Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Curieuse gives you two classic Seychelles experiences in one day: giant tortoises at close range and a guided walk through mangroves, beaches, and Coco de Mer palms. Later, the boat carries you to St. Pierre Marine Park for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the friendly guiding, with Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, and Brandon all singled out for clear explanations and good humor. I also like the flexible lunch plan: pay €20 for a beach BBQ, or bring your own food and keep the base price low. The main caution is St. Pierre snorkeling can be choppy, and the coral and sea life may not impress experienced snorkelers.

Key points to know before booking

• Curieuse is the star of the day: You’ll see giant tortoises roaming around the Ranger’s Station and have time for photos.
• The island walk is more than a beach stop: Expect mangroves, Coco de Mer palms, wildlife, a viewpoint, and roughly 2.5 kilometers of walking.
• St. Pierre is reached only by boat: You can snorkel and swim there, but you do not land on the islet.
• Lunch is optional: The BBQ costs €20 per person, while bringing your own snacks and drinks is allowed.
• Snorkeling conditions vary: The advertised session lasts about one hour, though one account describes roughly 45 minutes.
• The price is attractive but not all-inclusive: The tour costs $56, with a €20 island tax for each person aged 12 and above.

Why Curieuse makes this seven-hour trip worthwhile

Curieuse is the reason I would consider this outing first. It is not simply a boat ride to a pretty beach. You get a chance to walk through a protected island setting, learn about its plants and wildlife, and meet giant tortoises without viewing them from behind a distant fence.

The tortoises gather near the Ranger’s Station at Laraie Bay. They are one of the island’s signature sights, and the chance to see them roaming freely gives the visit a more natural feel. You may also see young sharks near the beach, colorful crabs, birds, and other small wildlife. Bring a camera, but keep your hands and food under control unless the guide tells you otherwise.

The island also gives you a useful look at Seychelles plant life. The Coco de Mer is especially interesting, since these palms are strongly associated with the Seychelles. The guided walk adds context that you would miss if you spent the whole stop simply swimming and taking photos.

Pickup from Praslin and the morning boat ride

Pickup is included from locations around Praslin, usually 10 to 45 minutes before departure. The stated boarding window at Anse Possession is 9:00 to 9:15 a.m., followed by a safety briefing and a fast cruise toward Curieuse.

The boat travels at about 25 knots, and the crossing to Curieuse takes roughly 25 minutes. That short ride matters because you are not spending half the day in transit. You still get a full island visit, lunch or free time, and a marine stop before returning to Praslin.

The crew provides water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and one beer per adult. The pickup and return transfer are particularly useful if you are not staying near Anse Possession. One practical point: bring a waterproof bag for phones and dry clothes. At least one person found the return transfer rushed and had to get into the van while still wearing wet swimwear.

The Curieuse walk, from mangroves to Anse Jose

The guided Curieuse visit is planned for the late morning, with the main walk lasting about an hour. The wider Curieuse stop can occupy several hours once you include free time, swimming, photos, and the tortoise visit.

The walk takes you through mangrove areas and coastal forest, with a viewpoint and scenic sections along the way. One account describes the route as about 2.5 kilometers, so you should be comfortable walking in heat and on uneven ground. Sports shoes or waterproof shoes are more useful than delicate sandals, though sandals may be fine for the beach portion.

The guide points out plants and animals as you go. Mario has been praised for explaining nature protection and the local environment, while other guides, including Benjamin and Aubrey, have been noted for clear information about the island and Seychelles life. The quality of this commentary is one of the strongest parts of the trip. You are not just being led from one photo stop to another.

The beach is another highlight. Curieuse offers pale sand, clear water, and a pleasant place to cool off after the walk. Some people have loved the chance to swim in a quiet setting, while others felt there was a little too much waiting or free time. Your experience will depend on how much you enjoy an unhurried beach stop.

Meeting the giant tortoises at Laraie Bay

The tortoise visit is the emotional center of the trip. At the Ranger’s Station, you can see many of these large, calm animals close up. They are a natural fit for families, photographers, and anyone who wants a memorable wildlife encounter without a long safari-style expedition.

You may be able to feed or gently touch the tortoises under local guidance. The animals are friendly, but this is still a protected setting, so follow the instructions from the guide and ranger. You will want to leave room for other people, avoid blocking the animals, and keep the encounter respectful.

This stop also gives you time for photos. The tortoises, beach, palms, and sea create strong subjects even if the weather is not perfect. A waterproof camera is useful, especially if you plan to photograph both Curieuse and St. Pierre.

Lunch, drinks, and the cost of keeping it simple

After the walk and tortoise visit, you generally have time between about 12:15 and 1:30 p.m. for lunch and a break. The optional BBQ costs €20 per person. If you prefer to control your budget or your diet, you can bring your own food and refreshments.

At $56 per person, the base price is reasonable for a seven-hour outing that includes hotel transfers, a guide, boat transport, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a marine park stop. Remember to add the €20 island tax for each person aged 12 or older. The optional BBQ brings the total higher, but it remains a practical choice if you do not want to pack lunch.

