Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Tortoises, beaches, and clear water fill one day. This seven-hour outing from Praslin combines two of the Seychelles’ most memorable stops: Curieuse Island, where giant tortoises roam near the Ranger’s Station, and St. Pierre Marine Park, where you can swim and snorkel from the boat. I especially like the mix of land and sea, plus the hotel pickup, guide, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included in the $56 price.

I also like that Curieuse is more than a quick photo stop. You get time for a guided walk through mangroves, beaches, Coco de Mer trees, and island viewpoints. The main caution is the snorkeling. Conditions can be choppy, the coral may be less impressive than expected, and the activity is not fully guided, so confident swimmers will get more from it than beginners.

Key points at a glance

• Giant tortoises roam freely at Curieuse: The Ranger’s Station at Laraie Bay gives you close views of these gentle animals, including young tortoises.
• A 2.5-kilometer island walk adds real substance: The route brings you through mangroves and native plants, with explanations about Curieuse’s wildlife and environment.
• St. Pierre is a boat-access snorkeling stop: You do not land on the islet, but you can swim around its reefs for about an hour.
• Hotel pickup keeps the morning simple: Transport is provided from accommodation across Praslin, usually 10 to 30 minutes before departure, though the stated pickup window can extend to 45 minutes.
• The price is good, with two important extras: Island tax is €20 per person aged 12 and over, and the optional beach BBQ costs €20 per person.
• Guide quality is a major strength: Benjamin, Mario, Bruno, Arnold, and others have been praised for clear explanations, good humor, and helpful support.

Why this Praslin day trip works so well

Curieuse and St. Pierre offer two very different sides of the Seychelles. Curieuse gives you walking, plants, wildlife, and broad coastal views. St. Pierre gives you warm water, reef fish, and the chance to see the island from sea level.

That variety matters. A full day spent only on a beach can become repetitive, while a walking tour alone misses the famous island water. Here, you move between both without having to arrange separate transport or boat trips.

The outing costs $56 per person before the island tax and any lunch. With hotel transfers, a guide, water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and one beer per adult included, I consider that a fair price for a seven-hour day. The final cost is higher once you add the €20 island tax for anyone aged 12 or older. If you choose the BBQ, add another €20 per person.

This is not a private charter with complete control over the schedule. It is a shared excursion, and the day can include stretches of waiting or free time. That makes it relaxed for some people, but anyone hoping for constant activity may find the pace slow.

Morning pickup and the ride from Praslin

Pickup takes place across Praslin, usually 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, with the stated information allowing a window of 10 to 45 minutes. That range is worth remembering when planning breakfast or another appointment. You should be ready early rather than watching the clock from your room.

A van takes you to Anse Possession, where boarding is scheduled between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning. Once on board, the crew gives a safety briefing before setting off toward Curieuse at a listed cruising speed of 25 knots.

The ride to Curieuse takes about 25 minutes. The short crossing is useful because you reach the island early, leaving a good part of the day for exploring rather than simply sitting on the boat.

The crew has received strong praise for friendly service and clear communication. Guides named Benjamin, Arnold, Mario, Bruno, Audrey, and Axel have all been singled out for making the day pleasant. Names and staffing can change, but the pattern is clear: the human side of this trip is one of its strongest features.

Curieuse Island, tortoises first

You reach Curieuse at about 9:40 in the morning, arriving at Laraie Bay near the Ranger’s Station. This is the emotional center of the outing. Giant tortoises move around freely, and you can see them at close range rather than only behind a distant barrier.

The island has the second-largest population of giant tortoises in the Seychelles. You may see large adults and younger animals, and the setting makes photography easy. The tortoises are a natural highlight for families, animal lovers, and anyone who wants something more distinctive than another white-sand beach.

The experience can feel wonderfully informal. The animals are part of the island setting, not a brief stage-managed appearance. You should still follow the guide’s instructions and treat the tortoises gently, especially when feeding or photographing them.

Several people have found the animals so friendly that they spent much of their time taking pictures. That is easy to understand, but do not let the tortoise area swallow the whole morning. The guided walk is where you learn more about the island itself.

The Curieuse walk through mangroves and Coco de Mer trees

The guided nature walk lasts about an hour in the official schedule, while the wider Curieuse visit can occupy roughly two hours or more depending on the group. A walk of around 2.5 kilometers has been described, including a route toward Anse Jose Beach.

The path takes you through mangrove ecosystems, native vegetation, and coastal areas. Guides point out plants, birds, crabs, and other wildlife, while explaining how the island’s natural setting works. This is not a demanding mountain hike, but you should wear sports shoes or secure waterproof shoes rather than loose sandals.

The Coco de Mer trees add a special Seychelles touch. These palms are one of the region’s best-known natural features, and seeing them in the setting where they grow gives the walk more meaning than simply photographing a palm tree at a resort.

The route also includes viewpoints and scenic sections. You get changing views of the coast, clear water, and forest. The guide’s role matters here. Mario has been praised for explaining nature protection and environmental care, while other guides have been appreciated for pointing out small animals and plants that you could easily miss alone.

This is the part of the outing that rewards curiosity. If you only want to swim and sunbathe, the walk may feel like an interruption. If you want context about Curieuse’s flora, fauna, and island life, it gives the visit much more value.

Beach time, snacks, and the optional BBQ

After or around the walk, you have time on Curieuse for swimming, photos, and relaxation. The island’s beaches are repeatedly described as beautiful, and the shallow coastal water can offer fish close to shore.

