Praslin: Curieuse & St Pierre Island Day Trip with Barbecue

Curieuse’s free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises are the star here. You walk among them rather than viewing them from behind a distant fence, then follow a nature trail through mangroves and palm forest before eating a generous Creole barbecue beside the sea. The day ends with snorkeling around St Pierre, a small granite islet off Praslin.

I especially like the mix of wildlife and local food. The guide-led walk gives the island some context, while the beach lunch brings grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice, lentils, salads, chutneys, fruit, and a beer into the picture. Guides such as Aubrey and Benjamin have earned strong praise for their humor and clear explanations.

The main caution is that this is a full outdoor day, not a quiet boat ride. Expect heat, uneven walking, wet swimwear, and possible waiting between activities. Snorkeling depends on sea conditions, and the €20 Curieuse entrance fee is extra.

Key points to know before you book

• Tortoises roam freely: Curieuse offers close views of Aldabra tortoises in a natural island setting.
• The walk takes real time: The guided route can last about 90 minutes, with some up-and-down sections.
• Lunch is a major part of the value: The beach buffet includes Creole dishes, drinks, and one local beer per adult.
• St Pierre snorkeling is weather-dependent: You may see tropical fish, turtles, rays, and coral, but water clarity can vary.
• Pickup covers much of Praslin: Hotel and guesthouse transfers are included, though the return drive can take longer for some addresses.
• Budget for the entrance fee: The advertised $88 price does not include €20 per person for Curieuse for anyone aged 12 or older.

Why Curieuse makes such a good day from Praslin

Curieuse is close enough to Praslin for a short boat ride, yet it feels far removed from ordinary beach time. The crossing from Côte d’Or takes about 15 minutes, so you spend more of the day on the island rather than bouncing across open water.

What makes Curieuse special is the combination of protected nature and human history. The island is known for its Coco de Mer palms, mangrove habitats, giant tortoises, and remains connected with its former leper colony. You are not simply taken to a beach for photographs. The walk explains how the island fits together.

I like this sort of outing because it gives you several different experiences in one day. You get a boat trip, a historic building, a guided walk, wildlife, a proper lunch, and time in the water. None of these parts lasts long enough to become the whole day, although the schedule can feel relaxed to the point of slow in places.

The tour costs $88 per person. That is a fair package price once you count the return van, boat transport, guide, barbecue lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the St Pierre stop. Still, add the €20 Curieuse fee for each person aged 12 and above. The entrance payment is made on-site by Visa card, according to the supplied details, so keep that cost in mind when comparing excursions.

Pickup from your Praslin hotel

Pickup runs from roughly 8:00 to 8:55 in the morning, depending on your address. The activity accepts a very large list of hotels, guesthouses, self-catering properties, the ferry terminal, and Praslin Airport. You are normally collected 10 to 30 minutes before the activity begins, at your hotel reception.

The pickup system is useful if you are staying away from Côte d’Or. You do not need to arrange a taxi to the beach, and the air-conditioned van gives you an easy start. The catch is the return. If your hotel is one of the last stops, the drive can stretch beyond an hour because the van crosses much of the island.

I would avoid scheduling an important evening connection immediately after the tour. The planned return is around 3:30 p.m., but shared transport is less exact than a private taxi. You will have a smoother day if you treat the afternoon arrival as an estimate.

Doctor’s House and Curieuse’s island story

The boat reaches Curieuse at about 9:30 a.m., with the first stop at Anse José. Here you visit the old colonial Doctor’s House, now a small museum connected with Curieuse’s leprosy past.

This stop matters because it gives the island a human story before you head into the forest. The building is not just a pretty old structure. It helps explain why Curieuse developed in a different way from the resort beaches of Praslin.

Allow time for photographs, but listen to the guide before wandering off. Guides including Benjamin, Aubrey, Sebastian, and others have been praised for explaining the island’s plants, conservation work, and past in an entertaining way. English and French guiding are available.

