Curieuse Guided Tour, St Pierre, BBQ & 2 Snorkel Stops

Curieuse Island is the star here, and rightly so. You walk a forest trail, cross the island, and arrive among giant tortoises that roam freely around the barbecue area. The day also gives you two chances to snorkel in Seychelles waters, with the final stop often at Anse La Farine, one of the tour’s strongest moments.

I like the small-group feel, with many departures carrying roughly eight to twelve people, and I like the guides’ personal touch. Benjamin, Rocco, Liroy, Ryan, and others are praised for explaining island nature and culture in both English and French. The main consideration is the extra SR300 Curieuse marine park fee for anyone aged 12 or older, payable by credit card.

Key points at a glance

• Giant tortoises roam beside the BBQ: Curieuse gives you close views of these huge, gentle animals in a natural setting.
• Two separate snorkeling stops: The morning stop is often especially good, while Anse La Farine can bring an impressive mix of fish.
• A one-hour guided trail: You cross Curieuse on foot and learn about plants, wildlife, island history, and changing ecosystems.
• Hotel pickup across Praslin: Transfers are included, useful after a long day on the water.
• Creole lunch with local drinks: Expect grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, salads, soft drinks, beer, and a rum cocktail.
• Weather shapes the route: The boat may use different reefs or replace Anse La Farine with Anse Georgette or Anse Lazio.

Why Curieuse makes this a strong Praslin day trip

At $112 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in the Seychelles. But the price covers hotel pickup and return, boat transport, snorkeling gear, lunch, soft drinks, a guided Curieuse walk, and a full set of stops that would be awkward to arrange on your own.

The real value comes from combining several experiences in one outing. You are not simply taken to a beach, handed a mask, and left to find your own way. You get a guide on the island, crew assistance with the park fee, lunch cooked for the group, and a boat route adjusted to sea conditions.

I would choose this trip if you want a broad taste of Praslin and Curieuse in one day. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who prefers an organized outing instead of arranging separate taxis, boats, meals, and park admission.

The pace is another plus. The itinerary allows time to snorkel, rest on the beach, walk the trail, eat lunch, see the tortoises, and stop again on the return journey. Several parts of the day are active, but the schedule is not built around rushing from one photo stop to the next.

A smooth start with Praslin hotel pickup

Your morning begins with pickup anywhere on Praslin Island. The transfer takes you to the boat launch point, and the crew handles the meet and greet before departure. A clean, air-conditioned van is especially welcome if you are staying far from the harbor or do not have a rental car.

The pickup is more useful than it may first sound. After snorkeling, walking, eating, and spending hours in the sun, driving back can feel like work. Having a return transfer included means you can finish the day with a drink on the boat and leave the road to someone else.

If you are staying at a villa or a property not shown on the booking page, contact Geoli Charters in advance. Pickup has been arranged for guests outside the usual hotel list, but confirming the location is sensible.

The trip is offered in English and French. Guides have made the effort to repeat explanations in both languages when needed, so mixed-language groups do not have to rely on a few hurried translations.

The first snorkeling stop depends on the sea

The first water stop lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. The exact site is chosen according to wind, waves, and visibility, so you should think of the location as flexible rather than guaranteed.

That flexibility is a strength. A fixed route can look good on paper but make little sense in rough water. The crew can choose a safer or clearer site, giving you a better chance to enjoy the marine life rather than battling current and chop.

You receive snorkeling equipment, and the boat may be a glass-bottom vessel, allowing you to see fish and reef below even if you prefer not to enter the water. The water around Praslin can feel like a natural aquarium, with colorful fish and clear views when conditions cooperate.

The morning snorkeling is often the better of the two stops. That is not a promise, since weather controls visibility, but it is a useful reason to take the first session seriously. If you are new to snorkeling, this is a good time to ask for help while the crew is fresh and the group is still getting comfortable.

Non-swimmers have also been supported by guides in the water. Still, you should tell the crew about your ability before entering. Snorkeling takes place from a boat or in open water, so you need to be comfortable following safety instructions.

