Maldives, Seychelles or Mauritius??
 

Thinking of our next trip in October, we are Americans living in Dubai.

Just starting to do research. As far as things to do what are some of the differences in general? We like to spend about half our time site-seeing and half our time at the pool or ocean. I have an 11 year old daughter also.

Also which islands have lots of opportunities to ferry to other islands for day trips?

I know it's a big question, if anyone has been to two or more of the islands please give me your thoughts. The Maldives is a but more appealing since it's closer, but we are looking at the whole region and not ruling anything out yet.

Any resorts to recommend, also please do :)

Can only comment on the SEZ, where there are quite a few regularly visited islands - the Main (Mahe), Praslin and LaDigue, though there are others. Best though it's easy to travel between these by air as Mahe/Praslin and from Praslin it's primarily ferry to LaDigue as there are no vehicles on this island... visitors get around by foot or bicycle.

Best I know about the Maldives is that each island has one resort and not sure means to transport to others.

However, am sure there are many in Dubai who travel to any of these three... suggest you stop into a Travel Agent and ask questions for specifics.

Been to SEZ and Mauritius.
Not aware of any opportunities on Maur to ferry to other islands but it is a large island with lots of sight seeing places. You can ferry between islands in SEZ or fly.
Really enjoyed both, found SEZ very expensive. Only saw Mahe, has nice beaches and very beautiful but I thought beaches better on Maur. You may want to check the weather averages at this time for all.
You are closest to SEZ from Dubai. Culturally SEZ and Maur have similarities with SEZ having a strong Creole culture. I don't think there would be much sight seeing in Maldives as the land mass is small, so mostly water based activities.
On Maur we stayed at La Residence and it was good. For SEZ we rented a house in Beau Vallon and liked the area the advantage being there is a town to explore, different restaurants etc. and very nice long beach. Sometimes resorts are removed from towns so the only way to explore is getting transport - something to consider.

Bon Voyage

Hi bethany1

i understand that u r not SCUBA diving
if so Seychelles is far more beautiful and diversified than Maldives

& Seychelles is far more interesting than Mauritius (have heard from naturalists who have been to both.) that has to do with "sight-seeing"

Thanks for the suggestions, will not being scuba diving, but would like some water activities.

I have heard from diff people that SEYCHELLES is better, then I hear from others that MALDIVES is better. Will keep researching....with being here 3-4 years maybe we'll get to do both eventually. :)

I've only been to the Seychelles. I had a trip planned to the Maldives that I canceled. From my research, the Maldives is better if you prefer to stay put at one resort, snorkel, beach comb and not much else. Each island is more or less it's own resort so there isn't much in the way of ferry transport between islands. If you want to island hop, you're better off going with a yacht charter http://www.maldivesdhonicruise.com/i...ves-cruise.php

The Seychelles will have many more sightseeing opportunities.