Cousin Curieuse and St Pierre & BBQ Lunch

Wildlife, tortoises, and lunch by the sea. This seven-hour trip from Praslin packs three very different island stops into one day. I like the chance to visit Cousin Island’s bird sanctuary and Curieuse’s giant Aldabra tortoises, and I also like that the boat carries snorkeling gear, drinks, local beer, and a Creole BBQ lunch.

The main caution is the sea. This is a small speedboat, not a covered ferry, and bad weather can make the ride wet, rough, and frightening, especially for children. You also need to budget for landing fees, which are not included in the advertised $155 price.

Key points at a glance

• Cousin is the wildlife centerpiece: Expect a guided visit focused on seabirds, marine life, conservation, and the island’s natural setting.
• Curieuse adds giant tortoises and mangroves: A 45-minute walk leads through the mangrove area toward Anse Badamier and the tortoise habitat.
• St Pierre is the water stop: You get roughly 35 minutes for snorkeling around coral reefs and marine life.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The package covers a Creole BBQ, water, soft drinks, local beer, and snorkeling equipment.
• Small groups keep the outing personal: Numbers are limited to 10 people, with English and French guide service.
• Weather matters greatly: There is little protection from heavy rain on the speedboat, so check the forecast and ask about cancellation decisions before leaving.

Three islands, three different reasons to go

This is not simply a beach-hopping cruise. Each stop has a different purpose, which gives the day a useful rhythm.

Cousin is about conservation and birds. Curieuse is about giant tortoises, mangroves, and a short guided walk. St Pierre is the quick marine break, with time to swim and snorkel. You get more variety than you would on a trip focused only on beaches, though the schedule is busy and the time at St Pierre is brief.

The route begins around 9:15 in the morning from Côte d’Or, with pickup available in Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse, or Anse Volbert on Praslin. The return is planned for around 3:30 or 4:00 in the afternoon. Confirm your exact pickup point and time, since transport is limited to those areas.

The speedboat helps the group cover the distance between islands in one day. It also means more exposure to wind, spray, sun, and rough water. I would choose light, quick-drying clothing rather than anything you hope to keep perfectly dry.

Cousin Island from 9:30 to 12:30

Cousin is the longest stop, and rightly so. The island is known for bird conservation, with a guided visit that can include birdlife, sea turtles, vegetation, beaches, and views over the surrounding water. The focus here is observation rather than a simple photo stop.

A guide leads the island visit and explains its plants, wildlife, and ecosystems. That matters because Cousin is best understood as a protected natural area, not just a pretty island where you wander wherever you like. Bring binoculars if you have them, and keep your camera ready, but give yourself time to watch rather than only photograph.

You may have time for walking, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and wildlife viewing during the Cousin portion, although the exact order can depend on conditions and local arrangements. Wear comfortable shoes and breathable clothing. Light-colored clothes are specifically recommended to reduce mosquito bites, and insect repellent is worth packing.

The landing process is an important practical detail. The speedboat may not take you directly onto the beach, and a separate boat can be used to bring the group ashore. In poor weather, this can become uncomfortable. Heavy rain and rough seas once caused a long wait offshore when the transfer boat did not arrive promptly, and one family eventually returned to Praslin without visiting Cousin.

That example is a useful warning, not a reason to reject the trip outright. On a calm day, Cousin is likely to be the most rewarding stop for anyone interested in conservation and wildlife. On a stormy day, it can be the most difficult part of the outing.

The Curieuse stop and the 45-minute mangrove walk

After leaving Cousin around 12:30, the boat heads to Curieuse for lunch and the afternoon visit. The timing allows about an hour and 45 minutes on the island, so you should expect a compact visit rather than a long, unhurried walk.

The Creole BBQ is served on Curieuse, with water, soft drinks, and local beer included. The meal received particularly strong praise, and it gives the day a useful pause after the morning boat ride and island walk. Bring a debit card or credit card for the separate landing fees, but do not count on the included drinks replacing your own water needs. A refillable bottle is still sensible.

The walk into the mangrove swamp takes about 45 minutes. Mangroves are valuable here because they show a different side of island ecology, one shaped by tidal water and muddy roots rather than open beach and coral reef. The route continues toward Anse Badamier and a guided visit with the giant Aldabra tortoises.

Curieuse is dedicated to protecting these tortoises, and seeing them in their natural habitat is the afternoon’s main event. You can take photos, but remember that these are protected animals, not props for a hurried photo session. Stay with the guide and follow instructions about distance and feeding.

The Curieuse visit also gives you a good chance to understand how conservation works across the islands. Cousin places more attention on birds and native wildlife, while Curieuse centers on tortoises and the mangrove setting. Those two stops complement one another well.

Wear shoes that can handle a natural trail. Water shoes may work for some parts of the day, but the tour specifically calls for comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing. Avoid jeans, boots, high heels, and anything that will stay heavy when wet.

St Pierre snorkeling from 2:45 to 3:20

St Pierre is the shortest stop, with about 35 minutes set aside for snorkeling. That is enough for a refreshing swim and a look at coral reefs and marine life, but it is not a long snorkeling session.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from bringing a full kit. You should still pack your own goggles if you prefer a reliable fit, plus a towel, swimwear, water shoes, and a waterproof bag for your phone and dry items.

The quality of the stop depends heavily on sea conditions and visibility. The itinerary includes snorkeling, but no specific marine species or underwater conditions are guaranteed. Think of St Pierre as a well-placed final water stop rather than the sole reason to book the tour.

