Private Seychelles Islands Tour by Boat with snacks & drinks

Curieuse and St. Pierre give you two very different tastes of the Seychelles in one morning: one island for wild tortoises and a walk, the other for clear water and snorkeling. With Jacques at the helm, the private boat lets you shape the outing instead of following a fixed group schedule.

I like the small-group freedom and the easy onboard provisions, especially the included drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear. I also like that Jacques and his son Mathys have been especially attentive with families, including one guest who was six months pregnant.

The main consideration is time. Four hours passes quickly, and visiting Curieuse, walking, snorkeling, and stopping at beaches can feel rushed if you want to do everything. The Curieuse walk may also require good shoes and a fair level of fitness.

Key points to know before you go

• Curieuse brings wild tortoises and a walking option, but sturdy shoes are sensible.
• St. Pierre is the snorkeling highlight, with gear included in the price.
• Jacques adjusts the route when you want more beach time, swimming, or scenic stops.
• Snacks, alcohol, and soft drinks are provided, so you do not need to pack refreshments.
• The trip is private for your group, not a shared boat with strangers.
• The 9:30 a.m. start and four-hour length suit a morning on Praslin.

A private morning between Praslin’s islands

The appeal here is simple: you get a boat, a captain, two famous nearby islands, and room to make choices along the way. That matters in the Seychelles, where a morning spent comparing routes and boat operators can easily become a half-day of planning.

The tour begins at MQCF+XCJ in Anse La Blague at 9:30 a.m. It ends back at the same meeting point. Pickup is offered, and some arrangements have included collection and return near a hotel beach, but you should confirm the exact pickup plan before setting out. The published meeting point remains the safe detail to rely on.

Because this is a private activity, only your group takes part. That changes the mood of the trip. You are not waiting for a large party to finish taking photos or trying to hear a guide over several conversations. You can ask to linger at a pleasant beach, spend longer in the water, or alter the route when sea and weather conditions allow.

The boat is described as very clean, and the captain and assistant handle the practical side of the morning. You can focus on the islands rather than carrying a picnic, arranging separate equipment rental, or working out how to reach each stop.

Curieuse: tortoises, beaches, and a walk

Curieuse is the stop with the most land-based interest. It is known here for its wild tortoises, and the chance to see these large animals gives the morning a welcome break from simply moving between beaches.

You can also take a walk on the island. Bring proper shoes, not just loose sandals, if you plan to leave the beach and follow the trail. The route has been described as a poor fit for older people without much fitness, so be honest about your comfort with walking before you set off.

That does not mean Curieuse is only for strong walkers. The private format gives you more control than a rigid group excursion. You can discuss how much time to spend ashore and how much energy to save for snorkeling later. Still, the four-hour window places a natural limit on the pace.

I would treat Curieuse as the island for wildlife and a short land visit, not try to turn it into a long hike. If tortoises are high on your list, allow enough time to see them without immediately racing back to the boat. If swimming is your priority, tell Jacques early so the morning does not become overly weighted toward the walk.

The island also adds variety. A boat-only tour can blur into a string of similar viewpoints. Curieuse gives you a chance to step ashore, stretch your legs, and see a side of the Seychelles that is not limited to water and sand.

St. Pierre: the morning’s best water stop

St. Pierre is the natural place to use the included snorkeling equipment. The island is presented as one of the tour’s key snorkeling areas, and the clear water around it gives you a chance to see the Seychelles below the surface without arranging a second activity.

You should expect the captain to choose a suitable spot based on conditions. That flexibility is useful because water visibility and comfort can change during the day. Jacques has been praised for showing excellent snorkeling locations and for changing plans when asked.

The boat trip also lets you see St. Pierre from the water before getting close. In the Seychelles, the approach is part of the pleasure. You are not simply being delivered to a beach. The route links islands, small coves, and swimming areas in a way that makes the boat itself part of the experience.

Snorkeling is included, but you should still bring the personal items you normally need for time in the sun. The provided tour details confirm gear, snacks, and drinks, but do not promise a full meal or specify every piece of equipment. If you need a particular mask size or have special dietary needs, ask before booking.

What the private format really adds

Private does not just mean fewer people. It gives the morning a different rhythm. You can speak directly with Jacques about your interests, and the route can be adjusted for attractive spots along the way.

That is especially helpful for mixed groups. One person may want to snorkel, another may prefer a beach, and someone else may be most interested in the tortoises. A shared excursion usually asks everyone to follow the same clock. Here, your group can negotiate the balance.

The boat has also been described as clean and well kept. That is not a glamorous detail, but it matters when you are spending four hours with salt water, wet gear, snacks, and other belongings around you. A tidy boat makes the trip more comfortable.

