Praslin: Curieuse & St. Pierre Full-Day Boat Trip with Lunch

Curieuse and St. Pierre pack the best of a Seychelles day into one trip: clear-water snorkeling, free-roaming giant tortoises, a beach BBQ, and a guided walk through mangroves. You move between islands by speedboat, so the day feels active without becoming a race from one stop to the next.

I like the way the tour combines wildlife with time in the water, and I like the guides’ friendly, personal style. Jason, Ryan, Francis, and other crew members are often singled out for explaining island plants, animals, and local life while keeping the group laughing. The main catch is that this is a full outdoor day, with boat spray, sun, a 1.7-kilometer walk, and weather that can change plans.

The $93 price is strong value for a seven-hour outing that includes transfers, a guide, boat transport, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and soft drinks. You still need to pay the 20 EUR Curieuse park ticket by credit card, and pickup is not available from several remote areas of Praslin.

Key points at a glance

• Two snorkeling stops at St. Pierre: Look for parrotfish, surgeonfish, clownfish, surgeonfish, turtles, stingrays, and other reef life.
• Free-roaming giant tortoises on Curieuse: The sanctuary is one of the day’s most memorable stops, especially for families with older children and wildlife fans.
• Creole-style BBQ lunch: Expect fresh island ingredients, with fish, chicken, rice, salads, and soft drinks.
• A 1.7-kilometer mangrove walk: The guided route links Curieuse’s sanctuary area with a beautiful beach and includes time for a swim.
• Small-boat atmosphere: Some departures use a smaller boat, and groups can be as small as around 10 people, though the exact size may vary.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off: Shared transfers save you the trouble of arranging transport to Grand Anse, but remote parts of Praslin need a separate meeting point.

Why this Praslin boat trip works so well

Many island excursions offer either snorkeling or a land visit. This one gives you both, with enough variety to keep the day moving. You start in the water, spend the middle of the day with tortoises and lunch, then walk through Curieuse’s mangrove forest before returning by boat.

That order makes sense. The sea time comes while you are fresh, and the slower island walk follows lunch. You are not spending seven hours on a boat with only one short stop. You get several different views of the Seychelles: open water, small beaches, coral areas, mangroves, and dry island woodland.

The crew also adds a human touch. Guides named Jason, Ryan, Francis, Alex, Nelson, and others have led different departures, so you cannot request a particular person with certainty unless the operator confirms it. Still, the strongest pattern is clear: guides explain what you are seeing, keep an eye on people in the water, and adjust the plan when wind or rain changes conditions.

Music on the boat and a relaxed crew give the trip a social feel. That will suit you if you enjoy a lively group outing. If you want a quiet, private cruise with no shared pickup or boat, this is not that kind of day.

From Grand Anse to the west coast by speedboat

The day begins with pickup from your accommodation, followed by a transfer to Grand Anse Main Beach. Pickup is shared, so be ready at the stated place and time. Hotels in Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin, Anse Possession, and Anse La Blague are not covered by standard pickup, and some remote properties also need a nearby meeting point.

At Grand Anse, you check in and receive a short safety briefing. Then you board the speedboat and head along Praslin’s west coast. The ride itself is part of the appeal. You feel the salt air, see the shoreline from offshore, and get the quick, open-water feeling that a road transfer cannot provide.

The boat is described as comfortable, and some departures use a smaller craft. A small boat can make the day feel more personal, but remember that a speedboat is still exposed to sun, spray, and wind. Wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your camera and phone protected.

A stop at Anse Georgette adds a beach break before the longer snorkeling section. This secluded white-sand beach is used for a refreshing swim, so it gives you a chance to stretch, cool off, and enjoy the water without rushing straight from one activity to another.

St. Pierre’s snorkeling stops

St. Pierre is an uninhabited island, and the boat makes two snorkeling stops in the area. The total snorkeling portion is listed at about one hour, although the exact time and locations can change with sea conditions.

