Praslin: Curieuse & St Pierre Island Day Trip with Barbecue

Curieuse is the star here, and for good reason: Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely around the island, while a guided trail leads through mangroves, palms, and the remains of its former leper colony. Add a beachside Creole BBQ and a boat ride to St Pierre, and you get a full Seychelles day rather than a quick photo stop.

I like the way the tour joins wildlife and local history in one outing. I also like the practical package: hotel pickup on Praslin, snorkeling equipment, lunch, water, soft drinks, and one local beer per adult are all handled for you. Guides including Aubrey and Benjamin have earned particular praise for clear explanations and good humor.

The main caution is that this is an active outdoor day with sun, uneven walking, wet swimwear, and boat movement. Snorkeling can be ordinary when visibility is poor, and large groups may mean some waiting. Bring water, patience, and sensible shoes.

Key points at a glance

• Curieuse’s free-roaming tortoises: You can see Aldabra giant tortoises close up at the sanctuary and around Anse Laraie.
• A history stop with real character: Doctor’s House explains Curieuse’s former leper colony and colonial past.
• A proper Creole lunch: Expect grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, fruit, and drinks served on the beach.
• A one-hour snorkel at St Pierre: Gear is supplied, beginners can get help, and turtles or eagle rays may appear.
• A flexible backup for rough seas: From June to September, snorkeling may move to the calmer Anse Petite Cours.
• A price that needs one extra calculation: The $88 tour price excludes a €20 Curieuse entrance fee for everyone aged 12 and above.

Why Curieuse makes this a strong Praslin day trip

Curieuse is not just another pretty island reached by boat. Its appeal comes from the mix of protected nature, unusual history, and giant tortoises that are not kept behind conventional zoo-style barriers.

You begin with a short cruise from Côte d’Or Beach. The crossing to Curieuse takes about 15 minutes, so you get open-water views without committing to a long, tiring sea journey. Hotel pickup runs from roughly 8:00 to 8:55 in the morning, depending on your location, with the boat scheduled to leave at 9:15.

That early start is useful. Curieuse gets hot, and the walking section is much more pleasant before the strongest midday sun. Pickup is available from a wide range of Praslin hotels, villas, guesthouses, the airport, and the ferry terminal. You should still watch your phone and hotel reception for the exact pickup time, since the stated window is 10 to 30 minutes before the activity begins.

The format suits you if you want several Seychelles highlights in one day without arranging separate transport, a charter boat, lunch, and snorkeling gear. It is less suited to anyone seeking a quiet private outing. This is a group trip, and one group was reported at about 47 people. On a smaller departure, the day can feel much more personal.

Doctor’s House and Curieuse’s difficult past

The first Curieuse stop is Doctor’s House at Anse José. The wooden colonial building now serves as a museum, with displays about the island’s former leper colony.

This gives the day some substance. You are not simply walking from beach to beach and taking pictures. The guide can explain how Curieuse was used as an isolated settlement, then connect that past with the island’s present protected status. Guides such as Benjamin, Aubrey, and Sebastian have been singled out for making these explanations lively rather than dry.

The surroundings matter, too. Coco de Mer palms and coastal plants frame the route, giving you a first look at one of Curieuse’s special natural features before the tortoise visit later in the day. Take photographs here, but listen to the guide as well. The historical setting is easy to miss if you treat Doctor’s House as only a scenic building.

The schedule allows about two hours for the first Curieuse section, including the museum, a photo stop, and an initial look around. The exact order may vary. Some departures begin with about an hour of beach time, which is pleasant if you want to swim or sit under shade but less appealing if you are eager to start the walking tour.

That free time is worth planning for. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to use it, but remember that the rest of the day includes walking and lunch. A lightweight cover-up, towel, and waterproof bag make the change from beach to trail easier.

The mangrove trail is the active heart of the day

The guided nature trail crosses mangrove forest and palm country, often using a boardwalk through protected wetland areas. The route is designed to show you Curieuse’s plant life and coastal ecology, not simply take you from the boat to lunch.

