles. Some of the interesting activities the island offers, include snorkeling in the coral reefs, trekking, hiking, cycling and seeing the beautiful waterfalls in the Chamarel Mountains.
- Family Travels: When you compare which island between the two favors family travels, Mauritius comes top. This is mainly because Mauritius has ease of access and a wide variety of activities that kids will enjoy, especially in the beach.
- Cultural Heritage: Mauritius also takes lead on this, the island has a lot of cultural influence from cultural influences of Africa, France, India and the Chinese. This is not to say that Seychelles lacks places that will engage you in cultural heritage. For example, the Capital of Victoria in Seychelles gives you a glimpse of colonial architecture as well as their Indian and Chinese temples.
- Beautiful Landscapes: Mauritius has more beautiful landscapes compared to Seychelles. This is because Seychelles mountain slopes are quite smaller as compared to Mauritius. The Le Pouce Mountain and Le Morne Brabant in Mauritius offer beautiful back drops when it comes to content creation, filming and photography.
- A Touch Of Wildlife: This belt of championship is won over by Seychelles. The island of Praslin blends you with a mix of wildlife spotting, which is a rare thing to find in Mauritius. The Island of Praslin has variety of mammals, reptiles, crustaceans and the hawksbill turtles. All this adds more to your experience.
- Dining: Dining in both islands is quite an exposure, especially if you are a sea food lover. Mauritius tends to have a strong touch in preparing traditional Indian cuisines and food here is much cheaper as compared to dining in Seychelles. You can enjoy fine dining in Mauritius at Le Chamarel while in Seychelles, expect to dine well at Del Place along Port Launay while facing the beach. Some of the best dishes you should try in Mauritius is boulettes, dholl puri and the Mauritanian biryani. In Seychelles ensure you try their Daube de banana, bouyon Blan or their delicious coconut crab.
- Best For Honeymoon: Honeymoon goers will definitely love both islands, but when it comes to the contrasting element, first and foremost it depends on what you want to experience. Mauritius offers a wide spoil of activities and attractions to engage in, while Seychelles offers luxurious experiences in a private and safe settings along the beach. For better privacy go for Seychelles while Mauritius is best for those honeymoon couples who love trying new activities.
- City Life: One of the smallest cities in the world is Victoria in Seychelles. The city immerses tourist into the vibrant cultures of Seychelles as it allows guests to enjoy club hopping, their botanical gardens, resorts and the beaches. Compared to Port Louis in Maurirtius, you will enjoy more cultural experiences in this island. For a more vibrant young life experience, Seychelles should be on your bucket, and for a dive into cultural experiences such as visiting museums and learning different histories, Mauritius should win the race.
So, What Is The Main Difference Between Mauritius & Seychelles?
The key distinction about the two islands is that Mauritius is a solitary island while Seychelles is made up of 115 different islands. When it comes to choosing between these two islands that are characterized by their tropical waters, coral reefs, swaying palm trees and powdery white sands, it boils down to personal preference. Seychelles tends to be more expensive than Mauritius due to its remoteness, high cost of living and an intentional move to attract luxurious tourists. Despite their popularity, these adventure islands are different in logistics, experience, culture and many more that we will see.
Mauritius
Mauritius has a total population of around 1.3 million people. Most of the inhabitants in this island are migrants from India, Europe, China and slaves from Africa. The only airport found on the island is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport. As a tourist destination, this island is loved, it is definitely known for its beautiful white sand beaches, but many are not aware that it also has a national part on land, the Black River Gorges National Park and Sainte Anne Marine National Park.
In Mauritius, adventure enthusiasts can indulge in activities such as quad biking, zip lining, hiking, visiting the beautiful waterfalls and nature reserves. Water sport activities tourists can indulge include sun bathing, snorkeling, swimming, kite surfing, nature walks along the sandy beaches and swimming as well. Whether you are on a budget or you are a high-end traveler, Mauritius has something memorable for everyone.
Who Is Mauritius Best For?
