Curieuse and St. Pierre Islands Day Trip with BBQ Lunch

Curieuse is the star here: a wild, oddly beautiful island where giant Aldabra tortoises wander near mangrove forests and old island trails. I like that this trip gives you more than a boat ride and a beach stop. You get a guided walk, wildlife, lunch, swimming, and two chances to see the underwater world.

I especially like the generous Creole BBQ, with grilled fish, chicken, sausage, prawns, lentils, salads, fruit, and cold Seybrew beer. I also like the care shown by guides such as Reynold and Mario, who have been praised for explaining the tortoises, checking on the group, and helping with questions. The main consideration is the Curieuse landing fee, which costs 20 euros per person and must be paid by card. Sea conditions can also force a change to the St. Pierre snorkeling site.

Key points to know before you book

• Curieuse’s tortoise sanctuary is the main event: You can see giant Aldabra tortoises at close range and learn about their lives and protection.
• The island walk is more than a photo stop: Expect rocky sections and roughly 2 kilometers of walking if you follow the trail toward Anse José Beach.
• Lunch is a proper Creole spread: Grilled fish, chicken, sausage, prawns, lentils, garlic bread, salads, fruit, soft drinks, water, and local beer are included.
• St. Pierre offers two snorkeling stops: The usual site has reefs and tropical fish, but rough seas from May to October may move the activity to calmer Anse Petit Cours.
• Pickup is limited to certain Praslin areas: Hotel transport is offered around Baie-Ste-Anne, Grand-Anse, Amitie, St. Joseph, and Anse Volbert, with stated meeting points at Berjaya Praslin Resort or Kannus Supermarket.
• Pack for walking and water: Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, sunglasses, and proper shoes rather than relying on flip-flops.

Why Curieuse makes this a worthwhile Praslin day trip

Curieuse is not simply another sandy island in the Seychelles. Its appeal comes from the contrast between wildlife, mangroves, forest trails, and beaches. The island is also known for its Aldabra giant tortoises, and this outing gives you time to see them before heading across the water for snorkeling.

That mix matters. A short boat trip focused only on swimming can feel interchangeable with many other island excursions. Here, the guided walk gives the day some character. You learn about the island’s animals, plants, and conservation work, then have time to cool off by the sea.

The tour is priced at $85 per person. Once you factor in the speedboat, hotel transport in selected areas, guide, BBQ lunch, drinks, and two snorkeling stops, I consider that fair value for a full outing from Praslin. It is not the cheapest way to spend a day in the Seychelles, especially after adding the separate 20 euro Curieuse fee, but it combines several activities that would cost more to arrange independently.

The schedule is described as six hours, while the detailed timing and past experiences suggest the day can run closer to seven hours. Allow flexibility. Island trips depend on boat loading, walking pace, weather, and sea conditions.

Morning pickup and the speedboat across the lagoon

Pickup begins around 8:45 in the covered areas. The operator serves parts of Baie-Ste-Anne, Grand-Anse, Amitie, St. Joseph, and Anse Volbert. You may be collected from your accommodation if it falls within the service area, or asked to meet at Berjaya Praslin Resort or Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.

The boat leaves around 9:15. It is a speedboat, so the ride is part of the experience rather than a quiet ferry crossing. You will receive a safety briefing before setting off. The open water, bright lagoon, and views of the surrounding islands make the crossing memorable, but a speedboat can also feel bouncy when the sea is up.

If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the crew advises and keep your belongings secure. A small, soft bag is easier to manage than a large daypack, especially once you start walking on Curieuse.

Meeting Curieuse’s Aldabra giant tortoises

Arrival is at Baie Laraie on Curieuse. The first major stop is the giant tortoise area, where you can see Aldabra tortoises in their natural island setting. These animals are one of the strongest reasons to choose Curieuse over a simple beach excursion.

The tortoises are impressive because of their size and calm behavior. They are not a quick roadside sighting. The guide usually has time to explain their habits and the work involved in protecting them. Reynold has received particular praise for introducing people to the tortoises and sharing useful information. Mario has also been singled out for making the day friendly and informative.

Bring your camera, but do not let photography turn the stop into a rushed checklist. The value is in watching the animals move, feed, and interact with their surroundings. You may also see island birds and other wildlife along the way, though no specific animal sighting can be promised.

