Praslin: Curieuse & St Pierre Island Day Trip with Barbecue

Two islands, one generous day, and plenty of tortoises. This seven-hour trip from Praslin combines wildlife, island history, a guided walk, a beach barbecue, and snorkeling in one well-packed outing. I like the close encounters with free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises, and I like that the Creole lunch is cooked and served on the beach rather than at a resort. The main catch is the extra €20 entrance fee for Curieuse, plus the fact that sea conditions can change the snorkeling stop.

Pickup is offered from a long list of Praslin hotels, guesthouses, villas, the airport, and the ferry terminal, usually 10 to 30 minutes before departure. Guides speak English and French. You should also expect a group tour, and group size may vary: some departures feel fairly intimate, while one recorded outing had 47 people.

At $88 per person, the price is strong for a full day that includes transport, boat rides, lunch, drinks, a guide, and snorkeling gear. I would budget the entrance fee before booking, carry more water than you think you need, and bring shoes that can handle both a warm trail and a wet boat deck.

Key points to know before booking

• Free-roaming giant tortoises: Curieuse lets you see Aldabra tortoises moving around their sanctuary, often close enough for excellent photographs.
• A real island walk: The guided route passes mangroves, palm forests, coastal plants, and sites connected to Curieuse’s former leper colony.
• Beach barbecue included: Lunch features grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, fresh fruit, and drinks.
• Snorkeling at St Pierre: You get about an hour in the water, with equipment supplied and help available for beginners.
• Weather can alter the plan: From June through September, rougher southeast monsoon seas can move the snorkeling to calmer Anse Petite Cours.
• Plan for limited facilities: Functional toilets and changing rooms may not be available at the island stops, so arrive ready for a full outdoor day.

The morning starts with an easy Praslin pickup

The day begins between 8:00 and 8:55 in the morning, depending on where you are staying. The return van transfer is included, which matters on Praslin because the pickup list covers much of the island, from Côte d’Or and Baie Sainte Anne to Anse Kerlan, Grand Anse, Anse Possession, and the airport.

Your driver collects you at the hotel reception, then takes you to Côte d’Or Beach. This is a useful arrangement if you do not have a rental car or prefer not to puzzle out local transport before breakfast. The return drive can take longer than expected if you are among the last drop-offs. One account describes more than an hour in the van after the tour while the vehicle crossed the island, so do not assume the 3:30 return time means you will be back at your own room immediately.

The boat is scheduled to leave at 9:15. The crossing to Curieuse takes about 15 minutes, giving you a quick taste of the bright water and granite islands without a long, tiring sea journey. Still, take motion-sickness medication if you normally need it. A short crossing can feel lively when the wind picks up.

Curieuse begins with the Doctor’s House and island history

The first Curieuse stop is Anse José and the old Doctor’s House. This colonial building now serves as a museum about the island’s former leprosy settlement. It gives the place more weight than a simple beach visit. You see how Curieuse was used in the past, then walk into the island’s natural setting, where Coco de Mer palms and coastal vegetation take over.

The timing allows roughly two hours for the first Curieuse portion, including the museum and nearby exploration. Guides explain the island’s past and point out plants and features that are easy to miss if you walk alone. Aubrey, Benjamin, Sebastian, Brandon, and other named guides have drawn especially warm praise for their humor, care, and clear explanations. Guide quality can shape this outing, and here it appears to be one of its strongest features.

The schedule may also include about an hour of beach time after landing. That is pleasant if you want to swim, take photographs, or sit in the shade, but it can feel like dead time if you are eager to start walking. Bring a cover-up or dry clothing if you swim early, since sitting through the rest of the day in a wet swimsuit is not ideal.

The mangrove trail adds nature and a little exercise

The Curieuse walk moves through mangroves on a guided boardwalk trail, with palm forest and coastal vegetation along the way. You might spot native birds and crabs, while the guide explains how the island’s protected habitats fit together.

The route is not described as technically difficult, but it is not a flat stroll from boat to barbecue either. Several people found it easy enough overall, with some gentle ups and downs, while another person felt the walk ran closer to 90 minutes than the advertised 45. Wear proper walking shoes or sturdy sandals, not delicate beach flip-flops.