Jacques is the main personality of the experience. His son Mathys sometimes assists him, and the two have been especially attentive with families. That includes taking care with a pregnant passenger, which is a useful sign for anyone who needs a gentler pace or extra help getting around the boat.

Still, private does not mean the sea will follow your plan. Weather, water conditions, and the minimum number of participants can affect operation. The provider may offer another date or a full refund if poor weather forces cancellation.

Snacks, drinks, and the real value of $261.71

At $261.71 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning around Praslin. The price makes more sense if you value privacy, personal attention, and the ability to combine several stops without planning each boat ride yourself.

You are paying for a private charter rather than a standard shared transfer. The cost also includes tax, snacks, alcohol, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear. Those inclusions reduce the number of extras you need to arrange, though the published details do not promise a full lunch.

Drinks can make a real difference on a warm boat trip. You do not need to remember a separate cooler or stop your outing to buy refreshments. The snacks are useful between the island walk and the water time, but I would not book this expecting a restaurant-style meal.

The value is strongest for a small group that would otherwise need to compare shared excursions or arrange several separate activities. Families and couples who care about privacy may find the price easier to justify. Solo visitors may find the per-person cost harder to defend unless a private boat is a major priority.

The advance booking pattern is also worth noting. This outing is often reserved about 33 days ahead, which suggests that you should not leave it until the last minute if your Praslin dates are fixed. That is especially true if you want the 9:30 a.m. start.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it most to:

• Couples wanting a private morning with no large group
• Families who want to mix wildlife, beaches, and snorkeling
• Groups with different interests that need a flexible route
• Visitors who prefer a captain-led outing rather than detailed itinerary planning
• People who value included drinks and equipment
• Guests staying near a pickup point who want a simple island excursion

It may be less suitable if you want a full-day island tour, a long hike on Curieuse, or a guaranteed meal. The duration is about four hours, so this is a focused morning rather than a complete day at sea.

The walk on Curieuse deserves special attention. Good shoes are a practical must if you plan to explore beyond the beach. If anyone in your group has limited fitness, mobility concerns, or simply prefers a relaxed boat day, discuss that before departure and keep the walking portion modest.

Most people can participate, but the activity still involves a boat, island access, and snorkeling. The private setup makes the pace more manageable, not effortless for every person.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The scheduled start is 9:30 a.m., and the activity lasts about four hours. That leaves much of the afternoon free for Praslin, which is useful if you want to keep your plans open for another beach or a relaxed lunch.

The exact start point is Anse La Blague, and the activity returns there. Since pickup is offered, check the arrangement you receive after booking rather than assuming hotel transport is automatic.

Confirmation is provided when you book. The experience depends on good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund. If you need to cancel, you must do so at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

The same 24-hour rule applies to the minimum-participant requirement. If the provider cancels because that minimum is not met, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

How to get the most from the four hours

I would decide your priorities before boarding. If wildlife matters most, give Curieuse enough time for the tortoises and a short walk. If snorkeling is the main goal, ask Jacques to protect time at St. Pierre.

Wear shoes that can handle an island path, and keep your beach clothing practical. Since snacks and drinks are included, you can pack lightly, but the available information does not specify every personal item provided. Bring what you normally need for sun and time on the water.

Tell the captain about mobility needs, pregnancy, or a preferred pace at the start. The private format is most useful when you communicate clearly. Jacques has shown a willingness to adjust the plan, but he cannot tailor the outing around needs he does not know about.

I would also avoid overloading the schedule. Curieuse and St. Pierre are not merely boxes to tick. The pleasure comes from giving each stop enough time to feel different: tortoises and a walk at one, snorkeling and sea views at the other.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre tour?

Book this tour if you want a private, flexible morning from Praslin and like the idea of combining tortoises, beaches, and snorkeling without arranging the details yourself. Jacques and Mathys bring a personal touch, and the included drinks, snacks, and gear make the outing easy to manage.

Think twice if you need a full meal, a long Curieuse hike, or a full-day schedule. At $261.71 per person, the value depends on how much you care about privacy and flexibility.

For couples, families, and small groups that want the captain to shape the route around them, this is a strong choice. Just bring good shoes, confirm pickup, and decide in advance whether Curieuse or St. Pierre deserves more of your limited time.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at MQCF+XCJ, Anse La Blague, Seychelles.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the boat tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Which islands are included?

The tour includes Curieuse Island and St. Pierre.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the activity.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement after booking, since the stated meeting point is Anse La Blague.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The price includes snacks, alcohol, soft drinks, and tax. The provided details do not specify a full meal.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear rental is included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.