Curieuse and St. Pierre Islands Day Trip with BBQ Lunch

Curieuse is the star of this trip. You walk past mangroves and giant Aldabra tortoises, then sit down to a generous Creole BBQ on the beach before heading out by speedboat for St. Pierre snorkeling. It packs wildlife, a short hike, swimming, lunch, and sea time into one easy day from Praslin.

I like the mix of land and water, especially the chance to see tortoises in their natural setting rather than spending the whole day on a boat. I also like the practical extras: hotel pickup in selected Praslin areas, water, soft drinks, Seybrew beer, and a guide who stays with the group on the trail.

The main consideration is pace. The advertised duration is six hours, but the detailed schedule can run close to seven, and Curieuse involves rocky walking. Snorkeling at St. Pierre can also change with the weather, especially from May through October when rougher seas may send the boat to calmer Anse Petit Cours.

Key points at a glance

• Curieuse’s tortoises and mangroves: See giant Aldabra tortoises, walk the island trails, and learn about local conservation.
• A real Creole lunch: Expect grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns, lentilles, salads, fruit, garlic bread, and drinks.
• Two snorkeling stops: St. Pierre is the usual target, but conditions can shift the plan to Anse Petit Cours.
• Named guides with strong praise: Reynold, Reynolds, Mario, and Sony have been singled out for friendly, attentive guiding.
• Small speedboat format: You spend less time in transit than on a slow boat, but the ride can feel lively in open water.
• Extra cost to budget: Curieuse charges a €20 landing fee per person, paid by card only.

Curieuse gives the day its character

Curieuse is not simply a beach stop. It is an island of tortoise habitat, mangrove forest, old tracks, and open coastal scenery. After landing at Baie Laraie, you follow a licensed guide along the island trails, with a 750-milliliter bottle of water provided for the walk.

The tortoise sanctuary is the first major highlight. Giant Aldabra tortoises are the island’s signature residents, and the guide explains their habits and the work done to protect them. You may spend around 45 minutes near the tortoises, which is enough time for photographs and a good look at these slow-moving animals.

This is one of the strongest parts of the trip because it gives the island a sense of place. You are not just stopping for a quick photograph. You have time to watch the tortoises, listen to the guide, and understand why Curieuse is protected.

The walk then continues through mangrove areas and along a trail toward Anse José Beach. A raised boardwalk through the mangroves makes this section especially appealing. The setting changes quickly from open sand to shaded wetland, where the guide may point out plants, birds, and other island life.

You should wear proper walking shoes. The route can include rocky steps and uneven ground, and one account describes the walk between Doctor’s House and the tortoise beach as uncomfortable in flip-flops. A two-kilometer walk across the island has also been described, so sandals with a firm sole are a much better choice than beach slippers.

Curieuse also has a conservation story. The guided walk connects the tortoises, mangroves, and island vegetation rather than treating them as separate sights. Guides such as Reynold and Mario have been praised for explaining the animals and answering questions, while Sony was singled out for making the tortoise visit especially personal.

You will need to pay the Curieuse landing fee separately. The stated charge is €20 per person, with payment by card only, and the information also gives an equivalent of about SCR 300. Since exchange rates and local charges can change, bring a card and confirm the current amount before departure.

The speedboat makes the route efficient, not quiet

Pickup is offered from selected areas around Praslin, including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert. The listed meeting points include Berjaya Praslin Resort, the Baie Ste Anne area, and Kannus Supermarket. Drop-off returns you to the same general areas.

The usual schedule starts with pickup around 8:45 a.m., followed by a 9:15 a.m. departure. The boat is a speedboat, which matters in the Seychelles. You reach Curieuse and St. Pierre faster than you would on a slower sightseeing boat, leaving more of the day for walking, lunch, and swimming.

The tradeoff is comfort. A speedboat can bounce over open water, particularly when wind picks up. Keep your bag small, hold onto loose items, and expect spray. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, but it is not a calm, silent cruise.

Group size can vary. Several accounts describe small groups, including boats with five or six people, while the activity information allows for larger groups of around 10 to 12. A smaller group usually means easier questions, more room on the boat, and a less hurried feel, but you should not assume the boat will be private.

The crew and guide handle the safety briefing before departure. English and French are offered, and the guide accompanies you during the Curieuse trail. Pickup and return transport are included for the listed areas, which is useful if you do not want to arrange a taxi to the launch point.

A beach BBQ with plenty of Creole flavor

Lunch is planned for around noon, after the Curieuse walk. It is served beachside, with the sand and sea providing the setting rather than a restaurant dining room.

The menu is substantial. You can expect a mix of grilled chicken, fish, sausage, and prawns kebab, along with lentilles, salads, garlic bread, and tropical fruit. Soft drinks, water, and local Seybrew beer are included. Vegetarian options are available, though you should identify your needs when booking or before departure.

The meal is one of the best value points in the package. At $85 per person, you are paying for boat transport, guiding, wildlife access, lunch, drinks, and two snorkeling opportunities. The BBQ is not a token sandwich between activities. It is a proper hot meal, and the combination of grilled seafood, meat, lentils, and fruit suits a day in the sun.

Timing is worth noting. Lunch is scheduled around noon, but the Curieuse walk comes first. One practical tip is to bring a small snack if you tend to get hungry early. Do not bring a large picnic bag, though. You will be carrying your belongings along the island trail and onto a small boat.

