Seychelles vs. Maldives: Which Island Escape Is Right for You?
Few places inspire wanderlust like the remote archipelagos of the Seychelles and the Maldives.
Both are synonymous with turquoise lagoons, coconut palms and barefoot luxury, yet their landscapes and experiences differ dramatically. This guide highlights the contrasts: geography, wildlife, culture, activities, and travel logistics, and explains why Cousine Island in the Seychelles offers a sanctuary for travellers who crave privacy and conservation-minded luxury.
Geography & Landscape
Seychelles: Granite spires and lush forests
The Seychelles lie between 480 km and 1 600 km off Africa’s east coast. The archipelago comprises 115 islands, 42 granite islands and 73 coral islands. The granitic “Inner Islands” are ancient fragments of Gondwana, dramatically rising from the sea; the highest point is Morne Seychellois on Mahé, soaring 905 m (2,969 ft) and protected within the Morne Seychellois National Park. Islands like Praslin shelter primaeval palm forests such as the Vallée de Mai, a 19.5 ha reserve dominated by the world’s largest population of coco‑de‑mer palms, the bearer of the world’s largest seed. These mountain‑backed beaches, granite boulders and endemic forests create a landscape ideal for hiking, bird‑watching and photography.
Maldives: Low‑lying coral atolls
The Maldives comprise about 1,200 small coral islands grouped into clusters or atolls, only about 200 of which are inhabited. The islands stretch more than 510 mi (820 km) from north to south and are on average around 1 m (3.3 ft) above sea level, making them one of the world’s lowest‑lying countries. Lacking mountains or rivers, the atolls are ringed by turquoise lagoons and coral reefs. This flat geography directs attention to the surrounding waters rather than the land.
Wildlife & Marine Life
Terrestrial Fauna
The Seychelles granitic islands support birds like the Seychelles warbler and magpie‑robin, giant tortoises, geckos and flying foxes. On Praslin, Vallée de Mai (one of the world’s most unique UNESCO heritage sites) hosts the coco‑de‑mer and five other endemic palms.
Land life is limited on the Maldives because the atolls lack soil and elevation; most species are seabirds or species introduced to resort islands.
Marine Life
Reef walls and granite pinnacles of Seychelles islands host manta rays, reef sharks, whale sharks and unique fish such as the Seychelles anemonefish. Divers can explore granite slopes, coral reefs and marine reserves like Saint Anne Marine National Park.
Maldives is renowned for large pelagic life, including whale sharks, manta rays and schooling eagle rays. Channels between atolls attract hammerhead sharks, and shallow lagoons are ideal for beginner snorkellers.
Birdlife
Cousine Island alone hosts more than 100,000 nesting seabirds between May and September, making for unforgettable birding experiences. The Seychelles is home to several endemic land birds, including the Seychelles Kestrel, Seychelles Bulbul, Seychelles Warbler, Seychelles Magpie-Robin, Black Paradise Flycatcher, and Seychelles Sunbird. Other endemics like the Aldabra Brush-warbler, Aldabra Drongo, Abbott's Sunbird, and Aldabra White-eye are found on specific islands within the archipelago.
While lacking endemic land birds, the Maldives is an important resting and wintering area for migratory seabirds. Most colonies are hard (or impossible to reach) due to conservation and geography. The Maldives host interesting Indian land bird species including the White-breasted Waterhen, their national symbol.
Culture and Experiences
The Seychelles blends African, French and British influences into a vibrant Créole culture. Visitors can wander through Victoria’s markets, cycle past Creole houses on La Digue, learn to cook Creole dishes, or hike in UNESCO‑listed forests. The atmosphere is relaxed and local life is visible.
By contrast, the Maldives is an Islamic republic with a rich history shaped by centuries of South Asian, Arab, and African influences. With its population concentrated in Malé, resort islands operate almost independently from local communities; cultural encounters tend to be resort‑curated (e.g., boat‑building demonstrations or Maldivian drumming). Alcohol is only available on resort islands, and independent travel beyond resorts is restricted.
Activities & Things to Do
Land activities
Seychelles offers excellent hiking to Morne Seychellois’ summit (905 m), nature walks in Vallée de Mai, cycling on La Digue, exploring Victoria’s markets, touring tea plantations and UNESCO sites. Go island hopping from Cousine Island to experience the rich diversity of Seychelles.
Due to its flat terrain, land-based activities in the Maldives are more limited and centre on resort facilities. Some islands offer jogging tracks or small nature trails.
Marine Activities
In the Seychelles you can snorkel and dive around granite and coral reefs, sail between islands, monitor turtle‑nesting sites, and kayak or paddle over reefs and in mangroves.