The included drinks are a nice touch. Water, soft drinks, snacks in some cases, and one beer per adult help make the beach pause more comfortable. Still, bring extra water if you need more than the standard supply, along with snacks for children or anyone who eats at unusual times.

St. Pierre Marine Park and what to expect in the water

The boat leaves Curieuse around 1:30 p.m. and reaches St. Pierre Marine Park at about 2:00 p.m. St. Pierre is a small islet that you view from the water. You do not land there, so think of this as a swimming and snorkeling stop rather than an island visit.

The crew supplies masks, snorkels, and other basic equipment. The planned water session lasts about an hour, although one account records around 45 minutes. That can feel short if you are slow getting ready or want time to explore several areas.

The setting is attractive: white sand, turquoise water, and striking views of the Indian Ocean. You may see fish, rays, sea turtles, or other marine life. Conditions are not guaranteed, though. Some people found the snorkeling excellent, while others reported choppy water, less active coral, or gear that did not fit well.

I would not book this trip solely for world-class snorkeling. Experienced swimmers may find the stop enjoyable, particularly on a calm day, but the water can be less comfortable for beginners. One person could not get into the water because the snorkeling felt insufficiently supported. The snorkeling is described as unguided, so you should be ready to manage your own mask, fins, and route in the water.

If you are new to snorkeling, tell the crew before entering the water and ask for help fitting the equipment. A flotation aid is not specifically listed among the inclusions, so do not assume one will be provided. If you are not a confident swimmer, Curieuse may be the stronger part of your day.

Guides, crew, and the feel of the outing

The human side of the trip receives consistent praise. Benjamin is known for clear speech, good jokes, and easy interaction with an international group. Arnold has been praised for calm explanations and a friendly manner. Brandon has been described as attentive, while Mario has received praise for his environmental knowledge and good spirit.

That matters because the Curieuse walk depends on explanation. A guide who identifies plants, wildlife, and island features turns a pleasant walk into a more useful one. The boat crew also helps shape the day, especially during boarding, swimming, and the return trip.

The mood can be relaxed and social. Some departures may feel personal and small, though the exact group size is not specified. The tour suits people who like a guided framework but still want time to swim, eat, take photos, and sit on the beach.

Who should book this Praslin excursion?

I would recommend it to you if you want a broad sample of Praslin’s nearby attractions in one day. It combines wildlife, walking, beaches, boat scenery, and snorkeling without requiring separate bookings.

It is especially suitable for:

• First-time visitors to Praslin
• Families interested in giant tortoises
• Couples wanting a full day on the water
• People who prefer hotel pickup
• Visitors who enjoy guided nature walks
• Budget-conscious visitors who can bring their own lunch
• Confident swimmers who are comfortable with an unguided snorkeling stop

I would think twice if your main goal is advanced snorkeling. The St. Pierre stop may be fine, but reports are mixed on coral quality, marine life, equipment, and water conditions. I would also be cautious if you need wheelchair access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users and includes boat transfers, beach access, and walking.

Pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, insect repellent, waterproof footwear, and a waterproof bag. Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are sensible choices for an island setting. Sports shoes are useful for the walk, while sandals or beachwear work better after you reach the shore.

Booking flexibility and practical details

The tour lasts about seven hours and is offered with English or French guiding. Pickup is included, and you can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Praslin schedule depends on weather or ferry plans.

The stated departure period is in the morning, with boarding at Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m. Confirm your pickup time and meeting point before the day begins, since collection times vary by location on Praslin.

You should also allow for changes caused by sea conditions. The supplied schedule gives clear target times, but boat trips are naturally affected by weather, water movement, and how quickly everyone boards. Keep your afternoon flexible rather than planning a tight evening commitment.

Should you book this Curieuse and St. Pierre boat trip?

Yes, if you want the best all-around introduction to Curieuse and prefer a day that mixes wildlife, a guided walk, beach time, and snorkeling. The giant tortoises, strong guiding, hotel transfers, and reasonable base price give this outing real value.

Book with realistic expectations about St. Pierre. It is a scenic marine stop, not a guaranteed showcase of coral and fish, and the snorkeling may feel brief or exposed if the sea is rough. For most visitors, Curieuse carries the day, while St. Pierre provides a pleasant extra. Bring lunch if you want to save money, wear proper shoes for the walk, and choose this tour for the complete island experience rather than snorkeling alone.

FAQ

How long is the Curieuse and St. Pierre boat trip?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including pickup from Praslin, the boat journey, the Curieuse visit, lunch or free time, snorkeling at St. Pierre, and the return to Praslin.

Where does the boat leave from?

Boarding takes place at Anse Possession on Praslin, generally between 9:00 and 9:15 a.m. Hotel pickup is included, usually 10 to 45 minutes before departure.

What is included in the price?

The price includes hotel transfers, a guide, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and one beer per adult.

Is lunch included?

No. An optional BBQ lunch is available for €20 per person. You can also bring your own lunch, snacks, and refreshments.

Is the island tax included?

No. The island tax is €20 per person for anyone aged 12 or older.

Can I land on St. Pierre Island?

No. The St. Pierre stop is for swimming, snorkeling, and viewing the marine area from the boat. The island itself is not a landing stop.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users because it includes boat transfers, beach access, swimming, and walking on Curieuse.