Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Curieuse’s giant tortoises are the star here. You meet them at the Ranger’s Station in Laraie Bay, then walk through mangroves, beaches, and stands of Coco de Mer palms before heading to St. Pierre Marine Park for a swim among reef fish. The contrast makes this a satisfying day: land wildlife first, sea life later.

I like the included hotel pickup, water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and one beer for each adult. I also like the guides’ personal touch. Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, Aubrey, and others have been praised for clear explanations and good humour. The main caution is the snorkeling. Conditions can be choppy, equipment may not fit perfectly, and some visitors found the coral and fish less impressive than expected.

Key points to know before booking

• Curieuse gives you close access to giant tortoises: They roam freely around the Ranger’s Station, making this the most memorable part for many people.
• The island walk covers real nature, not just a photo stop: Expect mangroves, Coco de Mer palms, beaches, crabs, birds, and viewpoints.
• St. Pierre is a boat-access-only snorkeling stop: You can swim and snorkel, but you do not walk around the islet.
• The advertised price is not the final price for everyone: The $56 rate excludes a €20 island tax for each person aged 12 and over.
• Lunch is optional, not included: A beach BBQ costs an additional €20 per person, or you can bring your own food.
• This is not a beginner-friendly water activity for everyone: Snorkeling is largely unguided, and stronger swimming ability helps if the sea is rough.

Why Curieuse is the heart of the day

You leave Praslin from Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning. Pickup comes first, usually 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, though the stated pickup range allows as much as 45 minutes depending on your location. The road transfer matters because it saves you from arranging a taxi to the harbor.

Once aboard, the boat runs at about 25 knots toward Curieuse. Arrival at Laraie Bay is scheduled for roughly 9:40. After a safety briefing, you head toward the Ranger’s Station, where the tortoises are the first major reward.

Curieuse has the second-largest population of giant tortoises in Seychelles. The animals roam in an open setting rather than appearing behind conventional zoo fencing, and you can see them at close range. You may be able to feed and gently touch them where permitted. Bring a camera, but keep your attention on the animals too. These are slow-moving creatures, yet they quickly turn the stop into a lively photo session, especially when younger tortoises and baby sharks are spotted around the island.

The guides are an important part of this section. Benjamin has been singled out for his clear English and easy jokes, while Mario has been praised for his explanations of island life and environmental care. Arnold, Aubrey, and other guides have also been described as attentive and friendly. The language options are English and French, so you can expect the nature walk to include spoken interpretation rather than simply being shown from place to place.

A 2.5-kilometre walk through Curieuse

The guided walk is listed as about one hour, while the wider Curieuse visit occupies roughly two hours before the lunch period. One useful description puts the route at around 2.5 kilometres. That means you should expect more than a short stroll to the tortoises, although the pace and exact timing may vary.

The route takes in mangrove ecosystems, beaches, clear water, Coco de Mer trees, birds, and colorful crabs. The value of the walk is the way it links the island’s animals and plants. Instead of treating the tortoises as an isolated attraction, the guide can explain how the island’s habitats fit together and point out things you would likely walk past alone.

You also get scenic viewpoints and plenty of chances for photographs. Sports shoes or sturdy sandals are sensible, since the supplied information recommends both sports shoes and waterproof shoes. The path is not described as wheelchair accessible, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Curieuse also gives you time to slow down. Some of the schedule is free time on or near the beach, with swimming, sightseeing, snacks, drinks, and one beer for adults. I see this as both a benefit and a limitation. A relaxed beach hour is welcome in the Seychelles heat, but one person specifically found there was a little too much hanging around and wished more time had been spent elsewhere. Another described the waiting time as longer than expected.

Lunch on the beach, with two clear choices

From about 12:15 to 1:30, you have the optional BBQ lunch period. The BBQ costs €20 per person and is separate from the $56 tour price and the €20 island tax charged to people aged 12 and older.

You can also bring your own lunch, snacks, and refreshments. This is the better-value choice if you are watching costs, have dietary needs, or simply prefer to eat familiar food. Food and drinks are specifically listed among the items to bring, while water, soft drinks, snacks, and beer are supplied in some form during the day.

Several people have praised the food, with one calling it the best meal they had on Praslin. Still, because the BBQ is optional and its exact contents are not specified here, I would not book this trip solely for lunch. Think of the meal as a convenient add-on after the walk, not the main reason to go.

The lunch stop also explains why the day feels unhurried. Curieuse is not treated as a quick landing followed by an immediate return to the boat. You have time for a swim, photographs, and a beach break before leaving at about 1:30.

St. Pierre Marine Park: beautiful, but know the limits

The boat reaches St. Pierre at about 2:00 in the afternoon. This is a marine stop, not another island walk. St. Pierre is accessible only by boat, and you remain on or near the boat while enjoying the view and entering the water.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the planned water time is about one hour. One person experienced closer to 45 minutes and wished for 90, so your actual time in the water may depend on conditions, group movement, and the captain’s judgment.

