Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Curieuse Island gives this boat trip its real character. You walk among giant tortoises at Laraie Bay, follow a guided trail through mangroves and island forest, and reach beaches where the scenery feels far removed from Praslin. Later, you snorkel from the boat at St. Pierre Marine Park.

I like the close-up tortoise encounter and the way the day mixes walking, wildlife, swimming, and sea views. I also like the practical package: hotel pickup, guide, water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and one beer are included for $56 per person.

The main caution is the snorkeling. Conditions can be choppy, equipment quality may vary, and some visitors find the marine life less impressive than expected. You should be comfortable in open water, and beginners may need extra help.

Key points to know before booking

• Curieuse’s giant tortoises are the star attraction: You can see them around the Ranger’s Station and on the beach, with time for photos and close observation.
• The nature walk covers more than scenery: Your guide points out mangroves, Coco de Mer palms, birds, crabs, and other island wildlife.
• St. Pierre is a boat-access snorkeling stop: You cannot land on the small islet, and snorkeling usually lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.
• Pickup makes the day easy: A van collects you around 10 to 30 minutes before departure, though you should allow up to 45 minutes.
• Lunch is optional, not included: A beach barbecue costs an additional €20 per person, or you can bring your own food.
• The tour suits active visitors best: You’ll need to manage a beach landing, a nature walk, and open-water swimming without wheelchair access.

Why Curieuse makes this more than a beach trip

Curieuse is one of the few places in Seychelles where the wildlife is as important as the beaches. The island is known for its giant tortoises, and you’ll meet them soon after arriving at Laraie Bay. They roam freely around the Ranger’s Station and nearby beach areas, making this feel less like a zoo visit and more like a walk through a protected island habitat.

The tortoises are calm and accustomed to people. You may see them gathered near the station, moving slowly through the shade, or stretching their necks toward food. The chance to photograph them at close range is the part of the day most likely to stay with you.

Curieuse also gives you a useful look at Seychelles plant life. Coco de Mer trees, mangrove channels, tropical birds, and colorful crabs all appear along the walk. Guides such as Benjamin, Arnold, Mario, Brandon, and Audrey have been praised for explaining the plants, animals, island life, and conservation work in clear English. French guiding is also available.

The island has a sadder side, too. Curieuse was once used as a leper colony, though the supplied details focus mainly on its nature and wildlife. Your guide may place the island in a wider historical and environmental setting, but the strongest part of this stop is the living world around you.

The morning schedule from Praslin to Laraie Bay

Pickup takes place at your accommodation on Praslin, usually 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, with some pickup windows extending to 45 minutes. The van takes you to Anse Possession, where boarding takes place between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

Before leaving, the crew gives a safety briefing. This matters because the day includes a fast boat ride, a beach landing, and snorkeling from the boat. The stated cruising speed is 25 knots, so the ride to Curieuse is short, roughly 25 to 30 minutes.

You should arrive at Curieuse around 9:40. Bring sandals or waterproof shoes for the shore, and keep your camera in a waterproof bag. Even when the sea is calm, boat spray and wet feet are part of the routine.

The timing is fairly active at first. You reach the island, see the tortoises, and then set out on the guided walk. Later, the pace slows considerably, which some people appreciate and others may find a little too loose.

Walking through mangroves, forest, and beach

The guided nature walk is listed as about one hour, while the wider Curieuse stop can last two to three hours depending on the exact schedule. One account describes a walk of roughly 2.5 kilometers, finishing at Anse Jose Beach. That gives you a better idea of the effort involved: this is a real walk, but not a demanding trek.

The route brings together several kinds of scenery. You may pass mangrove areas, forest, open viewpoints, and stretches of beach. Guides point out plants and animals along the way, including Coco de Mer palms, birds, crabs, and other wildlife. If you enjoy learning what you are looking at rather than simply taking photographs, this guided section adds real value.

The walk also helps break up the day. After a boat ride and time around the tortoises, you get a chance to move your legs before settling into a beach stop. Wear sports shoes or sturdy sandals if you have them. Flip-flops may be fine for the beach, but they are less useful on an uneven nature trail.

You should not expect a long mountain hike or a tightly timed wildlife expedition. The walk is relaxed, and the group may pause for photographs and explanations. One person found there was too much spare time on the island, while others liked having enough time to swim and enjoy the setting. Your ideal experience depends on whether you prefer a full schedule or an unhurried island day.

Giant tortoises, a small beach, and time to slow down

The tortoise area is the clear highlight for many people. You can watch the animals at the Ranger’s Station, then see more of them around the beach and island paths. Some visitors also report seeing baby sharks near the shore, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The beach stop gives you time to swim, take photographs, and simply sit under the Seychelles sun. The water near Curieuse can be clear enough for fish to appear close to shore. This is a good reason not to rush the island portion, especially if you have already spent several days moving from one scheduled attraction to another.

There is also time for drinks and free exploration. Water, soft drinks, and one beer per adult are included. Snacks may be provided, but I would still pack something substantial if you are not buying lunch.

The optional beach barbecue costs €20 per person. It is convenient if you want a hot meal without carrying your own food, but it is not part of the $56 price. You can bring snacks and refreshments instead. Since island taxes of €20 per person apply for anyone aged 12 or older, the final cost is higher than the headline price, so calculate the full amount before booking.