This part is valuable because it connects the separate pieces of Curieuse. You are not simply driven or ferried between a museum, tortoises, and lunch. You walk through the island and get a better feel for its plants, wet areas, and changing terrain. The heat is the real challenge. Midday sun can be fierce, so use reef-safe sunscreen, wear a hat, and keep water within reach.

If you have severe health problems, this is not a sensible excursion to book without first checking whether the walking and outdoor heat suit you. The activity is not designed for people over 95, and the combination of boat movement, sun, swimming, and a warm trail calls for reasonable fitness.

The tortoise sanctuary is the day’s big encounter

At Anse Laraie, the group reaches the giant tortoise sanctuary. Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely here, making this much more than a quick photograph beside a fenced animal. You may see them moving slowly among the vegetation, resting, or approaching people.

This is the most memorable stop for many people, and I understand why. The tortoises are enormous, calm, and surprisingly engaging to watch at close range. The guide explains the animals and helps the group find good photo spots without turning the visit into a rushed queue.

You may be able to feed the tortoises, but follow the guide’s instructions and do not handle food casually. The point is to see the animals in a protected setting, not to treat them like props. Families and first-time wildlife visitors should enjoy this stop, though younger children still need supervision around large animals.

Allow time for photographs, but keep an eye on the schedule. The sanctuary, lunch, and the next boat movement all share the middle of the day. You do not want to miss the group because one tortoise has decided to pose beside you for ten minutes.

The Creole BBQ is more than a practical lunch stop

Lunch is served on the beach under the palms, with the sea as your view. The buffet includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. One local beer per adult, water, and soft drinks are included, while additional alcoholic drinks cost extra.

The food receives some of the strongest praise attached to this outing. It is described as plentiful, fresh, and tasty, and the buffet format means you can take another serving. That matters after a hot walk and before an hour of snorkeling. The menu also gives you a useful introduction to familiar Seychellois flavors without requiring a separate restaurant booking.

Lunch lasts about two hours when the break, free time, and meal are counted together. That pace is relaxed, not rushed. You can eat, sit in the shade, take pictures, or swim if conditions allow. The trade-off is that a long meal break may feel slow if you would rather spend every possible minute in the water.

Pack snacks anyway, especially if you eat early or have dietary needs that are not covered by the listed menu. The provided meal is substantial, but the tour information does not promise specific substitutions. Carry cash or a card for personal expenses, and remember that the Curieuse fee is separate.

St Pierre islet brings the marine half of the trip

After lunch, the boat heads to St Pierre, a small granite islet surrounded by clear water and coral reefs. The snorkeling session lasts about an hour, and the crew provides masks and other required equipment. Beginners are welcome, with assistance available.

The water can be excellent. Fish, corals, turtles, and eagle rays are all possible sights, and one outing even recorded a sea turtle during the swim. Other reports describe turtles and colorful fish, but marine visibility is not guaranteed. One particularly honest assessment found cloudy water, damaged coral, and few fish. That is the nature of snorkeling: conditions, tide, weather, and the day’s exact site matter more than a promise on paper.

Some people would happily take another 15 to 20 minutes in the water. The scheduled hour is enough for a first snorkel or a relaxed look around, but keen swimmers may find it short once equipment is fitted and the group enters the water.

From June to September, southeast monsoon winds can make the crossing or St Pierre conditions rougher. The crew may move the session to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay chosen for safety and marine viewing. This is a sensible backup, but it may not offer the same granite-islet scenery or coral conditions as St Pierre.

Bring a waterproof bag for your phone, towel, and dry clothes. Water shoes can help if you dislike sharp surfaces or wet footing. Do not expect a changing room at the snorkeling stop. Plan to manage your swimwear with a towel and a bit of privacy where available.

How the group setup affects your day

This is a group excursion, not a private charter. That keeps the price at $88 and makes it easier to meet other people, but it also means the pace is shared. A small group can feel friendly and personal. A large group can make the bilingual explanations, beach timing, equipment handout, and water entry less smooth.

The guide may speak both English and French, which is useful for a mixed group but can lengthen every explanation. One outing with 47 people felt too large for a single guide. On the other hand, smaller departures have been described as more exclusive and relaxed.