The beach time after lunch is more than a quick pause. At Anse José, you can swim, relax on the sand, or use the time for another look at the water. There is also a snorkeling area off the beach at Curieuse, roughly 60 meters from shore according to one detailed account, so you may be able to get into the water before the boat heads for St. Pierre.

St. Pierre is the underwater reward

After lunch and beach time, the boat usually leaves for St. Pierre at around 2 p.m. The islet is known for its rocky shoreline and clear water, and the snorkeling stop is designed to show you the reef and fish close to shore.

The usual plan includes two snorkeling spots. The water may offer coral, tropical fish, sea turtles, and other marine life. Several accounts describe colorful fish and turtles, while one group even saw a whale shark from the boat after snorkeling. That sighting is not something you can count on, but it shows how much marine life can pass through these waters.

The crew may accompany you in the water and point out areas worth seeing. You can use the provided snorkeling equipment, but bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. One practical complaint about shared equipment was the mouthpiece, so your own gear is more comfortable and hygienic.

Do not treat St. Pierre as a guaranteed fixed stop. From May through October, the southeast monsoon can make the water rough. If conditions are poor, the crew may move the snorkeling to Anse Petit Cours, where the bay is calmer. This is a sensible safety choice, though it may disappoint you if St. Pierre is the main reason you booked.

Strong current can also cancel or shorten snorkeling. In that case, the crew may offer an additional boat ride around the island instead. You should book this trip for the overall day, not on the promise of perfect reef conditions.

The return to Praslin is scheduled around 3 p.m., with arrival around 3:30 p.m. The actual day can run closer to seven hours, depending on the pace of the walk, sea conditions, and group size. If you have an evening reservation, leave some flexibility.

What guides add to the experience

A good guide matters on Curieuse because the island’s wildlife and plants are easy to pass without context. The tortoises are memorable on their own, but a guide can explain their habitat, the island’s conservation work, and the details of the mangrove ecosystem.

Reynold, also spelled Reynolds in some details, has received repeated praise for being friendly, organized, and attentive. He has been described as contacting people before the trip to settle pickup details and as taking care of individual questions during the day.

Mario has also been praised for clear explanations and a warm manner. Sony was described as an excellent guide on a small-group outing, especially during the tortoise visit and nature walk. These names may not tell you who will lead your specific departure, but they give you a useful sense of the team members associated with the operation.

The best guiding here is practical rather than theatrical. You get help with the trail, information about the animals, and assistance in the water. That works well for a first visit to Curieuse, especially if you want more than photographs.

Is $85 a good value?

For $85 per person, this is a strong value if you want several Praslin highlights in one outing. The price includes selected hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat, a guided Curieuse visit, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, water, local beer, and two snorkeling spots.

The separate €20 Curieuse landing fee changes the final cost. Add that to your budget, along with anything extra you may need to bring, such as personal snorkeling gear or snacks.

A private charter would give you more control over the schedule, but it would likely cost more. This shared trip makes sense if you want the main Curieuse and St. Pierre experience without arranging separate transport, lunch, and boat stops.

The value is strongest for active visitors who want a full mix of activities. If you only want a quiet beach day, the Curieuse walk and fixed schedule may feel like too much. If you want a leisurely snorkeling trip with long time in the water, the tortoise visit and lunch take up part of the day.

Who should book, and who should think twice?

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, and first-time visitors to Praslin who want to see Curieuse without planning every detail. It also suits anyone who wants wildlife, swimming, food, and scenery in one outing.

You should be comfortable boarding a speedboat, walking over uneven ground, and swimming or snorkeling. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Keep your bag light. Bring a waterproof pouch for valuables if you have one, and take your own snorkeling gear if shared mouthpieces bother you.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Pickup must be confirmed for your exact Praslin area, especially if you are staying outside Baie-Ste-Anne, Grand-Anse, Anse Volbert, Amitié, or St. Joseph.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip?

Book it if you want a well-filled day with giant tortoises, mangroves, a Creole BBQ, and reef snorkeling at a fair price. The strongest reasons are the guided Curieuse walk, the generous lunch, and the attentive crew associated with guides such as Reynold and Mario.

Think twice if you dislike rough boat rides, cannot manage rocky trails, or want complete control over how long you snorkel. Also remember that St. Pierre may be replaced by Anse Petit Cours in rough weather.

For most active visitors staying on Praslin, this is an efficient way to see two islands without sacrificing lunch or beach time. Just pack light, wear real walking shoes, bring a card for the landing fee, and allow extra time beyond the stated six hours.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip last?

The advertised duration is six hours. The detailed schedule runs from pickup around 8:45 a.m. to return around 3:30 p.m., and some departures may take close to seven hours.

Where does pickup take place on Praslin?

Pickup is available in selected areas including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert. Listed meeting points include Berjaya Praslin Resort and Kannus Supermarket in Baie Ste Anne.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for certain areas of Praslin. Confirm that your accommodation is within the covered pickup zone.

What is the Curieuse landing fee?

The landing fee is €20 per person. Payment is by card only, and the provided information gives an equivalent of about SCR 300.

What food is served at lunch?

The Creole BBQ includes grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns kebab, lentilles, garlic bread, salads, and tropical fruit. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and local Seybrew beer are included. A 750-milliliter bottle of water is provided for the Curieuse trail.

Where does snorkeling take place?

The usual snorkeling stop is around St. Pierre Island, with two snorkeling spots included. If the sea is rough, the crew may use the calmer bay at Anse Petit Cours instead.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Your own snorkeling gear may be preferable, and you should keep your bag small for the island walk and speedboat.