Private Seychelles Islands Tour by Boat with snacks & drinks

Island time, without the planning headache. This four-hour private boat trip from Praslin brings you to Curieuse and St. Pierre, two of the area’s most appealing stops, while Jacques and his crew handle the route. I like the private boat, since you can adjust the pace and ask to stop at attractive places along the way. I also like that snorkeling gear, snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol are included, so you do not need to pack a full beach kit.

The main thing to consider is the short duration. Four hours is enough for a useful taste of the islands, but not enough for a slow, all-day outing. The walk on Curieuse can also be demanding in places, so bring proper shoes if you plan to go beyond the beach.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for your group only: You are not tied to a large group schedule, and the captain can adjust the outing to your preferences.
• Two island stops in four hours: Curieuse offers beaches, nature, and giant tortoises, while St. Pierre is especially suited to snorkeling.
• Jacques is central to the experience: He is repeatedly praised for being friendly, flexible, and attentive, with his son Mathys sometimes assisting.
• Food and drinks are already covered: The price includes tax, snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, and a refreshment stop during the outing.
• Curieuse needs sensible footwear: The island walk is not ideal for anyone with poor fitness or limited mobility.
• Weather matters: A poor-weather cancellation can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why a private boat makes sense around Praslin

Praslin is surrounded by tempting islands and small reefs. The problem is not finding attractive places. The problem is deciding which ones fit into a short holiday. This tour solves that problem with a straightforward route to Curieuse and St. Pierre.

The private format is the biggest practical advantage. You are not sharing the boat with a crowd, and only your own group takes part. That matters if one person wants more time in the water, another wants to see the tortoises, or someone simply prefers a quieter morning.

Jacques is described as willing to change plans when conditions and interests allow. That does not mean every request can be guaranteed. Weather, sea conditions, and the four-hour limit still shape the day. But you have more room to ask for a different pace than you would on a fixed group excursion.

The boat itself has earned praise for being very clean. That may sound like a small detail, but it makes a difference on a warm morning when you are carrying wet swimwear, towels, and snacks. Jacques’ friendly manner and careful attention, including looking after a passenger who was six months pregnant, also suggest a service style built around personal care.

Starting at Anse La Blague at 9:30 am

The stated meeting point is MQCF+XCJ, Anse La Blague, on Praslin. The scheduled start is 9:30 am, and the boat returns to the same meeting point at the end. Pickup is offered, and one booking included collection and return near the passenger’s hotel beach, but confirm the exact arrangement before setting out.

A 9:30 am start gives you a useful morning on the water without requiring a painfully early departure. It also keeps the trip compact, which suits anyone fitting this excursion between hotel plans or other activities.

Bring sun protection, swimwear, a towel, and shoes suitable for walking on uneven ground. The supplied information confirms that snorkeling gear rental is included. It does not specify whether towels or hotel transfers are included for every booking, so ask about those details before you leave.

Because this is a boat trip, weather is part of the schedule. If poor weather makes the trip unsafe or impractical, the operator offers another date or a full refund. A minimum number of participants may also apply, although the activity itself is private once confirmed.

Curieuse Island: beaches, tortoises, and a walk that takes effort

Curieuse is the more varied of the two main stops. You can expect a mix of beach time, island scenery, and the chance to see wild giant tortoises. That combination gives the morning more substance than a simple cruise from one swimming spot to another.

The tortoises are a major reason to include Curieuse. They make the stop appealing even to people who are not keen snorkelers. You can enjoy the beach and natural setting, then spend time seeing the animals before returning to the boat or continuing along the route.

One important tip is to wear good shoes. The walking route on the tortoise island can be challenging, and it was specifically described as unsuitable for older people without good fitness. That does not mean the entire stop is off-limits. It means you should be honest about your walking ability and ask Jacques which parts are most suitable for you.

I would treat Curieuse as a flexible stop rather than promise a particular amount of walking. The tour allows changes when possible, so you can focus on beaches and the tortoises if a longer island walk is not right for your group.

The four-hour schedule also means you should not expect a full-day exploration of Curieuse. You will see a slice of the island, not every trail and beach. For many people, that is a fair trade: you get Curieuse plus St. Pierre in one morning instead of giving the whole day to one destination.

St. Pierre: the best part for snorkeling

St. Pierre is the clear choice for time in the water. The island is praised for its attractive beaches and good snorkeling, and the tour includes rental of the required gear. That makes the stop easy for anyone who wants to see the underwater world without arranging equipment separately.

You should still keep expectations sensible. Snorkeling conditions depend on weather and sea conditions, and the tour does not promise a particular set of fish or coral sightings. The captain can show you favored places, but nature sets the final schedule.

For confident swimmers, St. Pierre can be the most active part of the morning. For less confident swimmers, tell the crew before entering the water. The private format gives you a better chance to ask for help with the pace and location, though the available information does not promise flotation devices or a dedicated swimming lesson.

The contrast with Curieuse works well. One stop gives you wildlife and walking. The other gives you a chance to put on a mask and snorkel. In a short trip, that variety is valuable.

Snacks, drinks, and the question of lunch

The price includes tax, snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, and refreshments. That is convenient, particularly on a boat where stopping to buy supplies is not always possible. You can spend less time organizing food and more time looking at the islands.

Some passengers had a pleasant lunch during the outing, but the stated inclusions specifically promise snacks and drinks. I would not book this experience expecting a substantial meal unless the operator confirms it directly. Pack extra food if you have a large appetite, dietary restrictions, or children who need familiar snacks.

The drinks are also useful in practical terms. Sun, salt water, and boat travel can leave you thirsty quickly. Having soft drinks and other refreshments onboard means you do not need to carry everything yourself.

Alcohol is included, but drink sensibly. A boat, bright sun, swimming, and uneven island paths are not a great mix for overdoing it. The point is to enjoy a cold drink, not to turn a half-day island outing into a balance test.

What the private format is really worth

The listed price is $261.71 per person. That is not a budget boat ride, especially for one person or a small group. The value improves when several people share the private experience and care about having their own schedule.

You are paying for more than transport. The price covers a private boat, a captain and crew, access to two islands, snorkeling gear rental, tax, snacks, and drinks. It also buys the ability to adjust the plan instead of following a fixed group route.

That flexibility is worth more to some people than others. If you are happy to join a larger boat, spend less, and accept a set timetable, another excursion may suit you better. If you have limited time on Praslin, want a quieter boat, or are traveling with family and need the plan to bend a little, the higher cost becomes easier to justify.

The service also matters. Jacques and Mathys have been praised for making passengers feel cared for, and the clean boat adds comfort. These are not flashy extras, but they are exactly the details that can turn a basic transfer into a pleasant morning.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would recommend this tour most strongly to couples, families, and small groups who want a private morning at sea. It is especially useful if your group has mixed interests. One person can look forward to tortoises and beaches, while another gets the snorkeling stop they wanted.

It also suits anyone who dislikes planning several island transfers. The route is already arranged, and the captain can help shape the details. You get two destinations without spending hours comparing boat schedules and food arrangements.

Families should ask about the needs of younger children before booking. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not list age limits, child seats, or specific safety equipment. Pregnant passengers should also discuss their needs in advance, even though one six-month-pregnant passenger was carefully looked after during a trip.

This is less suited to anyone seeking a full-day expedition, a long guided hike, or guaranteed snorkeling conditions. It is also not the best choice if you dislike boats or cannot manage a walk on uneven island ground.

Practical details that can shape your morning

The tour lasts about four hours. That sounds generous until you account for boarding, travel between islands, time on Curieuse, snorkeling at St. Pierre, and the return trip. Think of it as a focused introduction, not an unhurried island day.

The activity begins and ends at Anse La Blague unless another pickup arrangement has been confirmed. Since the meeting point is specific, check how you will reach it and allow time to arrive. Mobile tickets and booking confirmation make the basic process simple.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The cutoff uses local Seychelles time, which is worth noting if you are booking from another time zone.

Keep the weather policy in mind when planning your holiday. If conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That is reassuring, but it may still affect a tightly packed itinerary, so avoid placing the tour on the only possible morning of your trip if you can help it.

My take on Jacques and the service

The strongest thread running through this experience is the captain’s personal approach. Jacques is repeatedly described as friendly, professional, and ready to adjust the plan. That is particularly useful on a private boat, where the quality of the captain shapes the whole morning.

His son Mathys sometimes assists him, creating a family-run feel rather than a large commercial operation. The attention given to a pregnant passenger is also a useful sign for families and older couples who value a considerate crew.

The clean boat receives praise as well. On a short island trip, you may spend more time onboard than expected, especially if sea conditions alter the route. A tidy boat and a captain who communicates well are practical comforts, not minor luxuries.

Of course, personal service cannot remove every limit. Jacques cannot control the weather, guarantee wildlife sightings, or make a four-hour tour feel like a full day. The appeal is good judgment and flexibility within those limits.

Should you book this Praslin boat tour?

Book it if you want a private, low-stress morning that combines two islands, snorkeling, beaches, and giant tortoises. The strongest reasons are the flexible captain, clean boat, included gear and refreshments, and the chance to set the pace for your own group.

Think twice if the $261.71 per-person price strains your budget, if you want a long walk around Curieuse, or if you need a guaranteed full meal. Wear proper shoes, confirm pickup and food details, and leave room in your schedule in case weather changes the plan.

For a small group that values personal service over the cheapest fare, this is a strong way to see more of the water around Praslin in a single morning.

FAQ

How long is the Seychelles islands boat tour?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

What time does the tour start?

The stated start time is 9:30 am.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is MQCF+XCJ, Anse La Blague, Seychelles.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The tour includes Curieuse Island and St. Pierre.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. The price includes snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, and refreshments. Tax is also included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear rental is included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.