The water is the star here. You may see tropical fish around coral formations, including parrotfish, surgeonfish, and clownfish. Reports from specific outings also include sea turtles and stingrays, but these are wildlife sightings, not guarantees. Bring your camera if it is suited to water, though you may find that simply keeping your mask clear and following the guide is more rewarding than trying to photograph every fish.

One useful detail is that the crew watches the group in the water and helps keep people engaged. That matters in an open-water setting, especially if you are not a confident swimmer. You should still be comfortable entering the sea and swimming with snorkeling equipment, since this is not a sightseeing cruise where you remain on the boat.

The condition of the reef can vary. One outing described the reef as damaged but still full of fish, so set realistic expectations. You are likely to see marine life, but you should not expect a perfect wall of untouched coral at every stop. Wind and currents can also lead the captain to change the snorkeling route. That flexibility is a plus when conditions are less than ideal, but it means the exact stops are not fixed.

Snorkeling gear is included, which improves the value. You only need to bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Sandals are useful for the shore, while comfortable shoes are better for Curieuse.

Meeting Curieuse’s giant tortoises

Curieuse is the emotional center of the day. Hundreds of giant tortoises roam in an unspoiled setting, and seeing them at close range is more memorable than viewing wildlife behind a distant fence. You have time to watch, photograph, and learn about the animals before or around lunch.

The tortoises are used to people, and some outings include feeding or gently touching them. Follow the guide’s instructions, especially around food and handling. A little patience works better than crowding the largest animal in sight. If you want to feed the tortoises, bring extra bananas only if the guide or park rules allow it. Do not assume outside food is permitted.

This stop also gives the guide room to explain Curieuse’s ecosystem and the role of the island’s plants and mangroves. The best guides connect what you see to the wider Seychelles, rather than simply pointing out an animal and moving on. Jason, Ryan, and Francis are particularly praised for making those explanations clear, entertaining, and easy to follow.

The park entry ticket is not included. Budget an additional 20 EUR, payable by credit card on Curieuse. Bring that card with you, since the islands have no shops, restaurants, or hotel facilities. There is no useful place to buy forgotten sunscreen, snacks, or drinks once you leave Praslin.

A beach BBQ with island flavors

Lunch is served on Curieuse and forms a relaxed pause between the tortoise visit and the hike. The BBQ uses fresh products sourced from the islands, with the menu described through outings as including grilled fish, chicken, rice, salads, and other sides. Grilled barracuda has appeared on some days.

This is not a formal restaurant meal. It is a simple beach lunch, but the setting and fresh cooking make it feel special. Soft drinks are included, and the food has a Creole character rather than being a generic packed lunch.

The meal has earned unusually strong praise, with visitors describing it as flavorful, well presented, and generous enough for an active day. Expect the menu to vary, since the exact fish and sides depend on what is available. If you have strict dietary needs, ask the operator in advance rather than assuming the BBQ can be changed.

There are no shops on Curieuse, so do not count on buying a coffee or extra snack. Carry a refillable bottle if you need more water than the tour provides. A small dry bag is also useful for keeping valuables safe around the beach and boat.

The 1.7-kilometer mangrove walk

After lunch, you take a guided walk through Curieuse’s mangrove forest. The route is 1.7 kilometers and leads toward an idyllic beach where you can swim. It is not a mountain trek, but it is still a real walk on an island trail, often in warm and humid conditions.

This is where comfortable shoes matter. Sandals may be fine for the beach, but sturdy footwear will give you better support along the forest route. People with low fitness, mobility limits, back or heart problems may find the walk and boat transfers unsuitable. The activity is also not recommended for wheelchair users, visually impaired people, pregnant women, children under three, or people over 70.

The guide makes the walk more than a transfer from one beach to another. You can expect explanations about mangroves, local plants, wildlife, and Seychelles history, with scenic views along the way. The pace is designed to allow stops, and one outing completed the walk in about an hour at a very slow pace with explanations.

