Curieuse and St. Pierre Islands Day Trip with BBQ Lunch

Curieuse is the star of this outing, not simply a quick photo stop. You walk through mangroves, meet giant Aldabra tortoises, and follow a rocky trail toward Anse José Beach before sitting down to a generous Creole BBQ. I especially like the mix of wildlife and beach time, plus the chance to see Curieuse from both its shore and its surrounding water.

I also like that the crew provides local beer, soft drinks, and water, and that guides such as Reynold and Mario take an active role in explaining the tortoises, plants, and island life. The main consideration is the pace: the walk can be about 2 kilometers over rocky ground, and the timetable may run closer to seven hours than the advertised six.

Key points to know before booking

• Curieuse combines tortoises, mangroves, and a coastal walk: This is more than a boat ride and beach lunch.
• The Creole BBQ is a real part of the experience: Expect grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns, lentils, garlic bread, salads, fruit, and drinks.
• St. Pierre offers two snorkeling chances: Fish, coral, and sometimes sea turtles are possible, but water conditions can change the location.
• Southeast monsoon weather matters from May to October: Rough water at St. Pierre may mean snorkeling at calmer Anse Petit Cours instead.
• Bring proper walking shoes: Flip-flops are a poor match for the rocky trail and steps across Curieuse.
• The price includes useful extras: At $85 per person, hotel transport in selected areas, lunch, drinks, guide service, and snorkeling are included, but Curieuse landing fees are extra.

Why Curieuse makes this more than a beach trip

Curieuse sits close to Praslin, yet it feels like a proper island outing once the speedboat leaves shore. The water, small islands, and granite scenery provide the setting, but Curieuse gives the day its purpose.

The island is known for its giant Aldabra tortoises, a species strongly associated with the Seychelles. Here, you can see them in a protected natural setting rather than only in a zoo-like enclosure. Your guide accompanies the group and explains the animals, vegetation, and conservation work.

I like this part because it gives the island some substance. You are not just collecting another beach photograph. You learn why the tortoises matter, see how they move through their habitat, and get time to watch them at close range. Several guides, including Reynold and Mario, are particularly good at answering questions and introducing the group to the tortoises.

Curieuse also has an unusual feature for a tropical island: a mangrove swamp. Boardwalks and nature paths lead through this wet coastal habitat, where the scenery changes from open beach to tangled roots and shaded vegetation. The guide adds useful context about the plants and animals that live there.

The morning boat ride from Praslin

Pickup begins around 8:45 AM for selected areas of Praslin. Transport is available around Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitie, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert, with meeting or return points including Berjaya Praslin Resort, Baie Ste Anne, and Kannus supermarket in Baie Ste Anne.

The boat departs at about 9:15 AM from the agreed meeting point. This is a speedboat excursion, so the ride is part of the attraction, but you should expect wind, spray, and movement. It is not the slow, shaded feel of a large sightseeing boat.

The crew gives a safety briefing before departure. Group size can be small, with one reported outing carrying only a handful of people, though you should not assume every departure will be that intimate. A smaller boat usually makes the day feel more personal, but it also means less room for bulky bags.

Pack lightly. You need swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable shoes. A dry bag or compact waterproof pouch is sensible for phones and cameras, though that specific item is not supplied.

Walking Curieuse from Baie Laraie to Anse José

Arrival is scheduled for around 9:30 AM at Baie Laraie on Curieuse. From here, the group visits the tortoise habitat and begins the guided nature walk.

The route may lead from the area around the former Doctor’s House toward Anse José Beach. It includes rocky sections, steps, and an approximately 2-kilometer walk across the island, depending on the exact route used. The path is manageable for people who are comfortable walking outdoors, but it is not a polished resort promenade.

This is the point where footwear matters. One person who used flip-flops wished for something more secure, and that is sound advice. Wear trainers, walking sandals, or another shoe with a firm sole. A wet-weather umbrella can also help during the rainy season.

The walk is one of the best reasons to choose this trip instead of a simple sand-and-sea charter. You pass through mangrove forest, see native plants, and reach viewpoints and beaches that give the island a stronger sense of place. You might also spot birds and, from a viewpoint, marine life in the water below.

