Cousin Curieuse and St Pierre & BBQ Lunch

Wildlife, beaches, and barbecue share one boat. This full-day trip from Praslin links Cousin Island’s bird sanctuary, Curieuse’s giant Aldabra tortoises, and St Pierre’s snorkeling waters in a busy but rewarding seven-hour outing. You travel by speedboat, eat a Creole-style BBQ, and spend most of the day outdoors.

I like the strong mix of nature and activity. Cousin gives you a guided look at protected birdlife, while Curieuse adds tortoises, mangroves, and a short hike. I also like that the small group is limited to 10 people, with a guide, snorkeling equipment, soft drinks, water, and local beer included.

The main concern is the sea and weather. A small speedboat offers little shelter during heavy rain, and rough water can make the ride frightening, especially for young children or anyone prone to seasickness. The island landing fees are also extra, and the published fee information should be confirmed before departure.

Key points to know before you book

• Cousin is the morning’s main wildlife stop: Expect a guided visit focused on birds, sea turtles, vegetation, and conservation.
• Curieuse combines lunch with a 45-minute walk: The route passes through mangroves toward Anse Badamier and the giant tortoise area.
• St Pierre is a short snorkeling stop: You get time to see coral and marine life, but this is not a long independent snorkel session.
• The boat ride can be rough: Bring a waterproof bag, quick-dry clothes, and motion-sickness preparation if you need it.
• The $155 price is not the full cost: Cousin and Curieuse landing fees are separate, and the supplied fee details are inconsistent.
• Pickup is limited to three Praslin areas: Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert are the listed pickup and return points.

Leaving Praslin by speedboat at 9:15

Pickup is available from Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse Praslin, or Anse Volbert Praslin. The boat leaves Côte d’Or at about 9:15 in the morning, with return planned for around 3:30 to 4:00 in the afternoon.

That timing gives you a useful full day without turning the outing into an evening commitment. Still, seven hours on an open boat is a serious amount of time in the sun and wind. I would wear quick-dry clothing from the start, not rely on a cover-up tucked in a bag, and keep your phone and camera in a waterproof pouch.

The group size is limited to 10 people. That matters here because island landings and wildlife walks are easier to manage with fewer people. The guide speaks English or French and gives a safety briefing before the activities begin.

The ride itself is part of the experience, but it is not always smooth. In calm conditions, the speedboat helps fit three island stops into one day. In heavy rain or rough seas, the same small boat can feel exposed. One outing had to turn back from Cousin after a child became cold and frightened during strong rain and a delayed landing. That is a clear reason to check the forecast and ask about the cancellation decision before leaving shore.

Cousin Island and its protected birdlife

Cousin is not simply a beach stop. Its main value is conservation. The island is known for bird protection, and the guided visit focuses on native and visiting bird species, sea turtles, vegetation, and the wider island ecosystem.

You may walk, stop for photographs, look across the coast, and spend time learning how wildlife is protected. The visit can include beaches, coral reefs, and lush plant growth, but the focus is the animals rather than a long swim or a relaxed beach afternoon.

This is where a good guide adds real value. The tour includes a guided visit in English or French, and the guide explains plants, wildlife, and the way the island’s ecosystems fit together. You are not just being dropped at a pretty shore and told to wander.

Cousin can also be the most demanding stop for insects. Light-colored clothing is recommended to reduce mosquito bites, and insect repellent is worth packing. I would choose breathable trousers or light hiking clothing rather than shorts alone if you are sensitive to bites.

The landing process depends on local arrangements. The boat may anchor offshore while another craft brings you to land. In rough weather, this can create an uncomfortable wait. You should be prepared to stay on the boat for a while, with your rain protection and warm layer easy to reach.

Cousin’s appeal is strongest for people who care about wildlife and conservation. If your ideal island day means lying on sand with few scheduled activities, this stop may feel more structured than restful. If you enjoy learning why a place matters, it is likely to be the most interesting part of the morning.

Creole BBQ and a walk across Curieuse

After leaving Cousin at about 12:30, the boat heads to Curieuse. Lunch is a Creole BBQ, with soft drinks, water, and local beer included. The food received especially strong praise in one difficult weather outing, so lunch is more than a minor convenience. It gives you a proper break before the afternoon walk.

The schedule allows roughly 1:00 to 2:45 on Curieuse. That is enough time for the meal and a guided visit, but it is not an open-ended island stay. You should keep your shoes on and be ready to walk soon after eating.

The route includes about 45 minutes through mangrove swamp toward Anse Badamier. Mangroves are useful here because they show a side of the Seychelles that is easy to miss when your day is built around beaches. Their muddy, waterlogged roots support a distinct coastal ecosystem, and the walk connects the shore to Curieuse’s conservation work.

The main attraction is the giant Aldabra tortoise. Curieuse is dedicated to protecting these animals, and the guided visit lets you see them in their natural setting and learn about the island’s conservation efforts. You may also encounter giant crabs, another unusual part of the island’s wildlife.

I would bring sturdy, comfortable shoes rather than sandals designed only for the beach. The information supplied for the trip suggests comfortable shoes, water shoes, and outdoor clothing, which is sensible. You may also want a towel and a waterproof bag because the day moves between boat, shore, walk, meal, and water activities.

Curieuse is the stop that gives the day its strongest visual contrast. Cousin is centered on birds and protected habitat. Curieuse adds mangroves, tortoises, crabs, and a land walk. Together, they make the trip feel more substantial than a standard beach-and-snorkel cruise.

A quick snorkel at St Pierre

The final island stop is St Pierre, planned for approximately 2:45 to 3:20. The boat takes you to the coral reefs for snorkeling and marine-life viewing.

