Curieuse and St. Pierre Islands Day Trip with BBQ Lunch

Tortoises, reefs, and barbecue make a fine island day. From Praslin, this six-hour speedboat trip combines Curieuse’s giant Aldabra tortoises and mangrove trails with a Creole lunch, beach time, and snorkeling around St. Pierre. I especially like the close look at the tortoise sanctuary and the generous barbecue, which includes fish, chicken, sausage, prawns, lentils, drinks, and fruit.

The crew also gets strong marks for friendly service, with guides such as Reynold and Mario often praised for keeping the day organized and explaining the animals well. The main consideration is that this is an active outing: you walk rocky trails, pay a separate Curieuse landing fee, and may face rough sea conditions at St. Pierre between May and October.

Key points to know before booking

• Giant tortoises at Curieuse: You can see Aldabra tortoises in their natural island setting and learn about their care from a licensed guide.
• Mangrove walk to Anse José: The trail crosses Curieuse’s unusual mangrove ecosystem and may include rocky steps, so proper shoes matter.
• Creole BBQ on the beach: Grilled fish, chicken, sausage, prawns, lentils, salads, fruit, soft drinks, water, and Seybrew local beer are included.
• Two snorkeling stops: St. Pierre is the usual site, but the boat may use the calmer bay at Anse Petit Cours during the southeast monsoon.
• Small speedboat setting: The boat makes the island crossings fast, but the ride can feel bumpy when the sea is up.
• Extra cost and pickup: Hotel pickup is included in selected Praslin areas, but Curieuse charges a 20 euro landing fee payable by card only.

The morning start from Praslin

The day begins with pickup around 8:45 a.m. if you are staying in the covered areas of Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse town, or Anse Volbert. The listed meeting points include the beach side of Berjaya Praslin Resort and Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.

This arrangement is useful because you do not need to find an unfamiliar harbor on your own. Still, confirm the exact pickup time and place before the morning of the trip. One past booking issue involved unclear pickup communication, so a quick check with the operator is sensible.

Departure is scheduled for about 9:15 a.m. After a safety briefing, you board a speedboat for Curieuse. The boat ride is part of the pleasure here, not just transport. The crossing gives you open-water views and a brisk sense of movement between Praslin and the smaller islands.

A speedboat also means less time spent getting from place to place. The tradeoff is comfort. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew recommends, keep your belongings secure, and expect spray or a jolt when the water is choppy.

Curieuse begins with tortoises and island nature

The first stop is Baie Laraie on Curieuse. This island is known for its giant Aldabra tortoises, and the sanctuary is the emotional center of the trip. You can see these enormous animals at close range while the guide explains their habits and the conservation work that protects them.

Guides Reynold and Mario have been singled out for giving clear explanations and taking care of the group. A good guide makes a real difference here. Without context, a tortoise encounter can become a quick photo stop. With guidance, you learn why these animals matter and how unusual it is to see them living freely on an island reserve.

You may also see giant crabs and island birds. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, so keep your attention on the surroundings rather than expecting a fixed checklist. The appeal is the setting: tortoises, coastal vegetation, and a slower pace after the fast boat ride.

Allow roughly 45 minutes for the tortoise area, depending on the group. Some people will consider that just right. If you prefer to spend more time snorkeling, it may feel long. This is one of the few parts of the schedule that could seem overextended for visitors who are mainly here for the sea.

Walking Curieuse’s mangrove trail

After the tortoise area, the group follows a nature trail toward Anse José Beach. The route includes a boardwalk through mangroves, one of Curieuse’s most interesting features. Mangroves are not simply scenery. Their tangled roots create shelter for young marine life and show how the island’s shore changes between land and sea.

The guide explains the plants, animals, and conservation efforts along the way. You may also reach a viewpoint where sea turtles can sometimes be seen in the water below. The trail gives the trip more substance than a standard beach cruise, because you get a close look at the island rather than only viewing it from the boat.

Wear sturdy walking shoes. Flip-flops are a poor choice for the rocky sections and steps, especially if you walk across a longer part of the island. One account describes the route as roughly two kilometers up and down, though the exact walking time and route can vary.

