Praslin: Curieuse & St Pierre Island Day Trip with Barbecue

Tortoises, trails, barbecue, and reef time fill this day. I like the close look at free-roaming Aldabra tortoises and the tasty Creole beach BBQ, with grilled fish, chicken, rice, salads, lentils, fruit, and a beer. I also like that hotel transfers, a guide, boat rides, and snorkel gear are bundled into the $88 price.

The main caution is pace and comfort. You may face a long, hot walk, a large group, rough seas, or snorkeling with limited visibility. The Curieuse entrance fee is also extra at €20 per person for ages 12 and up, payable on-site.

Key points at a glance

• Free-roaming tortoises: Curieuse gives you a close look at Aldabra giant tortoises in a natural island setting.
• A useful mix of activities: You get a museum, mangrove trail, beach time, lunch, swimming, and snorkeling in about seven hours.
• Strong food value: The buffet includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, fruit, water, soft drinks, and one beer for each adult.
• Guides make the difference: Guides such as Benjamin, Aubrey, Sebastian, Brandon, and Alexander have been praised for their humor, care, and local explanations.
• Weather can change the plan: From June to September, rougher southeast monsoon seas may move the snorkeling to Anse Petite Cours.
• Pack for heat and wet clothes: Bring water, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sturdy shoes, swimwear, a towel, and a waterproof bag.

Why Curieuse and St Pierre make a strong Praslin day

Praslin is famous for beautiful beaches, but the best day trips take you beyond the sand. This excursion links two very different islands in one outing: Curieuse for wildlife and island history, St Pierre for warm-water snorkeling and granite scenery.

I like the balance. You are not spending seven hours on a boat, and you are not stuck on one beach all day. The schedule gives you a guided walk, free time, lunch, and time in the sea. That makes it a good choice if you want a broad taste of the Seychelles without arranging several separate trips.

The tour runs from Praslin, with pickup at hotels, guesthouses, villas, the airport, and the ferry terminal. Pickup normally takes place 10 to 30 minutes before the activity begins. The day starts around 8:00 in the morning and usually ends with hotel drop-off around 3:30 in the afternoon.

At $88, the value is solid. Your price covers return van transport, the boat trip, the guide, lunch, drinks, the tortoise sanctuary, and snorkel equipment. Add the €20 Curieuse entrance charge for people aged 12 and older, and remember that extra alcoholic drinks are not included.

The short boat ride from Côte d’Or Beach

The group usually gathers at Côte d’Or Beach before boarding the boat around 9:15. The crossing to Curieuse takes about 15 minutes, so you get a quick burst of sea views rather than a long transfer.

That short crossing matters if you are prone to seasickness. It also means the main value of the day is on the islands, not simply the boat ride. Still, the trip gives you fine views back toward Praslin and a pleasant start before the walking begins.

Boat conditions can vary. From June through September, southeast monsoon winds can make the sea rough. If St Pierre is too exposed, the crew may switch the snorkeling stop to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay chosen for safer swimming and marine viewing.

You should also expect a wet landing or boat-side boarding procedure, depending on conditions. Wear sandals or water shoes that you can remove easily, and keep phones and cameras in a waterproof bag.

Doctor’s House and Curieuse’s leprosy history

The first Curieuse stop is Anse José, home to the old Doctor’s House. The colonial building now serves as a small museum explaining Curieuse’s past as a leper colony.

This stop gives the island more meaning than a simple beach visit. You learn how Curieuse was used, who lived there, and how its isolation shaped its story. The building itself is part of the appeal, with weathered colonial character set against palms and coastline.

After the museum, the route passes through coco de mer palms and coastal plants. Coco de mer is closely linked with Praslin and nearby islands, so seeing these palms on a protected island adds useful context to the plant life you may have already noticed elsewhere.

You should not expect a long museum visit with extensive indoor displays. The appeal is the combination of a historic building, short explanations, and the surrounding vegetation. The guide fills in much of the story, so stay close enough to hear.

The mangrove trail across Curieuse

The guided nature trail is one of the most worthwhile parts of the day. A boardwalk leads through protected mangroves, where you might spot native birds, crabs, and other small signs of island life.

The guide also explains how the mangrove area supports the coast and provides habitat for wildlife. This is a quieter counterpoint to the tortoise sanctuary. Instead of looking for one large animal, you pay attention to roots, mud, birds, crabs, and the changing plant life.

The walk is often described as moderate rather than difficult, but it is not a flat stroll from start to finish. Several people have found the walk longer than expected, with some taking around 90 minutes rather than the advertised 45 minutes. Expect sun, heat, and some up-and-down sections.

I would wear sports shoes or light hiking shoes instead of basic flip-flops. Take water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat. The trail is suitable for active visitors who can manage outdoor walking, but people with severe health problems are advised not to book.

Meeting the giant tortoises at Anse Laraie

At about 12:30, the route reaches Anse Laraie and the giant tortoise sanctuary. This is the emotional high point for many people. Aldabra giant tortoises move freely around the area, and you can see them at close range rather than from behind a distant barrier.

You may see large adults and younger tortoises. They are slow, calm, and surprisingly engaging, especially when they stretch their long necks toward food or attention. Guides explain the animals and help keep the encounter respectful.

Bring a camera, but do not let photography turn the stop into a rushed checklist. Give yourself time to watch the tortoises move, feed, and interact with their surroundings. This is also where the value of Curieuse becomes clear: the wildlife encounter feels like part of the island rather than a quick zoo visit.

Follow the guide’s instructions about touching and feeding. The supplied information describes feeding as part of the visit, but good animal etiquette still matters. Keep food under control, avoid litter, and do not crowd the animals.

