Praslin: Curieuse & St Pierre Island Day Trip with Barbecue

Curieuse is the star here, and not just because it is pretty. Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely near the sanctuary, so you see these slow, ancient-looking animals at close range rather than behind a fence. The Doctor’s House, mangrove boardwalk, and Coco de Mer palms give the island more substance than a quick beach stop.

I like the way this trip joins land and sea in one day. The Creole barbecue is generous and genuinely local, with grilled fish, chicken, rice, lentils, salads, chutneys, and fruit. I also like that snorkeling gear, transfers, drinks, and a guide are covered in the $88 price. The main catch is the extra €20 Curieuse entrance fee, plus occasional long waits or a large group.

Key points to know

• Free-roaming tortoises: See Aldabra giant tortoises at the sanctuary on Curieuse, with time for photos and close observation.
• A walk with real context: Visit the Doctor’s House museum and follow a guided trail through mangroves, palms, and old leprosy-colony remains.
• A full Creole lunch: Eat a beach buffet of grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice, lentils, salads, chutneys, fruit, and drinks.
• Snorkeling at St Pierre: Swim for about an hour among tropical fish and coral, with turtles or rays possible but never guaranteed.
• Practical transport: Hotel pickup and drop-off cover a long list of Praslin hotels, villas, guesthouses, the airport, and ferry terminal.
• Allow for the extras: The $88 tour price does not include the €20 Curieuse fee for people aged 12 and above.

Why Curieuse makes this more than a beach trip

Curieuse gives you a rare combination: wildlife, island history, a proper walk, and time by the water. You are not simply ferried to a beautiful beach and left to occupy yourself. The day has a clear shape, and each part shows you a different side of the island.

The giant tortoises are the emotional high point for many people. They move slowly through the sanctuary area, often close enough for excellent photographs. You may see adults and younger tortoises, and the guide can explain how these animals fit into the island’s conservation work.

I would choose this excursion if you want more than a boat ride and a swim. It works especially well for couples, families with active older children, and first-time visitors to Praslin who want one organized day covering two nearby islands.

8:00 pickup and the short cruise from Côte d’Or

The morning begins with hotel pickup on Praslin, normally 10 to 30 minutes before the activity starts. The pickup network is unusually broad, covering places around Côte d’Or, Baie Sainte Anne, Anse Volbert, Anse Kerlan, Grand Anse, Anse Possession, and many smaller villas and self-catering properties.

You are taken to Côte d’Or Beach, where the boat leaves at about 9:15. The crossing to Curieuse takes roughly 15 minutes. That is short enough to be comfortable, yet long enough to give you open-water views and a useful change of pace from the van.

The return transport is included, but allow for variation. One person found the final hotel drop-off took more than an hour because the van made stops around the island. If you have an evening ferry, flight, or dinner reservation, do not schedule it too tightly after the advertised 3:30 drop-off.

Doctor’s House and Curieuse’s leprosy past

The first Curieuse stop is Anse José and the historic Doctor’s House. This colonial-era building now serves as a small museum about the island’s former leprosy settlement.

It is not a grand museum, and you should not expect a long indoor visit. Its value is in giving the island a human story. The palms, beaches, and clear water can make Curieuse seem untouched, but the Doctor’s House reminds you that people lived here under very different conditions.

From here, the route leads through coastal vegetation and Coco de Mer palms. This is a good point to listen to the guide rather than rush ahead for photographs. Guides including Benjamin, Aubrey, and Sebastian have been singled out for clear explanations, humor, and local pride. The exact guide varies, but the tour is offered in English and French.

The mangrove trail takes real walking

At about 11:00, you follow a guided trail through Curieuse’s protected mangroves. A boardwalk crosses the wet areas, while other parts of the route pass through palm forest and island vegetation.

Look for crabs and native birds, and listen for explanations about how mangroves protect the coast and support marine life. The route also passes old colony remains, linking the natural setting with the island’s past.

The walk is not described as technically hard, but it is more than a stroll. Some people finished the route in around an hour, while another group took closer to 90 minutes. Expect heat, uneven ground, and some up-and-down sections. Wear proper walking shoes or sports shoes, not only flip-flops.

This matters because the day combines a hike with swimming later. You may be hot and ready for water by the time you reach the tortoise sanctuary. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and extra water. Water is provided, but carrying your own bottle is still sensible.

Meeting the tortoises at Anse Laraie

The trail brings you to the opposite side of Curieuse, Anse Laraie, at about 12:30. Here, giant Aldabra tortoises move around the sanctuary area with surprising freedom.

This is not a quick photo stop where you peer across a barrier. You can get close, watch them feed, and see how calmly they go about their day. The animals are the reason I would rank Curieuse above a standard scenic island visit.

Use common sense around them. Give the tortoises room, follow the guide’s instructions, and avoid turning the encounter into a noisy crowd scene. The best photographs often come from patience, not from trying to stand beside every animal at once.

The sanctuary can be very hot in the middle of the day. Light clothing, a hat, water, and reef-safe sunscreen will make this part much easier. If you have limited mobility or serious health problems, note that the tour includes boat transfers, a trail, heat, and water activities. It is not recommended for people with severe health problems and is not suitable for people over 95.

The beach barbecue is a real part of the experience

Lunch is served on the beach beneath the palms, with the sea as your backdrop. The food is buffet-style, so you can take more if you are hungry after the walk.

The spread includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. One local beer per adult is included, along with mineral water and soft drinks. Additional alcoholic drinks cost extra.

I like this meal because it gives the day a taste of the Seychelles rather than treating lunch as an afterthought. The menu also offers enough choice for different appetites. The food is reported as plentiful, and the relaxed setting helps the group slow down after the trail.

