Full Day Excursion of Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre Islands from Praslin Island

Cousin’s rare birds, Curieuse’s giant tortoises, and St. Pierre’s clear snorkeling water make this a busy but rewarding day from Praslin. You cover three very different islands without arranging separate boats, guides, and meals yourself.

I like the wildlife variety, especially the chance to see protected birds in their natural setting and giant tortoises on Curieuse. I also like the practical setup: hotel pickup, inter-island transport, barbecue lunch, snorkeling gear, and one drink are handled for you. The main catch is that entrance fees appear to be extra, and boat comfort can suffer in rough seas.

Key points to know before you book

• Three islands in one day: Cousin focuses on birds, Curieuse on tortoises and walking, and St. Pierre on snorkeling.
• Cousin costs extra: The stated fee is SCR 600 per person, for all ages.
• Curieuse costs extra for older children and adults: The stated fee is SCR 300 for anyone aged 12 and above.
• Lunch is served on the beach: Expect a barbecue meal, one bottle of water or soft drink, and a relaxed midday stop.
• Boat conditions matter: Bring waterproof bags, wear the life jacket, and stay seated until the boat reaches shore.
• Small group size: The maximum is 15 people, though some island visits may still feel busy.

Three Seychelles islands, three different reasons to go

This excursion works because the stops are not copies of one another. Cousin is the bird reserve, Curieuse is the tortoise and nature stop, and St. Pierre is the water session. In one eight-hour outing, you get a useful cross-section of the islands near Praslin.

The schedule begins around 8:30 a.m. with pickup on Praslin, commonly connected with Cote d’Or Beach. From there, the day depends on boat transfers and island access, so you should think of this as an outdoor expedition rather than a clockwork sightseeing bus tour.

The total price is $176.18 per person. That is not cheap, but it can make sense if you want three destinations in one day and do not want to organize several separate arrangements. Still, you must add the stated entrance charges, and you should confirm exactly what is payable before departure. The advertised details list SCR 600 for Cousin and SCR 300 for Curieuse for people aged 12 and over.

Cousin Island: the main wildlife highlight

Cousin is the most distinctive stop for anyone interested in birds. It is protected as a nature reserve, and the visit is built around local flora and fauna rather than shops, beach lounging, or developed attractions.

You can expect a guided nature visit, with the chance to see birds at close range in their natural habitat. The island has earned praise for rare birdlife, and one particularly good guide experience involved a panoramic viewpoint and clear explanations of the reserve. If your guide is as engaged as Samuel or the praised Cousin guide, this part can become the heart of the day.

Give yourself realistic expectations. Wildlife is never fully scheduled, and the quality of the visit depends on the guide, weather, and what is active on the island that morning. You may see excellent birdlife, but nobody can promise a particular species.

Bring mosquito protection. This is not a minor suggestion. The island’s insects can be aggressive, and exposed legs and arms may become an uncomfortable distraction during the walk. Closed shoes, light clothing, repellent, and a hat will make the reserve visit easier.

The additional SCR 600 fee for Cousin applies to all ages according to the supplied details. Since the main tour price does not appear to include this charge, treat it as part of the real cost. Ask the operator how payment is handled and whether the fee is collected before boarding or on the island.

Curieuse Island: tortoises, walking, and lunch

After Cousin, the boat ride to Curieuse takes about 30 minutes. That transfer is short on paper, but conditions can make it feel much longer. You may be riding in an open speedboat, and reports of a rough crossing with hard impacts make it sensible to protect your back and belongings.

Curieuse is known here for its giant tortoises. You can see them in a protected setting, and the visit also gives you a chance to learn about their care and preservation. If tortoises are already common at your accommodation or another Seychelles attraction, the stop may feel less essential. One practical criticism was that the tortoise area could be seen quickly, with about 15 minutes enough for some visitors.

I would not dismiss Curieuse for that reason. The value is not only the tortoises. The island adds a walking and nature element to the day, and a good guide can turn a short animal stop into a more meaningful visit. A guide on Curieuse was praised for explaining the island well, so pay attention to the interpretation rather than simply taking photographs and moving on.

Lunch is served on the beach as a barbecue. This is a welcome break after the morning reserve visit and boat ride. The meal has been described as generous and tasty, though another account found the barbecue less impressive in rainy weather and when served to a larger group.

That contrast is fair. Outdoor food depends on sun, wind, timing, and the number of people being served. You are getting a practical beach lunch, not a restaurant meal. The included bottle of water or soft drink is useful, but you should carry extra water if you need more than one drink during a full day in the sun.

Curieuse also carries an entrance charge of SCR 300 for people aged 12 and above. Children under 12 are not listed as paying this stated fee, but confirm the current rules when you book. The same caution applies to the wording around included admission, which is not fully consistent with the separate fee information.

St. Pierre: one hour in the water

The final stop is St. Pierre, a tiny island visited for snorkeling. You get about an hour in the water, with snorkeling equipment supplied as part of the excursion.

