Curieuse and St Pierre Snorkeling Half-Day Trip No BBQ Lunch

Curieuse is the star here, with giant tortoises, a short island crossing, and a mangrove trail that leads to Anse José Beach. I like the way this trip packs wildlife, walking, and snorkeling into four hours, so you can still use most of your day on Praslin. I also like the personal touch of guides such as Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin, who explain the islands rather than simply ferrying you around.

The main catch is the extra €20 Curieuse landing fee, payable with cash or a Visa or debit card. The snorkeling stop can also depend on sea conditions, and one family found that the guide’s long plant talks made the walk feel slower in the midday heat.

Key points to know

• Curieuse’s giant tortoises are the main event: You’ll have time to see them close up in their protected habitat.
• The 1.7-kilometer island walk has a purpose: It crosses mangrove country and connects the Curieuse side of the island with Anse José Beach.
• St Pierre offers the water time: Expect roughly 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, with conditions affecting the exact spot.
• The $53 price is not the final cost: Add €20 per person for the Curieuse landing fee, and bring money for any food you want.
• Pickup covers key Praslin areas: Transfers are offered in parts of Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert.
• This is not a purely lazy beach trip: You need to manage a tropical walk, boat movement, sun, and possibly uneven ground.

Why Curieuse makes a strong half-day from Praslin

Curieuse is close enough to Praslin for a short trip, yet it feels like a proper change of scene. The island gives you three different experiences in one outing: a visit with Aldabra giant tortoises, a guided walk through mangrove forest, and time at a quiet beach before the boat heads to St Pierre.

I think the combination is the biggest selling point. A basic boat transfer might show you a beach, while a pure snorkeling trip leaves out the land-based wildlife. Here, you get a more rounded look at the Seychelles, all before early afternoon.

The trip is especially useful if you have limited time on Praslin. It begins with pickup around 8:45 AM, reaches the Curieuse area around 9:30 AM, and returns to Praslin at about 12:30 PM. That leaves your afternoon open for Anse Lazio, Vallée de Mai, a restaurant lunch, or a quiet spell at your hotel.

The four-hour format does require a little discipline. You will not have hours to linger at every stop. The walk, tortoise visit, beach time, and snorkeling are all fitted into a tight schedule.

Getting to the boat from Praslin

Pickup is available from certain areas around Praslin, including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert. Two listed meeting points are on the Anse Volbert side near Berjaya Resort and around Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.

The boat is scheduled to leave around 9:15 AM. If you are staying outside the covered pickup areas, you may need to arrange your own way to the meeting point. Check the exact pickup details when booking, since hotel transfer is limited to certain parts of the island.

The ride to Curieuse is part of the pleasure. You get open-water views and a clear sense of how close these islands are to one another. Bring a hat and sunscreen even if the morning looks mild. The boat, beach, and open paths offer little relief from the sun.

Water and soft drinks are included, and local beer is also offered according to the tour details. Lunch is not included, so you should eat before pickup or plan to bring suitable food. The information provided does not promise a meal stop, and this is not the version of the trip with a barbecue lunch.

Meeting Curieuse’s giant tortoises

Curieuse is well known for its Aldabra giant tortoises, and this is the stop that gives the tour its emotional pull. You’ll have a guided introduction, then time to see the tortoises in their natural island setting.

The animals are accustomed to people, which makes close observation easier. You may see them moving slowly among the vegetation, resting, or feeding. Give yourself time to watch rather than treating the enclosure as a quick photo stop. Their size and calm manner are the kind of details that stay with you long after the boat ride.

The guides are a major part of this stop. Mario is frequently praised for explaining Seychelles life and nature in an engaging way. Reynold is described as warm, funny, and deeply informed about the islands, while Benjamin is noted for careful explanations and attention to safety. The experience will vary by guide, but the human side of the trip is clearly important.

You should expect roughly 25 minutes with the tortoises based on the stated timing from one family outing. That is enough for a good introduction, though not enough for a slow naturalist session. If you are passionate about wildlife photography, keep your camera ready and use the free time well.

The landing fee is separate from the tour price. At €20 per person, it is a significant addition to a $53 booking. Bring cash and a Visa or debit card, as requested by the operator. Budget for it before you compare this trip with other Curieuse excursions.

Walking across the mangrove forest

Around 11:00 AM, the group begins the walk through Curieuse’s mangrove area. The route is about 1.7 kilometers and leads toward Anse José Beach on the other side of the island.

This is not just a transfer from one beach to another. The path lets you see how mangroves work as coastal habitat. Their tangled roots shelter marine life and help hold the shoreline in place. Along the way, you might spot birds, crabs, and other small creatures that use the wet forest.

I like this part because it adds meaning to the island visit. You are not only looking at pretty water and granite rocks. You are seeing a working coastal ecosystem, with the guide pointing out plants and explaining what you are passing.

The walking pace may be slow. The guide may stop often to discuss plants, trees, or island life. One family found the 1.7-kilometer route easy in itself, but felt the many talks made it seem too long, especially during the hottest part of the day.

That is useful advice if you are visiting with children. Kids aged five to fourteen enjoyed much of the outing, but not every child will want a long nature lecture after the excitement of seeing tortoises. Comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, insect repellent, and plenty of water will make the walk easier.

The route is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with major mobility limits. It is also a poor match if you strongly dislike heat, uneven outdoor paths, or boat motion. The tour specifically advises against booking for people prone to motion sickness.

Reaching Anse José Beach around noon

The trail ends at Anse José Beach, a quieter coastal stop with sand, clear water, and views back across the shore. The scheduled arrival is around 11:45 AM.