The drawback is time. The tortoise visit and trail can take a large share of the morning. If your main goal is snorkeling, the Curieuse section may feel long. If you enjoy wildlife and walking, that same pace gives you time to look rather than rush from one stop to the next.

Giant tortoises and the island’s unusual character

The Aldabra tortoises are the clear wildlife highlight. They are large, slow-moving, and remarkably calm around people. Your guide can explain their behavior and place in the Seychelles, making this more rewarding than simply taking a photograph beside one.

You may also encounter giant crabs and birds during the Curieuse visit. The exact sightings will depend on conditions and luck, so do not treat every animal as guaranteed. The tortoise sanctuary and guided walk are the reliable core of the wildlife portion.

Curieuse also has a distinctive past connected with the former Doctor’s House and the island’s conservation work. The guide brings together the natural and human stories, so pay attention during the walking portion rather than treating it as a transfer between beaches.

A Creole BBQ at lunchtime

Lunch is scheduled around noon, after the walk. This is good timing because the trail and morning heat can leave you hungry.

The meal is a broad Creole-style spread rather than a single plate. The listed dishes include grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns kebab, lentils, garlic bread, salads, and tropical fruit. Vegetarian options are available, and the food is prepared by the crew near the beach.

The BBQ receives some of the strongest praise attached to this experience. It is described as plentiful, tasty, and better than expected, with freshly caught fish mentioned on some outings. You also receive water, soft drinks, and Seybrew local beer. A cocktail may be included as part of the day’s refreshments, but the clearest inclusions are water, soft drinks, and local beer.

I see real value here. Beach lunches on island trips can be an afterthought, but this one is a central part of the schedule. You get a warm meal, local flavors, and time to sit near the sea without needing to find a restaurant or carry your own lunch.

Bring a small snack if you tend to eat early. Lunch does not arrive until around noon, and one person found the wait worthwhile but wished for something to keep hunger away before the BBQ. Keep the snack modest, since you will also be carrying your belongings along the trail.

Anse José gives you time to slow down

After lunch, the schedule allows beach time at Anse José. You can swim, relax on the sand, or snorkel from shore if conditions suit.

This is a useful pause after the walk. The trip is active in the morning, and you do not want every minute filled with instructions and transfers. You have room to enjoy the setting at your own speed before returning to the boat.

One useful tip is to consider snorkeling near the Curieuse lunch area. A good spot has been noted about 60 meters from shore. The operator also supplies snorkeling equipment, but you may prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel. The supplied equipment has a shared mouthpiece, which some people may not want to use.

The beach stop can also be the least efficient part of the day for people who want more time in the water. Some schedules leave a generous amount of time on Curieuse, and a few people would prefer another snorkeling stop. Think of this as a nature-and-beach day with snorkeling, not a dedicated reef safari.

St. Pierre snorkeling and the weather backup

Around 2 PM, the boat heads toward St. Pierre Island, a small granite islet surrounded by clear water. Arrival is planned for about 2:30 PM, followed by snorkeling.

The underwater scenery can include coral, tropical fish, and sea turtles. Some outings have produced especially good sightings, including turtles and even a whale shark seen from the boat. Those encounters are luck, not a promise, but the marine setting makes St. Pierre an appealing second act after Curieuse.

The trip includes two snorkeling spots. A crew member may accompany you in the water and guide the group toward marine life. That extra help matters if you are unfamiliar with the area or want to stay with the group.

There is an important seasonal warning. From May to October, the southeast monsoon can make the water around St. Pierre rough. When that happens, the crew may move the snorkeling to Anse Petit Cours, a calmer bay. This is a sensible safety adjustment, but it means the exact snorkeling scenery is not fixed.

Coral conditions can vary too. One outing found plenty of fish around St. Pierre but noted bleached coral. You can still have a good swim and see marine life, but do not book this expecting pristine coral gardens on every visit.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water. The tour includes snorkeling, but the supplied information does not describe flotation devices or a formal beginner lesson. Seasickness is also worth considering because the speedboat can move sharply in rougher water.

