There are worse problems in the world than tossing up the Maldives vs. the Seychelles. Both countries define island idylls, boasting balmy seas exploding with otherworldly marine life. Above water, luxurious resorts and swoon-worthy weather attract honeymooners and sun seekers alike. So, how do you choose between the two? Key differences in marine life, crowds, cuisine and land-based activities might make the decision easier; read on for our comparison of the Maldives and the Seychelles to help you pick where to dive into next...
Seclusion
Most sun-seekers stay on private resort islands when on holiday in the Maldives. This means that, even in the peak tourist season (between December and April), you'll feel like you're in your own secret slice of paradise. In comparison, sunny Seychelles sees visitors staying on inhabited islands like Mahe and Praslin, which, although slightly less secluded, offer wonderful immersion in local life. And, compared to the Maldives, the Seychelles welcomes fewer tourists per year (around 330,000 vs. 1.8 million).
Marine life
When it comes to marine life, the question of the Maldives vs. the Seychelles has no wrong answer. Both promise plenty of dazzling dive opportunities for all abilities, but the environments can vary. Diving in the Maldives centres around channel dives and coral thilas inside atoll lagoons, where nutrient-rich waters attract myriad marine life. Keen to catch sight of a shark? You're in luck - reef, nurse, tiger and thresher sharks are known to make appearances in most dives. It's also likely you'll glide past majestic manta rays, especially around South Ari Atoll.
But what about the Seychelles? While diving here, expect granite reefs and boulder-strewn seascapes in the Inner Islands, as well as plunging walls and colourful coral (as pristine as you can get) in the Outer Islands. Shark numbers may be low, but there are plenty of other spectacular species to make up for it. Expect to spot sailfish in deeper waters, while vivid coral gardens are filled with reef fish, rays and turtles.
Cuisine
Cuisine in the Maldives is defined by delicious delicacies plucked from neighbouring India and Sri Lanka - creamy coconut curries, fluffy chapati, spicy samosas and succulent seafood. However, as most dining is resort-based, you can also expect to see some international cuisine on the menu. Since you can't just pop to a local restaurant, it's important to consider the different dining options within resorts.
Over in the Seychelles, the cuisine flaunts a distinct Creole flair, with fresh grilled fish, octopus curry, shark chutney and sticky caramelised bananas up for grabs. While resort dining is delicious, there are also plenty of lovely local restaurants to explore, from beachside shacks serving home-cooked dishes to fragrant food markets and cosy cafes.
Non-diving activities
The Seychelles wears the crown for the best activities above water. Whether hiking through jungles in Morne Seychellois National Park, rock climbing on La Digue Island, visiting museums in Victoria or walking with giant tortoises on Aldabra, there's plenty to do once you've retired the snorkel.
In comparison, the beauty of the Maldives is that there's not a whole lot to do. Besides blissful beaches, perfect weather and an entire underwater world to explore, these islands invite you to kick back and relax. So, while the wild at heart might prefer the Seychelles for its land-based adventures, the Maldives promises some much-needed downtime.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit the Maldives is between December and April, during the dry season. Boasting calm seas, clear skies and brilliant underwater visibility - what more could you want? If you're looking for slightly cheaper prices, consider visiting in May. This shoulder season month sees good weather peppered with rain showers that come and go in short (but strong) bursts.
There's more to consider when choosing the best time to visit the Seychelles. If you're travelling to the Inner Islands, you'll want to visit between April and May or September and October. The calm weather during these months is tip-top for beach days and snorkelling. If you're visiting the Outer Islands, November to April offers the best weather. June, July and August can also be good times for a getaway, but they fall within the 'winter' season, so the average daily temperature is only around 25°C. That still beats British summer temperatures…