Maldives offers world‑class diving and snorkelling; overwater spas, surfing, dolphin watching and underwater restaurants. Diving focuses on channels and reef walls.
Accommodation Styles
Beachfront villas and boutique hotels abound in the Seychelles; many islands have just a handful of villas. Cousine Island has only four villas plus a presidential residence, ensuring privacy and individual experiences.
Maldives is known for its resorts, often featuring overwater villas perched above lagoons; many islands host 50–200 rooms.
Travel Logistics & Hidden Challenges
Getting there: Seychelles
The Seychelles’ main gateway is Seychelles International Airport on Mahé. Direct flights from Europe take 9–14 hours and are operated by airlines such as Air France, Emirates and Turkish Airlines. Air Seychelles offers a direct 5½‑hour flight from Johannesburg. From Mahé you travel between islands by ferry, domestic flights, or chartered boat services.
Travellers to Cousine Island can board a 17‑minute helicopter flight (or five minutes from Praslin), with a 325 kg weight limit. Those preferring sea travel can take a 20–25‑minute catamaran from Praslin or a 1½‑hour yacht ride from Mahé. The island’s team coordinates transfers and handles luggage and formalities on arrival.
Getting there: Maldives
Travellers flying to the Maldives land in Malé. From there visitors must transfer by seaplane, speedboat or domestic flight, depending on their resort’s location. Most resorts require seaplane transfers that operate only during daylight hours; the last departures are usually by 17:00, and flights are restricted to travellers whose international flights arrive between 06:00 and 16:00 . Weight limits (20 kg checked + 5 kg hand luggage) apply, with extra baggage charged per kilogram. Delays caused by weather are common and can require overnight stays in Malé.
Beyond resort transfers, the Maldives’ transport infrastructure is limited. An Asian Development Bank report notes that insufficient sea transport services and harbour facilities limit connectivity and increase costs; almost half of the inhabited islands lack proper harbour access and 25 islands have no harbour at all. Regular ferry services are scarce because distances are long and fuel costs are high. While tourist resorts build their own jetties and operate high‑speed boats, residents and small businesses face high costs and infrequent services.
Why these logistics matter
Travel details are often overlooked when daydreaming about overwater villas. In the Maldives, misaligned flight times can force overnight stays in Malé or long waits for seaplanes; luggage allowances may require travellers to pack light or pay hefty fees; and late‑afternoon arrivals mean spending the first night off‑resort. Once at the resort, moving between islands for excursions is not straightforward.
In contrast, the Seychelles’ compact geography and established domestic services make island‑hopping simple, and transfers to private islands like Cousine are short and scenic.
Privacy, Conservation & Luxury: The Cousine Island Difference
Cousine Island captures the best of the Seychelles by combining eco‑conscious luxury with true exclusivity:
Secluded villas
The island hosts only four beachfront villas plus a presidential residence, accommodating a maximum of 12 guests. Each villa blends indoor/outdoor living and includes a private infinity pool, open‑plan lounge, jacuzzi bath and expansive veranda.
Conservation heritage
A 30‑year restoration programme removed invasive species and reintroduced native flora and fauna, transforming the island into a private sanctuary for endangered species. Sustainability initiatives include solar power, rainwater capture, recycling and marine restoration.
Abundant wildlife
Cousine’s forests are home to rare birds such as the Seychelles warbler and magpie‑robin; its beaches host nesting hawksbill and green turtles; and its waters attract reef sharks, manta rays and whale sharks. More than 100,000 seabirds fill the skies during the breeding season.
Activities & experiences
Guests can snorkel or scuba dive, join guided nature walks, monitor turtle nests, kayak at sunset or simply relax on an empty beach. Helicopter transfers offer breathtaking aerial views, and catamarans provide leisurely voyages.
Easy accessibility
Unlike Maldives resorts that may require multiple transfers and overnight stops, Cousine is reachable in 17 minutes by helicopter from Mahé or 20–25 minutes by boat from Praslin. The island’s team arranges and coordinates transfers, ensuring a seamless journey.
Making Your Choice
Both the Seychelles and the Maldives are beautiful, but they cater to different travel styles.
Choose the Maldives if your dream holiday revolves around diving with manta rays, staying in overwater villas and spending most of your time in the ocean. Be prepared for daylight‑only seaplane schedules, weight‑restricted luggage and potential overnight stays in Malé.
Choose the Seychelles if you value lush landscapes, wildlife encounters, cultural depth and the freedom to explore multiple islands. For the ultimate blend of privacy and nature‑driven luxury, Cousine Island offers an exclusive retreat where conservation is at the heart of the experience.
With only four villas, a 30‑year history of environmental stewardship and easy access from Mahé, Cousine allows you to experience the Seychelles’ wild beauty without compromising on comfort or sustainability.
