Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Curieuse is the star here: a wild, easy-to-reach island where giant tortoises wander around the ranger’s station and a guided trail cuts through mangroves, beaches, and Coco de Mer palms. Then you head by boat to St. Pierre for a swim over the reef.

I like the mix of land and sea, plus the practical hotel pickup and included snorkeling gear, water, soft drinks, and one beer for adults. I also like that guides such as Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, and Brandon bring clear nature explanations rather than simply pointing at the scenery.

The main caution is the snorkeling. Conditions can be choppy, the reef may look tired, and the stop is not ideal for weak swimmers. The island portion is the more reliable highlight, so book this for Curieuse first and St. Pierre second.

Key points to know before you book

• Giant tortoises roam freely at Curieuse: You can see them close to the ranger’s station and photograph them in an open setting.
• The guided walk covers about 2.5 kilometers: Expect mangroves, beaches, Coco de Mer palms, wildlife, and a viewpoint.
• St. Pierre is reached by boat only: You can snorkel and swim there, but you do not land for a walk.
• The price is strong for a full day: The $56 base cost includes transfers, a guide, drinks, snorkeling gear, and one beer, but island taxes and lunch cost extra.
• Snorkeling ability matters: Some people find the water rough and the support limited, so confident swimmers will get more from this stop.
• Bring your own food if you skip lunch: A BBQ is available for an additional €20 per person, or you can pack snacks and refreshments.

Why Curieuse deserves the first half of your day

Curieuse is one of those Seychelles stops where the wildlife is not hidden behind a fence or held at a distance. At Laraie Bay, you head to the ranger’s station and see giant tortoises moving around the grounds. The island has the second-largest population of these animals in Seychelles, and their slow pace fits the place perfectly.

You may be able to feed and gently pat some of the tortoises, following the guide’s instructions. The setting is informal and outdoors, which makes the encounter feel more natural than a quick photo stop at a small enclosure. Bring a camera, but give yourself time to watch the animals rather than turning the visit into a checklist.

The tour usually collects you from your Praslin accommodation 10 to 45 minutes before departure. Pickup details can vary, so be ready early. The boat leaves from Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning, after a safety briefing from the crew.

The crossing to Curieuse takes about 25 minutes at the listed cruising speed. That short ride gives you an early look at the Indian Ocean and helps the day feel like a proper island outing, not just a beach transfer.

The Curieuse walk: mangroves, palms, and a useful guide

The guided nature walk is planned for about an hour, though the wider Curieuse visit allows several hours for walking, wildlife, photos, swimming, and free time. One route crosses roughly 2.5 kilometers toward Anse St. José, with a viewpoint and plenty of stops to look at plants and animals.

This is where the guide makes a real difference. Benjamin is praised for clear explanations and a good sense of humor. Mario is noted for his understanding of island nature and environmental protection. Arnold, Brandon, Audrey, Axel, and Obrie have also been singled out for friendly, attentive service and useful explanations.

You can expect the guide to point out mangrove ecosystems, birds, colorful crabs, and the island’s plant life. The walk also includes Coco de Mer trees, one of the Seychelles plants that gives the visit a stronger sense of place. You are not simply walking between two beaches. You are learning how the island’s coastal and forest environments fit together.

Wear sports shoes or sturdy sandals if you have them. The supplied packing advice includes waterproof shoes, sports shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag. You will want footwear that handles both a trail and wet beach conditions.

The walk is not a hard expedition, but you should be comfortable walking outdoors in heat. Take water, even though more is provided onboard. A sun hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen are sensible choices.

Beach time gives Curieuse room to breathe

One of the best features of this trip is that Curieuse is not treated as a rushed photo stop. The schedule gives you time to swim, take pictures, sit on the beach, and watch the tortoises. That slower pace matters because the island’s appeal is not just one animal or one viewpoint.

The beach at Curieuse can be beautiful enough to make you want more time. Clear water near the shore may reveal fish, and some people also see baby sharks around the island. Those sightings are not guaranteed, but they show why you should keep your eyes open even when the formal walk has ended.

The stop can feel long if you prefer constant activity. One person found there was more hanging-around time than needed, while another appreciated having enough time to enjoy the island properly. I see this as a style question: if you like a relaxed beach day with a guided walk built in, the timing works well. If you want back-to-back attractions, the free time may test your patience.

Lunch on the beach, with a real choice

The lunch window runs roughly from 12:15 to 1:30. You can add a BBQ meal for €20 per person, or bring your own food and drinks. The self-catering option helps keep the base price down, especially if you have dietary needs or prefer a light meal.

The food has received strong praise, including one particularly positive note about the BBQ being among the best meals experienced on Praslin. Still, lunch is not part of the $56 price, so include the extra cost when comparing this trip with other boat outings.

Water, soft drinks, and one beer per adult are included. Snacks have also been served during some outings, but you should still pack food if you do not plan to buy the BBQ. A waterproof bag protects sandwiches, phones, and cameras from spray.

St. Pierre Marine Park is the scenic second act

After leaving Curieuse around 1:30, the boat reaches St. Pierre Marine Park at about 2:00. St. Pierre is a small island accessible only by boat, and the view from the water is part of its appeal. You do not land for a walk, so think of this stop as a swimming and snorkeling session rather than an island visit.