Bring only what you need. A small bag is easier to carry on the trail, and the operator provides a 750-milliliter bottle of water for the walk. You should still bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. An umbrella may be useful in rainy season, but keep your hands free where possible.

This walk is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The combination of uneven ground, steps, and beach access makes that limitation important to consider before booking.

The beach BBQ at midday

Around noon, lunch is served beachside. This is a generous spread rather than a token sandwich. The menu includes grilled fish, chicken, sausage, prawns cooked on skewers, lentils, garlic bread, salads, tropical fruit, and local Creole dishes. Vegetarian options are available.

The food receives some of the warmest praise attached to this excursion. Several people describe it as delicious, plentiful, and better than expected. Freshly caught fish and fruit fit the setting perfectly, and the meal arrives at a useful moment, after the morning walk.

Drinks are included: water, soft drinks, and Seybrew local beer. The details also list cocktails and beer as part of the stop, though the clearly confirmed inclusions are soft drinks, water, and local beer. If you have dietary needs beyond vegetarian food, ask before departure rather than relying on the standard menu.

You may want a small snack for the morning. Lunch is scheduled for noon, and the walk begins well before then. This is especially useful if you have children or tend to get hungry early.

The beach setting is a major part of the meal. You eat close to the water, then have time to swim or rest at Anse José. The pace is relaxed, but this is not a private resort lunch. You are sharing the space and following the crew’s timing.

Beach time at Anse José

After lunch, the schedule allows about an hour at Anse José. The sand and clear water offer a welcome pause after the trail. You can swim, take photos, or simply let lunch settle before the second boat ride.

There may also be an opportunity to snorkel near the beach, depending on conditions and the crew’s plan. One useful tip is to check the water near Curieuse, where a snorkeling area about 60 meters from shore has been praised as worthwhile.

This beach period is a matter of taste. If you want a calm island day with time to swim, it is welcome. If you want as much time as possible at the reefs, the hour can feel longer than necessary. One practical way to think about the tour is this: you are buying a balanced day of wildlife, walking, food, beach, and snorkeling, not a dedicated reef excursion.

St. Pierre snorkeling and changing sea conditions

The boat usually leaves for St. Pierre around 2 p.m., arriving close to 2:30. St. Pierre is a small, photogenic island surrounded by clear water and reef habitat. The snorkeling stop is intended to show you colorful fish, coral, and other sea life, with sea turtles possible.

The crew may accompany you in the water, which helps you find the better areas and feel more secure. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. Equipment is provided, but one practical suggestion is to use your personal mask and mouthpiece if you prefer familiar, clean gear.

Many people consider the snorkeling a highlight. Reports describe large numbers of fish, reef scenery, and occasional turtles. The condition of the coral can vary, and one account specifically noted some coral bleaching. It is still a pleasant marine stop, but you should not expect every patch of reef to look untouched.

The biggest variable is the season. From May through October, the southeast monsoon can make the water around St. Pierre rough. When that happens, the crew may switch to Anse Petit Cours, a calmer bay. This is a sensible safety decision, but the alternate site may not have exactly the same scenery or reef conditions.

If the current is too strong for safe snorkeling, the crew may offer an alternate boat outing instead. That happened on one reported trip, and the change was appreciated because the crew did not force an unsafe water activity. The lesson is simple: treat snorkeling as weather dependent, not guaranteed in one exact spot.

Return to Praslin and the real length of the day

The boat is scheduled to leave St. Pierre around 3 p.m. and return to Praslin around 3:30 p.m., followed by drop-off at Baie-Ste-Anne, Berjaya Praslin Resort, or Kannus Supermarket.

The advertised duration is six hours, while the detailed schedule runs from about 8:45 a.m. pickup to 3:30 p.m. arrival, close to six hours and 45 minutes. Pickup and driving times can explain some of that difference. Plan for a substantial half-day to full-day outing rather than trying to fit another fixed appointment immediately afterward.