There is a practical weakness here: facilities on Curieuse are basic. One person specifically found no useful toilets or changing rooms. Bring a waterproof bag, wear swimwear under your clothes, and do not count on a polished beach-club setup.

The schedule allows about two hours for the lunch and free time period. That can feel generous if you want constant activity. You may swim, take photos, eat slowly, or sit in the shade. If you dislike idle beach time, bring a book or use the pause to dry off before the boat ride.

St Pierre islet and the final swim

Around 2:00, the boat heads to St Pierre Islet. This small granite outcrop is surrounded by clear water, coral, and tropical fish.

The planned snorkeling session lasts about an hour. Equipment is provided, and beginners can receive assistance. You do not need to arrive with your own mask and fins, though bringing familiar gear can be useful if you have it.

Marine sightings vary. You might see colorful reef fish, turtles, or eagle rays. Some outings have had excellent visibility and turtle sightings, while others found the water cloudy, with limited fish and damaged coral. That is normal for a sea-based activity. Weather, tide, water clarity, and the exact anchorage all affect what you see.

From June through September, southeast monsoon winds can make the sea rough. If St Pierre is not safe or comfortable, snorkeling may move to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay. That change is a sensible safety measure, though it may feel less dramatic than the granite-islet setting.

The water stop is one of the tour’s less predictable elements. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations measured. If you see a turtle or ray, consider it a bonus. The Curieuse walk and tortoises are the more dependable highlights.

How the group size affects the day

The experience is sold as a group tour, and group size can vary. Some departures feel small and personal. One reported group had 47 people, which made the guiding less comfortable, especially with explanations given in both English and French.

A large group can mean slower boarding, more time gathering people at trail junctions, and less room around the tortoises. It can also make the barbecue livelier and help keep the price down. If personal attention matters to you, ask about the expected group size before booking.

The guide quality seems important to the experience. Benjamin has been praised for keeping the group together and explaining the island clearly. Aubrey has been described as energetic, funny, and attentive. Other guides named in feedback include Sebastian and Brandon, while skippers such as Evan, Sean, Edwin, Bruno, Dwayne, and Dian have been noted for friendly and professional service.

Do not expect the same person on every departure. Still, the pattern is clear: the crew is a major part of the day, especially during the trail, boat transfers, and first-time snorkeling.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want a busy day without arranging several separate services. The price includes Praslin hotel transport, the boat to both islands, a guide, Curieuse touring, the tortoise sanctuary, barbecue lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the guided water session.

The important adjustment is the Curieuse entrance charge. People aged 12 and above must pay an additional €20 on-site, accepted by Visa according to the practical information provided. That makes the real cost higher than the headline price, so include it when comparing this tour with private boat charters or other group trips.

Tips and personal expenses are not included. Alcohol beyond the provided beer is also extra.

For the right person, the value is strong. A private charter may offer more control over timing and fewer people, but you would need to arrange food, equipment, guiding, and transport separately. This excursion trades privacy for convenience and a broad program.

What to bring for a hot, basic island day

Pack for both a trail and a beach. My short list would be:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a sun hat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear, towel, and sandals or water shoes
• Waterproof bag for your phone and dry clothes
• Insect repellent
• Cash or card for personal expenses
• Snacks if you need food between meals
• Personal medication and a power bank
• Waterproof camera, if you have one

You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment because it is supplied. Rain gear is also sensible in Seychelles, where conditions can change. Avoid oversize luggage, and do not bring pets except approved assistance dogs.

Who should book this Curieuse trip?

I would book it if you want a convenient introduction to Curieuse and St Pierre, enjoy moderate walking, and like having lunch and transport handled for you. It is also a good choice for first-time snorkelers because assistance and equipment are available.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet private outing, dislike waiting for a large group, or need reliable changing rooms and toilets. You should also think twice if your main goal is pristine coral and long snorkeling time. The water can be excellent, but it can also be cloudy or less full of life than expected.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later terms make the booking fairly flexible. Pickup begins at your Praslin accommodation, but confirm that your exact hotel or villa is on the pickup list.

Should you book it?

Yes, if your ideal Seychelles day includes giant tortoises, a scenic walk, local food, and a chance to snorkel without planning every detail yourself. The tortoises, the beach barbecue, and the guides are the strongest reasons to go.

Book with realistic expectations about the €20 entrance fee, basic island facilities, possible beach downtime, and changing sea conditions. If those tradeoffs suit you, this is a well-priced way to see two of Praslin’s most accessible island companions in one day.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St Pierre tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The planned schedule runs from morning pickup on Praslin to hotel drop-off around 3:30 PM.

Is hotel pickup included on Praslin?

Yes. Return van transport is included for listed hotels, villas, guesthouses, the Praslin airport, and the Praslin ferry terminal. Pickup is usually 10 to 30 minutes before the activity begins.

Does the tour include the Curieuse entrance fee?

No. People aged 12 and above must pay an additional €20 for entry to Curieuse on-site. Visa payment is accepted according to the supplied information.

What food and drinks are included?

The beach barbecue includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. One local beer per adult, soft drinks, and mineral water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with an approximately one-hour snorkeling session at St Pierre Islet. Assistance is available for beginners.

Can I snorkel if the sea is rough?

If conditions are rough from June to September, the snorkeling stop may be moved from St Pierre to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay intended to provide safer marine viewing.

Is the walking trail difficult?

The trail is described as moderate rather than technically difficult, but it includes heat, uneven ground, and some up-and-down sections. It may take about an hour to 90 minutes, so comfortable walking shoes are important.

Are the tour guides available in English?

Yes. Live guiding is available in English and French. Guides may include Benjamin, Aubrey, Sebastian, or other members of the local team.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.