At the beach, the swim is a welcome reward. You can cool off, rinse away the trail heat, and enjoy the scenery before returning to the boat. Bring a towel and sunscreen, and keep a dry change of clothes in your bag if you dislike traveling back in damp swimwear.

The return ride and what the schedule means

The return journey takes you back toward Grand Anse, with the guide pointing out sights and sharing more local background along the way. Once the boat reaches Grand Anse Main Beach, a car transfer takes you back to your accommodation.

The listed duration is seven hours, so this is a substantial part of your day rather than a quick morning outing. The schedule generally gives you about one hour for the St. Pierre snorkeling section, three hours for the Curieuse visit and lunch, and two hours for the wider Curieuse walk, beach time, and wildlife viewing. Exact timings can shift with sea conditions, group pace, and weather.

That flexibility is important in the Seychelles. Heavy rain can cancel the tour, and the provider makes that decision early on the day of departure. Wind can also alter the snorkeling route. The crew has been described as working with backup plans, which is reassuring, but no boat trip can promise the same water conditions every day.

Is $93 good value?

At $93 per person, the package covers a lot: shared hotel transfers, a guide, a speedboat tour, snorkeling equipment, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, the Curieuse mangrove walk, and several major island sights. You also avoid arranging separate transport, boat hire, park access, snorkeling gear, and lunch on your own.

The extra 20 EUR park fee reduces the all-in value slightly, but the overall price remains reasonable for a seven-hour excursion with two islands and a meal. You are paying for convenience as much as for the boat ride. That matters on Praslin, where organizing separate trips can eat into your holiday time.

The value is strongest if you want one active day that covers wildlife, beaches, snorkeling, and local food. It is weaker if you plan to spend the day quietly on one beach, dislike group outings, or already have private boat arrangements.

Who should book this day?

I would choose this tour if you want a first taste of the Praslin area and prefer a ready-made plan. It suits couples, active families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and anyone who wants to see giant tortoises without giving up time in the sea.

You should be comfortable with a boat, swimming, sun, and a 1.7-kilometer walk. The tour is not suitable for children under three, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with significant mobility or back problems, people with heart problems, people with low fitness, or anyone over 70 according to the stated restrictions.

Pack light but practical:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and beachwear
• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• A camera in a waterproof pouch
• A credit card for the 20 EUR park ticket
• Any personal snacks or extra water you may need

Book early in your Praslin stay if possible. That gives you a chance to reschedule other plans if heavy rain cancels the trip, though the free cancellation deadline is 24 hours before departure for a full refund.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip?

Yes, if you want the most varied full-day outing from Praslin and are happy with a shared, weather-dependent boat trip. The combination is hard to beat: snorkeling around St. Pierre, swimming at Anse Georgette, seeing giant tortoises on Curieuse, eating grilled island food, and walking through mangroves.

I would skip it only if you need private transport, cannot manage the walk or boat, or want guaranteed snorkeling conditions. For everyone else, the strong guiding, careful timing, good BBQ, and wide range of experiences make this one of the better uses of a day on Praslin. The tortoises are the headline, but the complete mix is what makes the outing worth booking.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts seven hours, including transfers, boat travel, snorkeling, the Curieuse visit, lunch, the mangrove walk, and the return transfer to your accommodation.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, speedboat transport, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a guided mangrove hike.

Is the Curieuse park ticket included?

No. A 20 EUR park ticket is payable by credit card on Curieuse.

Where does the tour begin?

The boat portion begins at Grand Anse Main Beach on Praslin. Pickup from your accommodation is included when your location is within the available pickup area.

Is pickup available everywhere on Praslin?

No. Standard pickup is not available in Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin, Anse Possession, or Anse La Blague. Some remote hotels also do not have pickup, so you must contact the operator for the nearest meeting point.

How long is the mangrove hike?

The guided mangrove route is 1.7 kilometers.

What happens if it rains heavily?

The tour is canceled in heavy rain. Because conditions can change quickly, the provider decides early on the day of the trip whether it will operate and informs you of the decision.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately.