Praslin: Curieuse & St. Pierre Full-Day Boat Trip with Lunch

The best part of this Praslin boat trip is the range packed into one day: snorkeling at St. Pierre, swimming at beautiful beaches, meeting giant tortoises on Curieuse, and walking through a mangrove forest. It gives you a real taste of the Seychelles beyond a hotel beach.

I like the way the day mixes active and easygoing stops. I also like that lunch, snorkel gear, transfers, and a guide are included, so you are not piecing together separate boat rides and island visits.

The main drawback is the physical side. The 1.7-kilometer mangrove walk, boat transfers, beach entries, and snorkeling make this a poor match for anyone with limited mobility, a low fitness level, serious back or heart problems, or a strong need for a slow, accessible day.

Key things to know before you book

• You visit two very different islands: St. Pierre is about clear water and snorkeling, while Curieuse brings tortoises, mangroves, beaches, and island ecology.
• The Curieuse walk covers 1.7 kilometers: Expect uneven outdoor conditions, heat, and the need for comfortable shoes.
• The BBQ lunch is part of the day: Fresh local products, grilled fish or chicken, rice, salads, soft drinks, and Creole flavors have featured in the meal.
• Snorkeling equipment is supplied: You can look for parrotfish, surgeonfish, clownfish, sea turtles, stingrays, and other tropical fish.
• Pickup is included in many parts of Praslin: Remote areas and several named beaches do not receive direct pickup.
• Bring a credit card for the Curieuse park fee: The €20 ticket is separate and payable by card on the island.

Starting at Grand Anse Praslin

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation, followed by a transfer to Grand Anse Main Beach. This is useful because you do not need to arrange a taxi before an early start, but pickup is shared and everyone needs to be ready at the agreed time.

Direct pickup is not available in Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin, Anse Possession, or Anse La Blague. Some remote hotels also require you to meet the vehicle at a nearby point, so check this before booking rather than assuming the van will reach your door.

At Grand Anse, you check in and receive a short safety briefing. Then you board the speedboat for the run along Praslin’s west coast. A boat makes sense here because the offshore islands are the focus of the day, and the ride itself gives you changing views of the coast and sea.

The boat is described as comfortable, but this is still an open-water outing. Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and something dry to wear later. If you are prone to seasickness, you should plan accordingly, though no specific medication or onboard treatment is included.

Anse Georgette and the first swim

One of the early stops is Anse Georgette, a secluded white-sand beach where you can swim. This is a good first break after the transfer because it lets you settle into the day before the main snorkeling session.

The stop is also a reminder that this is not only a wildlife excursion. You get time for the classic Seychelles combination of pale sand, warm water, and dramatic coastal scenery. Bring a camera, but protect it carefully during boat transfers and swimming.

The exact order of beach and snorkeling stops can change with wind and sea conditions. The crew has adjusted routes in the past to find better water, so you should think of the stated schedule as a plan rather than a fixed promise.

Snorkeling around St. Pierre Island

St. Pierre is the underwater centerpiece. The boat makes two snorkeling stops, with about an hour listed for swimming and snorkeling in total. You receive the necessary gear, making this a convenient choice if you are not bringing your own mask and fins.

In the water, you might see parrotfish, surgeonfish, and clownfish. Sightings have also included sea turtles and stingrays, though no marine animal is guaranteed. The water can be clear, and the small island setting gives you a strong sense of being away from Praslin.

One useful point from the experience is that coral quality may vary. Some areas have reef damage, but there can still be plenty of fish to see. I would book this for the chance to explore Seychelles waters, not because you expect a perfect coral garden at every stop.

The crew keeps an eye on people in the water, which matters in a group snorkeling setting. Still, you need to be comfortable swimming in open water. This is not a good choice if you cannot swim or if you need constant physical assistance.

The boat ride between stops can be lively. Music has been part of the atmosphere, and guides such as Ryan, Jason, Francis, and Jack Sparrow have been praised for mixing local information with jokes and clear instructions. The tone is social rather than quiet and formal.

Arriving on Curieuse Island

Curieuse changes the pace. It is uninhabited, protected, and known for giant tortoises that roam freely around the island. Seeing these large animals up close is one of the most memorable parts of the day, especially if you have never encountered tortoises outside a zoo setting.

You have time to observe and photograph them, and some experiences include feeding them. Follow the guide’s instructions and treat the animals calmly. The point is not to rush from one tortoise to the next, but to watch their slow movements and notice how well they suit this island environment.

The €20 park ticket is not included in the tour price. You pay it on Curieuse by credit card, so keep a card with you. There are no shops, restaurants, or hotel facilities on the islands, and you should not count on buying forgotten sunscreen, snacks, or drinks.

The tortoise stop works well for photographers. You can get memorable pictures without needing a special wildlife vehicle or a long trek. At the same time, remember that the animals are the attraction, not props. Give them room and listen to the guide.

A Creole BBQ on the beach

Lunch is served on Curieuse and includes a BBQ with soft drinks. The food has featured grilled fish, including barracuda, as well as chicken, rice, salads, and other simple local sides. Fresh island products are used when available.