The setting is highly photogenic: white sand, turquoise water, and the small rocky islet rising from the Indian Ocean. Underwater, you might find reef fish, coral, rays, sea turtles, or other marine life. Some people had exceptional sightings, including sea turtles, baby sharks, and rays. Others saw little of note.

That mixed underwater experience is worth taking seriously. One account described the coral as mostly dead and the water as choppy, while another found the snorkeling excellent. A separate complaint concerned poor-fitting gear. This does not make the stop a bad choice, but it means you should not compare it with a specialist snorkeling charter that spends all day seeking the best reef conditions.

The snorkeling is also described as unguided. The crew may help with equipment and safety, but you should not expect a detailed lesson in marine life or a guide swimming beside you and pointing out every fish. If you are new to snorkeling or are not a confident swimmer, this can be a real drawback. One person’s companion could not get into the water because she did not feel adequately supported.

For a stronger swimmer, St. Pierre can be a fine final stop. Listen carefully to the safety briefing, use the provided equipment before leaving the boat, and tell the crew if a mask or fins do not fit. Bring a waterproof bag for dry items and biodegradable sunscreen for the water.

What the $56 price really covers

At $56 per person, this is an appealing price for a full day that combines transport, two islands, a guide, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and hotel pickup. You are not paying separately for a taxi to Anse Possession or for basic water gear, and the tour gives you both Curieuse’s wildlife and a marine park stop in one outing.

But the advertised price needs careful reading. The island tax is an additional €20 per person aged 12 and above. Add the optional €20 BBQ and the total becomes much higher than the headline figure. A self-catered lunch keeps the extra cost down.

I think the value is strongest if you want variety. A private charter may offer more control over timing, while a specialist snorkeling trip may choose better water conditions. This excursion works best for someone who wants tortoises, a nature walk, beach time, and snorkeling without arranging several separate activities.

Hotel transfers add practical value, particularly if you are staying away from Anse Possession. Pickup is included across Praslin, with the exact collection time depending on your location. The return transfer is part of the plan, though one person found the drive back rushed and uncomfortable because the van left before people had fully changed out of wet swimwear. Carry a dry change of clothes and be ready to change quickly if facilities are limited.

Who will enjoy this Curieuse and St. Pierre combination

I would recommend the trip to couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone visiting Praslin without a rental car. The day has enough structure to remove the planning work, but enough free time to swim, eat, and take photographs.

It is especially good for first-time visitors to the Seychelles who want a quick introduction to the islands’ famous wildlife. The tortoises are the reliable highlight, and the walk adds useful context about plants and animals rather than leaving you with only a beach photograph.

You should think twice if snorkeling is your main goal. The stop can be rewarding, but the sea may be choppy, the coral is not always in top condition, and the activity is not presented as a fully guided lesson. Strong swimmers will have an easier time.

You should also consider your tolerance for waiting and flexible timing. The day includes free time on Curieuse, which some people love and others find excessive. If you prefer a packed schedule with constant movement, this may feel slow.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sandals, sunscreen, insect repellent, food or snacks, and a waterproof camera or bag. A hat and water are not optional luxuries here. You will spend much of the day outdoors, and the combination of sun, salt, and walking can catch you out.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is offered in English and French. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.

Should you book this boat adventure?

Book it if you want the best-known Curieuse experience, especially the giant tortoises, paired with a manageable snorkeling stop. The guides have earned strong praise for clear explanations, warmth, and good spirits, and the pickup, drinks, gear, and varied schedule make the day easy to arrange.

I would book with three conditions in mind: budget for the €20 island tax, decide in advance if you want the €20 BBQ, and do not expect St. Pierre to deliver perfect snorkeling every time. If you are a confident swimmer and value a relaxed mix of wildlife, walking, beach time, and sea views, this is a strong Praslin day trip. If you need intensive snorkeling instruction, guaranteed reef quality, or a tightly packed schedule, choose a more specialized outing.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip last?

The activity lasts seven hours. Pickup takes place before departure, and the main schedule runs from the morning departure at Anse Possession to the return to Praslin.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Anse Possession on Praslin between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

Is hotel pickup included on Praslin?

Yes. Pickup is included from locations on Praslin, generally 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, with the stated range extending to 45 minutes depending on your location.

Are snorkeling masks and fins provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board. Check the fit before entering the water.

Can I walk on St. Pierre Island?

No. St. Pierre is visited by boat for swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing. The island is accessible only by boat.

Is lunch included?

No. An optional BBQ lunch costs €20 per person. You may also bring your own food, snacks, and refreshments.

What extra charge should I expect?

Island taxes are not included. The stated charge is €20 per person for anyone aged 12 and above. The optional BBQ lunch is also extra.