Cousin Curieuse and St Pierre & BBQ Lunch

Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre give you three very different island experiences in one day: bird conservation, giant tortoises, and coral reef snorkeling. The small speedboat carries no more than 10 people, so you get a more personal outing than on a large sightseeing boat.

I especially like the wildlife focus and the generous mix of activities. You walk with a guide on Cousin, meet Aldabra giant tortoises on Curieuse, eat a Creole BBQ, and finish with time in the water at St Pierre. The main caution is the exposed boat ride. Rough seas and heavy rain can make the trip unpleasant, especially for young children or anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points at a glance

• Three islands, three different stops: Cousin for birds and conservation, Curieuse for tortoises and mangroves, and St Pierre for snorkeling.
• Small group boat: The speedboat is limited to 10 participants, with pickup from selected areas of Praslin.
• A proper island day: You get a guided walk, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and a BBQ lunch.
• Bring extra money: Cousin and Curieuse charge separate landing fees, and the supplied information gives conflicting Cousin fee figures, so confirm the current amount before departure.
• Best for active visitors: You need to manage boat movement, beach landings, walking, and a 45-minute mangrove hike.
• Weather matters: The boat offers little shelter from strong rain, and poor sea conditions can affect the day.

Why this island combination works

At $155 per person, this is not a cheap boat outing. It can still be good value if you want a full day that combines guided nature visits, lunch, drinks, equipment, and several island stops without arranging separate trips.

The appeal is variety. Cousin is not simply a beach stop. It is known for bird conservation, native wildlife, coral reefs, beaches, and thick vegetation. Curieuse shifts the focus to giant tortoises, mangroves, and conservation. St Pierre then gives you a short, simple snorkeling stop rather than another long walk.

That variety keeps the day moving. You are not spending seven hours doing the same thing, though the schedule is full and the boat rides can be bumpy.

The group limit of 10 is useful. A smaller boat usually means less waiting when the group moves between the boat, beach, trail, and lunch area. It also gives you a better chance to hear the English or French speaking guide during the island walks.

No guide names are supplied for this activity, so you should not expect a particular named guide. The guide is there to lead the visits, explain plants and wildlife, provide a safety briefing, and help the group understand the islands’ conservation work.

Starting from Praslin at 9:15 AM

Pickup is offered in Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert on Praslin. Confirm the exact meeting point and pickup time for your area, since the service is not described as island-wide.

The trip begins at about 9:15 AM from the Côte d’Or area, with the speedboat heading first toward Cousin. A speedboat saves time compared with a slower vessel, which matters when you are trying to fit three islands into seven hours.

It also means you feel the sea more. The boat is described as an exciting and potentially bumpy ride, and it has limited protection from rain. Wear quick-dry clothing, pack a waterproof bag, and keep your phone and camera protected.

If the forecast looks poor, ask about the operator’s plan before leaving. One family’s trip was badly affected by strong rain and rough water. They waited offshore at Cousin for roughly 20 to 30 minutes because the transfer boat did not arrive, then returned without visiting the island. The BBQ was still good, but the day was a poor fit for their four-year-old child.

That is a serious practical point, not a minor complaint. This trip should be treated as a weather-dependent sea outing, not a guaranteed calm cruise.

Cousin Island and its conservation work

Cousin is the first major stop, with roughly three hours scheduled on or around the island. The visit can include a guided tour, walking, hiking, swimming, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and time for photographs.

The island is best understood as a conservation visit with a beach and reef attached. Its appeal comes from birdlife, sea turtles, vegetation, and the chance to see wildlife in a protected setting. You may find the walk more interesting than simply stopping for a swim, especially if you enjoy seeing how an island’s plants and animals fit together.

The guide adds real value here. Rather than wandering around without context, you get an explanation of the island’s animals and conservation work. Bring binoculars if birds are a priority, and keep your camera ready for wildlife and coastal views.

