Seychelles: St Pierre and Curieuse Catamaran Tour with Lunch

St Pierre is the star of this day. The tiny island offers clear water, a scenic coast, and one of the Seychelles’ most enjoyable snorkeling stops. I also like the way the tour pairs that water time with Curieuse, where giant tortoises roam freely and a guided walk leads through mountain and mangrove scenery to Anse Jose.

I love two practical touches: lunch is served aboard the catamaran, so you do not lose time searching for a restaurant, and the crew can provide a good vegetarian BBQ meal if you ask in advance. The main drawback is size. One recent departure carried about 50 people, so this is a social boat outing rather than a quiet private cruise.

Key points at a glance

• St Pierre snorkeling: Set aside roughly 45 minutes in the water on a typical outing, with equipment and water supplied.
• Curieuse tortoises: See giant land tortoises roaming around the reserve rather than behind a zoo fence.
• One-hour nature walk: Follow a guided route through mountains and mangrove swamps to Anse Jose.
• Lunch on the Oplezir: Eat a filling BBQ meal aboard the catamaran, with vegetarian food available by request.
• Anse Georgette stop: Swim and take photographs at one of Praslin’s most scenic beach settings.
• Flexible starting points: Departures can be arranged from Praslin, Mahé, or La Digue, but the included transfers differ by island.

Why this island combination works so well

This excursion gives you three different views of the Seychelles in one day. St Pierre is about the sea, Curieuse is about wildlife and walking, and Anse Georgette is about beach scenery and a final swim.

That variety matters. A full day spent only on a boat can feel repetitive, while a land-only visit misses the reefs and coastal views. Here, the pace changes every few hours, which helps the seven to eight hours pass pleasantly.

The price is listed at $166 per person. That is not a bargain-basement boat trip, but the cost covers several items that add up quickly: the catamaran ride, snorkeling equipment, water, Curieuse landing fees, and BBQ lunch. Hotel pickup and drop-off on Praslin can be included if you select that option.

You should check the exact booking choice carefully if you are staying on Mahé or La Digue. La Digue customers can receive ferry tickets if that option is selected, but they must arrange their own transfer between their hotel and the ferry harbor at La Passe.

St Pierre: the day’s best water stop

The boat first heads for St Pierre, a small island that is especially popular for swimming and snorkeling. The stop is the main reason to bring a mask, even though equipment is supplied.

Expect time to swim around the island and look beneath the surface. The exact conditions and length of the stop depend on the weather, but one recent outing allowed about 45 minutes for snorkeling. That is long enough to make the stop worthwhile without leaving you waterlogged before the walking portion.

You will want sunscreen, a hat for the boat, and comfortable clothing that dries reasonably quickly. A camera is useful here, but protect it from spray and remember that the crew may change the order or length of stops if sea conditions shift.

The water stop is also the part most affected by wind and visibility. Do not book this expecting guaranteed perfect snorkeling. The itinerary can change on the day, and the sea may be calmer at one location than another.

Still, St Pierre gives the trip an excellent opening. You get into the water early, see the coast from the catamaran, and have time to enjoy the sea before the hotter walking section on Curieuse.

Curieuse: tortoises, mangroves, and a manageable walk

After St Pierre, you land on Curieuse Island, a protected reserve known for its giant land tortoises. Seeing these animals roaming freely is a very different experience from viewing them in a small enclosure.

Take your time around the tortoises, but follow the guide’s instructions and give the animals room. They are the main attraction, and the setting makes the encounter memorable even if you are not especially interested in wildlife photography.

The guided nature walk lasts about one hour. It leads through mountain scenery and mangrove swamps before reaching Anse Jose. That distance is manageable for many people, but it is still a real walk over natural ground, not a paved promenade.

Wear comfortable shoes with a secure sole. Sandals may be fine for the beach, but they are less useful on a trail. Insect repellent is also a smart item to pack, especially around the mangrove sections.

The walk gives Curieuse more substance than a quick tortoise photo stop. You see how the island changes from dry mountain terrain to wet mangrove habitat, then finish near the coast. The guide speaks English or French, depending on the group and departure.

This part also explains the activity’s limits. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and pregnant women are advised not to join. Babies under one year are not permitted, and children under two are not allowed on these sea excursions.

BBQ lunch aboard the Oplezir

Lunch is served on the catamaran rather than on Curieuse. That is a sensible arrangement because it keeps the schedule moving and gives you a chance to sit down after the walk.

The BBQ is described as generous, and vegetarian food can be arranged if you request it ahead of time. Do not leave that request until you are already on the boat. Put it in when booking or contact the provider before departure.

Water is included, but bring cash for anything not listed in the inclusions. The tour information does not specify every food or drink choice beyond the BBQ lunch and water, so you should not assume that extra beverages or personal purchases are covered.

Eating aboard a catamaran also means you should think about motion. If you are prone to seasickness, stay in a spot with a clear view of the horizon when possible, drink water, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach. The boat is large enough for people to spread out, though the overall group may be substantial.

One useful detail from a recent outing is that the front sun net still offered room even with around 50 people aboard. That gives you a place to enjoy the ride, but anyone seeking silence and privacy should consider a smaller private charter instead.

Anse Georgette: the final beach reward

The boat then heads toward Anse Georgette for photographs and another swim. This stop works well late in the day because you have already done the main wildlife walk and can finish with something easy and scenic.

You may want to keep your camera ready as the catamaran approaches the beach. The stop is intended for both photos and swimming, so pack your belongings in a small waterproof bag and avoid carrying anything you do not need ashore.

Anse Georgette is also a useful contrast with St Pierre. St Pierre is the active water stop, where you focus on snorkeling. Anse Georgette is more about the beach setting, a final dip, and the pleasure of sitting still for a while.