Curieuse beach offers a quiet pause before the walk

After the first snorkeling session, the boat heads to a beach on Curieuse Island. You get time to relax, swim, and dry off before the walking portion begins.

This pause matters because the trail is easier when you are not trying to do everything at once. Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and a light cover-up or beachwear. A shirt and shorts over your swimsuit can also make the transition from beach to trail more comfortable.

The island is not just a backdrop for photographs. Curieuse is known for its giant tortoises and protected natural areas, and the guided walk helps connect the scenery with the plants and animals around you.

You should also bring proper footwear. Sandals may be fine on the beach, but one-hour trail sections can include roots, stones, and slippery ground. Good sneakers or water shoes give you better footing. This is a walk, not a technical hike, but wet tropical paths still deserve respect.

The one-hour Curieuse trail adds meaning to the visit

The guided trail usually lasts about an hour and crosses toward the other side of Curieuse. Guides explain the plants, animals, history, and natural features you pass along the way.

This is where the tour becomes more than a boat-and-beach outing. A guide such as Benjamin, Rocco, Ryan, or Liroy can point out details that are easy to miss when walking alone. The information also gives context to the island’s different plant communities and the effects of human use over time.

The route is described as manageable, though it has roots, stones, and some climbing. You should be prepared for heat and uneven ground. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant women, people with heart problems, or people over 65 according to the stated restrictions. Children under four are not accepted.

The guide stays with the group and can set a comfortable pace. That is helpful for families and mixed-ability groups, though anyone expecting a completely flat stroll should adjust their expectations.

French and English explanations may take a little extra time, but that is a fair trade for a group in which everyone can follow the story. The strongest guides combine facts with humor and stop to answer questions rather than delivering a rushed speech.

Giant tortoises are the emotional high point

The walk brings you to the giant tortoises, often near the barbecue area. They roam freely and are accustomed to people, making close photographs possible.

The tortoises are remarkably calm, but you should still treat them as wild animals. Follow the guide’s instructions about touching and feeding. Their size makes them memorable, yet the best part is seeing them move naturally through the area instead of viewing them behind a small enclosure.

Many people find this the day’s most special stop. Snorkeling is beautiful, and the beaches are excellent, but standing beside a giant tortoise gives the visit a distinctly Curieuse character.

Keep your phone or camera ready, but do not let photographs replace the moment. The crew can help you spot animals and position yourself safely. You may also see birds and other island wildlife along the trail.

A Creole BBQ served beside the tortoises

Lunch is a family-style Creole BBQ on Curieuse. The menu can include grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, and fresh salads. Mango salad receives especially strong praise, and fish is a natural choice in Seychelles.

The meal is filling without being needlessly heavy, which is useful because another snorkeling stop follows. Soft drinks are included, and local beer is available as part of the day’s refreshments.

Drinks are supplied from start to finish, according to the tour details. The crew also serves a trademark cocktail with local Takamaka rum on the return cruise. That final drink works well as a relaxed end to a busy day, though anyone avoiding alcohol should stick with the soft drinks.

Lunch is one of the reasons the price feels reasonable. A separate Curieuse visit would still require food, drinks, equipment, transport, and a guide. Here, the meal is prepared for the group and served as part of the island stop.

Do remember that the marine park entrance is not included. The fee is SR300 per person aged 12 or older, and payment is made online or on site by credit card. Carry the card even if you usually pay for holiday activities in cash.

St Pierre or another reef for the second water stop

After Curieuse, the boat heads toward St Pierre or another reef selected according to conditions. This part of the route is intended for photographs and another look at the marine world around Praslin.

The advertised location can change. One account explains that St Pierre itself was not used because the live coral there had been affected by global warming, so the crew chose another nearby site. That is a useful reminder that the name on the itinerary is less important than the quality and safety of the actual water stop.

The final snorkeling session is often at Anse La Farine. When visibility is good, the site can feel like swimming through an aquarium, with many fish of different sizes and colors. Some people consider this the best snorkeling of the day.

