Curieuse and St Pierre Snorkeling Half-Day Trip No BBQ Lunch

Tortoises, mangroves, and clear water make a fine morning. This four-hour boat trip from Praslin packs two very different island experiences into one outing: the giant tortoises and walking trails of Curieuse, followed by swimming and snorkeling near St Pierre. I especially like the short format, which suits you if your Praslin schedule is tight, and the chance to walk across Curieuse rather than simply stopping for photos. The main catch is the extra €20 Curieuse landing fee, which is not part of the $53 price.

I also like the helpful guides, with Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin earning especially warm praise for their humor, care, and local insight. The trip includes hotel pickup in selected parts of Praslin, water, and soft drinks, but you should bring snorkeling gear, a towel, sun protection, and a waterproof bag. Sea conditions can affect the St Pierre stop, and one family found the walk and guide commentary took up more time than expected.

Key points at a glance

• Curieuse’s giant tortoises are the morning’s star: You get time to see these gentle animals up close in their protected setting.
• The 1.7-kilometer island walk adds real value: The trail crosses mangrove country and leads toward Anse José Beach.
• St Pierre provides a quick underwater break: Expect about 30 minutes of snorkeling when conditions allow, with granite rocks and marine life around the island.
• The guides make a major difference: Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin are praised for clear explanations, friendly care, and enthusiasm.
• The $53 fare is not the final cost: Add the €20-per-person Curieuse landing fee, and remember that there is no barbecue lunch.
• This is an active morning: The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with serious mobility limits, and rough sea conditions may change the snorkeling location.

Starting from Praslin at 8:45 AM

The day begins with pickup from selected areas of Praslin, including Baie Sainte-Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert. Meeting options include the beach side of Berjaya Resort at Anse Volbert or Kannus Supermarket in Baie Sainte-Anne.

That pickup arrangement matters if you are not renting a car. It also keeps the morning simple, but you should confirm the exact meeting point and time before setting out. The stated schedule begins with an 8:45 AM pickup and a 9:15 AM boat departure.

The boat ride to Curieuse is short and scenic. You get views across the water before the main walking portion begins at about 9:30 AM. This is an early start, which is useful in Seychelles heat, though the timing of shade and walking is worth noting. One family felt the group walked during the hottest part of the day, so bring a hat, breathable clothes, and sunscreen that is suitable for marine areas.

Meeting Curieuse’s giant tortoises

Curieuse is the strongest part of this outing for many people, and I can see why. The island is known for its Aldabra giant tortoises, and the visit gives you time to observe them in their natural setting rather than treating the island as a quick boat stop.

You may find the tortoises very used to people. That makes close viewing easy, but it also means you should keep your distance and avoid treating the animals like props. Take your time, watch how they move, and listen to the guide’s explanation of their habitat.

The guide quality appears to be one of the trip’s biggest strengths. Mario is praised for his insight into Seychelles and for making the morning relaxed. Reynold is described as funny, kind, professional, and exceptionally well informed. Benjamin also receives credit for explaining the surroundings with care, including a memorable detail about a planted mangrove that participants hoped to revisit as it grew.

The schedule allows roughly an hour and a half on Curieuse before the mangrove section and beach arrival. That sounds generous, but it includes introductions, tortoise time, walking, and stops for explanations. If you prefer a brisk sightseeing pace, you may find the commentary lengthy. If you enjoy learning about plants, animals, and coastal ecosystems, those pauses will make the island more meaningful.

Walking through the mangrove forest

At around 11:00 AM, the group follows a well-used path through Curieuse’s mangrove area. The walk is listed as about 1.7 kilometers, so the distance itself is manageable for anyone comfortable walking on an outdoor trail. The challenge comes from heat, uneven ground, and the number of stops.

The mangroves are not just pretty scenery. Their tangled roots shelter young marine life and help hold the shoreline in place. Your guide points out the role of these trees, along with the birds, crabs, and other creatures that live in the wet coastal zone.

This is where the tour offers more than a standard beach excursion. You get a quick lesson in how island ecosystems work, from forest and swamp to beach and reef. I like that connection. Curieuse is not presented only as a backdrop for photographs, but as a living place with several linked habitats.

Still, manage your expectations. This is a guided nature walk, not a strenuous trek or a silent hike. The guide may stop often to explain plants and wildlife. One family felt the route became too long because of the many talks, even though the actual walking distance was modest. If your children are between five and fourteen, the activity can work well, but younger children may tire in the heat.

Wear sports shoes or comfortable hiking shoes. Sandals may be fine for parts of the outing, but the supplied guidance specifically favors comfortable footwear and hiking shoes. Jeans, high heels, oversize bags, and bulky strollers are not suitable.

Reaching Anse José Beach at 11:45 AM

The trail leads to Anse José Beach, where you have time to rest after the walk. This stop gives the morning a useful change of pace. After tortoises and mangrove roots, you get sand, open water, and a chance to take photographs.

The beach is described as secluded and attractive, with coastal views and calm time for reflection. The trip does not include a barbecue lunch, so this is not a long beach picnic. Think of Anse José as a scenic pause before the boat carries you onward.

That distinction is important when comparing this tour with longer full-day excursions. You are paying for a compact combination of wildlife, walking, and snorkeling, not for hours of lounging on the beach. Bring a small snack if you need one, but keep luggage light because large bags are not allowed.

Snorkeling around St Pierre Island

At about noon, the boat continues to St Pierre Island for swimming and snorkeling. The island is known for its granite boulders set against clear turquoise water, and the setting alone makes the stop worthwhile for photographs.