Mauritius is best for family destinations, couples and honeymooners as well. Ease of access and provision of a wide variety of activities make this island rank for these groups. Non-motorized water sports activities and snorkeling equipment are normally free in this island. You will however pay for jet skiing, scuba diving and parasailing. The month of May to December offer the best weather to enjoy Mauritius.
Seychelles
Seychelles is an archipelago of island consisting of 115 islands located on the East Coast of Africa, in the middle or warm and abundant Indian Ocean. Here is where you will find lush nature, a myriad of marine life and diving spot and some of the best beaches in the world. It is also one of the top honeymoon destinations in the world, and the best part is, it doesn’t have too many tourists visiting at the moment. Its top three most popular islands are Mahe, Praslin and La Digue. If you are looking to go on a romantic honeymoon in paradise or just want a tropical getaway to one of the most beautiful untouched parts of the world, then Seychelles is worth adding to your list.
One of the most incredible things you can do in Seychelles with Adequate Safaris, is visiting the transparent kayaks in Anse Source d’ Argent. It is where giant granite boulders, palm trees and the turquoise blue waters meet. Snorkeling is also enjoyed in Seychelles along with diving, hiking at Copolia Trail and Anse Major Trail. Visiting the giant tortoise is also a common activity to do, since they are found almost everywhere in the island and can live for up to 100 years.
Who Is Seychelles Best For?
Adventurists who enjoy snorkeling and diving will love what Seychelles has to offer. Exclusive honeymoon seekers who don’t mind breaking their bank are the most ideal for Seychelles and first-time luxury travelers. From luxury accommodation hotels such as Desroches and Denis to private islands, some of which high end events have taken place, these types of group travelers will enjoy this place. The best time to visit the island is in December to April because of the perfect weather, April to May and October to November, however the island is an all-year-round destination.
Final Verdict
Both Seychelles and Mauritius are luxury destination each having something unique going on to offer travelers. Choosing between the two can sometimes be daunting, but at the end of the day both are just as good as the other. To make a more informative decision, look first at the type of activities you want to do, the type of budget you have, your preferences and your overall desired experience. All in all, I hope this simple guide will help you to make your travel booking in either of these islands with the best tours and travel company in Kenya, Adequate Safaris. Email is via de***@*************is.com or call our WhatsApp line at +254 711 711 498
Mauritius & Seychelles Island FAQs
How Long Should You Spend In Seychelles / Mauritius?
To have an intimate time in both countries, a period of 10 to 14 days is highly recommended. These number of days will provide you the perfect itinerary all packed with different activities to enjoy each day.
What Language Is Used By Both Countries?
Mauritius does not have any official language however English is the most commonly used language all over the country. In Seychelles, the country uses couple of different languages as their official language. We have French, English and Creole.
Which Island Is Safer Between Mauritius and Seychelles?
Both islands are safer; there are no reports recorded of any fatal accidents happening in either island when it comes to new comers and new travelers. However, it is best as a new traveler to adhere to any travel advisories offered to you.
Which Island Among The Two Is Best For Honeymooners?
Honeymoon is usually considered as a once in a lifetime event, because of these most couples never mind if they spend a few bucks, more than what they intended to. Because of these reasons, Seychelles is usually the most preferred choice for honeymooners.
Which One Is Better? Mauritius Or Seychelles?
As someone who has gone to both Islands, I will answer this question with no bias. Both islands are great each appeal to nature, blends culture and has variety of excursions to do. So, to answer which one is better, I would say that this entirely depends on your interests and personal preferences.
What Type Of Dish Can I Expect In Seychelles and Mauritius?
Both islands are commonly known for having sea foods. Seychelles in particular makes very delicious Creole cuisines. Mauritius on the other hand prepares unique Chinese, French, Creole and Indian dishes. Popular dishes that you should try include dholl puri, sea foods, octopus curry, ladob, coconut curry and biryani. One this for sure is you will enjoy dining in both islands.