Lunch is not included. You can bring food and drinks, or pay an additional €20 per person for the optional BBQ on the beach, scheduled around 12:15 to 1:30. The food has received especially warm praise, with one person calling it the best meal they had on Praslin.

Still, the BBQ is a choice, not a requirement. If you prefer control over what and when you eat, bring snacks and refreshments. The operator provides water and soft drinks, plus one beer per adult, but you should not treat those inclusions as a complete lunch.

The free time is both a benefit and a possible weakness. It lets you enjoy Curieuse at an unhurried pace, swim at the beach, and take pictures without being rushed. On the other hand, some people have found there is too much hanging around and would have preferred more time elsewhere.

A practical tip: bring a waterproof bag and a dry change of clothes. One person found the return transfer uncomfortable because the group had to get into the van in wet swimwear. That may not happen every day, but a spare outfit is sensible on any boat outing.

St. Pierre Marine Park and the snorkeling stop

The boat leaves Curieuse at about 1:30 and reaches St. Pierre at around 2:00. St. Pierre is a small islet that you view and explore from the water. You do not land there for a walk.

The stop usually allows about an hour of snorkeling. Equipment is provided on board, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. The water is clear and turquoise, and you can look for reef fish and other marine life around the islet.

Conditions are the key variable. Some people have seen sea turtles, rays, baby sharks, and plenty of fish. Others have found the coral partly damaged and the marine life less exciting than hoped. One person described the water as choppy and advised that intermediate swimming ability is needed.

You should also know that the snorkeling is generally unguided. The crew helps with the equipment and safety, but you should not expect a detailed marine-life talk or a staff member leading every swimmer through the water. If you are new to snorkeling or not a strong swimmer, this can be a serious limitation.

For confident swimmers, the stop can be excellent. The boat captain may know the better places to enter, and the open-water setting gives you striking views back toward the Seychelles coast. For nervous swimmers, the lack of close instruction may make the activity uncomfortable. Ask about assistance before entering the water, and do not feel pressured to swim if the sea is rough.

Some people have wished for 90 minutes in the water rather than 45 or 60. The advertised time is one hour, but practical time can feel shorter once you put on equipment, enter, and return to the boat. That is normal for a shared boat excursion, but it is useful to set expectations.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is not just there to move you between islands. The best guides turn the Curieuse walk into a lesson in local plants, wildlife, and island life.

Benjamin has been praised for clear explanations, humor, and an easy way of speaking to an international group. Arnold has also been described as friendly and clear. Mario has been appreciated for his environmental perspective, while Bruno has been called especially helpful and cheerful.

The captain also matters at St. Pierre. A good captain chooses a suitable place to stop and keeps the boat steady and safe. Still, the level of help in the water can vary. You will get more from the trip if you are comfortable managing your own snorkeling and asking direct questions.

English and French are the listed tour languages. That makes the outing practical for an international group, though the exact guide assigned to your boat can change.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a broad taste of Praslin’s surrounding islands in one day. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who wants wildlife, a short hike, beach time, and snorkeling without arranging several separate bookings.

It is especially good for:

• People who want to see giant tortoises up close
• Visitors who enjoy guided nature walks
• Confident swimmers who are happy snorkeling independently
• Anyone who values hotel pickup and included equipment
• Visitors watching their budget but still wanting a full-day boat outing

I would be more cautious if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also think twice if your main goal is world-class coral snorkeling or a highly active schedule. St. Pierre can be rewarding, but conditions and marine life are not guaranteed, and the Curieuse portion includes relaxed free time.

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, a waterproof camera or waterproof phone bag, snacks, and a change of clothes. Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are sensible choices for an outdoor trip in a protected natural setting.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip?

Book it if you want variety and value. Curieuse is the stronger half of the day, thanks to the giant tortoises, nature walk, beaches, and friendly guides. St. Pierre adds a scenic water stop and can deliver memorable snorkeling, but you should arrive as a reasonably confident swimmer and accept that the reef conditions may be ordinary.

At $56, the package is fairly priced once you account for transfers, a guide, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Just budget for the €20 island tax and decide in advance if the €20 BBQ is worth adding.

For many visitors, this is one of the most efficient ways to experience the islands around Praslin. You get the tortoises, the mangroves, a beach, a boat ride, and a marine park in one well-filled day. It is not perfect, but it offers a lot for the money and leaves you with the kind of Seychelles memories that do not come from a hotel pool.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St. Pierre boat trip last?

The activity lasts seven hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

Boarding takes place at Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

Is hotel pickup included on Praslin?

Yes. Pickup is included from locations across Praslin, usually 10 to 30 minutes before departure. The stated pickup window can extend to 45 minutes.

What can I see on Curieuse Island?

You can see giant tortoises, mangroves, Coco de Mer trees, birds, crabs, beaches, clear water, viewpoints, and other wildlife.

Is there a guided walk on Curieuse?

Yes. A guide leads a nature walk of about one hour, with the wider Curieuse visit lasting around two hours or more depending on the schedule.

Can I feed the giant tortoises?

The experience includes close interaction with giant tortoises at the Ranger’s Station, and the provided information describes feeding them. Follow the guide’s instructions when doing so.

Is lunch included?

No. You can bring your own food and snacks, or purchase the optional BBQ for €20 per person.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board.

Do I land on St. Pierre Island?

No. St. Pierre is visited by boat for swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing.

Is the snorkeling suitable for beginners?

The snorkeling is unguided, and conditions can be choppy. Confident or intermediate swimmers are likely to feel more comfortable. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.