Praslin: Curieuse & St Pierre Island Day Trip with Barbecue

Curieuse is the star here. Giant Aldabra tortoises wander freely around the island, and you get close enough to see their rough shells, patient faces, and surprisingly graceful movements. The day also brings Doctor’s House, a mangrove trail, a Creole barbecue, and a snorkel stop at St Pierre.

I like the mix of land and sea. You get real island history and forest walking, then a generous lunch and time in the water. I also like the careful guiding from people such as Benjamin and Aubrey, who explain local plants, tortoises, and conservation in English or French. The main catch is that the day can feel slow between stops, and the €20 Curieuse entrance fee is extra.

Key points at a glance

• Free-roaming giant tortoises: See Aldabra tortoises at the sanctuary on Curieuse, often at very close range.
• A proper island walk: Follow a guided route through palm forest and mangroves, with coastal views and native wildlife.
• Creole food on the beach: Expect grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, fruit, drinks, and one local beer for each adult.
• St Pierre snorkeling: Use supplied equipment for about an hour among tropical fish and coral, with turtles and eagle rays possible.
• Weather matters: From June through September, rough southeast winds can move the snorkel stop to calmer Anse Petite Cours.
• Easy Praslin logistics: Hotel pickup and return are included, but a large group or island-wide drop-off route can lengthen the ride home.

Why Curieuse makes this a strong Praslin day trip

Many boat trips around Praslin give you a beach and a quick swim. This one gives you a fuller picture of the Seychelles. Curieuse is not just a pretty stop. Its former leper colony, colonial buildings, native palms, mangroves, and tortoise sanctuary give the island a story.

The tortoises are the emotional high point. They are not behind a distant fence. At Anse Laraie, they move around the sanctuary area, and you may see adults and younger animals close by. You can take photographs, watch them feed, and see how large they are in person. The setting makes the encounter feel more natural than a standard zoo visit, though you should still follow the guide’s instructions and avoid crowding the animals.

The trip costs $88 per person. That is a fair price for a seven-hour outing when you count the return hotel transfer, boat rides, guided walking, lunch, soft drinks, water, snorkeling gear, and the marine stop. You still need to add the Curieuse entry charge of €20 per person for those aged 12 and above. Payment is accepted by Visa on site, so do not treat the advertised price as the complete cost.

From your Praslin hotel to Côte d’Or Beach

Pickup runs from Praslin hotels and selected guesthouses, usually 10 to 30 minutes before the activity begins. The listed pickup area is broad, covering places around Côte d’Or, Baie Ste Anne, Anse Volbert, Anse Kerlan, Grand Anse, and other parts of the island. Airport and ferry terminal pickup points are also listed.

The van ride brings you to Côte d’Or Beach, where the boat leaves at about 9:15 in the morning. The planned return is around 3:30, though the exact hotel drop-off can vary. One useful warning: if you are among the last people to be dropped off, the ride back can take much longer than expected because the van may cross much of Praslin.

The short boat ride to Curieuse takes about 15 minutes. That is enough time to feel the breeze, look back toward Praslin, and settle into the pace of a sea day without spending hours in transit. If you are prone to seasickness, take sensible precautions before leaving shore, especially when winds are strong.

Doctor’s House and Curieuse’s difficult past

The first Curieuse stop is at Anse José, where you visit the historic Doctor’s House. The building now serves as a museum connected to the island’s former leprosy settlement. This gives the morning some weight. You are not simply moving from one photo stop to another; you are learning why Curieuse was used and how isolated island life once was.

The surrounding vegetation is part of the appeal. Coco de Mer palms and coastal plants frame the route, giving you a close look at one of the Seychelles’ most distinctive plant environments. Your guide explains the setting and points out details that are easy to miss if you walk alone.

The first portion also includes time around the beach. This can be welcome if you want photographs, a look at the coast, or a few quiet minutes before the walk. If you prefer constant activity, it may feel like too much unstructured time. One person specifically found the hour of beach time dull, especially because getting sandy and wet early can be awkward before the rest of the day.

The mangrove trail is more than a short stroll

The guided nature route leads through palm forest and protected mangroves, with a boardwalk section and views along the way. Guides point out native birds, crabs, plants, and signs of the island’s wildlife. The pace is designed for explanation and group walking rather than a hard hike.

Plan for roughly 90 minutes of walking, even though some descriptions suggest a shorter route. The ground has some ups and downs, but it is generally described as manageable rather than strenuous. You will be outdoors in strong midday heat, so a hat, sunscreen, sturdy sandals or walking shoes, insect repellent, and water all matter.

This is the part of the day that separates the trip from a simple tortoise-and-beach outing. You get a sense of how Curieuse’s habitats fit together: forest, mangrove, coast, and open areas where tortoises roam. The walk can feel long if you have limited mobility or dislike heat, and the tour is not advised for people with severe health problems.

Meeting the tortoises at Anse Laraie

After the trail, the group reaches the tortoise sanctuary at Anse Laraie. This is usually the most memorable stop. The Aldabra tortoises move freely, and you can watch them at close range while your guide explains their behavior and the work involved in protecting them.

Give yourself time to look beyond the obvious photo. Notice the animals’ slow, deliberate steps and the way they use their long necks to reach food. Younger tortoises can be especially interesting because their size makes the scale of the adults easier to appreciate.

The sanctuary visit is paired with lunch, which works well. You can cool down, eat, and enjoy the coast after the walk rather than rushing straight back onto the boat. Keep your camera and phone protected from sand, saltwater, and splashes, and bring a waterproof bag for anything you cannot afford to damage.