The return to Praslin

The boat leaves St. Pierre around 3 PM and reaches Praslin at about 3:30 PM, followed by drop-off at the agreed location. The published duration is six hours, while the detailed schedule runs close to six hours and forty-five minutes. Allow roughly six to seven hours rather than planning another fixed activity immediately afterward.

The return ride gives you a final chance to enjoy the sea and wind down. Light refreshments are available, and hotel transport is included in the listed pickup areas. Confirm your pickup details in advance, since a prior booking had a communication problem over the exact pickup time.

What the $85 price really covers

At $85 per person, the trip is good value if you want several Praslin-area highlights in one day. The price covers selected hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat ride, a guided Curieuse walk, BBQ lunch, vegetarian food, two snorkeling spots, water, soft drinks, and local beer.

The main extra is the Curieuse landing fee. It is listed as 20 euros per person, equivalent to about 300 Seychelles rupees, and payment is by card only. Bring a payment card and do not rely on cash for this charge.

Compared with arranging a private boat, guide, lunch, and snorkeling separately, the package keeps the day simple. The tradeoff is that you follow the group schedule and may spend more time walking or sitting on Curieuse than you would choose on a private charter.

The price looks strongest for first-time visitors who want tortoises, mangroves, a beach, a meal, and snorkeling without piecing together separate bookings. It is less compelling for someone who already has Curieuse arranged or wants a full day devoted to reefs.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want variety. In one day, you get a speedboat ride, wildlife, a guided nature trail, beach time, Creole food, and two chances to snorkel.

It suits couples, families with older children, and active adults who can manage a rocky walk. The food and drinks also make it easy for a mixed group, since not everyone has to be a keen snorkeler to enjoy the day.

It is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The walking route, uneven surfaces, boat boarding, and beach access require reasonable mobility.

You should also think carefully about the season. May through October can bring rougher water around St. Pierre, though the crew may use Anse Petit Cours instead. The change protects comfort and safety, but the backup site may not be the exact snorkeling experience you pictured.

Practical packing advice

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Put your phone and camera in a waterproof case or compact dry bag, and keep your main bag small for the Curieuse trail.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if hygiene matters to you. Equipment is provided, but the supplied mouthpiece may not appeal to everyone.

Carry a card for the Curieuse landing fee. Keep a snack handy if you need food before noon, but save room for the BBQ. Most importantly, do not wear flip-flops for the island walk.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre day trip?

Book it if you want the best all-round introduction to Curieuse from Praslin, especially if giant tortoises and a Creole lunch appeal as much as snorkeling. The guides, BBQ, small-boat format, and range of included drinks make the $85 price sensible.

Skip it if your priority is uninterrupted reef time, a very slow beach day, or a fully private schedule. The Curieuse walk takes time, weather can move the snorkeling site, and the day may run longer than six hours.

For most active visitors staying on Praslin, I would book it, pack proper shoes, bring your own snorkel if preferred, and treat the tortoises and mangroves as the main event. St. Pierre is the beautiful bonus.

FAQ

How much does the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip cost?

The listed price is $85 per person. A Curieuse landing fee is extra and is listed as 20 euros per person, equivalent to about 300 Seychelles rupees.

How long does the trip last?

The activity is advertised as six hours. The detailed schedule runs from around 8:45 AM pickup to about 3:30 PM return, so you should allow roughly six to seven hours.

Where can pickup and drop-off take place?

Pickup and drop-off are available in selected areas of Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitie, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert. Listed meeting or return points include Berjaya Praslin Resort and Kannus supermarket in Baie Ste Anne.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in certain areas of Praslin. Confirm the exact pickup time and location before the trip.

What food is served at lunch?

The Creole BBQ includes a mix of grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns kebab, lentils, garlic bread, salads, and tropical fruit. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and local Seybrew beer are included. The activity information also refers to cocktails, but the clearest listed drink inclusions are water, soft drinks, and local beer.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is available, and the trip includes two snorkeling spots. You may bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer not to use the supplied mouthpiece.

Where will snorkeling take place?

The planned snorkeling area is around St. Pierre Island. From May to October, rough southeast monsoon conditions may lead the crew to use the calmer bay at Anse Petit Cours instead.

Is this trip suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The Curieuse route includes a rocky walk of about 2 kilometers, plus boat and beach access.