You might spot native birds and crabs, and the guide will point out how mangroves support the island’s wider marine environment. This is where a good guide makes a real difference. The best feedback has gone to guides who kept groups together, answered questions, and added facts about plants, wildlife, and conservation.

Allow about 90 minutes for the guided walk. Do not assume it is a gentle 45-minute stroll. One account described the route as closer to 90 minutes, with some up-and-down sections. It is not described as difficult, but heat, humidity, and uneven ground can make it tiring.

I would wear secure sandals, water shoes, or hiking shoes with a firm sole. Flip-flops are a poor choice if you plan to walk the full route. Bring sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, and a refillable bottle or extra water. Water is supplied, but carrying your own makes sense in the hottest part of the day.

The trail also creates the day’s clearest drawback for people with limited mobility or serious health problems. The activity is not recommended for people with severe health conditions, and it is not suitable for people over 95. The supplied information does not give a detailed accessibility assessment, so you should ask the operator directly if you have concerns about stairs, slopes, or prolonged walking.

Meeting the Aldabra giants at Anse Laraie

After the trail, you reach the tortoise sanctuary around Anse Laraie. Here, Aldabra giant tortoises move around freely, and this is likely to be the most memorable part of the tour.

You can see them at close range, take photographs, and watch their slow, confident movements. The appeal is not just size. These animals make the experience feel distinctly Seychelles, and seeing them in an open island setting is far more engaging than viewing them from a distance behind a barrier.

Your guide should explain the tortoises and the sanctuary, including how to behave around the animals. Follow those instructions carefully. Give the tortoises room, avoid sudden movements, and do not turn the encounter into a feeding frenzy. The tour information says visitors may feed them, but you should only do so as directed by staff.

The sanctuary visit is paired with lunch, so you are not rushed through the tortoises in order to catch a restaurant reservation. That said, the midday heat can be strong. A hat and sunscreen are not optional luxuries here. Keep your camera protected, since the day moves between boat spray, beach, forest, and sea.

A Creole BBQ that earns its place in the itinerary

Lunch is served on the beach under the palms, with the sea providing the view and the setting doing much of the work. The buffet includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit.

This is one of the tour’s best-value features. A simple packed lunch would keep you fed, but a cooked Creole spread gives you a taste of island food and lets the group eat together. Several diners have praised the quantity and flavor, and buffet service means you can usually take another portion if you are still hungry.

One local beer is included for each adult, along with mineral water and soft drinks. Additional alcoholic drinks cost extra. If you do not drink alcohol, the soft drinks and water still make the package useful.

The lunch break lasts about two hours when combined with free time, photos, and beach relaxation. This is a good chance to dry off, but it can also feel slow if you prefer constant activity. Bring a book or simply enjoy the shade. There may not be functional washrooms or changing rooms at the island stops, so plan your swimwear and personal items with that limitation in mind.

A waterproof bag is especially helpful. Keep your phone, wallet, passport copies, and dry clothes protected from sand and spray. The tour is outdoors all day, and facilities are basic.

St Pierre delivers the marine finale

After lunch, the boat heads to St Pierre Island, a small granite islet surrounded by clear water and coral reefs. The scheduled snorkeling session lasts about one hour, although the wider St Pierre stop is listed at roughly 90 minutes.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and beginners can receive assistance. You may see tropical fish, coral, turtles, or eagle rays. The marine life is not guaranteed, and conditions make a major difference. In calm, clear water, St Pierre can provide the colorful finish you hope for. In poor visibility, the experience can be modest, with fish concentrated near the boat and coral that may look damaged.

That variation is worth understanding before you book. This is not a dedicated marine biology excursion, and you should not judge the whole day by one hour in the water. The tortoises, trail, lunch, and historical stop remain the core of the experience.

Sea conditions are most important from June through September, when southeast monsoon winds can roughen the crossing and reduce snorkeling quality. If St Pierre is unsuitable, the crew may move the water activity to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay selected for safer marine viewing. One June departure used an alternative location successfully when waves made St Pierre impractical.

Wear reef-safe sunscreen and consider water shoes. The crew can help first-time snorkelers, but you should be comfortable entering the sea and swimming in open water. A waterproof camera is useful, though no underwater sightings are promised.

