Private Seychelles Islands Tour by Boat with snacks & drinks

Curieuse and St. Pierre give you two very different island experiences in one morning: Curieuse brings wild tortoises and a walk across a larger island, while St. Pierre is a compact snorkeling stop surrounded by clear water. You travel by private boat, so Jacques can adjust the outing when you spot a beach or a good place to swim.

I like the small private setting, especially if you want a calm boat ride instead of following a fixed group schedule. I also like that snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear are included, which keeps the morning simple and lets you focus on the sea.

The main point to consider is the four-hour limit. Curieuse deserves time for its walk and tortoises, while St. Pierre is worth enjoying slowly in the water. You may need to choose between lingering at one stop and trying to see more places.

Key points to know before you book

• Curieuse brings wild tortoises and an island walk, but good shoes matter for the trail.
• St. Pierre is the snorkeling highlight, with easy access to an underwater world.
• Jacques adjusts the route, making this useful if you prefer a private, flexible outing.
• Snacks, alcohol, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear are included, so you can pack lightly.
• The boat returns to Anse La Blague after about four hours, with a 9:30 am start.
• The $261.71 price is per person, so the value improves when shared by a small private group.

Two islands, one well-paced morning from Praslin

This outing is built around a simple idea: let someone else handle the island planning while you enjoy the ride. From Praslin, you head toward Curieuse and St. Pierre, two nearby destinations that offer beaches, wildlife, and snorkeling without making you arrange separate boat trips.

The boat leaves from MQCF+XCJ at Anse La Blague at 9:30 am. The activity lasts about four hours and ends back at the same meeting point. That timing works well for a morning on the water, leaving the rest of your day open for a beach, lunch, or time at your accommodation.

I see the private format as the real reason to choose this outing. You are not simply buying transport between islands. You have room to ask for a change in pace, spend longer at a favorite stop, or pause at a pleasant spot along the way when conditions allow.

Jacques is the captain and guide, and Mathys sometimes assists him. The strongest feature of their service is attention to individual needs. One family found the crew especially considerate with a passenger who was six months pregnant, while other groups appreciated being able to alter the plan.

Curieuse Island: tortoises, beaches, and a walk worth planning for

Curieuse is the more substantial island stop. It is known for its wild tortoises, and seeing these animals gives the trip a memorable purpose beyond beach time. You should allow enough energy for walking if you want more than a quick look near the landing area.

The route may include a walk across the island. One useful warning is easy to overlook: wear proper shoes. The path is not described as suitable for everyone, and one account specifically cautions that the walk can be hard for older people or anyone without much fitness.

That does not make Curieuse a poor choice. It simply means you should decide what kind of morning you want. If you are happy with a shorter visit, you can focus on the beach and tortoises. If you want the full island experience, bring sturdy footwear and accept that the walk may take a meaningful part of your four-hour schedule.

Curieuse also gives the trip a break from the boat. St. Pierre is primarily about the water, while Curieuse provides a chance to walk, look for tortoises, and take in the island at a slower pace. For families, that mix can be helpful, although very young children or less mobile people may prefer a shorter visit.

The tour price includes admission, so you do not need to arrange a separate ticket for the stop. Food and drinks are also included, though the listed offering is snacks and refreshments. Some outings may include a more substantial meal, but you should not book this expecting a guaranteed full restaurant lunch.

St. Pierre: the stop to bring your mask for

St. Pierre is a small islet and the natural place to spend time in the water. Snorkeling equipment rental is included, so you can explore without arranging gear separately. That matters because the quality of a boat trip can depend on how easy it is to get into the sea once you reach the right spot.

The water around St. Pierre is described as excellent for snorkeling. You can expect this stop to focus on looking beneath the surface rather than walking around on land. If you prefer swimming and sea life to trails and wildlife, St. Pierre may be your favorite part of the morning.

The private boat also helps here. Jacques can point out good snorkeling areas and adjust the order or length of stops when practical. Conditions on the day still matter, and the captain has to work with weather and sea conditions, but a private group has more flexibility than a large scheduled boat.

Bring the usual practical items even though the tour provides refreshments and gear. A swimsuit, sun protection, and a towel are sensible choices. The supplied details do not state that towels or waterproof storage are provided, so you should not count on them.

Why the private boat changes the experience

A shared island cruise often asks you to follow a set timetable. This outing is different because only your group participates. That can be a major advantage if your interests do not match a standard schedule.

You might want more time snorkeling and less time walking. You might prefer to see several beaches, or you might need a gentler pace because of a pregnancy, children, or different fitness levels within the group. Jacques has been described as accommodating when plans change, which is exactly the kind of service that makes a private boat worthwhile.

This flexibility has limits. The tour lasts about four hours, and you cannot treat the morning as an open-ended charter. The two named islands are the core plan, and extra stops depend on time, weather, and what is practical that day.

The clean boat is another practical plus. A well-kept boat matters when you are carrying wet gear, snacks, and personal items in a small space. The available details do not give the boat model or its seating layout, so you should ask the operator if those points matter to you.