A Creole barbecue with enough food to count as lunch

The beach barbecue is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The meal includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. Water and soft drinks are included, along with one local beer for each adult. The food is served in a relaxed beach setting, and there is enough for a proper meal rather than a light snack.

I like that the lunch adds local flavor to the day. You are not simply handed a packaged sandwich between activities. The barbecue gives you a taste of familiar Seychellois ingredients and a chance to sit with the group under the palms.

The food is also practical. After walking in the sun and before snorkeling, you need a meal with substance. Just remember that there are no confirmed changing rooms or fully functional washrooms at the stops, so wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel, dry shirt, and waterproof pouch. Do not count on a private place to change.

St Pierre islet and the snorkeling hour

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

The marine life can be excellent. You might see tropical fish, coral, turtles, and eagle rays. Several outings have produced turtle sightings, while other conditions have been less rewarding. Water clarity and reef condition can change, and one day may bring only a few fish close to the boat. Keep your expectations sensible: this is a convenient guided snorkel stop, not a guarantee of perfect visibility or untouched coral.

The water time may feel short if you are enthusiastic about snorkeling. One account found that another 15 to 20 minutes would have been welcome. Still, the hour is enough for a first try, a relaxed swim, or a focused look at the reef without turning the entire excursion into a water-only trip.

From June through September, southeast monsoon winds can make the crossing and snorkeling rougher. For safety, the crew may use Anse Petite Cours instead. That sheltered bay is intended to offer calmer conditions for viewing marine life. The change can affect the scenery, but it is a sensible trade for a safer swim.

Guides, boats, and group size

The crew makes a real difference on a trip with several moving parts. Benjamin has been singled out for clear explanations and good group control, while Aubrey is known for an upbeat approach and strong local knowledge. Sebastian, Brandon, Alexander, and other guides have also led departures, so the exact guide depends on the day.

The best guides add context without turning the walk into a lecture. They explain Curieuse’s past, identify plants and animals, keep the group together, and help first-time snorkelers feel at ease. Boat crew members such as Evan, Sean, Edwin, Bruno, and Dwayne have also been praised for being friendly and helpful.

Group size can vary. Some departures feel small and personal, while one group reached about 47 people. A larger group is less intimate, especially when one guide gives information in both English and French. It can also make the beach barbecue and snorkeling instructions feel less tidy. If you value quiet walking and close access to the guide, ask about the expected group size before booking.

What to pack for comfort

The sun is strong, the walking is outdoors, and the day combines sand, trail, boat, and water. I would pack:

• Reef-safe sunscreen and a sun hat
• Comfortable walking shoes or sturdy sandals
• Swimwear, towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Water shoes if your feet are sensitive around rocks
• Waterproof bag for phone, wallet, and camera
• Insect repellent for the mangrove section
• Cash or a Visa card for the €20 Curieuse entry fee
• Personal medication and a power bank

Snacks are allowed, though lunch is included. Oversize luggage is not suitable, and pets are not allowed except assistance dogs. Littering and fireworks are prohibited. Bring rain gear if the forecast looks uncertain, since the boat and trail remain exposed to changing weather.

Who should book this excursion?

I would choose this for someone staying on Praslin who wants one organized day covering wildlife, history, food, and snorkeling. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time snorkelers, and active adults who are comfortable walking in heat.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet private charter, dislike group schedules, need reliable changing facilities, or have serious health limitations. People over 95 are listed as unsuitable for the activity, and anyone with severe health problems should not book it.

The trip also works well if you have limited time on Praslin. Instead of arranging separate transport, a boat, a guide, lunch, and snorkeling equipment, you handle them in one booking. The trade is less flexibility. You follow the group’s timing, and the beach break or return transport may not match your preferred pace.

Should you book the Curieuse and St Pierre trip?

Yes, if you want the classic Praslin combination in one day: giant tortoises, a Creole meal, a guided nature walk, and a snorkel stop. The tortoise sanctuary and barbecue are the most dependable pleasures, while snorkeling quality depends on sea and water conditions.

Before paying, budget for the extra €20 island entry fee, check the forecast, and ask about group size if that matters to you. Wear your swimwear from the start, carry water, and do not expect a private changing room. With those points in mind, the $88 price gives you a strong, varied day and a good introduction to Curieuse.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St Pierre trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours. Pickup begins on Praslin before the morning boat departure, and hotel drop-off is planned for around 3:30 in the afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Return van transportation is included for hotels, guesthouses, the Praslin airport, and the Praslin ferry terminal among the listed pickup points. Pickup is generally 10 to 30 minutes before the activity begins.

How much is the Curieuse entrance fee?

The Curieuse entrance fee is €20 per person for those aged 12 and above. It is paid directly on site, and Visa is accepted.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The beach barbecue includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. Water and soft drinks are included, along with one local beer per adult.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What can I see while snorkeling at St Pierre?

You might see tropical fish, coral, turtles, and eagle rays. Visibility and marine life can vary with sea conditions.

Can the snorkeling location change?

Yes. From June through September, rougher southeast monsoon seas may cause the crew to move snorkeling to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay.

Is the Curieuse walk difficult?

The walk includes a guided trail through mangroves and palm forest with some ups and downs. It is generally manageable, but the route may take around 90 minutes and can feel hot.

Which languages are available on the tour?

Guiding is available in English and French.