You then move through coastal vegetation and Coco de Mer palms. The palms are one of Seychelles’ signature plants, and seeing them in the island setting makes this more than a standard beach excursion. Bring a camera, but also keep one hand free for the path and your water bottle.

The mangrove trail and the walk to the tortoises

Around 11:00 a.m., the group follows a guided trail through mangroves. A boardwalk makes parts of the route easier, and the guide points out native birds, crabs, and the role of mangroves in the island ecosystem.

The walk is described in different ways in the timing, but you should plan for about 90 minutes of walking overall. Some sections go up and down, though the route is generally considered manageable rather than strenuous. Comfortable shoes are important. Sandals may work for beach time, but proper walking shoes are a better choice for this section.

This is also where the tour’s group size matters. On quieter days, a small group can gather around the guide and stop for questions. One group was reported at about 47 people, with one guide speaking in both English and French. That is a lot of people to keep together on a narrow path, so ask where your group leader will be standing and stay within sight.

The walk ends near Anse Laraie, where the tortoise sanctuary is located. The best part is the setting. Aldabra tortoises move about freely, and you can see them at close range. Some are enormous, while the younger ones make an appealing contrast. You may be able to feed them under the guide’s direction, but follow instructions and do not crowd the animals.

This is the strongest reason to choose the Curieuse trip over a simple snorkeling cruise. The tortoises are not a quick roadside stop. They are part of a larger protected island visit, and the walk gives you time to understand their home.

A beach barbecue with proper Creole flavor

Lunch is served around 12:30 p.m., usually under the palms with the sea nearby. It is buffet-style, so you can choose from grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit.

The food receives some of the warmest praise attached to this outing, and I can see why. A beach barbecue can easily become a basic plate of grilled meat, but the rice, lentils, chutneys, and salads give this meal a clear local character. The portions are described as generous, with the option of taking more.

One local beer per adult is included, along with water and soft drinks. Additional alcoholic drinks are not included. If you do not drink beer, the soft drinks and water still cover the basics, but bring extra cash or a card for personal purchases if needed.

Lunch is also your main rest period. The tropical sun can be intense by midday, so use the shade, reapply reef-safe sunscreen, and drink water even if you do not feel thirsty. There may not be useful changing rooms or washrooms at the stops, so plan your swimwear and towel arrangement before leaving the hotel.

Some schedules include about an hour of free beach time around this part of the visit. I see the appeal if you want to swim, take pictures, or simply sit under a tree. If you dislike sand and do not want to spend the rest of the day in a wet swimsuit, wear a cover-up and keep dry clothes in a waterproof bag.

St Pierre snorkeling and changing sea conditions

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

The marine life can be excellent. You might see tropical fish, coral, turtles, stingrays, or eagle rays. One outing even recorded whale sharks from the boat, although that is a lucky sighting and should not be treated as part of the standard promise.

Water clarity is not guaranteed. On some days, the sea is calm and fish gather near the boat. On others, the water can be cloudy and the coral may look damaged. This is a natural site, not an aquarium, so conditions change with wind, tide, and season.

From June through September, southeast monsoon winds can make the crossing or snorkeling rougher. If St Pierre is not safe or suitable, the activity may move the water session to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay. That change is sensible, even if the alternative does not have quite the same offshore-islet feel.

Beginners can join, and help is available. Still, you should be comfortable entering the water and swimming with a mask. Wear water shoes if your feet are sensitive, and use a waterproof bag for phones and cameras. The boat ride and snorkeling equipment are included, but personal medication and a towel are your responsibility.

Some schedules place snorkeling earlier, while the main plan described here places it after lunch. Either way, expect the order to shift if the skipper needs to respond to wind and waves. Safety and water conditions matter more than following the clock exactly.