I like this part because it connects the scenery with Seychellois food. It is not a restaurant meal with a long menu, and that is part of the charm. You get a practical beach lunch that fits a boat day, with straightforward flavors and enough variety for different appetites.

Food quality can never be guaranteed in exactly the same way from one departure to the next, but the meal is a useful part of the $93 price. Buying lunch, transport, a boat ride, a guide, snorkel gear, and the island visit separately would take more planning and could cost more.

Soft drinks are included. Bring your own refillable water bottle if you prefer one, but remember that the islands do not have shops or other visitor facilities. A credit card is still needed for the park ticket.

Walking through the mangroves

After lunch, the group takes a guided walk through Curieuse’s mangrove forest. The route covers 1.7 kilometers and leads toward an attractive beach where you can swim and cool off.

This is more than a walk between two beaches. A guide can point out the island’s plants, mangroves, wildlife, and the part these habitats play in the coastal environment. Guides have included Ryan, Jason, Francis, Nelson, Alex, and Jack Sparrow, with the exact guide depending on the departure.

The walk is often taken at an easy pace, but the distance still matters. Comfortable shoes are important, and sandals may be useful for the beach. You should also expect sun, humidity, and outdoor footing rather than a smooth paved path.

The beach at the end gives you a reward for the walk. You can swim, take pictures, or simply rest beside the water before returning to the boat. If you prefer long stretches of quiet beach time, the schedule may feel a little full. If you want variety, the combination works well.

The return ride to Praslin

The return journey gives the crew time to point out coastal features and share local history. By this stage, you have had a full day in the sun, so the boat ride is a welcome chance to sit back.

The vehicle transfer takes you back to your accommodation after arriving at Grand Anse. The schedule is designed to return after about seven hours, though sea conditions and group timing can affect the exact finish.

Organization is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Guides have been described as attentive with safety, timing, explanations, and keeping the group involved. Some have also handled changing weather with alternate plans, which is useful in the Seychelles, where conditions can shift quickly.

Heavy rain can cancel the activity. The provider decides early on the day of departure and informs you if the trip will not proceed. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option is offered at booking.

What the $93 price really covers

At $93 per person, this is a solid value if you want a full day of water, wildlife, food, and transport without organizing each piece yourself. The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat, a live English or French-speaking guide, snorkel gear, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, and the guided mangrove walk.

The separate €20 Curieuse fee means you should budget beyond the advertised price. That is the main extra charge stated for the day.

The value depends on how much of the schedule you will use. If you enjoy snorkeling and can manage the Curieuse walk, you are getting several substantial activities. If you mainly want a short boat ride and a beach, a simpler cruise may suit you better.

The group is not private. You share the boat and transfers with other customers, and pickup times must be respected. The atmosphere can be cheerful and social, with music and joking guides, but it is not designed for complete solitude.

Who should book this Praslin day trip?

I would recommend it to active couples, families with older children, solo visitors who want an organized day, and anyone staying on Praslin without a private boat. It is especially useful early in your island stay because it gives you snorkeling, beaches, wildlife, and local context in one outing.

It is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with visual impairments, or those with mobility, back, or heart problems. The activity also excludes people over 70 and those with a low fitness level, according to the stated restrictions.

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sandals, sunscreen, beachwear, a camera, and a credit card. Do not forget the last item, since the park ticket is payable by card. Extra bananas have been suggested by one guide for feeding the tortoises, but check with the crew before bringing or offering food.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want one active day that covers the best-known outdoor pleasures around Praslin. The giant tortoises are the emotional highlight, while the snorkeling and mangrove walk keep the day from becoming a simple wildlife stop.

I would skip it if you need a private schedule, a fully accessible route, or guaranteed perfect snorkeling conditions. For most fit visitors who want transport, lunch, equipment, and several strong stops for $93, this is one of the more useful ways to spend a day on Praslin.

FAQ

How long is the Curieuse and St. Pierre boat trip?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including pickup, the boat journey, snorkeling, the Curieuse visit, lunch, the mangrove walk, and the return transfer.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, the speedboat tour, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and the guided mangrove hike.

Is the Curieuse park ticket included?

No. The Curieuse park ticket costs €20 and is payable by credit card on the island.

What food is served at lunch?

The BBQ uses fresh island products and may include grilled fish, chicken, rice, salads, and other local sides. Soft drinks are included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling gear is included, though you should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is included from many accommodations in Praslin, with the activity beginning at Grand Anse Main Beach. Direct pickup is not available in Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin, Anse Possession, or Anse La Blague, and some remote hotels require a nearby meeting point.

Is the mangrove walk difficult?

The walk covers 1.7 kilometers. You should wear comfortable shoes and expect outdoor conditions. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, back problems, low fitness, or other listed health restrictions.

What happens if it rains heavily?

The activity is cancelled in heavy rain. Because weather can change quickly, the provider decides early on the day of the tour and informs you if the trip will not proceed.