Tour of Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre island on Catamaran

Three islands, one busy day. This catamaran trip packs Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre into eight hours, with birdlife, giant tortoises, snorkeling, a Creole barbecue lunch, and plenty of sea views. I especially like the rare wildlife on Cousin and the chance to combine several famous Praslin-area stops without arranging separate boats.

I also like the friendly, helpful crew and the included transport for Praslin clients. The main drawback is time: St Pierre snorkeling may last only about 35 minutes, and the Curieuse visit can feel rushed if you want the longer mangrove walk.

Key Points at a Glance

• Cousin’s bird sanctuary: Walk with a guide among rare endemic species in one of the day’s most distinctive stops.
• Curieuse tortoise sanctuary: See free-roaming giant land tortoises, then choose between a short visit and a longer walk toward the Baie Laraie lagoon.
• St Pierre snorkeling: Expect clear water and coral views, but allow for a shorter session than the advertised stop may suggest.
• History on Curieuse: See the ruins of the former leper colony and the old Doctor’s house.
• Creole barbecue lunch: Eat on board, with water included and other drinks available to buy.
• Useful island connections: Praslin pickup is available, while La Digue clients collect tickets at the Creole Travel Services office in La Passe and arrange their own land transfers.

Three Seychelles Islands in Eight Hours

This is a high-energy island-hopping day rather than a slow beach outing. You board a catamaran and move between three very different islands, each with its own reason for being on the schedule.

Cousin is about conservation and native birdlife. Curieuse brings tortoises, mangroves, and colonial-era remains. St Pierre is the water stop, with snorkeling and swimming in clear sea.

That variety is the tour’s main strength. You are not spending the entire day at one beach, hoping the weather remains perfect. Instead, the itinerary gives you wildlife, history, walking, lunch, and time in the sea.

The tradeoff is simple: you see more places, but you have less time at each one. If you prefer lingering on a beach or snorkeling for hours, a smaller, more focused excursion may suit you better. If your Seychelles schedule is short, this outing gives you a useful snapshot of the islands near Praslin.

Starting From Praslin or La Digue

For people staying on Praslin, transfer to the departure point is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off may be available, but the vehicle serves hotels accessible from the main road. Transfer time can change with traffic, so you should confirm your pickup place and time 48 hours before departure using the local partner’s emergency number.

If you are staying on La Digue, the arrangement works differently. A ferry transfer is included, but you must make your own land transfer from your hotel to the La Digue jetty and back again. Tickets are collected at the Creole Travel Services office in La Passe, opposite Fish Trap restaurant.

One practical tip comes from the day’s transport setup: if you are already able to reach the ferry terminal by car, parking there may save time compared with hotel pickup. The included pickup is convenient, but it is not always the fastest choice.

The tour lasts about eight hours, not counting any extra transfer time between your hotel and the meeting point. Wear clothes that can handle spray, sun, and a little dust from island paths. Comfortable shoes matter more than fashionable ones.

Cousin Island and Its Rare Birdlife

Cousin is often the most rewarding stop for anyone interested in Seychelles wildlife. Once connected with French settlement, the island now serves as a protected home for rare endemic species. The visit includes a guided walk through the bird sanctuary, so you are not simply dropped on a beach and left to wander.

I like this stop because the guide gives the island a purpose beyond pretty scenery. You learn how conservation has helped protect species found only in the Seychelles, and you get a closer look at the island’s natural life.

Keep your expectations practical. This is a nature visit, not a zoo. Wildlife sightings depend on conditions and animal behavior, and the walking route may feel warm or uneven. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent are sensible choices.

Cousin also sets the tone for the rest of the day. The trip is not only about swimming from one postcard beach to the next. It connects the natural islands with the work being done to protect them.

Curieuse: Tortoises, Mangroves, and Island History

Curieuse gives you the broadest mix of things to see. The first attraction is the giant land tortoise sanctuary, where the animals roam freely. Their size and slow pace make a striking contrast with the fast catamaran ride that brought you there.

You get a shorter visit with the tortoises, but time can be tight. If you want to follow the longer route through the mangrove forest toward the Baie Laraie lagoon, you may not have enough time after the sanctuary visit. This is worth knowing before you arrive, especially if walking through the mangroves is one of your main reasons for booking.

The island also carries a darker piece of Seychelles history. You can see the ruins of an old leper colony and visit the Doctor’s house, a building linked to the medical care once provided there. These remains give Curieuse a human story, not just a wildlife stop.

The old buildings are not a full museum experience, so keep the scale of the visit in mind. You will not spend hours reading displays or touring a large complex. Still, the ruins help explain how the island was used and why its past matters.

For me, Curieuse works best when you balance your priorities. If tortoises are your top goal, stay near the sanctuary and enjoy the animals. If the mangrove route matters more, ask the crew early about timing. You may need to choose rather than fit everything in.

St Pierre and the Short Snorkeling Stop

St Pierre is the point in the day when you trade paths and ruins for water. The sea is clear, and the stop offers snorkeling and swimming around the island’s coral environment.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have equipment you trust. Equipment can also be purchased or rented through the outing, and drinks are available for purchase. Water is included, which is useful in the Seychelles heat, but you should still bring a card and some cash for extras.