This is a good way to finish. After the reserve walk and tortoise visit, St. Pierre gives you a clear change of pace. You can look for fish and enjoy the sea rather than follow another land-based explanation. Several accounts describe the water as clear and the snorkeling as especially enjoyable, with attractive fish close to the island.

Your experience will depend on the sea state and visibility. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund if the operator cancels. Even in acceptable weather, wind and swell can affect how pleasant the snorkeling feels.

The supplied gear removes one packing problem, but it does not guarantee a perfect fit. If you have your own mask or snorkel and prefer familiar equipment, bringing it may be worthwhile, though the tour does provide gear. Follow the crew’s safety instructions carefully, especially when entering and leaving the boat.

The boat ride is part of the bargain

Transportation between the islands is included, which is one of the strongest reasons to consider this excursion. Planning Cousin, Curieuse, and St. Pierre independently would mean arranging boat times, island access, food, and transfers. Here, the structure is already in place.

The tradeoff is comfort. A speedboat can make the island connections fast, but it can also bounce sharply in rough water. One account describes passengers being thrown upward and experiencing painful back impacts when the skipper maintained high speed. That is a serious safety concern, not a small comfort complaint.

You should wear the life jacket and remain seated until the boat is fully beached. Keep your bag low and secure. Waterproof bags are strongly recommended because spray and wet landings are possible. Wrap phones, cameras, wallets, and dry clothes before leaving Praslin.

If you have back problems or dislike fast boat travel, this may not be the right excursion. The tour is designed for people who can manage a full day outdoors and boat transfers between islands. Most people can participate, but the supplied information does not promise an effortless ride in poor conditions.

Pickup, group size, and the real cost

Hotel pickup and drop-off on Praslin are included, with an advertised start time of 8:30 a.m. You should still confirm the pickup details before the morning of the tour. One account describes having to push for clearer pickup information, so do not assume that the exact time and meeting point will arrive without checking.

The maximum group size is 15. That is small enough to keep the day more personal than a large excursion boat, though the lunch area and island paths can still feel crowded at peak moments. The quality of the day depends partly on how well the operator coordinates pickup, boat timing, entrance payments, and the guides at each island.

At $176.18 per person, the value depends on how much you want to see in one day. The price covers pickup, transfers, lunch, one drink, snorkeling equipment, and local taxes. It does not clearly cover the listed Cousin and Curieuse entrance fees, so the total will be higher.

That makes this a convenience purchase. You are paying to connect three islands in one organized outing, not simply for a beach trip. If you would otherwise book separate boats and pay for lunch and equipment, the package may be reasonable. If you mainly want to see tortoises and swim, a shorter and cheaper excursion may suit you better.

The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking time of about 55 days. That suggests planning is wise, particularly if your Praslin stay is short. I would book early, then confirm the pickup, the entrance charges, the boat arrangement, and the weather policy.

What to pack for a better day

A few small choices can make a large difference:

• Waterproof bags: Protect electronics, passports, money, and spare clothing from spray and wet beach landings.
• Mosquito repellent: Cousin can have heavy mosquito activity.
• Sun protection: Pack a hat and sunscreen for exposed boat rides and the beach lunch.
• Secure footwear: Wear shoes suitable for a nature reserve walk and island landings.
• Dry clothing: A spare shirt or light change of clothes will help after snorkeling and boat spray.
• Back protection: Sit properly, hold on, and avoid standing until the boat is safely beached.
• Extra water: One bottle or soft drink is included, but that may not be enough for eight hours outdoors.
• Cash or payment confirmation: Entrance fees are stated separately, so clarify how and when they must be paid.

Who will enjoy this excursion most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day of nature and water without building the schedule yourself. It suits couples, families with older children, and active visitors who want birds, tortoises, beach food, and snorkeling in one outing.

It is particularly good for a first visit to Praslin when you want to understand the nearby islands quickly. The three stops have enough contrast to keep the day interesting, and the small maximum group size is a useful improvement over a large boat outing.

I would hesitate if your priority is a slow beach day. The itinerary is full, and much of the day is spent boarding boats, walking, or moving between islands. I would also think twice if you have a sensitive back, dislike rough water, or need precise service and communication at every step.

The excursion requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, the stated policy offers another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book the Cousin, Curieuse, and St. Pierre trip?

Book it if your ideal Seychelles day includes protected birdlife, giant tortoises, a barbecue on the beach, and an hour of snorkeling, all reached by arranged boat transfers. Cousin is the strongest reason to go, St. Pierre adds a pleasant water session, and Curieuse rounds out the wildlife theme.

Before paying, confirm the extra island fees and pickup details in writing. Bring mosquito repellent and waterproof bags, and accept that the boat ride may be rough. With those conditions understood, this is a useful way to see three very different islands from Praslin in a single day. Without that preparation, the price and service risks may outweigh the convenience.

FAQ

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:30 a.m.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off on Praslin Island are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on Curieuse Island, and one bottle of water or one soft drink per person is included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided for the St. Pierre stop.

Are entrance fees included?

The fee information states that Cousin Island costs SCR 600 per person for all ages, and Curieuse Island costs SCR 300 for people aged 12 and above. These charges are listed separately, so confirm the final amount with the operator.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.