There is one annoying but important detail: mosquitoes can be a problem on Cousin. Light-colored clothing and biodegradable insect repellent are sensible choices. Long, breathable clothing may help more than relying on sunscreen alone.

Landing arrangements are part of the adventure. The boat may not pull directly onto a normal harbor, and island transfers can depend on sea conditions and local boats. Follow the crew’s instructions and expect wet feet or an awkward beach landing.

The island’s landing fee is not included. The information supplied lists Cousin at 40 euros, equivalent to SCR 600, in one place, but later says 60 euros per person. That conflict should be settled with Loyalty Boat Charter before you go. Carry a debit card, as the instructions specifically say you need one for payment.

Curieuse, a BBQ, and giant tortoises

After Cousin, the boat heads to Curieuse, arriving at about 1:00 PM. This is the lunch and tortoise portion of the outing, and it gives the day a slower middle section.

The Creole BBQ is included, along with water, soft drinks, and local beer. You are not being sent ashore to find your own meal, which is useful on an island day with a tight schedule. The available information does not provide a full menu, so do not book this expecting a particular dish beyond the stated BBQ.

Curieuse is closely associated with the protection of Aldabra giant tortoises. The visit includes a guided tour to see them in their natural setting, along with an approximately 45-minute walk into a mangrove swamp and a visit to Anse Badamier.

This is where comfortable footwear earns its place. Sandals may work for the beach, but water shoes or sturdy walking shoes are more useful for mixed sand, uneven ground, and the mangrove walk. You should also carry a towel and change of clothes if you plan to swim.

The tortoises are the clear star for many people, but Curieuse is more than a photo stop. The mangroves show a different side of island life, with wetland habitat alongside beach and forest. The guide’s explanation of the ecosystem and conservation work helps connect the tortoises to the wider setting.

The Curieuse landing fee is extra and is listed as 20 euros, equivalent to SCR 300. Bring the required payment card and confirm the total fees before departure. When you add both island charges to the $155 tour price, the actual cost is noticeably higher than the advertised base price.

The schedule allows about one hour and 45 minutes at Curieuse. That is enough for lunch, some walking, and the tortoise visit, but you should not expect a long, unhurried exploration of every trail.

St Pierre for a short reef stop

The final island stop is St Pierre, scheduled at roughly 2:45 PM, with about 35 minutes for snorkeling. This is a compact visit, but it breaks up the land activities with time in the sea.

Snorkeling gear is included, which saves you from renting a mask and fins separately. Bring your own goggles or equipment if you have gear that fits you well, but the supplied equipment should cover the basic activity.

The stop is intended for seeing coral reefs and marine life. You might find the short time perfectly adequate for a quick swim and reef look, but it is not a full snorkeling session. Strong swimmers may wish it lasted longer, while less confident swimmers may appreciate that it is brief.

Use biodegradable sunscreen, and apply it before boarding where possible. Pack a waterproof camera only if it is rated for water use, and keep your belongings in a waterproof bag. The boat, beach, and snorkeling areas all create easy opportunities for phones and wallets to get wet.

The crew provides a safety briefing, but you remain responsible for judging your comfort in the water. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the guide what support is available before entering.

The boat, group size, and comfort

The small-group format is one of the strongest parts of this trip. With a maximum of 10 participants, the group should be easier to organize than a large excursion, and the guide can spend more time answering questions.

The tradeoff is comfort. A small speedboat gives you faster transfers and a closer-to-the-water experience, but it leaves you more exposed to spray, wind, sun, and rain. This is not the right choice if you want a covered cabin or a gentle ride.

People prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. Take whatever normal precautions you use, and avoid arriving tired, dehydrated, or without a proper breakfast. The operator specifically lists seasickness as a concern.

The trip is also unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, visually impaired people, hearing-impaired people, people with insect allergies, babies under one year, and people over 80 or over 95 according to the supplied restrictions. The age wording is unusual, so families and older visitors should confirm suitability directly.