The Curieuse landing fee is not included. You pay 20 euros per person, listed as roughly 300 Seychelles rupees, and payment is by card only. Keep that detail in mind before leaving Praslin.

Walking through mangroves toward Anse José

After the tortoises, a licensed guide accompanies you on the trail. A water bottle of 750 milliliters is provided for the walk, but you should still arrive well protected from the sun.

The mangrove section is one of the most distinctive parts of the day. Boardwalks and trails lead through a coastal ecosystem that feels quite different from the open beach. Your guide can explain the plants, animals, and conservation work connected with the island.

The route toward Anse José includes rocky steps and uneven ground. One past account describes the walk from the area near Doctor’s House toward the beach as difficult in flip-flops, and that is useful advice. Wear comfortable shoes with a secure sole. The walk can be around 2 kilometers up and down, depending on the route and pace.

This is not a demanding mountain hike, but it is not a flat stroll either. People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users are not considered suitable for the trip. If you dislike walking in heat or on uneven ground, the island portion may feel long.

Some schedules allow substantial time for the tortoise area and trail. That is good if you want nature and explanation, but less appealing if your main goal is snorkeling. A few people would prefer less beach time on Curieuse and another water stop. You should choose this excursion for its balance, not as a dedicated snorkeling charter.

A generous Creole BBQ on the beach

Lunch is planned for around noon, after the morning walk. The crew prepares a beachside BBQ with a mix of grilled chicken, fish, sausage, and prawn kebabs. Lentils, garlic bread, salads, tropical fruit, and other local Creole dishes round out the meal.

Vegetarian options are available, though the stated menu is centered on grilled meat and seafood. If you have a strict dietary need, confirm the details before booking rather than assuming the standard spread will suit you.

The food is one of the most consistently praised parts of the outing. Past meals have been described as plentiful, fresh, and better than expected. That matters on an island day, since you will have already spent the morning walking in the sun.

Soft drinks, water, and Seybrew local beer are included. The cold beer is a welcome touch after the trail, while the water is useful during the walk. You should still bring extra snacks if you tend to get hungry early. Lunch is not until around midday, and one person specifically advised packing something small to eat beforehand.

Beach time at Anse José

After eating, you have time around Anse José. This is your chance to swim, relax on the sand, take photographs, or simply stop moving for a while.

The beach break helps keep the day from feeling like a nonstop schedule. You have already seen tortoises and mangroves, so this is a useful pause before the afternoon boat ride. The water is described as clear, and you may be able to snorkel from the beach.

One useful tip is to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment may be provided, but the supplied mouthpiece may not appeal to everyone. One past participant found a good snorkeling area roughly 60 meters offshore near the Curieuse lunch beach, though conditions and access can vary.

Do not expect the beach stop to be completely private or empty. Curieuse is a popular island excursion destination, and the experience depends on how many boats are visiting. Still, the combination of beach, wildlife, and mangroves gives the island more substance than a standard sand-and-sea stop.

Snorkeling around St. Pierre Island

The boat usually leaves Curieuse around 2:00 for St. Pierre, arriving near 2:30. St. Pierre is a small, photogenic island with granite boulders, palms, and clear water around its edges. The snorkeling sites are intended to show you coral, tropical fish, and other sea life. Past outings have included sightings of sea turtles, and one group even saw a whale shark from the boat, though wildlife encounters are never guaranteed.

A crew member may enter the water with the group, giving you someone to follow toward the better areas. That is helpful if you are not familiar with the site or want guidance on where to look.

Sea conditions are the key variable. The southeast monsoon runs from May through October, and the water around St. Pierre can be rough during that period. If conditions are unsafe or uncomfortable, the crew may move the snorkeling to Anse Petit Cours, a calmer bay. This is a sensible change, but it may mean the exact scenery and marine life differ from the original plan.

In some cases, snorkeling may be shortened or canceled because of current or wind. The crew may offer an extra boat ride or another scenic stop instead. That flexibility is a positive safety choice, but you should not book the tour expecting guaranteed reef conditions every time.

Guides, group size, and the feel of the day

Guide quality can shape this excursion. Reynold is often praised for contacting people before the trip, arranging pickup details, answering questions, and keeping an eye on the group. Mario has also been praised for his friendly manner and clear explanations. Other accounts describe a helpful crew and smooth transport.