Thirty-five minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a look below the surface, but I would not book this trip solely for snorkeling. Sea conditions, time spent getting in and out of the water, and the group schedule all reduce the time available. The equipment is included, and you should bring your own goggles or water shoes if you prefer a particular fit.

The stop works well as a finale. After the walking and wildlife visits, you get a chance to cool off and see the marine side of the Seychelles. Snorkeling conditions can vary, so keep expectations sensible. The trip promises access to coral and marine life, not a guaranteed encounter with particular species.

Biodegradable sunscreen is requested in the packing guidance. Apply it before boarding and bring enough for the day. A hat, sunglasses, swimwear, towel, and waterproof camera are also practical choices.

What the $155 price really covers

At $155 per person, this is not a cheap boat ride. The value comes from combining three destinations, a guide, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and pickup from selected areas of Praslin in one day.

The small group helps justify the cost. A maximum of 10 people gives the guide a better chance to explain wildlife and keep the day organized without the feel of a large excursion boat. You also avoid arranging separate boat transfers to Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre.

The price does not include landing fees. The supplied information lists Cousin at €40, equivalent to SCR600, in one place, while the payment instructions state €60 per person. Curieuse is listed at €20, equivalent to SCR300. Because these figures do not agree, I would ask the operator for the exact current total before booking and carry a debit card for payment.

That extra cost can change the value calculation. Add the landing fees to the $155 headline price, then compare the result with arranging separate transport, meals, equipment, and island admissions yourself. For someone who wants all three islands in one day, the package may still be reasonable. For someone interested mainly in Curieuse or mainly in snorkeling, a shorter and more focused trip may make better sense.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Praslin plans are still changing, but they do not remove the risk of poor weather on the day itself.

Weather, children, and physical demands

I would treat the weather forecast as a key part of the booking decision. The boat has limited protection from rain, and a storm can affect the crossing, landing, and comfort on board. A sunny morning does not guarantee calm conditions for the whole route.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, visually impaired people, hearing-impaired people, people over 80, or babies under one year. The supplied restrictions also exclude people over 95 and anyone with insect allergies.

Some of these limits make practical sense. You need to board a speedboat, move between boat and shore, walk through mangroves, and enter the water for snorkeling. The day also requires you to cope with sun, wind, insects, and possible waves.

Families should think carefully about age and weather. A four-year-old was charged the full price on one booking, and a young child had a very difficult time during heavy rain and rough seas. That does not mean every child will struggle, but I would avoid this outing with small children if the forecast looks unstable.

If you are prone to seasickness, consider speaking with a medical professional about preparation before the trip. Keep any medication accessible, not buried in luggage. Large bags, oversize luggage, strollers, mobility scooters, bikes, glass objects, and pets are not allowed.

The best packing list for this island day

You do not need to bring every item on the long suggested list. Focus on the things that protect you from sun, water, insects, and a rough ride.

Bring:

• Breathable, quick-dry clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes or water shoes
• Swimwear, towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Sun hat, sunglasses, and biodegradable sunscreen
• Biodegradable insect repellent
• Waterproof bag for phone, wallet, and camera
• Debit card for the landing fees
• Charged smartphone or camera
• Binoculars if birdwatching is a priority

Leave jeans, high heels, boots, jewelry, large bags, and fragile glass items behind. You should also avoid intoxication, fireworks, explosives, and any plan to make a fire. Unaccompanied minors are not accepted.

The drinks provided are helpful, but I would still bring personal snacks if you need food at a particular time. The official details include water and snacks in the advice, while the included items specifically name soft drinks, local beer, and water. The BBQ covers lunch, not every possible hunger gap.

Who will get the most from this trip?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want one efficient day built around wildlife, conservation, and light adventure. It suits adults and older children who can handle a speedboat, a 45-minute walk, heat, insects, and a short snorkel.

It is especially good for people who want more than postcard beaches. Cousin gives you bird conservation, Curieuse gives you tortoises and mangroves, and St Pierre gives you a quick look underwater. The guide-led format also helps you understand what you are seeing instead of simply collecting island names.

I would hesitate if you dislike open boats, have serious seasickness, need step-free access, or want a slow day with plenty of unplanned beach time. I would also think twice about taking a very young child during unsettled weather.

The strongest positive feature is the range of experiences packed into one day. The strongest negative is that the schedule leaves little room for weather delays. When conditions are good, the plan works neatly. When conditions turn bad, the boat ride and offshore landing can dominate the day.

Should you book Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre?

Book it if you want a small-group wildlife day from Praslin and are happy to pay extra island fees on top of the $155 price. The guided Cousin visit, Curieuse tortoises, Creole BBQ, and St Pierre snorkel create a well-rounded day, and the English or French guide adds useful context.

Before paying, confirm the exact Cousin landing fee, check the sea forecast, and ask how the operator handles heavy rain or unsafe conditions. Pack for wet weather as seriously as you pack for sunshine.

I would choose this trip for conservation, tortoises, and variety. I would skip it if your top priority is calm water, a long snorkeling session, or a fully sheltered boat. On a clear, settled day, it offers a lot. On a stormy one, the small boat can make the same schedule feel much harder than expected.

FAQ

How long does the Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre trip last?

The trip lasts about seven hours. Departure is around 9:15 AM, with return to Praslin planned for approximately 3:30 to 4:00 PM.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse Praslin, and Anse Volbert Praslin. Return drop-off is available at the same three areas.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag.

Are the island landing fees included in the $155 price?

No. Landing fees for Cousin and Curieuse are separate. The supplied information lists different Cousin fee amounts, so confirm the current charge before departure.

How can I pay the landing fees?

The trip information states that you should bring a debit card for the landing fees. It specifically notes payment for Cousin and Curieuse.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide is available in English and French.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It includes speedboat travel, island landings, walking, and a mangrove hike.