Leave bulky luggage behind. Large bags, oversize luggage, strollers, non-folding wheelchairs, bikes, scooters, skateboards, and similar items are not allowed. Jeans, high heels, boots, jewelry, glass objects, and military-style clothing are also listed as unsuitable or prohibited.

What to pack for this exact day

You will be more comfortable if you pack for four conditions: sun, salt water, insects, and a moving boat.

Bring:

• Sunscreen, preferably biodegradable
• A sun hat, sunglasses, and breathable clothing
• Swimwear, a towel, and quick-dry clothes
• Comfortable shoes or water shoes
• Biodegradable insect repellent
• A waterproof bag for valuables
• A charged smartphone or waterproof camera
• Binoculars if birds are a priority
• A debit card for the island landing fees
• Any snorkeling items you strongly prefer to use yourself

Skip the jewelry and anything that cannot handle water or spray. Keep your belongings compact, since large bags are not accepted.

You should also bring drinking water and snacks even though water and drinks are provided. The day is active, and you may want something between the scheduled lunch and the return to Praslin.

Who will get the most from this tour

I would choose this trip if you want a wildlife-first day and like changing activities often. It suits couples, friends, and active families with older children who can handle a boat ride, a guided walk, heat, insects, and snorkeling.

It is especially good for someone who wants more than a beach cruise. Cousin offers conservation and birds, Curieuse offers tortoises and mangroves, and St Pierre adds a short reef stop. The guide, BBQ, drinks, and snorkeling gear reduce the number of arrangements you need to make yourself.

I would hesitate if you are traveling with a very young child, get seasick, need easy access, or want a relaxed day under cover. The poor-weather experience described above shows that the operator may continue in conditions that feel frightening to a small child, so check the forecast and ask about postponement options.

The trip also may not suit serious snorkelers. Thirty-five minutes at St Pierre is enough for a taste, not a long session. If snorkeling is your main goal, look for a trip built around several reef stops.

Is $155 a fair price?

The price makes sense if you use the whole package. You receive selected Praslin pickup, a seven-hour speedboat outing, a tour guide, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, water, local beer, snorkeling equipment, and visits to three islands.

But the extra landing fees matter. At the stated Curieuse fee of 20 euros and the conflicting Cousin figure of either 40 or 60 euros, you need to budget beyond the headline price. Ask for the current Cousin charge before booking, since the difference is large enough to affect your decision.

The value is strongest when you want convenience and variety. You would otherwise need to organize a boat, island access, meals, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and guides separately. The value is weaker if you mainly want a calm boat ride or a long beach stay.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make the planning less rigid. Still, those policies do not remove the weather concern. Ask how bad conditions are handled before you commit, particularly if children are joining you.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if Cousin’s birds, Curieuse’s giant tortoises, and a short St Pierre snorkel appeal equally to you. The small group, guided nature visits, included lunch, and three-island format create a full and varied day from Praslin.

Think twice if rain is forecast, your group includes a young child, or anyone gets seasick. Confirm the pickup point, the current landing fees, and the operator’s bad-weather policy before paying. With those details clear, this is a strong choice for active nature lovers who want to see several sides of the Seychelles in one day.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

Pickup is available from selected areas of Praslin: Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert. The stated departure from the Côte d’Or area is about 9:15 AM.

How long does the activity last?

The full boat trip lasts about seven hours. Return to Côte d’Or is scheduled for approximately 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Cousin Island, Curieuse Island, and St Pierre Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included, along with soft drinks, water, and local beer.

Are island entrance fees included?

No. Landing fees for Cousin and Curieuse are extra. Curieuse is listed at 20 euros, equivalent to SCR 300. The supplied Cousin information lists both 40 euros and 60 euros per person, so confirm the current amount before departure.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

How many people are in the group?

The activity is limited to 10 participants.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing, swimwear, and comfortable shoes or water shoes. Light-colored clothing can help reduce mosquito bites on Cousin.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. Non-folding wheelchairs and strollers are not allowed.