Snorkeling equipment is provided onboard, and the advertised water time is about one hour. One account describes closer to 45 minutes, so do not assume you will have a long guided session. The crew chooses the place based on conditions, and you may see coral, small reef fish, rays, or sea turtles.

The quality of the stop can vary. Some people call the snorkeling exceptional, while others find the coral mostly damaged and the marine life limited. A separate report describes choppy water and says the site suits at least an intermediate swimmer. This is important: St. Pierre is not a calm lagoon with guaranteed wildlife.

The snorkeling is also generally unguided. The crew provides equipment and gets you into the water, but you should not expect a detailed lesson or a naturalist-led swim. If you are new to snorkeling, do not swim confidently, or need close support, this part may feel uncomfortable. One person’s partner stayed on the boat because the safety support did not feel sufficient.

If you are a capable swimmer, the stop can be rewarding. Bring a waterproof camera, but keep expectations sensible. The sea, weather, visibility, and location all affect what you see on the day.

What the $56 price really covers

At $56 per person, this is a good-value way to combine two major Praslin-area sights in seven hours. Hotel transfers remove the need to arrange a taxi to Anse Possession. You also receive a guide, boat transport, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and one beer for each adult.

Add the island tax of €20 per person for anyone aged 12 or older. Lunch is separate, with the BBQ listed at €20 per person. If you bring your own food, the extra cost is limited to the tax, though you should confirm the final payable amount when booking.

The value is strongest if you want both Curieuse and St. Pierre in one day. You save the trouble of arranging separate transport, and the schedule leaves enough time for a proper Curieuse visit rather than a quick landing. If your priority is only snorkeling, the variable water conditions make this a less certain bargain.

Pickup, boat comfort, and the end of the day

Pickup is included from locations around Praslin, generally 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, though the wider timing says 10 to 45 minutes. The exact collection time depends on where you are staying. You return to Praslin after the St. Pierre stop.

The boat crew has earned praise for safety, clear service, and finding good places to snorkel. At the same time, boat trips can be wet and exposed. Keep a dry layer in your waterproof bag, especially if you do not want to ride back in a wet swimsuit.

One person found the return van ride too hurried and had no time to change before getting into the vehicle. That is a small but useful warning. Ask about changing arrangements before leaving the boat, and keep a towel and dry clothes ready.

The tour is offered in English and French. It is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed. The activity also includes walking, beach access, boat boarding, and swimming, so it suits people who can manage those movements without assistance.

Who will get the most from this Praslin trip

I would choose this outing for you if Curieuse’s giant tortoises are high on your list and you also want a taste of Seychelles snorkeling. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who wants hotel pickup instead of arranging several local connections.

You will probably enjoy it most if you like a full day with several different moods: a fast boat ride, wildlife, a nature walk, beach time, lunch, and a final swim. The friendly guides add a human touch, and names such as Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, and Brandon come up repeatedly for clear explanations and good energy.

I would be more careful recommending it to a weak swimmer or someone booking mainly for a world-class reef experience. St. Pierre can be rough, the coral may not be in top condition, and the water session may be shorter than expected. For those visitors, Curieuse is still worthwhile, but the snorkeling should be treated as an optional bonus rather than the main reason to pay.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start and reserve-now, pay-later terms make planning easier. Check the available start time and pickup details, then pack for both a tropical hike and a wet boat ride.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre tour?

Yes, if you want a well-priced, full-day introduction to Curieuse with a boat trip and a chance to snorkel at St. Pierre. The giant tortoises, the guided walk, the beach time, and the included transfers give the experience its strongest value.

Book with realistic expectations about the water. You may see excellent marine life, but you may also meet choppy conditions and a less impressive reef. For most visitors, Curieuse is the dependable highlight, while St. Pierre is the changeable extra that can turn a good day into a memorable one.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts about seven hours, including pickup, the boat journey, Curieuse, lunch or free time, snorkeling, and the return to Praslin.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from Anse Possession on Praslin, with embarkation scheduled between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from locations on Praslin, usually 10 to 30 minutes before the activity. The wider pickup guidance allows up to 45 minutes, depending on location.

Can I see giant tortoises on Curieuse?

Yes. The visit includes the ranger’s station at Laraie Bay, where giant tortoises roam. Curieuse has the second-largest population of these tortoises in Seychelles.

Is there a guided walk on Curieuse?

Yes. The Curieuse portion includes a guided nature walk covering mangroves, beaches, Coco de Mer trees, wildlife, and a viewpoint.

Do I have to buy the BBQ lunch?

No. The BBQ is optional and costs €20 per person. You can bring your own food and refreshments instead.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided onboard, along with water and soft drinks.

How long is the St. Pierre snorkeling stop?

The planned snorkeling period is about one hour. One account reports a session closer to 45 minutes, so the exact time may vary.

Can I walk around St. Pierre Island?

No. St. Pierre is visited for swimming, snorkeling, and views from the boat. The island is accessible only by boat, and the activity does not include landing for a walk.

Is the activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.