Full Day Excursion of Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre Islands from Praslin Island

Three islands, one busy day. This excursion gives you a practical way to combine Cousin Island Reserve, Curieuse, and St. Pierre from Praslin without arranging boats, meals, and transfers separately. I especially like the close views of rare birds on Cousin and the simple beach barbecue on Curieuse. The main concern is cost clarity, since island entrance fees are not included and the boat ride can be rough.

You’ll spend about eight hours moving between nature reserve, giant tortoise habitat, and a snorkeling stop. The plan is attractive, but the day depends heavily on weather, sea conditions, and good communication about pickup times and extra charges.

The day in four useful facts

• Cousin Island is the wildlife highlight: You may see rare birds at close range, including species protected in their natural habitat.
• Curieuse combines lunch and tortoises: The beach barbecue is followed by time on an island known for giant tortoises.
• St. Pierre is the water stop: About an hour is set aside for snorkeling, with equipment supplied.
• The boat ride deserves respect: You are advised to waterproof your belongings, wear a life jacket, and remain seated until the boat reaches shore.
• Extra fees change the final price: Cousin costs SCR 600 per person of any age, while Curieuse costs SCR 300 for anyone aged 12 or older.
• The group is capped at 15: That is a useful limit for a full-day boat excursion, though the beach meal may still feel shared rather than intimate.

Starting from Praslin at 8:30 a.m.

The tour begins at 8:30 a.m. with hotel pickup on Praslin. Pickup and drop-off remove one of the annoying parts of island touring: figuring out how to reach the departure point before the boat leaves. The listed meeting point is Côte d’Or Beach, so confirm the exact pickup time and location with the operator before the morning of your trip.

The excursion lasts roughly eight hours. That gives you enough time for three distinct stops, but not much room for delays. Boat loading, sea conditions, island entry procedures, and weather can all affect the schedule.

I would pack lightly. Bring a waterproof bag for phones, cameras, wallets, and spare clothing. The advice to protect your belongings is not cosmetic. Small boats can take spray, and a wet phone can spoil the rest of your Seychelles holiday faster than a missed postcard.

The boat operator’s safety instructions matter here. Keep your life jacket on as directed and stay seated until the craft is beached. One poor account described a very rough and fast ride that caused hard jolts, so this is not the place to ignore the crew or stand up for a better photograph.

Cousin Island and its close-up birdlife

Cousin Island Reserve is the first major stop, and it is the part of the day that gives this outing its strongest natural-history value. The island is known for protected birdlife, and the visit includes a guided nature reserve experience rather than just a quick beach landing.

The appeal is proximity. You may see rare birds in their natural setting, sometimes close enough to make binoculars less important than patience. The island also offers a panoramic viewpoint, according to the available tour feedback, giving the visit more shape than a simple walk among trees.

A guide can make a major difference here. The best version of this stop helps you understand what you are seeing, rather than sending you through the reserve with only a few minutes to look around. Keep your pace steady and listen for instructions, since this is a protected area first and a sightseeing stop second.

Pack mosquito protection. One of the clearest practical warnings from this excursion is that mosquitoes on Cousin can be relentless. Apply repellent before landing and consider long, light clothing if you are sensitive to bites.

The Cousin entry fee is listed separately at SCR 600 per person for all ages. At the time of booking, ask precisely how this will be collected and whether it is paid in cash or by another method. The extra charge is substantial when added to a tour costing $176.18, so it should never come as a surprise at the dock.

The 30-minute crossing to Curieuse

After Cousin, the boat ride to Curieuse takes about 30 minutes. This is a short crossing on paper, but the experience depends on the sea. In calm weather it is a pleasant link between two islands. In rough weather, it can become the least comfortable part of your day.

Keep your belongings sealed and remain seated. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan ahead using only measures you already know work for you. The tour information does not promise a particular boat type or a sheltered ride, and small craft are more exposed to wind and waves.

Curieuse gives the day a different focus. Cousin is mainly about birds and reserve protection. Curieuse brings together giant tortoises, a beach meal, and time to walk or look around the island.

Curieuse, giant tortoises, and the beach barbecue

The barbecue lunch is served on the beach and includes one bottle of water or one soft drink per person. That is a welcome feature on a full-day island trip. You do not need to return to Praslin for lunch, and the meal keeps the schedule moving.

The food receives mixed treatment in the available feedback. Some descriptions call it plentiful and tasty, while another found the barbecue disappointing, especially in poor weather and a larger group. I would set your expectations at a straightforward outdoor lunch, not a restaurant meal. The setting is part of its value.

Curieuse is also the place to see giant tortoises. The animals are a clear draw, but do not expect the entire stop to be only about tortoises. The island visit works best when you allow time for the setting, the guide’s explanations, and the walk between points of interest.

One criticism of this stop was that the tortoise area could be seen quickly, with the feeling that the animals are not the sole reason to pay for the whole excursion. That is fair. If you only want a short tortoise encounter, this full-day combination may feel expensive. If you want tortoises as one part of a wider island day, Curieuse fits much better.

Curieuse charges SCR 300 per person for anyone aged 12 and older. This fee is also separate from the advertised tour price. Children under 12 are not listed as paying this particular charge, but confirm the current arrangements when booking.