The experience can be small-group, though the exact group size may vary. One past outing had only five participants, while another reference allows for around 10 to 12 people. A smaller group makes the boat ride, wildlife stop, and snorkeling easier to manage, but you should not assume you will have the boat to yourself.

English and French are offered. The guide accompanies you on the Curieuse trail, rather than simply dropping you at the beach and leaving you to find your way.

What the $85 price really covers

At $85, this is a practical way to bundle the main costs of a Curieuse and St. Pierre outing. You receive selected-area hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat transport, a guide, lunch, drinks, and two snorkeling opportunities.

The BBQ alone would be a useful part of the day, but the real value comes from avoiding separate arrangements for boat transport, island access, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling. You also get a crew familiar with the route and able to change the snorkeling location when the sea turns rough.

The extra landing fee reduces the headline value slightly. Since it is card only, make sure you can pay it at Curieuse. The trip also makes less sense if you only want a few hours on the water, since the Curieuse walk takes a meaningful part of the day.

For a first visit to Praslin, I think the price is reasonable for the amount included. It suits someone who wants a full day of variety rather than the lowest possible boat fare.

What to pack for this particular excursion

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. The shoes are especially important. Rocky paths and steps make flip-flops a poor choice for the Curieuse walk.

Pack light. You will carry your belongings on and off the speedboat and along the island trail. A small waterproof bag is useful for protecting phones and cameras, though a waterproof bag is not specifically supplied.

I would also bring a small snack, an extra layer if you are sensitive to wind on the boat, and personal snorkeling equipment if you prefer not to share a provided mouthpiece. The operator supplies a 750-milliliter bottle of water for the trail, plus drinks with lunch.

Who should book this Praslin boat trip?

I recommend it most strongly if you want to combine wildlife, a guided nature walk, a good lunch, swimming, and snorkeling in one day. Families with older children, couples, first-time Seychelles visitors, and anyone staying in the listed pickup areas should find the format convenient.

It is less suitable for wheelchair users or anyone with limited mobility. It may also disappoint a serious snorkeler who wants long, uninterrupted time on the reef. Sea conditions can change the site, and part of the day is devoted to walking and beach time.

The trip works well for people who appreciate a guide. If you want to explore alone and set every minute yourself, a private charter may be a better fit. If you want the crew to handle the route, lunch, wildlife stop, and water activities, this outing keeps the day simple.

Should you book Curieuse and St. Pierre?

Yes, if you want one well-rounded island day from Praslin. The strongest parts are the close look at Aldabra tortoises, the mangrove trail, the plentiful Creole BBQ, and the friendly help associated with guides such as Reynold and Mario.

Book with realistic expectations. Pay the separate Curieuse fee by card, wear proper walking shoes, bring a snack, and understand that St. Pierre snorkeling depends on the sea. If you accept those limits, the $85 price gives you a lot: transport, food, wildlife, beach time, and two possible snorkeling stops in one outing.

FAQ

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

The activity is advertised as six hours, with the detailed schedule running from about 8:45 AM pickup to approximately 3:30 PM return. In practice, allow roughly six to seven hours.

Where does pickup take place on Praslin?

Pickup is available in certain parts of Baie-Ste-Anne, Grand-Anse, Amitie, St. Joseph, and Anse Volbert. Meeting points include Berjaya Praslin Resort and Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes, hotel transport is included for certain areas of Praslin, including Baie-Ste-Anne, Grand-Anse, Amitie, St. Joseph, and Anse Volbert.

Is the Curieuse landing fee included?

No. You must pay a 20 euro landing fee per person on arrival at Curieuse. Payment is by card only.

What food is served for lunch?

The Creole BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawn kebabs, lentils, garlic bread, salads, and tropical fruit. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks, water, and local Seybrew beer are included. A 750-milliliter bottle of water is provided for the Curieuse trail.

What happens if the sea is rough at St. Pierre?

The snorkeling location may be changed to Anse Petit Cours, where conditions are calmer. In poor conditions, the water activity may be shortened or replaced with an extra boat ride or another scenic stop.

Is the trip suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments because the Curieuse route includes walking on uneven and rocky ground.