Snacks and drinks keep the morning easy

The price includes snacks, alcohol, soft drinks, and tax. That saves you from carrying a cooler and gives you something to enjoy between island stops. It also makes the boat feel more like a private half-day outing than a simple transfer.

The exact snack menu is not specified, so do not plan around a particular food. If you have dietary needs, check with Tranquility boat charter before departure. The same applies if you want a full meal rather than light refreshments.

Alcohol is available, but timing matters. You will still be moving between islands and snorkeling, so drink carefully and follow the captain’s advice. The best use of the refreshments is to keep the morning comfortable without letting them distract from the two main reasons to book: the islands and the water.

Is $261.71 per person a fair price?

At $261.71 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value depends on how many people are in your private group and how much you care about control over the schedule.

You are paying for a private boat, a captain and guide, access to two islands, snorkeling gear, snacks, alcohol, soft drinks, tax, and the convenience of having the route arranged for you. If you would otherwise need to pay separately for transport, equipment, refreshments, and island access, the total can become easier to justify.

The price makes less sense if you only want a quick ride to one beach or if you are comfortable arranging a shared trip. A private charter is most useful when you value quiet space, personal attention, and the ability to adjust the outing.

The group size is not stated, so the per-person price cannot be judged precisely without knowing how many people are booking. If you are traveling with family or friends, compare the total cost with other private boat options. If you are booking alone or as a couple, it is a more significant splurge.

I would judge the value by asking one question: will you use the flexibility? If you want to spend time snorkeling, visit Curieuse at your own pace, and ask for scenic stops, the private setup earns its price. If you only want a fixed sightseeing loop, a shared excursion may be more economical.

What the four-hour schedule really allows

Four hours is enough to see the two main islands, but it is not enough for endless beach time, a long walk, and extended snorkeling at every possible stop. You should approach this as a focused morning rather than a full-day island safari.

A likely rhythm is a boat ride from Anse La Blague, time at Curieuse, a stop at St. Pierre for snorkeling, refreshments along the way, and a return to Praslin. The actual order and length of each stop can change because the tour is private.

If Curieuse matters most to you, say so at the start. If snorkeling is your priority, make that clear too. The more specific you are with Jacques, the easier it will be to use the limited time well.

The 9:30 am start is convenient for an early island outing without requiring a dawn departure. Pickup is offered, and some groups have been collected and returned near the beach beside their accommodation. The official meeting point is Anse La Blague, so confirm the exact pickup arrangement before the morning of your tour.

Who will get the most from this outing?

This tour suits couples, families, and small groups who want an island day without the work of comparing routes and boat operators. It is particularly useful when people in your group have different priorities, since the plan can be adjusted.

Snorkelers will appreciate the included equipment and the stop at St. Pierre. Wildlife lovers will value Curieuse and its tortoises. People who dislike crowded excursions will enjoy having the boat reserved for their own group.

It can also work well for families or anyone who needs extra care. The crew has looked after a pregnant passenger, and the private format gives you more control over pace. Still, Curieuse’s walk may not suit every person, so be honest about mobility and fitness before you book.

This is less suitable if you want a long guided land visit, a guaranteed full lunch, or a full-day cruise. It is also not the best choice for someone who dislikes changing plans, since weather and sea conditions can affect the route.

Weather, cancellation, and practical details

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the operator cancels the outing.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and your plans.

Confirmation arrives when you book. The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity is marked as suitable for most people. That broad guidance should not be read as a guarantee for every mobility level, especially if you plan to take the Curieuse walk.

Pack light but practical:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun protection
• Shoes suitable for walking on Curieuse
• Any personal medication
• A waterproof way to protect valuables, unless the operator confirms storage

The tour provides snorkeling gear and refreshments, but the supplied details do not confirm towels, lunch, or a specific menu. Ask before booking if any of those items are essential for you.

Final verdict: book it for flexibility, not just transport

I would book this private boat tour if I wanted Curieuse’s tortoises, St. Pierre’s snorkeling, and a morning shaped around my own group. Jacques has a strong record of friendly, careful service, and the option to adjust the outing is more useful than a long list of fixed stops.

The best match is a small group that will take advantage of the private format. Tell Jacques what matters most, bring good shoes for Curieuse, and keep expectations realistic about what four hours can cover.

Skip it if your main goal is the lowest possible price, a guaranteed full meal, or an extended day at sea. For everyone else, the combination of two islands, wildlife, snorkeling gear, refreshments, and personal service makes this a strong Praslin outing, provided the per-person cost fits your budget.

FAQ

Where does the boat tour start and finish?

The tour starts at MQCF+XCJ in Anse La Blague, Seychelles, and returns to the same meeting point at the end.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The boat outing lasts about four hours.

Which islands are included?

The tour visits Curieuse Island and St. Pierre. The private format may also allow flexible stops at suitable places along the way.

Are food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The price includes snacks, alcohol, soft drinks, tax, and snorkeling gear rental.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.