The crew names vary by departure. Aubrey and Benjamin receive especially strong praise for their warmth and explanations, while captains such as Evan, Sean, Edwin, and Dian are noted for being helpful and good-humored. That suggests a service-minded operation, though you should not book expecting one particular guide unless the company confirms it.

The boat rides are short, and hotel transfers use air-conditioned vehicles. The main comfort issue is not luxury. It is the heat, wet clothing, limited facilities, and occasional waiting between activities.

Is $88 a good value on Praslin?

I think the base price is good value. For $88, you receive return land transport, two boat excursions, a guided Curieuse visit, the Doctor’s House, a nature trail, the tortoise sanctuary, a full beach lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Booking each element separately could cost more and would require you to coordinate boats, food, and transfers yourself.

The extra Curieuse entrance charge changes the calculation. Anyone aged 12 and above must pay €20 on site, accepted by Visa according to the tour information. The fee is not part of the advertised price, so add it to your budget before comparing this outing with other Praslin boat trips. Since the charge is paid directly, keep the payment process in mind and ask for confirmation of the fee if you need a record.

The value is highest if you want variety. You see land wildlife, cultural history, mangrove habitat, beach scenery, and underwater life in one day. It is less ideal if your main goal is a long, quiet snorkeling session or an unhurried beach day.

What to pack for this specific outing

Keep your bag light. Oversize luggage is not allowed, and you will move between van, boat, trail, beach, and water several times.

Bring:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a sun hat
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking sandals
• Swimwear, a towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Water, snacks, and any personal medication
• A waterproof phone case or bag
• Insect repellent for the mangrove area
• Cash or a Visa card for the Curieuse entrance fee
• A camera and power bank

The operator lists rain gear, water shoes, and comfortable clothing among useful items. That is sensible in a tropical setting where a short shower or wet boat ride can change your comfort quickly. Do not bring pets, fireworks, litter, or bulky bags. Assistance dogs are allowed.

Who should book this Curieuse day trip?

I would choose this tour if you want a first look at several sides of the Seychelles without arranging separate outings. It suits active couples, families with older children, solo visitors who like a social group, and anyone who wants tortoises and snorkeling on the same day.

It is particularly good for first-time snorkelers because equipment and assistance are provided. You still need to be comfortable in open water, swimming conditions, and a warm outdoor setting. If you dislike group schedules, long meal breaks, or a bilingual tour format, a private charter may suit you better, though it will likely cost more.

The excursion also works well when your Praslin stay is short. It covers a lot of ground in seven hours, yet the timetable usually leaves room for photographs, questions, lunch, and a little beach time. The price of that convenience is less control over exactly where you spend each minute.

Should you book it?

Book it if your ideal Seychelles day includes giant tortoises, local food, a guided walk, and a chance to snorkel rather than one single activity done at length. The animal encounter and barbecue are the most dependable reasons to go. The snorkeling can be wonderful, but water clarity and marine life vary, and rough weather may send the boat to a different bay.

Before paying, check that your hotel is within the pickup area, add €20 per person aged 12 and over, and ask how the day’s group will be organized. If you can accept heat, basic facilities, and some waiting, this is a well-priced, friendly way to experience Curieuse and the waters around Praslin.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St Pierre trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. The planned day runs from morning pickup through a return to Praslin at about 3:30 PM, though your exact drop-off time can vary by hotel location.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Return van transport is included for hotels, guesthouses, villas, the Praslin airport, and the ferry terminal listed in the pickup options. Pickup usually takes place 10 to 30 minutes before the activity begins.

What is the price of the tour?

The listed price is $88 per person. Curieuse entrance is separate, with an additional €20 charge for each person aged 12 and above, payable on site by Visa.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guides are available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The beach barbecue includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. One local beer per adult, soft drinks, and mineral water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and assistance is available for beginners.

How long is the snorkeling session?

The planned snorkeling session at St Pierre lasts about one hour. The overall St Pierre stop, including the boat movement, is scheduled for about 1.5 hours.

What happens if the sea is rough?

From June through September, rougher southeast monsoon seas may cause the snorkeling to move to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay selected for safety and marine viewing.

Is the Curieuse entrance fee included in the tour price?

No. The Curieuse island fee is paid separately on site. Personal expenses, tips, and alcoholic drinks beyond the included beer are also not included.