Boat transfers, group size, and the pace of the day

The total activity lasts about seven hours, with return drop-off around 3:30 in the afternoon. The boat rides are short enough to be enjoyable, and the Praslin van transfer includes air conditioning.

The day is carefully packed: hotel pickup, boat crossing, Curieuse history, walking trail, tortoises, lunch, snorkeling, and return. That is a lot for $88, especially because transportation, a cooked meal, drinks, guiding, and equipment are included.

The separate Curieuse entrance charge changes the calculation. Everyone aged 12 and above must pay an additional €20 on site, accepted by Visa card according to the supplied information. The tour therefore costs $88 plus that fee per qualifying person, before tips or personal expenses. Bring a payment card, and confirm the current conversion and payment process when booking.

Large groups can affect the pace. A single guide speaking in English and French may need to repeat explanations, and moving everyone between trail, lunch, and boat can create dead time. Smaller groups have a clear advantage, especially if you care about hearing every explanation or spending more time in the water.

The return transfer can also be longer than expected. Because the operator serves many parts of Praslin, some people may be dropped off quickly while others take a longer circuit around the island. One report described a ride of more than an hour for a late hotel drop-off. If you have an evening ferry, flight, or dinner reservation, allow a generous buffer.

The tours are guided in English and French. Guides and skippers have been praised for being friendly, attentive, and good at keeping the mood relaxed. Names that have received especially warm comments include Aubrey, Benjamin, Sebastian, and several skippers including Evan, Sean, Edwin, and Dian. Your exact team may differ.

Who should book this Curieuse and St Pierre trip?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors to Praslin who want a broad sample of the island’s nearby attractions. It works well for couples, families with active older children, and anyone who likes a mix of walking, wildlife, food, and swimming.

It is also a good choice if you do not have your own boat or snorkeling kit. The operator handles the difficult pieces, and the short transfers make the day easy to fit into a Praslin stay.

You should think twice if you dislike group schedules, long beach breaks, or shared transport. It is not ideal for anyone who needs reliable changing rooms, quiet private time, or a guaranteed spectacular snorkel. The trail and midday heat also call for a reasonable level of fitness.

Pack:

• Reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent
• Swimwear, towel, cover-up, and a waterproof bag
• Secure sandals, water shoes, or hiking shoes
• Cash or a Visa card for the €20 entrance payment
• Personal medication, snacks, and rain protection
• A waterproof camera and power bank

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later terms add useful flexibility. Still, check the sea forecast and your pickup details before the day begins.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a well-filled Praslin day with giant tortoises as the main event and a Creole lunch included. The strongest reasons to book are the open sanctuary setting, the guide-led history and nature walk, and the practical combination of boat transfers, food, drinks, and snorkeling gear.

Book with more caution if snorkeling is your top priority. St Pierre can be excellent, but visibility, waves, and marine life vary. Also factor in the €20 Curieuse fee, possible group size, and a potentially long hotel drop-off.

For most active visitors, the package offers solid value at $88. I would choose it for the complete island experience, not for a guaranteed perfect reef.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St Pierre trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Pickup begins in the morning, the boat leaves around 9:15, and hotel drop-off is scheduled for about 3:30 in the afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included on Praslin?

Yes. Return van transfers are included for hotels, guesthouses, villas, the airport, and the ferry terminal at listed Praslin pickup points. Pickup is generally 10 to 30 minutes before the activity starts.

Is the Curieuse entrance fee included?

No. The Curieuse entrance fee is €20 per person for everyone aged 12 and above, payable on site. Visa card payment is accepted according to the activity information.

What food is served at the BBQ?

The Creole BBQ includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. Water, soft drinks, and one local beer per adult are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and assistance is available for beginners. The planned session at St Pierre lasts about one hour.

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

Snorkeling may be moved to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay selected for safer marine viewing. Sea conditions can be rougher from June through September.

Are the guides available in English?

Yes. The tour is guided in English and French. Guides named in the supplied information include Aubrey, Benjamin, and Sebastian, though the assigned guide can vary.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.