The ride back gives you time to dry off, drink water, and enjoy the last views. The boat ride itself has been praised as one of the best parts of the experience. That matters because the journey connects the day’s separate pieces: Praslin, Curieuse, Anse José, St. Pierre, and the open lagoon.

What the $85 price delivers

At $85 per person, this trip offers solid value if you want several Praslin-area experiences in one package. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off in selected areas, speedboat transport, a guided Curieuse walk, the tortoise sanctuary visit, a beach BBQ, drinks, and two snorkeling opportunities.

A separate Curieuse landing fee is required. The stated amount is 20 euros per person, equivalent to about 300 Seychelles rupees, and payment is by card only. Bring a working payment card, because this is not an optional tip or a minor cash charge.

The price compares well with booking transport, lunch, a guide, and two island visits separately. It is less compelling if you only want snorkeling, since part of the day is devoted to the tortoises, mangroves, and walking trail. The value comes from the combination.

Small group sizes have been reported, including groups of five or six, though the experience can also involve around 10 to 12 people. A smaller boat group makes the guide’s explanations and water supervision more personal. Group size may change by departure date, so do not assume you will have the boat to yourself.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a varied island day rather than a single-purpose cruise. It suits couples, families with older children, wildlife fans, first-time visitors to Praslin, and anyone who likes mixing beach time with a little walking and nature study.

You should be comfortable with:

• A speedboat ride
• Uneven trails and rocky steps
• Swimming and snorkeling
• Changing sea conditions
• A shared group schedule
• Paying the Curieuse landing fee separately

The tour is less suitable if you have limited mobility, dislike boats, or want a long, uninterrupted beach day. It may also disappoint serious snorkelers who would rather spend several hours at one reef.

Guiding quality appears to be one of the strongest parts of the experience. Reynold is frequently praised for being attentive before and during the trip, while Mario and Sony are also noted for friendly, helpful guiding. Staff have been described as helping individual members of the group, explaining the tortoises, and adjusting plans when conditions change.

Practical packing advice

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Wear comfortable shoes with a firm sole for Curieuse, and pack your snorkeling gear if you prefer not to use shared equipment.

Keep your bag small. You will carry it during the trail, and a heavy beach bag becomes annoying on rocky ground. A waterproof pouch for your phone and valuables is sensible, though this is practical advice rather than an included service.

Eat a light breakfast and consider a snack for the morning. Lunch is filling, but it does not arrive until around noon. Drink water throughout the walk, especially in strong sun.

The operator provides water, soft drinks, and local beer. Guides speak English and French, making the nature explanations accessible to a broad range of visitors.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip?

Yes, if you want the best all-round island outing from Praslin. The combination of giant tortoises, mangroves, a proper Creole BBQ, beach time, and snorkeling gives the day a satisfying range. The crew’s friendly service and willingness to change the snorkeling site when the sea is rough add real value.

Go in with the right expectations. This is not a private yacht charter or a pure snorkeling trip. You will walk, share the boat, pay the landing fee, and possibly lose the St. Pierre stop to weather conditions. If those points suit you, $85 is a fair price for a well-filled day, and I would place this near the top of a Praslin activity list.

FAQ

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

The advertised duration is six hours. The detailed schedule runs from pickup around 8:45 a.m. to return around 3:30 p.m., so the complete day may take close to six hours and 45 minutes, depending on pickup and drop-off timing.

What is included in the price?

The price includes selected-area hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat transport, a guided Curieuse visit, BBQ lunch with vegetarian options, soft drinks, water, local Seybrew beer, and two snorkeling stops.

Is the Curieuse landing fee included?

No. You must pay a 20 euro landing fee per person, stated as approximately 300 Seychelles rupees. Payment is by card only.

What food is served at lunch?

The Creole BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns on skewers, lentils, garlic bread, salads, tropical fruit, and other local dishes. Vegetarian options are available.

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

From May through October, southeast monsoon conditions can make St. Pierre rough. The crew may move snorkeling to the calmer bay at Anse Petit Cours. If snorkeling is not safe, the activity may be changed.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is available in selected parts of Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse town, and Anse Volbert. Meeting points include Berjaya Praslin Resort and Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.