Curieuse and St Pierre Snorkeling Half-Day Trip No BBQ Lunch

Tortoises, mangroves, and clear water in one morning. This $53 trip from Praslin packs two very different island experiences into about four hours: a guided walk across Curieuse Island and a swim or snorkel stop near St Pierre. I especially like the chance to see Aldabra giant tortoises in their natural habitat, and the short format works well if you have limited time on Praslin. The main catch is the extra €20 Curieuse landing fee, plus sea conditions can affect the quality of the snorkeling stop.

The walking route is only about 1.7 kilometers, but the guide stops often to explain the plants, mangrove ecosystem, and island wildlife. That makes the outing more informative than a simple beach transfer, though families with young children may find the pace slow in the midday heat. Guides such as Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin have earned especially warm praise for their humor, care, and local insight.

Key points at a glance

• Curieuse’s giant tortoises are the star attraction: You get time to see these large, gentle animals up close in their protected home.
• The 1.7-kilometer island walk crosses a mangrove area: Expect plant and wildlife explanations, shaded sections, and several stops rather than a fast hike.
• St Pierre provides the swimming and snorkeling: The water can be excellent, but waves and weather may require a different snorkeling location.
• The morning schedule suits short stays: Pickup begins around 8:45 AM, with a return to Praslin planned around 12:30 PM.
• The real price is higher than $53: Add the €20 Curieuse landing fee per person, and remember there is no BBQ lunch.
• Guiding is a major strength: Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin are praised for making the trip friendly, safe, and informative.

What this Praslin boat trip actually includes

This is a small, focused island outing rather than a full-day cruise. You leave Praslin by boat, spend most of your time on Curieuse, then continue to St Pierre for snorkeling before returning to Praslin.

The listed price is $53 per person. That covers the boat excursion, a licensed guide, hotel transfer in certain Praslin areas, water, and soft drinks. The tour information also mentions local beer, but the included-services section specifically confirms water and soft drinks, so I would check with Loyalty Boat Charter if having a beer matters to you.

You must also pay a €20 landing fee per person for Curieuse. Bring cash and a Visa or debit card, since the instructions ask you to carry both a card and cash. There is no BBQ lunch on this version of the trip, so eat before pickup or carry a suitable snack if the operator allows it.

The price remains fair for a short Seychelles boat tour, especially because it combines transport, a guide, a protected island visit, and snorkeling. Still, the landing fee makes the final cost noticeably higher than the headline figure. Think of the advertised $53 as the starting price, not the complete door-to-door total.

The morning schedule from Praslin

Pickup is scheduled for about 8:45 AM from certain areas of Praslin, including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitie, St Joseph, Grand-Anse town area, and Anse Volbert. If you are not in one of those zones, you may need to reach a meeting point yourself.

The two listed pickup and drop-off areas are around Anse Volbert, near the beachside at Berjaya Resort, or near Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne. The exact meeting point matters, so confirm it before the morning of the trip. Seychelles roads and hotel locations can make a short transfer take longer than expected.

The boat is planned to leave around 9:15 AM and reach Curieuse at approximately 9:30 AM. The schedule then gives you time for the tortoise area, the island walk, Anse José Beach, and the St Pierre snorkeling stop. The stated return time is around 12:30 PM, although the activity is sold as four hours. Treat the clock times as a guide rather than a promise, since boat transfers and sea conditions can shift the day.

That early start is useful. You get the cooler part of the morning for walking, although one family found the forest section hot because the hike took place near the warmest part of the day. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing even though refreshments are provided.

Meeting Curieuse’s Aldabra giant tortoises

Curieuse is the emotional high point for many people on this tour. The island is known for Aldabra giant tortoises, and you are given time to visit the tortoise sanctuary and observe them in their natural setting.

These animals are accustomed to people, which makes close viewing possible. You can take photographs, watch them move at their own slow pace, and appreciate their sheer size without the rushed feeling of a quick photo stop. The experience is particularly good for families, since children often connect with the tortoises more easily than with a long nature lecture.

The guides help turn the stop into more than an animal encounter. Mario has been praised for explaining Seychelles in an engaging way, while Reynold is noted for being funny, professional, and attentive. Benjamin is also singled out for explaining the island with care, even when weather conditions forced a change to the snorkeling plan.

You may spend around 25 minutes with the tortoises, though the actual timing can vary. That is enough for a good look, but not a long naturalist session. If you want a full wildlife-focused day, this half-day trip may feel brief. If you want one memorable animal experience without giving up an entire day, the timing is well judged.

Walking through Curieuse’s mangrove forest

After seeing the tortoises, the group follows a path across Curieuse toward Anse José Beach. The walk is about 1.7 kilometers, with the route passing through mangrove habitat and other island vegetation.

The mangroves are not just scenery. Their tangled roots shelter marine life and help limit coastal erosion. Along the path, the guide may point out mangrove trees, crabs, birds, and other signs of life in this wet coastal ecosystem. You get a useful look at how the island’s land and sea environments connect.

The walk is described as a hike, but it is not a strenuous mountain trek. Comfortable walking shoes or hiking shoes are sensible because the ground can be uneven, and beachwear alone is not ideal for the full route. Breathable clothing, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag will make the walk more pleasant.

The pace depends heavily on the guide. Several guides are praised for their plant and wildlife explanations, and that detail is one reason the excursion feels worthwhile. But one family felt there were too many stops and too much talking for a short trail. If you prefer to walk quickly and reach the beach, you may find the commentary slow. If you enjoy learning about tropical plants and coastal ecology, the pauses add real value.

Arriving at Anse José Beach

The walk ends at Anse José Beach, a secluded stretch where you can rest and enjoy the coast. This is a welcome change after the forest path, giving you time to sit on the sand, take photographs, and look back at the route you have crossed.

Do not expect a long, leisurely beach afternoon. The stop is one part of a tightly timed morning, and the boat must continue to St Pierre. Still, Anse José gives the tour a pleasant rhythm: wildlife first, walking second, quiet beach time third.

This is also where you may want to reapply sunscreen and check your belongings before boarding again. A waterproof bag is useful for keeping phones, cameras, and cards dry during boat transfers and the snorkeling portion.

Snorkeling around St Pierre Island

Around midday, the boat continues to St Pierre Island for swimming and snorkeling. St Pierre is known for its granite boulders rising from the turquoise water, making it one of the more photogenic stops on the route.

The planned snorkeling time is around 30 minutes. That is enough for a refreshing swim and a look at the marine life, but it is not a long reef session. Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, since the instructions recommend packing it. The available information does not confirm that equipment is supplied, so ask before departure if you need rental gear.

Water clarity and marine life depend on the day. Some outings have had excellent snorkeling, with the water compared to an aquarium. On another outing, high waves made the original spot less suitable, and the boat had to choose another location. That is an important practical point: St Pierre can be beautiful, but no operator can guarantee calm water or perfect visibility.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations flexible. The trip’s strongest feature is the combination of Curieuse and St Pierre, not a long, specialist reef excursion. You may get wonderfully clear water, or you may get a shorter swim at a safer alternate site.

Guides make the difference

The guide can shape this trip more than the boat ride does. Mario receives repeated praise for his passion, humor, and ability to explain Seychelles in a relaxed way. Reynold is described as exceptionally kind and capable, while Benjamin is praised for keeping people informed and safe when conditions changed.

That matters on Curieuse because the trail includes repeated stops. A guide who can explain the plants without turning the walk into a lecture helps the island feel alive. A guide who watches the group carefully also makes the beach and boat changes easier, especially for families.

The language options are English and French. Since the tour is guided, you should expect commentary during the Curieuse visit rather than a completely independent walk. If you want quiet time, there is still free time around the tortoises and at Anse José, but the main trail includes regular explanations.

Who will enjoy this half-day outing

I would recommend this trip most strongly to you if you want a compact introduction to Praslin’s nearby islands. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time visitors, and anyone fitting several activities into a short Seychelles stay.

The half-day format is especially useful if you want to keep the afternoon free. You might spend the rest of the day at a Praslin beach, visit another attraction, or simply rest after the early start. A full-day boat tour can be rewarding, but four hours is easier to fit into a busy itinerary.

Families should note the walking pace and heat. Children aged 5 to 14 have enjoyed the tortoises and snorkeling, but one family found the long series of explanations less appealing. Babies under one year are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or those with significant vision impairment.

The operator also advises against joining if you suffer from motion sickness. The boat ride is not described in detail, so anyone prone to seasickness should take that warning seriously and ask about conditions before setting out.

What to pack for a smoother morning

Keep your luggage light. Oversize bags, strollers, mobility scooters, and non-folding wheelchairs are not accepted, and valuables or jewelry are best left at your accommodation.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Hat, sunscreen, and breathable clothing
• Insect repellent for the mangrove section
• Waterproof bag and camera
• Snorkeling gear, unless the operator confirms equipment is supplied
• Cash and a Visa or debit card for the €20 landing fee
• Binoculars if you enjoy bird watching

Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are sensible choices around marine and coastal habitats. Avoid jeans and high-heeled shoes, and do not smoke in the vehicle or indoors.

Is $53 good value?

At $53 per person, the tour offers solid value because it combines a boat transfer, a guided Curieuse visit, tortoise viewing, a mangrove walk, beach time, and snorkeling. Water and soft drinks are included, and pickup is available in selected Praslin areas.

The €20 landing fee changes the calculation. Add that charge before comparing this outing with other boat trips. Since lunch is not included, you should also account for your morning meal and any later food costs.

I think the strongest value comes from the guide-led Curieuse visit. A simple boat transfer to a beach would cost less in some situations, but it would not give you the same context about the tortoises, mangroves, and island plants. The snorkeling is a bonus, though sea conditions decide how strong that part will be.

The activity has an overall rating of 4.6 from 102 bookings, with especially strong praise for the guides and the Curieuse walk. The main criticism is not poor organization. It is that the walk can feel over-explained and that snorkeling may be affected by wind and waves.

Should you book this Curieuse and St Pierre trip?

Book it if you want the best short introduction to Curieuse and like the idea of pairing wildlife and walking with a quick swim. The tortoises, the mangrove route, and the friendly guiding are the reliable strengths. Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin have all helped make the outing feel personal and well managed.

Think twice if your priority is a long snorkeling session, a relaxed beach day, or a fast-paced hike. You may spend more time listening and walking than expected, and rough water can reduce the quality of the St Pierre stop.

For most visitors with only one morning to spare, I would book it. Just budget for the €20 landing fee, confirm your pickup point, bring proper walking and swim gear, and accept that the sea gets the final word.

FAQ

How long is the Curieuse and St Pierre tour?

The activity is advertised as a four-hour half-day trip. The planned schedule begins with pickup around 8:45 AM and returns to Praslin at approximately 12:30 PM.

Where does pickup take place on Praslin?

Pickup is available in certain areas of Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitie, St Joseph, Grand-Anse town area, and Anse Volbert. Listed meeting points include the beachside near Berjaya Resort at Anse Volbert and Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer is included for certain areas of Praslin. You should confirm that your accommodation is within the stated pickup zones.

Is the Curieuse landing fee included?

No. You must pay a €20 landing fee per person for Curieuse Island.

How should I pay the Curieuse landing fee?

Bring cash as well as a Visa Card or debit card. The instructions specifically ask customers to carry both.

Is lunch included?

No. This version of the trip does not include a BBQ lunch.

What refreshments are provided?

Water and soft drinks are included. The tour information also mentions local beer, but the confirmed included-services list names water and soft drinks, so ask the provider about beer before booking.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

The available information does not confirm that snorkeling equipment is supplied. Bring your own gear or check with Loyalty Boat Charter before the trip.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Can I cancel the booking?

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

Who should avoid this activity?

It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, visually impaired people, people over 80, people over 95, babies under one year, or people with motion sickness.