This gives you a chance to slow down after the walk. Take photographs, sit on the sand, and enjoy the contrast between the shaded mangrove path and the open beach. The stop is short, so do not expect a full beach day. Its value is in the setting and the pause before the next boat ride.

A practical point: the walk occurs during the warmer part of the morning, while the beach stop comes afterward. One family would have preferred more beach time earlier, when the sun was less intense. If you dislike walking in heat, wear a hat and use biodegradable sunscreen before leaving the boat.

Anse José also gives you a different view of Curieuse. The tortoise area and mangrove forest show the island inland, while this beach presents its clean coastal edge. Together, the stops make the island feel more complete than a simple tortoise visit.

Snorkeling off St Pierre Island

Around noon, the boat continues to St Pierre Island for swimming and snorkeling. St Pierre is instantly recognizable for its rounded granite boulders rising from the turquoise sea. It is one of the prettiest photo stops near Praslin, even before you put on a mask.

The water can be excellent, with colorful marine life and clear visibility. One particularly strong outing described the snorkeling as being like swimming in an aquarium. That is the ideal scenario, but you should not assume identical conditions every day.

Sea state matters. High waves have caused the boat to use a different snorkeling location, and one outing found the selected spot less impressive than expected. The operator may change the site for safety, so the underwater portion is the least predictable part of the trip.

Plan for about 30 minutes in the water. That is enough for a satisfying look at the reef environment, but it is not a full snorkeling expedition. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, since the information asks you to bring snorkeling equipment. The tour includes water and soft drinks to keep you refreshed after swimming.

You will also want a waterproof bag for dry items and a waterproof camera if you plan to take pictures. Leave jewelry and valuables behind. The operator specifically advises against bringing them, and salt water, boat transfers, and beach landings are not a good combination for anything precious.

What the $53 price really covers

At $53 per person, this is good value for a four-hour boat trip that includes a guide, selected hotel transfers, Curieuse, a nature walk, and St Pierre snorkeling. You are paying for variety rather than a long stay at one place.

The price is less attractive once you add the €20 Curieuse landing fee. That fee is not optional if you want to land on the island, so treat the real cost as the advertised price plus the landing charge. Lunch is also excluded.

The value improves if you want a quick introduction to the area and do not need a full-day cruise. You get wildlife, a guided walk, beach time, and snorkeling without giving up your entire day. It is also useful if you do not have a rental car, since pickup is offered in several parts of Praslin.

The value drops if your main goal is extended snorkeling. About 30 minutes in the water may feel brief, especially if the sea forces a change of site. It may also feel expensive if you would rather spend the morning on one beach and skip the landing fee.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning easier. Still, confirm the exact start time, pickup point, and payment method for the landing fee before you set out.

Guides, pace, and the feel of the outing

The guide can shape this trip more than any single stop. Mario is associated with lively, informative tours, while Reynold and Benjamin are also praised for clear explanations, good humor, and careful organization.

Expect more than basic directions. The guide may explain mangrove roots, island plants, coastal habitats, and the tortoises. That is valuable if you want context, but it may be less appealing if you prefer to walk quietly and set your own pace.

The outing is organized as a group experience, with shared timing at each location. You will not have complete freedom to linger with the tortoises or stay on Anse José as long as you wish. In return, the guide helps you understand what you are seeing and keeps the group moving toward the boat.

Families can enjoy it, especially with older children who like animals and swimming. Very young babies are not suitable, and the tour is not designed for people who need mobility assistance. The operator also lists people over 80 and over 95 as unsuitable, reflecting the heat, boat transfers, and walking demands.

What to bring for a comfortable morning

Pack light, since oversized luggage, baby strollers, scooters, and non-folding wheelchairs are not allowed. A small waterproof bag is the most useful choice.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• A sun hat and breathable clothing
• Sunscreen, preferably biodegradable
• Insect repellent, preferably biodegradable
• Snorkeling gear
• A camera or waterproof camera
• Water-resistant storage for phones and cards
• Cash and a Visa or debit card for the €20 landing fee

Avoid jeans, high heels, loose valuables, and jewelry. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle or indoors, and pets are not permitted apart from assistance dogs. You will be moving between boat, beach, forest, and water, so simple outdoor clothing is the right choice.

Should you book the Curieuse and St Pierre trip?

I would book this tour if you want the best parts of Curieuse and St Pierre in one compact morning. The tortoises and mangrove walk give you a worthwhile land experience, while the St Pierre stop adds swimming and marine life. The guides, particularly Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin, can make the natural details much more interesting.

I would hesitate if you want a slow beach day, dislike guided commentary, or are booking mainly for snorkeling. The walk can feel long when the sun is high, and the snorkeling quality depends on sea conditions. Remember that the €20 landing fee and lunch are extra.

For a first visit to Praslin, this is a smart short outing. Bring the right shoes, protect yourself from the sun, carry the landing fee, and think of the snorkeling as one part of the trip rather than its only purpose.

FAQ

How long is the Curieuse and St Pierre snorkeling trip?

The activity lasts about four hours. Pickup is scheduled around 8:45 AM, the boat leaves around 9:15 AM, and return to Praslin is planned for approximately 12:30 PM.

What is included in the price?

The price includes selected-area hotel transfers, a licensed guide, water, and soft drinks. Local beer is also offered according to the tour information.

Is lunch included?

No. This version does not include a barbecue lunch. Plan to eat before the trip or arrange suitable food yourself.

How much is the Curieuse landing fee?

The landing fee is €20 per person and is not included in the tour price. You should bring cash and a Visa or debit card for payment.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available in certain parts of Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert. Listed meeting points include the Anse Volbert area near Berjaya Resort and Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is offered in English and French.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

The tour information recommends bringing snorkeling gear. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not recommended for people with motion sickness, babies under one year, or people over 80.