Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Curieuse’s giant tortoises are the main event here, and they are wonderfully easy to see. At the Ranger’s Station in Laraie Bay, you can watch these gentle animals roam, feed them, and take close-up photos before walking through mangroves and forest toward a beautiful beach. Guides such as Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, and Audrey have earned praise for clear explanations and good humor.

I like the way this trip combines wildlife and a proper island walk rather than reducing Curieuse to a quick photo stop. I also like the practical package: hotel pickup, water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and one beer for each adult are included. The main caution is St. Pierre: snorkeling conditions can be choppy, the coral may be less impressive than expected, and the activity is not closely guided, so confident swimmers will get more from it.

Key points to know before you book

• Giant tortoises roam near Laraie Bay, giving you close views and excellent photo chances.
• The Curieuse walk covers about 2.5 kilometers, with mangroves, coco de mer palms, wildlife, beaches, and viewpoints.
• St. Pierre snorkeling lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, with equipment supplied on the boat.
• Hotel transfers from Praslin are included, usually 10 to 45 minutes before departure.
• The $56 price is useful but not all-inclusive, since a €20 island tax applies to each person aged 12 and over, and lunch costs extra.
• This is not a wheelchair-accessible outing, and the snorkeling suits stronger swimmers best.

Why Curieuse makes this more than a boat ride

Many island excursions around Praslin offer a beach and a quick swim. This one gives you a proper reason to go ashore. Curieuse is known for its giant tortoises, but the island also rewards you with a short naturalist walk through mangroves, forest, and coastal scenery.

You start at Laraie Bay, where the tortoises are the obvious stars. The population here is described as the second largest in Seychelles, and the animals are not confined to a distant enclosure. You can see them moving around the Ranger’s Station, getting close to the fence, and in some places roaming freely. Feeding and touching rules should always be followed as directed by the guide, but the chance to see these slow, friendly creatures at close range is a real highlight.

I would allow time simply to watch them. The best part is not just taking one picture beside a tortoise. It is seeing the different sizes, noticing how calmly they move, and watching smaller animals among the adults. Several parts of the day are built around photography, so bring a camera or a waterproof phone case.

The island also has a striking plant life. The walk includes mangrove ecosystems and coco de mer trees, two details that give the stop more depth than a standard beach outing. Your guide may point out birds, colorful crabs, and other wildlife along the route. Guides including Mario and Benjamin have been praised for explaining local plants, animals, island life, and environmental protection in a clear way.

The morning schedule from Praslin to Curieuse

Pickup takes place around 10 to 45 minutes before departure, with another description giving a 10 to 30 minute window. That means you should be ready early and keep your phone available for pickup details. Transfers are included from locations on Praslin, and the van ride to the boat departure point takes about 30 minutes in the general itinerary.

The boat leaves from Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning. Before setting off, the crew gives a safety briefing and welcomes you aboard. The boat cruises at about 25 knots, reaching Curieuse at roughly 9:40.

That fast ride matters because it leaves most of the day for the island and the water. It also means you should secure hats, towels, and loose belongings before the boat gets moving. A waterproof bag is a sensible addition, especially if you plan to carry a phone, camera, or dry clothes.

The exact order of the Curieuse activities can vary. The planned morning block runs from about 10:00 to 12:00, but the broader schedule also includes free time, refreshments, swimming, and sightseeing on the island. Treat the printed times as a useful outline rather than a minute-by-minute promise.

Walking Curieuse: mangroves, beach, and coco de mer

The guided nature walk is around one hour within a longer Curieuse stop. Other descriptions place the full walk at about 2.5 kilometers, continuing toward Anse José Beach. This is not a hard mountain trek, but you should still wear sports shoes or waterproof shoes rather than flimsy sandals.

The route gives you several types of scenery in a short distance. You may move from shaded mangrove areas to open coastal views, then on toward a beach with clear water. The changes make the walk interesting, and the guide helps you notice details you might otherwise miss, especially smaller creatures and plant species.

The coco de mer trees add a distinctive Seychelles touch. These palms are one of the island’s memorable natural features, and seeing them in their own setting is more rewarding than simply hearing their name in a guidebook. Bring binoculars if you care about birds, though the tour does not promise particular species.

At some point, you will have time to swim or relax. One of the nicest details of the schedule is that Curieuse is not treated as a hurried transfer between boat and snorkeling stop. You can sit on the sand, take photographs, watch the tortoises, or cool off in the water.

The tradeoff is that this open schedule can feel loose. If you prefer constant activity, you might find the waiting and free time longer than necessary. One visitor felt there was too much hanging around on the island, while others appreciated having enough time to enjoy the beach. I would choose this trip for an unhurried day, not for a packed list of attractions.

Food, drinks, and the extra costs

Lunch is not included in the $56 price. A beach BBQ is available for an additional €20 per person, or you can bring your own food, snacks, and refreshments.

The self-catering option is useful if you want to control the cost or have particular dietary needs. Pack food that handles heat well, and keep it in a secure waterproof bag. The provided information also lists water, soft drinks, and one beer per adult as included. Some accounts of the day also note snacks and plenty of drinks, but you should still bring food if you do not plan to pay for the BBQ.

There is also an island tax of €20 per person for anyone aged 12 and over. That changes the real cost considerably. At the advertised $56, this can still be good value for a full seven-hour excursion with transfers and equipment, but you should calculate the total before comparing it with other Praslin boat trips.