As with every outdoor stop in the Seychelles, weather controls the experience. If sea conditions change, the captain may adjust the route or substitute another stop. That flexibility is necessary, but it means you should view the itinerary as a plan rather than a guarantee.

The north coast cruise back to Praslin

The return includes a scenic cruise along Praslin’s northeast coast. This is not just dead time between stops. It gives you a chance to see the island from offshore, with coastal views that are easy to miss when you are moving around by road.

The final cruise is also when the day’s rhythm slows down. After snorkeling, walking, eating, and swimming, you can settle in and watch the coast go by. Bring a hat and sunscreen even if the sky looks cloudy, since the boat offers limited shade in some areas.

Hotel drop-off is available in Praslin when that option is selected. Pickup is limited to hotels accessible from the main road, and transfer time depends on traffic. Confirm the pickup time and meeting location 48 hours before departure using the provider’s contact number on your voucher.

That last step is worth taking seriously. A booking can look perfectly clear in an app, while the local transfer team may still need confirmation of the exact pickup point. A recent customer had trouble getting an agreed pickup location recognized and solved it by visiting the local office in person. I would avoid that hassle by confirming early.

Group size, boat comfort, and guide service

The Oplezir is a large catamaran, which helps when the sea gets busy and gives you several places to sit. The tradeoff is that departures can carry around 50 people, depending on the day.

For many people, the larger boat is a plus. You get more room than on a small open boat, and there is a better chance of finding a seat or a place on the forward net. Families and social groups may prefer this setup.

If you want a quiet, personal day with little waiting, the group size may bother you. The Curieuse walk and snorkeling stop still have a clear structure, but you will share the boat, guide, and meal space with other people.

The crew has received strong praise for being friendly and helpful. The tour is guided in English and French. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect to request a particular guide when booking.

Getting to the tour from each island

Praslin is the simplest base for this excursion, especially if hotel pickup is selected. Pickup is available only from hotels reachable along the main road, so confirm whether your accommodation qualifies.

If you stay on La Digue, meet at the Creole Travel Services office at La Passe. The office is a short walk from the jetty. You are responsible for getting from your hotel to the La Digue ferry harbor, while ferry tickets may be included if you choose that option.

The advertised departure options also include Mahé. Since transfer arrangements vary by starting island, read the selected option carefully rather than assuming the Praslin pickup details apply to you.

Make sure the names on your booking match the names on your passports. This is a small detail, but it matters when ferry or excursion records are involved.

What to pack for this 7 to 8 hour day

Keep your bag light and practical. You will move between boat, beach, water, and a natural trail.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimsuit and comfortable clothes
• Hat and sunscreen
• Camera
• Insect repellent
• Cash for items not included
• A waterproof pouch for phone and valuables

Snorkeling equipment and water are supplied. You may still prefer to bring your own mask if you care about fit, but it is not required.

A light cover-up can help during the boat ride, while dry clothes may be welcome after the final swim. The information does not specify changing facilities, so do not plan your day around a full change of clothes unless you have confirmed what is available.

Is $166 a fair price?

At $166, this is a mid-to-upper priced shared island excursion. The value is strongest if you want to combine several paid activities into one organized day.

You are paying for a full catamaran itinerary, a Curieuse landing, guided walking, snorkeling gear, water, and lunch. Add the convenience of selected hotel pickup or La Digue ferry tickets, and the price becomes easier to justify.

The value is weaker if you want only snorkeling or only a beach visit. In that case, a shorter boat trip may suit you better. You are also paying for a group experience, so do not compare this price with a private charter and expect the same level of space or control.

The food adds real value, especially for anyone who would otherwise need to arrange lunch during a remote island stop. Vegetarian meals are available by request, which makes the package more useful for mixed groups.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day with a clear plan and several different experiences. It suits active couples, families with older children, and anyone staying in Praslin who wants to see Curieuse without arranging separate boats, food, and park access.

It is also a good fit if giant tortoises are high on your list. Curieuse is not simply a quick photo stop, since the walk adds scenery and a little exercise before lunch.

I would hesitate if you dislike group outings, have limited mobility, are pregnant, or want a slow private cruise. The one-hour trail, boat movement, sun, and changing sea conditions require a reasonable level of comfort outdoors.

The current rating is 4.1 out of 5 from 21 ratings, which fits the experience well: strong appeal, especially for snorkeling, crew service, tortoises, and Anse Georgette, with group size and pickup coordination as the main cautions.

Should you book the St Pierre and Curieuse catamaran tour?

Book it if you want the Seychelles highlights in one efficient day: snorkeling at St Pierre, free-roaming tortoises on Curieuse, a BBQ lunch, Anse Georgette, and a coastal cruise.

Before paying, confirm your island, pickup choice, ferry arrangement if needed, dietary request, and meeting time. If you do that and accept the possibility of a group of about 50 people, the $166 price buys a well-filled day with little planning work left for you.

FAQ

How long does the St Pierre and Curieuse tour last?

The excursion lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Where does the tour depart from?

The excursion can operate from Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue, depending on the selected option. La Digue customers meet at the Creole Travel Services office at La Passe.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Praslin are included only if you select that option. Pickup is available from hotels accessible via the main road.

Do La Digue customers receive ferry tickets?

Ferry tickets are included if you select the La Digue option that provides them. You must arrange your own transport between your hotel and the La Digue ferry harbor.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and water are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served aboard the Oplezir catamaran. Vegetarian food can be arranged by request.

Which languages are available on the tour?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Are children allowed to join?

Children under two years are not allowed on these sea excursions. Babies under one year are listed as unsuitable for the activity.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. The route and stops may change on the day because of weather conditions.

Is the excursion suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.