A generous Creole BBQ on the beach

Lunch follows the tortoise visit, usually beneath palms near the beach. The barbecue is served buffet-style, which is handy after the walk and gives you a chance to choose what suits you.

The meal includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. Water and soft drinks are included, along with one local beer per adult. The food receives especially strong praise, and that seems fair given the range and setting.

The meal is not just fuel. It gives you a straightforward taste of Seychellois cooking in a relaxed outdoor setting. The food is fresh, filling, and familiar enough for cautious eaters, while the lentils, chutneys, rice, and grilled fish add local character.

This is also a social part of the day. You eat with the group, sit near the beach, and get a break before returning to the boat. If you dislike sand or do not want to sit in wet swimwear at lunch, bring a cover-up and a light towel. There may not be useful changing rooms or working washrooms at every stop, so plan ahead.

Snorkeling around St Pierre Islet

After lunch, the boat heads to St Pierre, a small granite islet surrounded by clear water, coral, and tropical fish. The planned snorkeling time is about one hour, with equipment provided.

The marine life can include colorful fish, coral, turtles, and eagle rays. One outing even reported whale sharks from the boat route, though that should be treated as an unusual bonus rather than something you should expect.

Beginners are welcome, and assistance is available. If you have never snorkeled before, listen carefully to the crew, stay near the boat or guide, and give yourself time to get used to breathing through the mask.

Conditions make a big difference here. Clear water can produce a fine look at fish and turtles, but rough water or poor visibility may make the stop less impressive. Some people have found the coral damaged or the fish concentrated close to the boat. Others have seen turtles, rays, and plenty of colorful fish.

The advertised water time is enough for a first snorkel, but strong swimmers may wish it lasted another 15 or 20 minutes. If the sea is rough, the alternate stop at Anse Petite Cours may offer calmer water, though the marine scenery can differ.

Guides, boats, and group size

The human side of this tour is a major strength. Benjamin has been praised for clear explanations and good humor. Aubrey is known for energy, local pride, and careful attention to the group. Sebastian, Brandon, and Alexander have also received warm praise for making the walk interesting and keeping people comfortable.

Captain Evan and other skippers have been described as friendly and relaxed. That matters on a day that involves several handoffs between van, boat, trail, beach, and water. Good coordination keeps the trip from feeling frantic.

Group size can vary. Some departures feel small and personal, while one reported group had 47 people. A large group can make bilingual guiding slower, especially when explanations are given in both English and French. If you prefer quiet walks and quick decisions, ask about the expected group size before booking.

Transport is usually air-conditioned, but the return drive can take much longer than expected if you are among the last drop-offs. One itinerary had a passenger riding around Praslin for more than an hour after the tour. The broad hotel pickup list is convenient, but it can create a long final transfer.

What to bring for a hot island day

Keep your day bag compact. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and you will move between several settings.

Bring:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a sun hat
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes
• Sandals or water shoes
• Swimwear, towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Waterproof phone case or camera bag
• Insect repellent
• Cash or a card for the €20 entrance fee
• Personal medication
• A refillable water bottle or extra drinking water
• Snacks for the gaps between stops
• A waterproof bag for wet swimwear

The supplied information says entrance payment is accepted by Visa card. Still, carrying some cash is sensible for personal purchases and unexpected needs.

Who should book this Praslin excursion?

I would choose this tour if you want one organized day that covers wildlife, nature, food, and swimming. It suits couples, families with active older children, and first-time snorkelers who appreciate having equipment and help provided.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Praslin and do not want to arrange separate taxis, boat charters, lunch, and park access. The hotel pickup list is unusually broad, including properties around Côte d’Or, Baie Sainte Anne, Anse Volbert, Anse Kerlan, Grand Anse, and other parts of the island.

I would think twice if you dislike group tours, struggle with heat, need dependable changing facilities, or want a serious coral reef session. The walk can run long, the midday sun is strong, and snorkeling quality depends on the sea.

Children and older adults may enjoy the tortoises and beach lunch, but the tour is not recommended for people over 95 or those with severe health problems. You should be comfortable with boat transfers, outdoor walking, and entering the water.

Should you book the Curieuse and St Pierre day trip?

Yes, if you want the best all-round use of a Praslin day. The tortoises are the surest highlight, the Creole BBQ adds real value, and the guide-led trail gives Curieuse more depth than a quick beach stop.

Book it with realistic expectations about the sea and the facilities. You are paying for a well-filled outdoor day, not a private charter or luxury beach club. At $88 plus the €20 island fee, I find the package worthwhile for the included transport, food, guide, boat, wildlife stop, and snorkeling gear.

If the weather is unsettled, ask about the snorkeling alternative before departure. And if you can choose your departure, a smaller group would make the walking explanations and water time easier. For most active visitors, this is a practical and memorable way to see two of the islands near Praslin.

FAQ

How much does the Curieuse and St Pierre tour cost?

The tour costs $88 per person. A separate €20 Curieuse entrance fee applies to people aged 12 and older and is paid on-site.

How long does the excursion last?

The full activity lasts about seven hours. Pickup begins around 8:00, the boat leaves Côte d’Or Beach around 9:15, and hotel drop-off is usually around 3:30.

Is hotel pickup included on Praslin?

Yes. Return van transfers are included for listed hotels, guesthouses, villas, the Praslin airport, and the ferry terminal. Pickup usually takes place 10 to 30 minutes before the activity.

What food and drinks are included?

The beach BBQ includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. Water and soft drinks are included, as well as one local beer per adult.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and beginners can receive assistance. The planned snorkeling session at St Pierre lasts about one hour.

What happens if the sea is rough?

From June to September, southeast monsoon winds can create rougher seas. If conditions are unsuitable at St Pierre, snorkeling may be moved to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay.