From Praslin: Cousin, Curieuse & St Pierre Islands Day Tour

Wildlife, tortoises, and reef time fill one long day. From Praslin, this three-island boat tour packs a lot into eight hours: a guided visit to Cousin Island, a beach BBQ and giant tortoises on Curieuse, then snorkeling near St Pierre. I especially like the strong mix of nature and water activities, and the chance to see Cousin’s endemic birds in a protected setting.

I also like that the group is advertised as small, limited to 10 people, with hotel pickup, equipment, lunch, and life vests included. The main concern is value: the $153 price does not cover island entry fees, and the day can lose its shine when boats run late or weather cancels the St Pierre stop.

The tour has earned a solid but not spotless 4.1 rating from 152 bookings. That feels fair. On a smooth day, the islands are beautiful and the wildlife is memorable. On a poorly managed day, delays, unclear instructions, or weak snorkeling gear can turn a promising outing into an expensive boat ride.

Quick points before you book

• Cousin requires a wet boat transfer: You cross from Baie Ste Anne on Praslin, then transfer from the cruiser to a Reserve boat offshore. Keep your belongings in waterproof bags.
• Cousin’s wildlife is the most educational stop: A warden leads you through mangroves, wetlands, endemic trees, and nesting areas for shearwaters and bridled terns.
• Curieuse combines lunch with giant tortoises: You eat a beach BBQ, then see tortoises near the coastal pond and roaming elsewhere on the island.
• St Pierre is the snorkeling stop: The crew supplies snorkeling equipment and life vests, although equipment quality may vary.
• Budget for SCR 900 in entry fees: Cousin costs SCR 600 per person in cash, while Curieuse costs SCR 300 for anyone over age 12 by credit or debit card.
• Weather controls the final act: Wind, rain, or stinging plankton can cancel or change the St Pierre snorkeling stop.

Starting from Praslin and crossing to Cousin

Your day begins with hotel pickup and a transfer to Baie Ste Anne jetty. The crossing to Cousin is only about 2 kilometers, but this is not a simple walk-on ferry arrangement. A cruiser moors offshore, and a Reserve boat takes you the final stretch to the island.

That transfer helps protect Cousin from accidentally introduced pests. It also means you should expect to get wet. Bring a waterproof bag for phones, cameras, wallets, and dry clothes. Flip-flops, swimwear, a towel, and beachwear belong in your day bag. Large luggage is not permitted.

Follow the safety instructions closely. Put on the life jacket and stay seated until the boat reaches the beach. The short crossing may look harmless, but small boats and open water deserve sensible care, especially when the sea is moving.

Timing can be the first test of the day. The advertised group size is limited to 10, but the shared boat arrangements may include people booked on other excursions. One dissatisfied booking described waiting more than 45 minutes before leaving the boat area. That kind of delay matters because the schedule is tight, and every late start squeezes the later stops.

Cousin Island: the strongest part for nature lovers

Cousin is a Special Nature Reserve, and it gives this outing its real purpose. A warden leads the walk, taking you from the coast through mangroves and wetlands before reaching the higher forest and hill plateau.

The habitats change quickly. Along the coast, protective mangroves help explain how the island handles water and shoreline conditions. The wetlands attract dragonflies, moorhens, caecilans, and Seychelles terrapins. These are not just pretty photo stops. They show you how much life can fit into a small island when development and introduced pests are controlled.

Higher up, the rejuvenated forest contains endemic trees such as mapou, Indian mulberry, and bwa sousouri. The forest also provides nesting sites for large populations of shearwaters and bridled terns. Cousin is particularly rewarding if you enjoy birdlife, but it is not a quiet, private walk in every departure.

One group described a tour of around 40 people on the reserve, with too much talking and visitors getting too close to nesting birds. That experience conflicts with the advertised small-group format, so you should confirm how the Cousin portion is organized before booking if a peaceful wildlife walk is important to you. A large group also makes it harder to hear the warden and can reduce the quality of the visit.

The bird list is impressive for such a small island. You may see the Seychelles Magpie Robin, Seychelles Sunbird, Seychelles Fody, Blue Pigeon, and Seychelles Warbler. The point is not to rush around checking names. The pleasure comes from seeing an island where native species have room to survive.