The value is strongest if you use the full package: pickup, Curieuse access, guided walking, tortoises, drinks, and St. Pierre snorkeling. It is less compelling if you mainly want a long snorkeling session, since the water time at St. Pierre is about one hour and can be shorter in practice.

St. Pierre Marine Park and the snorkeling stop

The boat leaves Curieuse around 1:30 in the afternoon and reaches St. Pierre Marine Park at about 2:00. St. Pierre is a small island that you view from the water, not a place where you walk ashore. Its rocky shape and bright sea make a fine setting for photographs before you get into the water.

Snorkeling equipment is provided on board. The planned session is one hour, although one account places the actual time closer to 45 minutes. That is enough for a good look if conditions cooperate, but it is not a long marine-life expedition.

The experience is mixed, and this is where I would set realistic expectations. Some outings have produced sea turtles, rays, baby sharks, and plenty of fish. Other conditions have offered less to see, with weaker coral and limited marine life. Water movement can also make the stop feel risky for anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

The snorkeling is described as unguided. The crew may help you get ready, but you should not expect a detailed lesson or a guide swimming beside you and identifying every fish. If you are new to snorkeling, do not rely on the trip alone to teach you. Practice beforehand, tell the crew about your comfort level, and use the provided equipment carefully.

One concern is safety support. A four-star account specifically noted that less confident swimmers may struggle to enter the water without stronger assistance. If you cannot swim well, or if you want calm, closely supervised water activity, this may not be the right choice.

For capable swimmers, St. Pierre can be a fine final stop. The water is clear, the island views are attractive, and sightings can be memorable. Just do not book this trip solely for coral quality. Sea conditions and visibility decide much of the result.

The guides and the feel of the day

The human side of this outing receives especially strong praise. Benjamin is frequently singled out for clear speech, humor, and lively explanations. Mario is noted for his information about nature and environmental care, while Arnold, Brandon, Audrey, and Axel are also described as attentive and friendly.

That matters on Curieuse because the walk is more rewarding when someone explains what you are seeing. A tortoise stop needs little introduction, but mangroves, crabs, palms, and island ecology are easy to pass without context. A good guide turns the walk into a lesson without making it feel like school.

The van drivers and boat crew are also part of the experience. Pickup is generally described as punctual, and the staff are often helpful with transfers and equipment. There was one complaint about returning to Praslin in wet swimwear without enough time to change, along with a rushed drive back. Bring a dry bag and a change of clothes so this does not spoil the final hour.

The atmosphere may vary with the group. Some departures feel small and personal, while others may have more people aboard. The experience is relaxed rather than formal, with time for swimming, drinks, photos, and conversation.

What to pack for a more comfortable day

Wear swimwear under light clothing and bring a towel, sun hat, sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. Biodegradable sunscreen is specifically recommended, which is a sensible choice around marine areas.

Shoes deserve thought. Sandals work for beach time, but sports shoes, waterproof shoes, or sturdy beach footwear are better for the Curieuse walk. Insect repellent can help around mangroves, and biodegradable insect repellent is recommended.

I would also pack:

• A waterproof bag for phones and dry clothes
• Snacks and food if you are skipping the BBQ
• A waterproof camera or phone case
• A spare shirt and shorts
• Binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching

Weapons and sharp objects are not allowed, and the outing is not suitable for wheelchair users. The activity information also says electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

Who should book this Praslin excursion?

I think this trip suits you if you want a broad sample of Praslin’s nearby islands in one day. It combines wildlife, walking, beach time, boat scenery, and snorkeling without requiring separate bookings.

It is especially good for people who want to see giant tortoises up close. Families with older children may enjoy the variety, provided everyone can manage the walk and water activity. Couples and solo visitors can also fit comfortably into the relaxed beach-and-boat rhythm.

You should think twice if your priority is serious snorkeling. St. Pierre may be excellent on one day and ordinary on another, and the session is not fully guided. Strong swimmers who are comfortable in open water will have the easiest time.

The same goes for people who dislike unstructured time. You may spend several hours around Curieuse, with some portions devoted to free time, swimming, drinks, and waiting between scheduled activities. That is pleasant for some people and frustrating for others.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want the classic Curieuse experience, especially the free-roaming tortoises and guided nature walk, with a short snorkeling stop added at St. Pierre. The included transfers, drinks, guide, and equipment make the $56 starting price reasonable, though the €20 island tax and optional €20 BBQ must be added to your budget.

Skip it if you need wheelchair access, dislike boat conditions, or want expert-led snorkeling in a calm, coral-filled spot. For everyone else, this is a well-rounded Praslin day with its strongest moments on land at Curieuse. Go for the tortoises and island walk, and treat the snorkeling as a welcome bonus rather than the sole reason to book.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts about seven hours, including pickup from Praslin, the boat ride, time on Curieuse, snorkeling at St. Pierre, and the return to Praslin.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat departs from Anse Possession, with embarkation scheduled between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

Is hotel pickup included on Praslin?

Yes. Pickup is included from locations on Praslin, generally 10 to 45 minutes before departure. Another timing note gives a 10 to 30 minute pickup window, so be ready early.

Are snorkeling masks and other equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided on board.

Is lunch included?

No. An optional BBQ lunch costs €20 per person. You may also bring your own food, snacks, and refreshments.

Are any additional fees charged?

An island tax of €20 applies to each person aged 12 and over. This is separate from the advertised tour price.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not permitted.