Praslin: Curieuse & St Pierre Island Day Trip with Barbecue

Curieuse is the star here: you walk among Aldabra giant tortoises that roam freely, then follow a guided trail past mangroves, palms, and the old Doctor’s House. I like the mix of wildlife and island history, and I like that lunch is a proper Creole BBQ rather than a wrapped sandwich. The main catch is the extra €20 Curieuse entrance fee for each person aged 12 and over.

I also like the easy hotel pickup from across Praslin and the way the day combines land and sea without making you arrange separate trips. Guides such as Benjamin, Aubrey, and Sebastian have led highly praised outings, but conditions can change the snorkeling stop, and large groups can make the walking commentary less personal.

Key points to know before booking

• Free-roaming tortoises: You can get close to Aldabra giant tortoises at the sanctuary on Curieuse.
• A real island walk: The guided route takes about 1.5 hours and includes mangroves, palms, coastal plants, and uneven ground.
• Creole lunch on the beach: Expect grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, fruit, and drinks.
• Snorkeling with a weather backup: St Pierre is the usual site, but rough seas can move the swim to Anse Petite Cours.
• Extra cost matters: The $88 tour price does not include the €20 Curieuse entry charge for people aged 12 and over.
• Allow for a long day outdoors: Bring water, sun protection, swimwear, sturdy footwear, and a waterproof bag.

Curieuse in one day: what you are really getting

This is a 7-hour group outing from Praslin, built around three different pleasures: a short boat ride, a nature and history visit on Curieuse, and a snorkeling stop at St Pierre Island. It is not just a beach transfer, and it is not a strenuous hiking expedition. Think of it as a well-packed island day with plenty of time in the sun.

The $88 price includes return transport from your Praslin hotel, the boat trip, a guide, BBQ lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. That is good value if you want to see both islands and would otherwise need to book transport, food, and gear separately.

Still, do your sums before booking. The Curieuse entry fee adds €20 per person for everyone aged 12 and up, payable on-site by Visa card. Personal spending, tips, and extra alcoholic drinks are not included. At the advertised price, the tour is attractive, but the entry fee should be treated as part of the real cost.

Morning pickup and the boat from Côte d’Or

Pickup takes place at your hotel or accommodation on Praslin, usually 10 to 30 minutes before the activity starts. The pickup area covers much of the island, including Côte d’Or, Baie Ste Anne, Anse Volbert, Grand Anse, Anse Kerlan, and the Praslin ferry terminal. The long list of pickup points is useful if you are staying outside the main resort area.

The planned schedule starts with pickup between 8:00 and 8:55 in the morning, followed by a boat departure from Côte d’Or at about 9:15. The crossing to Curieuse takes roughly 15 minutes. That is short enough to be comfortable, though the sea can still feel lively in windy weather.

The transfer is part of the pleasure. You get open-water views, a breeze, and a quick change from Praslin’s roads to Curieuse’s quieter shore. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the boat moves least, bring water, and keep your medication in your personal bag.

The boat team has included captains such as Evan, Sean, Edwin, and Dian on different departures. Their role matters more than it might sound, since the crew handles transfers, snorkeling equipment, safety, and changes caused by sea conditions.

Doctor’s House and Curieuse’s past

The first main stop is at Anse José, where the historic Doctor’s House now serves as a small museum. The building connects the island to its former leper colony, giving the visit a human story beyond the usual palm trees and photo stops.

You will have time to look around the building and take photographs before moving through the surrounding coco de mer palms and coastal plants. The guide explains the island’s past and points out details you could easily miss if you explored alone.

This section is especially useful if you prefer an outing with some context. Curieuse is not presented as just a pretty beach. You learn why the island was used as a leper colony and how its protected natural areas fit into the wider visit.

The timing here can feel relaxed. One departure included about an hour of beach time early in the day, which suited people who wanted to swim and take photos but felt slow for anyone who did not want to sit around in sand or a wet swimsuit. Bring a cover-up or light clothing if you expect a pause before the walking section.

The mangrove trail and the amount of walking

The guided nature trail is the active part of the Curieuse visit. It takes you through mangroves and palm forest, with a boardwalk section and stretches of uneven, gently rising ground. Your guide may point out birds, crabs, native plants, and coastal habitats along the way.

The advertised walk is about 1.5 hours, though the exact pace and route can vary. One group took around 90 minutes, while another found the trail longer than expected. You should be comfortable walking in heat over natural surfaces, even though the route is not described as difficult.

Wear proper sandals, water shoes, or sports shoes with a good grip. Flip-flops are a poor choice for the trail, especially if the ground is damp or rough. A hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a refillable bottle will make the walk easier.

This is also where group size can affect the experience. Some departures have felt small and personal, while one group reached about 47 people. A single guide speaking in both English and French may need to repeat information, and it can be harder to hear at the back. Stay near the guide if the history and plant information matter to you.

Meeting the giant tortoises at Anse Laraie

After the walk, the group reaches Anse Laraie, on the opposite side of Curieuse. Here, the giant tortoise sanctuary is the emotional high point of the day.

The Aldabra tortoises move freely around the area, and you can see them at close range. Their size and calm manner make this feel very different from seeing animals behind a barrier. You may also get photographs of younger tortoises, though the animals are free to move wherever they choose.

The guide gives you information about the tortoises and explains how to behave around them. Follow those instructions closely. These are wild animals in a protected setting, not props for a photo.

