Curieuse and St. Pierre Islands Day Trip with BBQ Lunch

Curieuse is the star here, with giant Aldabra tortoises, a broad mangrove boardwalk, and a trail across the island to Anse José Beach. I like that you get wildlife, a proper Creole lunch, and sea time in one outing instead of spending separate days arranging each piece. Guides such as Reynold and Mario are often praised for explaining the animals and keeping the group together.

I also like the practical touches: hotel pickup in several Praslin areas, soft drinks, water, local Seybrew beer, and snorkeling at two spots. The main consideration is the boat and the walking. This is a speedboat trip with a rocky trail, and St. Pierre snorkeling can move to calmer Anse Petit Cours during the May to October southeast monsoon.

Key points at a glance

• Curieuse’s giant tortoises: Meet Aldabra tortoises in their protected home and learn about their care from an English or French-speaking guide.
• A real island walk: The route through mangroves toward Anse José includes rocky sections, so proper shoes matter more than flip-flops.
• Creole BBQ on the beach: Expect grilled fish, chicken, sausage, prawns, lentils, garlic bread, salads, fruit, soft drinks, water, and local beer.
• Two snorkeling stops: St. Pierre is the usual target, with Anse Petit Cours used when sea conditions are rough.
• Useful transport included: Pickup and return are available in Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitie, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse town areas, and Anse Volbert.
• Extra cost to plan for: Curieuse landing fees are paid separately by card, listed as 20 euros per person, or about 300 Seychelles rupees.

Why Curieuse makes this more than a beach trip

Many Praslin excursions promise pretty water and a boat ride. This one earns its place by taking you inland on Curieuse. The island gives you a different side of the Seychelles: tortoise enclosures, mangrove channels, old island paths, and conservation work rather than just sand and swimming.

You usually arrive at Baie Laraie around 9:30 in the morning. After a safety briefing and a short orientation, the guide leads you toward the giant Aldabra tortoise sanctuary. These huge animals are the main attraction, and the guide helps put them in context by explaining their habits, the island’s natural setting, and the work involved in protecting them.

The tortoises are not a quick photo stop if you use the time well. You can watch them move slowly through their enclosure, see how large they are up close, and ask questions before continuing along the trail. Guides named Reynold and Mario have received especially strong praise for being attentive and for explaining the tortoises, plants, birds, and island life clearly.

Curieuse also has a history tied to conservation and the former leper colony on the island, though the exact tour emphasis can vary. The important point for you is that this is a guided nature walk, not a simple drop-off at a beach.

Walking the mangroves toward Anse José

The mangrove section is one of the most interesting parts of the day. A boardwalk leads through a wet coastal habitat where roots, shallow water, and plant life create a sharp contrast with the open sea. It is an easy place to slow down and pay attention, especially if you enjoy wildlife and photographs.

The walk toward Anse José can take roughly two kilometers up and down, depending on the route and the group’s pace. Some sections are rocky, with steps and uneven ground. I strongly recommend comfortable walking shoes with a firm sole. Flip-flops may work for the boat and beach, but they are a poor choice for the trail.

You receive a 750-milliliter bottle of water for the walk. Bring your own extra water if you normally drink a lot in hot weather, though water is also included during the tour. A sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and light clothing are essential. An umbrella can be useful in the rainy season, but keep your bag small. Carrying a large beach bag over rocky paths is needless trouble.

The pace is not designed as a hard hike. Still, this is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. If you need frequent rest stops or have difficulty with uneven ground, ask the operator about the walking conditions before booking.

Anse José and the timing of lunch

The beach time at Anse José gives you a welcome pause after the walk. You can swim, take photographs, or simply sit on the sand before lunch. The water is clear, and the setting is a good reminder that Curieuse is not only a wildlife stop.

Lunch is usually served around noon, either at the beach area or near the swimming stop. The meal is a generous Creole BBQ rather than a prepacked snack. The menu includes grilled fish, chicken, sausage, prawns or prawn kebabs, lentils, garlic bread, salads, and tropical fruit. Vegetarian choices are available, and soft drinks, water, and Seybrew beer are included.

The food is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Several people specifically appreciated the quantity, the freshly prepared fish, and the mix of familiar grilled food with local dishes. You should not expect a restaurant-style menu or individual ordering. It is a shared island lunch, served simply, but it gives the day a real Seychelles flavor.

One practical point: the official schedule allows lunch at noon, after the morning walk. If you get hungry early, pack a small snack. You may be walking, waiting for the group, or viewing the tortoises for several hours before the main meal.

St. Pierre snorkeling and changing sea conditions

After lunch and beach time, the boat heads toward St. Pierre, a small rocky island surrounded by clear water. This is the main underwater portion of the day. The usual plan includes two snorkeling spots, with a crew member available in the water to guide the group toward fish and reef areas.

The water around St. Pierre can offer colorful fish, coral, and occasional sea turtles. Sightings are never guaranteed, but sea turtles have been seen during these trips, and one outing even included a whale shark spotted from the boat. Those moments depend on nature and timing, so treat them as good fortune rather than part of the promise.

The operator provides snorkeling equipment, but you may prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel. One person found the supplied mouthpiece unappealing, which is a fair reason to pack personal gear if you have room. You should also bring a towel and swimwear, since the day moves between boat, beach, and sea.