The walk does involve uneven outdoor surfaces and boat transfers. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. If you tire easily, ask for clear details about the walking route and the amount of time spent on foot before you commit.

Curieuse Island: tortoises beside a beach BBQ

After Cousin, the boat ride to Curieuse takes about 30 minutes. The pace changes here. Instead of a guided nature walk being the main event, you get lunch on the beach and time around giant tortoises.

Curieuse is known for its large tortoise population. Some gather beside the natural pond on the coast, while others roam freely across the island. You may even hear them before you see them, thanks to the loud sounds they make during mating.

This is a good place to slow down and watch the animals at close range, while still giving them space. The tortoises are the headline attraction, but the experience is more enjoyable when you treat the island as their home rather than a petting area.

The lunch is described as a BBQ served on the beach, with water or a soft drink included. Expectations matter here. One booking described the meal as a counted portion rather than the generous cookout they had imagined. A separate dietary request also did not produce a genuinely different vegetarian dish, only a plate without meat or fish.

If you do not eat meat or seafood, contact the provider before departure and get the meal arrangement confirmed in writing. Do not assume that a vegetarian request means a separate prepared option.

Curieuse can also involve unclear directions. One account described passengers being left to walk across the island to the waiting boat without a clear explanation from the captain. Listen carefully at lunch and ask exactly where and when you must meet the group. The schedule is not forgiving, and a short misunderstanding can create real stress.

The tortoises are a major reason to book the tour, but Curieuse may not offer much interpretation beyond seeing the animals. If you want detailed information about their habitat, food, or conservation work, ask questions directly. The quality of explanation can depend heavily on the guide and the organization on the day.

St Pierre snorkeling: a short final stop

The final stop is St Pierre, a tiny island used as the snorkeling site. The crew provides masks and other snorkeling equipment, along with life vests. Lightweight snorkeling vests are specifically promised for people who are not confident swimmers.

That safety feature is useful. A vest lets you float and look down at the marine life without spending all your energy staying up. Still, one poor account said only oversized life jackets were available, and that they were not practical for snorkeling. Equipment can make a big difference, so inspect what you are given before entering the water.

The snorkeling itself is weather dependent. Wind, sea conditions, or stinging plankton may make the stop unpleasant or unsafe. One departure replaced the planned St Pierre snorkeling with about 45 minutes of snorkeling at another reserve area, followed by a quick boat pass near St Pierre. That is not the same experience, but it shows why the operator cannot guarantee the exact final stop.

You should also understand the order of the day. Snorkeling is not the main activity at Cousin or Curieuse. It comes after a long morning, boat transfers, lunch, walking, and time with the tortoises. Bring a towel and dry clothes, and keep your camera protected.

How the timing affects the experience

The tour lasts about eight hours, but the clock can feel crowded. You have pickup, the transfer to Baie Ste Anne, the Cousin landing procedure, the guided walk, the 30-minute ride to Curieuse, lunch, time with tortoises, another boat transfer, and snorkeling.

That is a lot for one day. I like the variety, but you should not expect long, lazy hours at every island. Delays are especially damaging because the final snorkeling stop is the easiest part to shorten or cancel.

Pickup times can change, and the provider sends the final time by email. Wait in your hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup. Since pickup is included, this is a convenient choice if you are staying on Praslin and do not want to arrange your own transport to the jetty.

The group is meant to be limited to 10 participants, which should make the boat and guide interaction easier. However, the reported shared transport and the unusually large Cousin group show that group size may differ between parts of the outing. Ask whether the 10-person limit applies to the full excursion or only to the booking segment.

What the price really includes

The listed price is $153 per person. That covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat-based island program, BBQ lunch with water or a soft drink, snorkeling equipment, and life vests.

It does not cover the two island entry charges:

• Cousin: SCR 600 per person, all ages, cash only
• Curieuse: SCR 300 per person for anyone over 12, credit or debit card only

That means the basic adult admission total is SCR 900 per person, in addition to the tour price. You need both cash and a card, not one or the other. This extra cost surprised at least one booking party, and it is the most important budget detail to understand before paying.