If the sea will not allow Anse La Farine, the route may shift to Anse Georgette or Anse Lazio. Those beaches are excellent alternatives for swimming and photographs, but you should not book this trip expecting every named stop to happen exactly as printed.

This is a nature outing, not a guaranteed wildlife show. Fish numbers, water clarity, and reef conditions vary. The crew’s willingness to change sites is a positive sign, but it also means you need to remain flexible.

Small boats keep the day personal

The group size is one of the tour’s strongest features. Departures have used two boats, with individual groups often around eight to twelve people. That gives you more room to move around than a large sightseeing boat and makes it easier to ask questions.

A smaller group also helps during snorkeling. People can spread out instead of forming one crowded cluster around the guide. It is easier to get help with a mask, stay near a guide, or find a quieter patch of water.

The trade-off is that a small boat can feel more exposed to wind and spray than a large vessel. You should bring sunscreen, a towel, and beachwear, and follow the crew’s advice about where to sit and when to move.

The crew has been praised for safe boat handling, punctual transfers, humor, and practical help. Names vary by departure, but Benjamin, Rocco, Liroy, Jamie, Ryan, Samuel, Sami, Lienel, and Leroy have all been associated with especially warm, attentive guiding. You may not get a particular guide, so choose the tour for the overall operation rather than one individual.

Who should book, and who should think twice

I recommend this for anyone who wants Curieuse as the main event but also wants snorkeling and a good meal without planning several separate outings. It is especially useful for a first visit to Praslin, since you get beaches, marine life, island ecology, tortoises, and Creole food in a single day.

Families with teenagers should find plenty to do. Younger children need more thought because the tour is not suitable for those under four, and the boat, water stops, sun, and trail create a long active day.

Solo visitors can benefit from the small-group format and the friendly crew. Couples may appreciate the relaxed boat ride and sunset-style rum cocktail, while food-focused visitors will enjoy the fish, mango salad, and local dishes.

This is not the right choice if you need wheelchair access, cannot manage uneven paths, are pregnant, have heart problems, or are over 65 under the stated tour rules. It is also not ideal if you want a private boat or complete control over the route.

Smoking is not allowed. You should bring a credit card for the park fee, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, beachwear, and sturdy footwear. Booking early is wise because the operator limits daily spaces and the trip is in high demand.

Should you book the Curieuse and snorkeling tour?

Yes, if you want a well-rounded Praslin day and are comfortable with a small boat, open-water snorkeling, and a one-hour trail. The combination of freely roaming tortoises, flexible reef stops, included transfers, a generous BBQ, and attentive English and French guiding makes the $112 price fair, even after adding the SR300 park fee for eligible visitors.

I would book it for the access to Curieuse and the quality of the overall day, not because every stop is guaranteed. Sea conditions can change the route, and the trail is uneven. If those limits suit you, Geoli Charters offers a practical, sociable way to see some of the best natural sights around Praslin without wasting time on complicated arrangements.

FAQ

What is included in the $112 tour price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Praslin Island, boat transport, a BBQ lunch, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a guided tour on Curieuse Island.

Is the Curieuse entrance fee included?

No. The marine park entrance fee is SR300 per person aged 12 or older. It can be paid online or on site by credit card.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The tour includes two snorkeling stops. The locations depend on weather and sea conditions and may include areas around St Pierre, Anse La Farine, or other selected reefs.

What happens if the sea conditions are poor?

The crew may choose different reefs or beaches. If Anse La Farine is not suitable, the route may use Anse Georgette or Anse Lazio instead.

How long is the Curieuse walk?

The guided nature trail takes about one hour. The route includes roots, stones, and some climbing, so sturdy sneakers or water shoes are recommended.

Are guides available in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English and French. Guides may explain information in both languages when the group requires it.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

Children under four are not permitted. The tour also involves a boat ride, snorkeling, sun exposure, and an uneven trail, so families should consider each child’s ability to manage a long active day.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a credit card for the Curieuse entry fee. Smoking is not allowed on the tour.