Pay attention to the season. From May through October, the southeast monsoon can make the water near St. Pierre rough. In that case, the crew may use Anse Petit Cours, a calmer bay, instead. This is a sensible safety change, but it can mean the snorkeling feels less like the open-water St. Pierre stop shown in the promotional images.

Strong current or rough water can also reduce snorkeling time. On one such day, the crew replaced the water activity with an extra boat ride around the island. That is not the same as snorkeling, but it shows why you should judge the tour by the whole day rather than by one sea condition.

Speedboat travel, pickup, and group feel

Pickup is available from selected areas, including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitie, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse town areas, and Anse Volbert. Meeting points can include the Berjaya Praslin Resort beach area or Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne. Confirm your pickup location and time in advance, especially since one person had to call to clarify the timing.

The boat leaves around 9:15, with return to Praslin listed around 3:30. The advertised duration is six hours, but the working schedule is closer to six and a half hours, and some outings run nearly seven. Allow extra time rather than booking another fixed appointment immediately afterward.

A speedboat makes the transfer quick and adds its own excitement. It also means more spray, wind, and movement than a larger vessel. Keep phones and cameras protected, and hold onto hats. If you are prone to seasickness, ask about conditions and consider your usual precautions before setting out.

Group size can vary. Some outings have been small, with only a handful of people, while the schedule also refers to groups of around 10 to 12. A small group gives you more room for questions and makes beach stops easier. A larger group can slow the walking route and the tortoise viewing, particularly when everyone wants photographs.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Reynold is frequently singled out for contacting people before the trip, collecting them on time, and checking that everyone is comfortable. Mario is also praised for his friendly manner and explanations. The strongest version of this excursion is not just transport between islands. It is a day with a guide who keeps an eye on the group and adds useful context.

Is the $85 price good value?

At $85 per person, the trip bundles a lot into one day: hotel transport in selected areas, speedboat transfers, a Curieuse visit, a guided walk, tortoise viewing, a mangrove route, beach time, BBQ lunch, drinks, and two possible snorkeling stops.

You also avoid arranging separate boat transfers, lunch, and a wildlife visit yourself. For a first stay on Praslin, that makes the price reasonable. The boat ride alone gives you broad views of the islands, while the combined route lets you see both land and sea in one outing.

The price does not include the Curieuse landing fee. You must pay 20 euros per person, listed as about 300 Seychelles rupees, and payment is by card only. Bring a card that works abroad and treat this as part of the real cost.

Value depends on what you want from a day out. If your priority is a long, uninterrupted snorkeling session, the walking and lunch schedule may feel like time taken away from the water. One person felt the tortoise viewing and trail occupied too much of the day and would have preferred another snorkeling stop. If you want wildlife, local food, and a guided island walk, the same schedule will feel nicely varied.

What to pack for Curieuse and St. Pierre

Keep your day bag small and practical:

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• A waterproof case or dry bag for electronics
• Your own snorkeling mask and snorkel, if preferred
• A small snack for the morning
• A payment card for the Curieuse landing fee

You do not need to bring lunch, water, soft drinks, or beer. Those are provided, along with a 750-milliliter bottle for the trail. Avoid packing bulky items, since you will carry your things between the boat, trail, beach, and snorkeling stops.

Who should book this day trip?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and anyone visiting Praslin for the first time who wants a strong introduction to nearby islands. It suits people who like a mix of wildlife, short hikes, swimming, food, and boat travel.

It is less suited to anyone who wants a quiet beach day, dislikes speedboats, or has difficulty walking on rocky ground. It is also not ideal if you will be disappointed by a changed snorkeling location during rough weather.

The best attitude is flexible. The tortoises and mangroves are dependable parts of the day. The exact snorkeling site, sea life, and time spent swimming depend on conditions. With that in mind, the trip gives you several worthwhile experiences instead of putting all its value on one reef.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from on Praslin?

Pickup and meeting points can include Berjaya Praslin Resort, Baie-Ste-Anne, and Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne. Hotel pickup is available in selected areas.

How long does the activity last?

The advertised duration is six hours. The listed schedule runs from about 8:45 pickup to 3:30 return, so the full outing can take around six and a half hours or close to seven.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides are available in English and French.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included in certain areas of Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitie, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse town areas, and Anse Volbert.

What is included with lunch?

The Creole BBQ can include grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns or prawn kebabs, lentils, garlic bread, salads, and tropical fruit. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, water, and local Seybrew beer are included.

Do I have to pay anything separately?

Yes. The Curieuse landing fee is separate. It is listed as 20 euros per person, about 300 Seychelles rupees, and payment is by card only.

Can I snorkel at St. Pierre all year?

The usual plan includes snorkeling near St. Pierre, but conditions can be rough from May through October during the southeast monsoon. The crew may move the activity to calmer Anse Petit Cours.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments because of the island trail and uneven ground.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a full Praslin day that combines giant tortoises, mangroves, a proper Creole BBQ, and snorkeling without arranging separate transport. The strongest reasons are the excellent food, helpful crew, and chance to see Curieuse beyond its beach.

Skip it if you want a pure snorkeling charter or cannot manage a rocky walk. For most active visitors, though, the $85 price is fair once you account for transport, lunch, drinks, guiding, and two islands in one outing. Pack real walking shoes, carry a card for the landing fee, and let the crew adjust the snorkeling stop if the sea turns rough.