The underwater experience can be excellent. One participant compared the water to swimming in an aquarium, while another called the snorkeling magnificent. You might see plenty of marine life in clear conditions, and the rocky island gives the scene a distinct Seychelles look.

Sea conditions are the one real variable. High waves made the planned snorkeling area less suitable on one outing, and the guide changed locations. That flexibility is a good sign, but it also means you should not book this trip expecting identical underwater conditions every day.

The snorkeling period may be around 30 minutes. For confident swimmers, that can feel brief, especially if you spend time getting comfortable in the water. For a half-day trip that also includes an island walk, it is a reasonable portion of the schedule. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, a dedicated full-day reef outing may give you more water time.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment unless the operator confirms gear is supplied. The practical guidance specifically tells you to bring snorkeling gear, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a waterproof camera, and a waterproof bag. Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are sensible choices for an outing that passes through both marine and forest environments.

Water and soft drinks are included. Local beer is also described as available during the trip, but the inclusion details specifically list water and soft drinks, so confirm the drinks arrangement if that matters to you. Do not count on lunch being provided.

The timing and return to Praslin

The published schedule places the return to Praslin at about 12:30 PM. With pickup beginning around 8:45 AM, the whole experience takes roughly four hours, including transfers and the boat ride.

This timing is the tour’s greatest practical advantage. You can spend the afternoon at another Praslin beach, visit Vallée de Mai, or simply rest after a warm morning outside. It also suits cruise passengers or anyone working around a short island stay, provided the pickup and return times match your plans.

The tradeoff is a fast-moving schedule. Curieuse receives the largest share of your time, but the tortoise visit, walk, beach stop, and snorkeling all compete for the same morning. You will not have much room to linger at every stop.

The exact balance may shift with boat conditions, walking speed, and the guide’s style. Mario and Reynold are praised for making the experience relaxed and informative, but one family felt the explanations took too much of the available time. If you like a guide who explains the natural setting in detail, this is a benefit. If you prefer maximum free time, it may feel talk-heavy.

What the $53 price really covers

At $53 per person, the trip offers solid value for a short Seychelles excursion. You get boat transport, a licensed guide, selected hotel transfers, access to Curieuse, guided walking, tortoise viewing, beach time, and snorkeling at St Pierre. Arranging those elements separately would take more effort and could cost more.

But the advertised fare is not the complete out-of-pocket cost. Curieuse charges a €20 landing fee per person, payable separately. You need a Visa card, debit card, and cash available for this payment, so do not arrive with only the tour fare.

The lack of a barbecue lunch keeps the price lower and makes sense for a four-hour schedule. You receive water and soft drinks, while local beer is mentioned as an offering. Bring anything else you need, especially a snack and extra water if you tend to feel thirsty in the heat.

The free-cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which is useful when your Praslin plans are still shifting. These terms add flexibility, but they do not remove the need to check sea conditions and pickup details before the morning begins.

Who should book this half-day trip?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a compact introduction to Curieuse and St Pierre. It works particularly well for:

• First-time visitors to Praslin with limited time
• Families with older children who can manage a warm island walk
• Nature lovers interested in tortoises and mangrove habitats
• Swimmers who want a short snorkeling stop
• Visitors without a rental car who need pickup from an approved area
• Anyone who enjoys a guide-led experience rather than arranging boats and island access alone

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, or find boat travel difficult. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, visually impaired participants, or people prone to motion sickness. It is also not recommended for babies under one year or people over 80, with the information also excluding people over 95.

This is not a luxury cruise with a long lunch and lots of idle time. It is an active, practical island outing with walking, sun, salt water, and a few hours of sightseeing. Pack lightly. Leave valuables and jewelry behind, and do not bring a stroller, scooter, skateboard, or oversize luggage.

Final verdict: a strong short outing with one extra fee

You should book this Curieuse and St Pierre trip if you want to see giant tortoises, walk through mangrove country, and snorkel in one morning. The guides are the real bonus. Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin are praised for warmth, humor, and strong explanations, and that personal touch can turn a simple boat transfer into a memorable outing.

The main cautions are clear: budget an additional €20 for the Curieuse landing fee, bring your own snorkeling gear and beach supplies, and expect sea conditions to affect the St Pierre stop. You may also find the walking commentary more detailed than expected.

At $53, it is good value for a four-hour taste of two remarkable islands, especially if your Praslin schedule is short. Choose it for variety and guidance, not for a long beach day or extended snorkeling session.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St Pierre trip last?

The activity lasts about four hours. The stated schedule begins with pickup around 8:45 AM and returns to Praslin at approximately 12:30 PM.

Where does pickup take place on Praslin?

Pickup is available in selected areas including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert. Meeting points include the beach side of Berjaya Resort at Anse Volbert and Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.

Is lunch included?

No. This version of the trip does not include a barbecue lunch. Water and soft drinks are included, and local beer is described as available.

Is there an additional fee for Curieuse Island?

Yes. You must pay a €20 landing fee per person separately. Bring a Visa card or debit card and cash for this payment.

What should I bring for the excursion?

Bring comfortable or hiking shoes, swimwear, a towel, a hat, sunscreen, snorkeling gear, a camera, and a waterproof bag. Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are recommended.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

The practical information tells you to bring snorkeling gear, so you should not assume equipment is included. Confirm the arrangement with the operator before departure if you do not have your own gear.

Can sea conditions change the snorkeling stop?

Yes. High waves or poor conditions can require the guide to choose another snorkeling location. The St Pierre stop is planned for around noon, with the snorkeling period described as roughly 30 minutes.