The value is strongest if you want one organized day that combines wildlife, lunch, and snorkeling. Doing all three islands independently would require more planning, separate transport, and careful timing. The value is weaker if your main goal is only snorkeling, or if you expect a polished private tour with a generous BBQ and long stops.

I would judge the price as reasonable for a full day with transfers and three island visits, but not a bargain once the entrance fees are added. The quality depends on good timing and clear communication. When those work, the day covers a lot. When they fail, you pay a premium for a rushed schedule.

Guides, communication, and the human factor

English is the stated tour language. A guide named David received especially warm praise for being attentive, relaxed, and able to speak several languages. A good guide can make a big difference here, particularly at Cousin, where the wildlife and conservation details are the reason to visit.

The weak point is not always friendliness. It is clarity. You need firm instructions about boat departure times, the Curieuse walking route, lunch arrangements, and any weather-related changes. If the captain or guide gives vague directions, ask again before leaving the beach.

The quality appears uneven. Some departures have kind, helpful crew members and smooth visits to all three islands. Others have had late starts, limited information, disappointing meal handling, or a replacement snorkeling stop without enough explanation. I would not book this expecting every day to run exactly the same way.

Who will enjoy this day most

This tour suits you if you want a busy nature day and prefer having transport, food, and equipment handled for you. It is particularly good for people who want to combine birdlife, giant tortoises, and reef time rather than choosing one theme.

Families may like the tortoises and short boat crossings, but a late lunch or delayed schedule can be hard on young children. Bring snacks if permitted by the operator, and do not rely on lunch timing being exact.

You should also be comfortable with wet transfers, boat travel, walking over natural surfaces, and a long day outdoors. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

This is not the best fit if you need guaranteed snorkeling, detailed specialist guiding, a confirmed private group, or carefully managed vegetarian catering. It may also disappoint you if you imagine a slow beach BBQ rather than a practical group meal between island visits.

What to pack for a smoother day

Pack light. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so use a small day bag that you can protect from spray.

Bring:

• Swimwear and beachwear
• Towel
• Flip-flops
• Waterproof bag
• Cash for Cousin’s entry fee
• Credit or debit card for Curieuse’s entry fee

Keep your phone and any camera inside the waterproof bag during both boat transfers. Wear the life vest as instructed, and do not stand until the Reserve boat has reached the beach.

The operator may change pickup times, so check your email before the excursion. The activity can also be altered by weather, sea conditions, or stinging plankton at the snorkeling site.

Should you book the Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre tour?

Book it if you want to see three distinct sides of the Praslin area in one day: protected bird habitat at Cousin, giant tortoises on Curieuse, and marine life near St Pierre. Cousin is the strongest stop for nature education, Curieuse supplies the most memorable animal encounter, and St Pierre adds a welcome swim at the end.

Before booking, accept three facts. The day is tightly timed, island fees are extra, and weather can change the final program. Confirm the group size, vegetarian lunch arrangements, pickup time, and snorkeling vest availability if any of those details matter to you.

I would recommend this tour to an active first-time visitor who values convenience and variety more than perfect control over the schedule. I would hesitate only if you need a quiet small-group wildlife experience, guaranteed snorkeling, or a clearly structured meal and transfer plan. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, which gives you some useful protection while you watch the forecast.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The tour duration is about 8 hours, including hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transfers, island visits, lunch, and snorkeling.

Where does the tour begin?

You are picked up at your hotel on Praslin and transferred to Baie Ste Anne jetty. Pickup times can change, and the provider sends the final time by email.

How do I reach Cousin Island?

The boat crosses about 2 kilometers from Baie Ste Anne. The cruiser moors offshore, and a Reserve boat carries you to Cousin Island.

What are the island entry fees?

Cousin costs SCR 600 per person for all ages, payable in cash only. Curieuse costs SCR 300 for people over age 12, payable by credit or debit card.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch on Curieuse is included, along with water or a soft drink. If you need a vegetarian option, confirm the exact meal with the provider before departure.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The planned snorkeling stop is St Pierre Island. Weather, sea conditions, or stinging plankton can cause the activity to be moved, shortened, or canceled.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, beachwear, a towel, flip-flops, cash, a credit or debit card, and a waterproof bag. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.