St. Pierre and an hour in the water

The last stop is St. Pierre, a tiny island where you get about one hour for snorkeling. Equipment is provided, which saves you from bringing a mask and fins or renting them separately on Praslin.

The snorkeling has earned some of the strongest praise connected with the excursion. Clear water and many fish can make this a rewarding final stop, especially after a morning spent on land. The water time is long enough to feel worthwhile, but short enough that you should be ready to enter the water promptly.

This is not a dedicated snorkeling charter. You are sharing the hour with two nature-island visits, so the schedule will not suit you if underwater time is your only priority. Still, St. Pierre gives the day a refreshing finish and adds a completely different setting to the itinerary.

Bring swimwear under your clothes, along with a towel if your accommodation does not provide one. The supplied information confirms snorkeling gear, but it does not state that towels, additional drinks, or personal underwater equipment are included.

What the $176.18 price really covers

The advertised price is $176.18 per person. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transport between the islands, a barbecue lunch, one bottle of water or one soft drink, and local taxes.

That is a reasonable structure for a complicated day. You would otherwise need to coordinate several boat movements, arrange food, and work out how to reach the departure point. The maximum group size of 15 also gives the outing a more manageable feel than a large sightseeing boat.

But the price is not the final cost. Cousin adds SCR 600 per person for all ages, and Curieuse adds SCR 300 for those aged 12 and older. Together, those charges can materially change the budget, especially for a family.

The wording around admission requires particular care. The schedule identifies admission as included in one place, while the inclusions section says entrance fees are not included. The separate fee information makes the practical position clear enough: budget for additional island charges and ask the provider to confirm the exact total before departure.

This tour is often booked well in advance, with an average lead time of about 55 days. That suggests you should not wait until the last minute if the three-island combination is central to your Praslin plans.

Service, guides, and organization

The human side of the experience can shape the whole day. The available feedback includes warm praise for supportive guides, a helpful Curieuse guide, and a guide named Samuel. Good guiding is particularly valuable on Cousin, where birds and conservation work are more meaningful when someone explains what you are seeing.

Organization has been less consistent. You may need to confirm the pickup details yourself rather than assume the company will send every detail automatically. One account described difficulty getting clear information about pickup, and another described a cancellation with no timely notice while trying to contact the provider.

That does not mean your trip will be poorly managed. It does mean you should be practical. Confirm the hotel name, pickup time, meeting point, island fees, boat departure, and what happens if the weather changes. Save the provider’s contact information before the day begins.

The overall rating of 3.2 from 16 reviews reflects this unevenness. The natural attractions receive much warmer praise than the administration and boat handling. That is an important distinction: the islands can deliver a wonderful day, but the operator’s execution deserves your attention.

Weather can change the whole experience

This excursion requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Rain can affect more than the boat ride. It can make the beach barbecue less pleasant, reduce comfort on Curieuse, and make the crossing feel harder. A gray day can still produce worthwhile wildlife sightings, but the classic clear-water snorkeling experience is less certain.

The cancellation terms allow a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times use Seychelles local time, so do not leave changes until the last evening without checking the clock.

Who should book this island combination?

I would recommend this tour to you if you have one full day on Praslin and want variety. It combines protected bird habitat, giant tortoises, a beach lunch, and snorkeling without requiring you to solve the transport puzzle yourself.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a small organized group. The limit of 15 is modest for a boat excursion and should make instructions easier to hear and movement less chaotic.

You may want another option if you dislike speedboat rides, have a sensitive back, or want a slow island visit with plenty of free time. The schedule is full, and the day can feel rushed if boat transfers take longer than planned.

It may not suit you if you are booking mainly to see tortoises. Curieuse is one part of a larger program, and the tortoise viewing may be relatively brief. Likewise, committed snorkelers may prefer an outing that gives most of the day to the water.

Most people can participate, but the available information does not describe detailed accessibility arrangements. Ask the provider directly if you have mobility needs or concerns about boarding a small boat.

Final verdict: worthwhile, with the costs confirmed first

I would book this excursion for the range of experiences it packs into one day. Cousin offers the most distinctive wildlife, Curieuse adds tortoises and a useful beach lunch, and St. Pierre gives you a pleasant hour in the water. The combination is much more interesting than spending the entire day at one standard beach.

I would not book it without confirming the extra entrance fees and pickup details. At $176.18, plus SCR 600 for Cousin and SCR 300 for many Curieuse visitors, the price needs to be understood in full. If the operator gives you clear information and the weather looks good, this can be a rewarding Praslin day. If communication is vague, or rough seas make you uneasy, keep your plans more flexible.

FAQ

How long does the excursion last?

The excursion lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 8:30 a.m.

Is hotel pickup available on Praslin?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off on Praslin Island are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on the beach at Curieuse Island.

What drinks are included?

Each person receives one bottle of water or one soft drink.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided for the St. Pierre stop.

What additional entrance fees should I expect?

Cousin Island charges SCR 600 per person for all ages. Curieuse Island charges SCR 300 per person aged 12 and older. These fees are listed as not included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Poor-weather or minimum-participant cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.