The snorkeling time deserves a careful note. The planned stop may be described as lasting close to 50 minutes, but the actual time in the water can be around 35 minutes. That is enough for a pleasant look around, but it is not a long marine session.

The sea conditions, boarding process, and group timing all affect how much time you get with your mask on. If snorkeling is your main goal, this may be the least satisfying part of the day simply because the schedule has several other stops to protect.

There is also an environmental point worth considering. Anchors can damage coral and the sea floor, and the use of permanent mooring rings would help reduce that harm. You can support good practice by asking the crew how the boat secures itself and by avoiding contact with coral while swimming.

A Creole Barbecue Lunch on the Catamaran

Lunch is served on board and is included in the price. The meal is a Creole-style barbecue with water, offering a welcome break after the morning’s walking and swimming.

The food can include simple local dishes such as lentils, rice, salad, pumpkin, and bread. That combination is filling and gives you a taste of everyday Creole cooking rather than a generic sandwich lunch.

If you are vegan, vegetarian, or have other dietary needs, contact the operator well before the trip and do not assume a message will receive a reply. A vegan meal can be possible, but it is wise to confirm exactly what will be served. The response may not arrive through every contact channel.

Other beverages can be purchased during the day. Carrying cash is useful, even though a credit card is also listed among the recommended items. A small dry bag would also help protect money and electronics from spray, though it is not specifically listed as required equipment.

The Catamaran Ride and Time Between Stops

The boat ride is part of the experience, not just transport. You cruise along the islands and get changing views of the sea, beaches, and rocky shores. Between stops, the catamaran gives you a chance to sit down, dry off, and enjoy the setting.

The boat also makes the itinerary possible. Reaching Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre independently would require more planning and separate transport arrangements. At $263 per person, the price is not low, but it covers an unusually full day, landing fees for Cousin and Curieuse, the catamaran, lunch, water, and Praslin transfer.

I see the value most clearly if you want convenience and variety. You are paying for the boat, staff, access fees, food, and the ability to visit three island highlights in one organized day. The value is weaker if you only want a long snorkeling session or a quiet beach afternoon.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being helpful. That matters on a day with several landings, wet equipment, boarding points, and a tight schedule. English and French are available, so you should have useful support throughout the outing.

What to Pack for This Particular Day

Pack light, but pack for several different settings. You will walk on island paths, spend time in the sun, and enter the water.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes for Cousin and Curieuse
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Comfortable clothing that dries reasonably well
• Insect repellent for shaded and mangrove areas
• Cash and a credit card for drinks or equipment
• A passport or correct passport details for booking records
• Your own snorkeling equipment if you prefer a personal fit

Children under two are not permitted on these sea excursions. Everyone else should be prepared for a full day rather than a short boat ride. The schedule rewards people who can switch easily from walking to swimming to sitting in the sun.

Who Will Enjoy It Most

I would choose this tour if you want maximum island variety in one day. It suits first-time visitors to Praslin who want a guided introduction to the nearby islands without arranging several separate outings.

It is also a good choice for people who value wildlife and conservation. Cousin’s bird sanctuary and Curieuse’s tortoises give the day more substance than a standard beach cruise.

Families with children older than two may enjoy the mix of animals and swimming, though the full eight-hour schedule can feel long for anyone who dislikes boat travel or frequent changes. The tour also suits couples and solo visitors who want a social, organized day and do not mind following a fixed timetable.

I would hesitate if you need extended snorkeling, a long mangrove walk, or a relaxed schedule. The short St Pierre water stop and limited Curieuse time are the clearest compromises.

Booking, Cancellation, and Final Practical Advice

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your island plans may change. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund.

Make sure every name on the booking matches the passport. Confirm your pickup time and location 48 hours before the start, especially if you are relying on hotel transport. For La Digue, remember that the ferry may be included while hotel-to-jetty transport is not.

The best way to approach the day is to pick your priorities before boarding. If wildlife matters most, pay close attention at Cousin. If you want tortoises, allow time at the Curieuse sanctuary. If you want snorkeling, bring suitable equipment and enter the water promptly at St Pierre.

Should You Book This Catamaran Tour?

Book it if you want to see Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre in one efficient day, with lunch, transport help, wildlife, history, and swimming all built in. The helpful crew and strong overall service make a demanding itinerary easier to manage.

Skip it if your ideal Seychelles day means staying in one place, taking a long snorkel, or following a slow walking route through the mangroves. At $263, the tour earns its price through variety and convenience, not through generous free time at every stop.

For most first-time visitors based on Praslin, I think the combination is worth considering. Just treat it as a packed sampler of the islands, not a leisurely day at sea.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The activity lasts eight hours. Hotel transfer time may add to the total, and the exact transfer duration depends on traffic.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The main island route includes Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on board the catamaran, and water is included.

Are landing fees included?

Landing fees for Cousin and Curieuse are included.

Is snorkeling included?

The itinerary includes snorkeling and swimming stops. Snorkeling equipment and beverages may be available for purchase at an additional cost.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Can children under two join the tour?

No. Children under two are not allowed on these sea excursions.

Where do La Digue clients collect their tickets?

La Digue clients collect tickets at the Creole Travel Services office in La Passe, opposite Fish Trap restaurant. They must arrange their own land transfer between their hotel and the La Digue jetty.