What to expect at St. Pierre Marine Park

The boat leaves Curieuse around 1:30 in the afternoon and reaches St. Pierre at about 2:00. St. Pierre is a small granite islet that you view from the water. You do not land and walk across the island.

The snorkeling stop usually lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, though the schedule describes up to 90 minutes in some places. The crew provides masks, snorkels, and other basic equipment. You can swim around the boat and look for reef fish, coral, rays, sea turtles, and other marine life.

Conditions make a big difference here. Some people have found the snorkeling excellent, with sea turtles, rays, and plenty to see. Others found the coral partly damaged and the marine life limited. One particularly useful point is that the water can be choppy, making this better for an intermediate swimmer than for someone who is nervous in open water.

The snorkeling is also largely unguided. The crew may help you with equipment and safety, but you should not expect a detailed lesson or a guide pointing out every fish. If you do not swim confidently, ask for help before entering the water. A flotation aid or extra support may not be guaranteed, so this is not the right choice if you need close supervision in the sea.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, keep expectations realistic. St. Pierre offers beautiful views and the chance to see marine life, but visibility and sea conditions change. The Curieuse tortoises and nature walk are the more dependable part of the experience.

Guides and the feel of the day

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this excursion. Guides named Benjamin, Arnold, Mario, Brandon, Audrey, and Bruno have been singled out for clear explanations, friendly humor, and helpful service. The boat captain also plays an important role by choosing the snorkeling location and keeping the ride safe.

The tone is informal rather than polished and formal. That works well for a day built around swimming, beach time, and wildlife. Benjamin, in particular, has been praised for making information easy to understand for an international group, while Mario is noted for his interest in nature protection and the environment.

Group size can vary. One small group had only three solo women on the boat, creating a very personal feel, but you should not assume every departure will be that small. The experience can be relaxed and social, with drinks and free time rather than constant commentary.

There are a few practical inconsistencies in the timing. Some descriptions suggest 45 minutes of snorkeling, while others allow an hour or more. The exact balance between beach time, walking, and waiting may depend on sea conditions, the group, and the boat schedule.

Is $56 a fair price for seven hours?

At $56 per person, the basic price is attractive for a seven-hour outing that combines transport, two islands, a guide, drinks, and snorkeling gear. Hotel transfers are particularly useful on Praslin, where arranging separate transport to Anse Possession can add cost and hassle.

You should add the €20 island tax for each person aged 12 or older. Lunch is extra at €20, although bringing your own food keeps the cost under control. With the tax and barbecue, the day costs much more than the advertised base rate, but it still offers a lot for the time involved.

The value is strongest if you want several activities in one day. A separate tortoise visit, beach outing, and snorkeling trip could take more planning. Here, the crew handles the transfers and moves you between the main stops.

The value is weaker if you only want a first-rate snorkeling site. Reports about St. Pierre range from excellent to disappointing, and equipment may not fit everyone perfectly. For a dedicated snorkeler, a trip built around a more specialized reef site may be a better use of your money.

Who should book this Praslin boat adventure?

I would choose this tour if you want an easy introduction to Curieuse and prefer variety over a single focused activity. Families with older children, couples, solo visitors, photographers, and nature lovers can all find something here, provided everyone can walk on uneven ground and swim from a boat.

It is especially good for people who want to see giant tortoises without arranging a separate excursion. The guided walk adds plant and wildlife detail, while the beach stop gives you time to relax instead of rushing from one photo stop to another.

I would think twice if you use a wheelchair, cannot swim confidently, or dislike open-water boat trips. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the snorkeling has no promise of calm water or close personal instruction.

Pack a towel, hat, sunglasses, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent, water shoes or sandals, sports shoes, and a waterproof bag. Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are sensible choices for an island nature visit. Bring your own food if you want to skip the barbecue, and take a waterproof camera if you plan to photograph tortoises and sea life.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if Curieuse’s giant tortoises are high on your Praslin list and you like a full day with walking, swimming, wildlife, and boat scenery. The tortoise encounter, helpful guides, hotel pickup, and broad mix of activities make the price appealing even after the island tax.

Skip it if your only goal is exceptional snorkeling, or if open water makes you uneasy. The most reliable reward is Curieuse itself. St. Pierre is a worthwhile extra, but it depends heavily on sea conditions, visibility, and your swimming ability.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking give you some flexibility. Just confirm the pickup time, lunch choice, tax, and snorkeling arrangements before you set off.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

Pickup is provided from locations on Praslin Island. The boat departure point is Anse Possession, with boarding scheduled between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including hotel pickup, the boat ride, the Curieuse visit, the nature walk, and snorkeling at St. Pierre Marine Park.

Are hotel transfers included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for locations on Praslin. Pickup usually takes place 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, though you should allow up to 45 minutes.

Is lunch included?

No. You can buy an optional beach barbecue for €20 per person or bring your own food, snacks, and refreshments.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board. The snorkeling stop takes place at St. Pierre Marine Park and generally lasts about 45 to 60 minutes.

Can I walk on St. Pierre Island?

No. St. Pierre is visited from the boat for swimming and snorkeling. You do not land on the islet.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English and French. Guides may include Benjamin, Arnold, Mario, Brandon, Audrey, and other members of the crew, depending on the departure.