You will need to move efficiently here. The boat is due back at Côte d’Or around 3:30 or 4:00, so listen carefully to the guide’s return instructions. A charged smartphone and waterproof camera are useful, but keep your attention on the boat schedule and the water around you.

What the $155 price really covers

At $155 per person, this is not a cheap beach transfer. It is a full-day small-group outing that combines transport, guiding, two conservation-focused island visits, lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

The value is strongest if you want to see all three places in one day. Booking separate boat trips could mean more planning, and you would still need to arrange food, drinks, and equipment. The group limit of 10 is another plus, since a smaller boat group generally makes it easier to hear the guide and keep the schedule moving.

The advertised price does not include the landing fees. The stated information gives a Curieuse fee of €20, or about SCR300, and gives two different figures for Cousin: €40, or about SCR600, in one place, and €60 in another. Because of this inconsistency, confirm the current Cousin charge before booking and carry a payment card. Treat the $155 as the base cost, not the final total.

The trip includes pickup from Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert, but not every part of Praslin. If you are staying outside those areas, ask about meeting arrangements before paying.

The boat ride is part of the bargain

The speedboat is practical, but it is not a luxury vessel. You should expect spray, wind, sun, and some bouncing, with the possibility of a genuinely rough ride in bad weather. There is no full rain protection on the small motorboat, so a forecast of heavy rain is a serious consideration.

People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. Take any usual precautions that are appropriate for you, and tell the crew if you start feeling unwell. The itinerary involves several transfers, so losing the boat ride to nausea would affect most of the day.

The weather also affects more than comfort. It can change the landing at Cousin, snorkeling conditions at St Pierre, and the general pace of the tour. If the forecast looks poor, ask whether the operator will cancel or move the trip. The advertised cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, but a weather decision may need to be discussed directly with the provider.

What to pack for a wet, sunny island day

Pack as if you will alternate between a hot trail, a wet boat, and the sea.

• Sunscreen, preferably biodegradable, plus a hat and sunglasses
• Swimwear, towel, quick-dry clothing, and water shoes
• Comfortable walking shoes for Curieuse
• Insect repellent, ideally biodegradable
• A waterproof bag for valuables
• Credit or debit card for landing fees
• Charged smartphone, camera, or waterproof camera
• Binoculars if birdwatching is important to you

Leave bulky luggage, large bags, jewelry, glass items, jeans, high heels, boots, and hard-to-store equipment behind. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and the boat has limited room.

Families should pay close attention to the age and weather limits. Babies under one year are not considered suitable, and unaccompanied minors are not allowed. The trip is also listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, people with visual or hearing impairments, people with insect allergies, and people over 80. The upper age limit is also listed as 95.

These rules are not minor paperwork. Cousin involves a boat landing, Curieuse involves walking, and the speedboat can be rough. If you have a medical concern, ask before booking rather than hoping the crew can adapt on the day.

Who will enjoy this Praslin excursion most

I would recommend this trip to an active visitor who wants wildlife, not just a quiet beach afternoon. It suits couples, friends, and older children who are comfortable with boats, walking, heat, and a flexible island schedule.

It is especially good for you if:

• Bird conservation interests you
• Giant tortoises are high on your Seychelles wish list
• You want one organized day instead of several separate bookings
• You enjoy snorkeling but do not need hours in the water
• You prefer a small group to a large sightseeing boat
• You appreciate having lunch and drinks included

I would be more cautious if your priority is comfort. The boat is open to the weather, the day includes several transfers, and the schedule leaves limited spare time. Families with young children should be particularly careful with the forecast and sea conditions.

Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio are also listed among the area’s notable beach highlights, but they are not given as scheduled beach stops in this route. Do not book this outing expecting a full visit to both beaches. Its main attractions are Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre.

The strongest part of the day

The best feature is the combination of wildlife and conservation. Cousin and Curieuse are not interchangeable island stops. One centers on birds and protected habitat, while the other gives you tortoises and mangroves. The guided format helps you notice what you might otherwise walk past.

The crew and guide service also receive strong praise for friendly care and clear explanations of plants, wildlife, and ecosystems. English and French are available, and the small group size supports a more personal outing.

The weak point is weather handling. A bad day can turn the speedboat ride into the main story, with rain, waves, and delays at the Cousin landing. If the sky is unsettled, do not assume the trip will automatically be postponed. Ask directly.

Should you book this boat trip?

Book it if you want a full Praslin day built around birds, tortoises, mangroves, snorkeling, and a Creole BBQ. The $155 base price can be fair for the amount included, especially with a group capped at 10, but add the landing fees and confirm the unclear Cousin charge first.

Skip it if you dislike small boats, get seasick easily, need guaranteed shelter from rain, or want a relaxed beach day with no walking. For everyone else, choose a calm-weather date, pack light and waterproof, and treat the sea conditions as part of the decision.

FAQ

How long does the Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre trip last?

The excursion lasts about seven hours. Departure is around 9:15 in the morning, with a return to Côte d’Or planned for about 3:30 or 4:00 in the afternoon.

Where can pickup and drop-off take place?

Pickup and drop-off are available in Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert on Praslin.

Are the island landing fees included?

No. Curieuse has a stated landing fee of €20, or about SCR300. The supplied information gives different Cousin fees, €40 or €60, so confirm the current amount before departure.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a Creole BBQ, water, soft drinks, and local beer.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, with snorkeling planned at St Pierre Island.

What languages does the guide speak?

Live guiding is available in English and French.

Is this trip suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users. It is also not recommended for people prone to seasickness, people with insect allergies, babies under one year, and several other groups listed in the safety information.