Guides, boats, and the feel of the group

The crew makes a real difference on a day like this. Aubrey is repeatedly singled out for being friendly, funny, and well informed about the island. Benjamin is also praised for explaining each stop clearly and keeping the group together. Other guides and skippers named in the feedback include Sebastian, Brandon, Alexander, Bruno, Dwayne, Sean, Edwin, Evan, and Dian.

That list tells you something useful: the exact guide is not fixed, but the company uses a wider crew. You may get an excellent storyteller, or a quieter guide who focuses more on logistics. English and French are offered.

The boats are used for short transfers rather than a long open-sea cruise. The 15-minute crossing to Curieuse is usually easy, but conditions can change. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the movement is least noticeable and avoid a heavy breakfast.

Group size varies. A small group makes the tortoise stop and snorkeling briefing more personal. A large group can mean slower boarding, more waiting, and less room around the guide. The relaxed pace is welcome, but one part of the day may feel like dead time if the boat, lunch, or group movement is not ready immediately.

What to pack for a more comfortable day

You need less than the long packing list suggests, but the basics matter:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a sun hat
• Swimwear, towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Comfortable walking shoes or sports shoes
• Sandals or water shoes for the beach and snorkeling
• Waterproof bag for phone, camera, and spare clothing
• Insect repellent, personal medication, and cash or card
• Snacks if you need food between pickup and lunch

Oversize luggage is not allowed, and pets are not permitted except assistance dogs. Do not bring anything you cannot protect from salt water, sand, or rain.

Who will get the most from this trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a full day with several kinds of activity rather than a single beach stop. It suits couples, families with older children, and active adults who enjoy walking, swimming, and wildlife.

It is especially good for a first visit to Praslin because it covers several island themes at once: Coco de Mer palms, conservation, colonial history, Creole food, giant tortoises, and reef life. You also avoid the hassle of arranging separate transport and boat trips.

It is less suitable if you want a private, slow-paced outing or if you dislike group schedules. The walking is not extreme, but the heat can make it feel harder. People with severe health problems are advised not to book, and the activity is not suitable for people over 95.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later terms give you useful flexibility, especially when your Praslin plans depend on weather. Still, the sea can change after that point, so keep your expectations flexible.

Should you book the Curieuse and St Pierre day trip?

Yes, if you want the best all-round use of seven hours from Praslin. The tortoises, guide-led trail, and Creole barbecue are the most dependable parts. Snorkeling adds a fine bonus, but its quality depends on visibility and sea conditions.

The value is strong at $88, provided you add the €20 Curieuse entrance fee for each person aged 12 and above. Book it early in your Praslin stay if possible, so rough seas do not leave you with no alternative day.

Choose it with comfortable shoes, a dry bag, and realistic expectations about group transport. If you can accept some waiting and a possible change of snorkeling site, this is a practical and memorable way to see Curieuse without giving up the pleasures of a proper island lunch.

FAQ

What is included in the $88 price?

The price includes return van transfers on Praslin, the boat trip to Curieuse and St Pierre, a guided nature trail, the Doctor’s House visit, the tortoise sanctuary, barbecue lunch, water, soft drinks, one local beer per adult, snorkeling equipment, and guided snorkeling.

Is the Curieuse entrance fee included?

No. Anyone aged 12 and above must pay an additional €20 entrance fee for Curieuse on-site. Payment is accepted by Visa card according to the supplied activity information.

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Pickup begins in the morning, the boat leaves around 9:15 a.m., and the planned hotel drop-off is around 3:30 p.m.

Is snorkeling suitable for beginners?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and assistance is available for beginners. You should still be comfortable entering the water and swimming with a mask.

What happens if the sea is rough?

From June to September, southeast monsoon winds can make the sea rougher. In those conditions, snorkeling may be moved from St Pierre to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay chosen for safety and marine viewing.

Can I be picked up from my Praslin accommodation?

Pickup is available from many Praslin hotels, guesthouses, villas, self-catering properties, the ferry terminal, and Praslin Airport. You are generally collected 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, at your hotel reception.