For many people, this stop alone justifies the Curieuse visit. You get a direct wildlife encounter, but it still takes place within a managed sanctuary. Keep your camera ready, but do not let photography distract you from simply watching the animals move through their home.

A beach BBQ with actual Seychellois flavors

Lunch is served on the beach beneath the palms, with the sea nearby. The meal normally includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. One local beer is included for each adult, along with mineral water and soft drinks.

I like this part because it turns lunch into part of the cultural experience. You are not eating in a generic café between activities. The buffet format also lets you choose what suits you, and extra portions may be available if you are hungry after the walk and swim.

The food has been a consistent strength of the outing. Expect a hearty meal rather than a delicate tasting menu. The grilled items and sides are practical fuel for the afternoon, especially in the heat.

The beach setting is beautiful, but do not expect full restaurant facilities. Bring only what you need for the day, and protect phones, cameras, and valuables from sand. Extra alcoholic drinks cost more, and personal expenses are not included.

St Pierre Island and the snorkeling hour

After lunch, the boat heads to St Pierre, a small granite islet surrounded by clear water and coral. The planned snorkeling session lasts about one hour, with equipment provided and assistance available for beginners.

You might see tropical fish, coral, turtles, or eagle rays. Conditions make a big difference, though. Some outings have produced excellent fish sightings and even turtles, while others have found limited marine life, poor visibility, or damaged coral. Snorkeling is the least predictable part of the tour.

The guides can help first-timers with equipment and basic confidence in the water. You should still be a reasonably comfortable swimmer, since the activity takes place from the boat and in open water. Bring a waterproof bag for your dry belongings and use reef-safe sunscreen.

From June through September, southeast monsoon winds can make the crossing and snorkeling rougher. If St Pierre is not safe or suitable, the swim may move to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay. This is a sensible safety change, but the alternative may feel less dramatic than the granite islet.

The planned return cruise leaves around 3:15, with hotel drop-off around 3:30. In practice, the van route can take longer depending on where you are staying. One departure involved more than an hour on the bus after the tour because of multiple drop-offs. If you have an evening ferry, dinner booking, or flight, leave plenty of extra time.

Group size, guiding, and the overall pace

The quality of the day depends heavily on the crew. Guides named on different departures include Benjamin, Aubrey, Sebastian, Brandon, Alexander, and others. The best guides keep the group together, explain the island clearly, answer questions, and watch the less confident swimmers.

English and French are available. The boat crews have also been praised for being friendly and attentive. If your group is large, however, the guide may need to split attention between languages and between people at the front and back of the walk.

The pace is generally relaxed rather than rushed. That is good for photographs, questions, and time around the tortoises. It can also create stretches of waiting between activities, especially if you prefer constant movement.

You should book this if you like a full schedule with some breathing room. If you want a private island experience or a tightly timed wildlife and snorkeling trip, a smaller private charter may suit you better, though it will likely cost more.

Comfort, facilities, and what to pack

This is an outdoor day in a hot, exposed setting. Bring:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a sun hat
• Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals
• Swimwear, towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Water shoes if you dislike rough ground or hot sand
• Waterproof bag for your phone and valuables
• Insect repellent and personal medication
• Cash or a credit card for the island fee and personal spending
• Snacks, especially if you need food between scheduled stops

Facilities are limited. No functional washrooms or changing rooms are promised, and one departure specifically noted that suitable facilities were not available. Plan to change discreetly, use the facilities before leaving Praslin, and avoid bringing bulky luggage.

People with severe health problems are advised not to book. The outing includes boat travel, walking in heat, swimming, and snorkeling. It is not suitable for people over 95, and assistance is available for snorkeling beginners, not necessarily for every mobility need.

Should you book this Curieuse and St Pierre trip?

I would book it if you want the most variety from one Praslin day: tortoises, island history, a nature walk, a beach BBQ, and a snorkeling stop. The tortoise sanctuary and lunch are the most dependable highlights, while the snorkeling can range from excellent to ordinary depending on water clarity and weather.

The $88 starting price is fair for the included transport, food, drinks, guide, boat, and gear. Add the €20 Curieuse fee for each person aged 12 and up, and remember that a large group, limited facilities, or a long return drop-off may affect your comfort.

Choose this tour if you are active enough for a warm 1.5-hour walk and happy to share the day with others. Skip it if you want guaranteed clear snorkeling, private guiding, or a quiet beach day with no waiting. For most visitors with one free day on Praslin, the combination of giant tortoises and Creole food makes this a strong choice.

FAQ

How much does the Curieuse and St Pierre tour cost?

The listed price is $88 per person. A separate €20 Curieuse Island entrance fee applies to each person aged 12 and over and is paid on-site by Visa card.

How long does the experience last?

The advertised duration is 7 hours. The planned day runs from morning pickup to hotel return at about 3:30 in the afternoon, though the final drop-off can take longer depending on the route.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Return van transfers are included for hotels, guest houses, the Praslin airport, and other listed pickup points across Praslin. Pickup usually takes place 10 to 30 minutes before the activity begins.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guiding is available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The beach BBQ includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. Water, soft drinks, and one local beer per adult are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a guided one-hour snorkeling session are included.

What happens if the sea is rough?

From June to September, stronger southeast monsoon winds can affect the sea. If St Pierre is unsuitable, the snorkeling may move to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay.

Is the Curieuse walk difficult?

The guided nature trail lasts about 1.5 hours and includes mangroves, palm forest, boardwalk sections, and some uneven ground. Wear comfortable walking shoes and carry water.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.