Curieuse Guided Tour, St Pierre, BBQ & 2 Snorkel Stops

Curieuse is the star here, and rightly so. Giant Aldabra tortoises wander freely around the island, often close enough for memorable photographs. You also get a guided walk through Curieuse’s natural habitats, rather than simply being dropped on a beach and left to find your own way.

I like the small-group feel, with many departures carrying roughly 8 to 12 people and some using two boats to avoid crowding. I also like the practical mix of sea and shore: two snorkeling stops, a beach break, a one-hour walk, lunch, tortoises, and a sunset-style rum drink.

The main consideration is the extra Curieuse marine park fee, SR300 for each person aged 12 or older, payable by credit card. Sea conditions can also change the snorkeling sites, and the day is not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with heart problems, or people over 65.

Key points to know before you book

• Giant tortoises roam around the lunch area, giving you much more than a quick enclosure visit.
• Two snorkeling stops are planned, with locations chosen according to weather and sea conditions.
• The one-hour Curieuse trail adds useful context about island plants, animals, history, and culture.
• Hotel pickup and return are included anywhere on Praslin, a real help after a full day at sea.
• The Creole BBQ includes fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, and salads, with mango salad receiving special praise.
• The final Takamaka rum cocktail gives the ride back a pleasant local touch.

Why Curieuse makes this a full-day highlight from Praslin

This is not just a boat transfer to a beach. It ties together three of the best reasons to visit the Praslin area: clear-water snorkeling, Curieuse Island, and the chance to see giant tortoises in an open setting.

You begin with a hotel pickup, then transfer to the boat launch point. The provider collects you anywhere on Praslin, which removes the need to arrange a taxi or rental car early in the morning. That matters at the end of the day too, since you may be tired, sun-warmed, and ready to let someone else handle the return journey.

The boat groups are kept fairly small. Several people describe groups of eight to twelve, while some departures use two boats so the snorkeling stops do not feel packed. That gives you more room in the water and makes it easier to stay near the guide.

Geoli Charters runs the trip in English and French. Guides named Benjamin, Rocco, Liroy, Jamie, Ryan, Samuel, and others are praised for explaining the route, answering questions, and keeping the mood light. If your group includes both English and French speakers, the guide may repeat explanations in both languages.

The first snorkeling stop near Praslin

The first water stop lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. The exact site depends on the weather and the condition of the sea, so you should not book this expecting one fixed reef by name.

That flexibility is useful in the Seychelles. The crew can choose a safer or clearer location rather than force the published plan in poor conditions. The snorkeling may include colorful fish, coral, and other marine life. Some departures use a glass-bottom boat, which is helpful if you prefer to stay aboard or need a rest between swims.

Several details make this part suitable for mixed groups. Equipment is included, and guides have helped people who were not confident swimmers. One guide even accompanied a non-swimmer into the water. You should still tell the crew about your swimming ability before entering the sea, and bring a towel, sunscreen, and swimwear.

The morning stop may offer better visibility than the later one, depending on conditions. Keep that in mind if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. The water can also be busy at popular sites, though the smaller boat arrangement helps give people more space.

Curieuse beach, then a trail across the island

After snorkeling, the boat heads to a beach on Curieuse. You get time to swim or relax before the walking section begins. This pause is welcome because the trip asks you to move between water, beach, trail, and lunch at a steady pace.

The guided trail takes about an hour and crosses the island toward the other side. It is not described as a difficult hike, but it can include roots, stones, slippery sections, and some climbing. I would wear sturdy water shoes or sneakers rather than smooth sandals. One useful tip is to wear a swimsuit under light beach clothes, with a T-shirt and shorts available for the walk.

The value of the guide is clear here. Instead of seeing only trees and a path, you learn about Curieuse’s plants, animals, natural areas, island history, and local culture. Guides such as Benjamin and Rocco are praised for explaining patiently and helping people notice smaller creatures and features along the way.

The walk also breaks up the day nicely. You are not sitting on a boat for hours, and you are not spending the entire excursion in the water. Still, anyone with limited mobility should take the trail seriously. This is not a wheelchair-accessible trip, and the provider does not recommend it for people over 65 or those with heart problems.

Lunch beside the giant Aldabra tortoises

The walking route brings you to the lunch area, where the giant tortoises are the main attraction. These enormous Aldabra tortoises move freely around you, and you may see them close to the tables or paths. They are famously calm and curious, and the chance to watch them at close range is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion.

You can take photographs and, under the crew’s direction, feed or gently pet the tortoises. Treat them with care and follow the guide’s instructions. The appeal is not just the size of the animals, but the setting: you are seeing them in an open island environment rather than only through a fence.

The BBQ is served family-style. Expect grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, and fresh salads. Mango salad receives particular praise, and the fish is a strong choice if you want a local-style meal. Soft drinks are included, and local beer is served with lunch.

The meal is filling without being an elaborate restaurant service. This is an outdoor island lunch, so keep expectations in the right place. You are paying for a day of access, transport, guiding, food, and activities, not a formal dining experience.

The second snorkeling stop and changing sea conditions

After Curieuse, the boat heads toward St Pierre or another reef for photographs and the next water stop. The published route may refer to St Pierre, but the actual site can change. One departure used another location because live coral was not present at St Pierre, showing why the crew leaves room to adapt.

The final planned snorkeling stop is Anse La Farine. If the sea is not suitable, the crew may instead go to Anse Georgette or Anse Lazio. This is a useful safety choice, though it means the exact order and locations are not guaranteed.

The second stop can be especially impressive. Anse La Farine has been described as feeling like an aquarium, with many fish in different sizes and colors. Another departure visited a spot called The Aquarium, while others snorkeled around turtles or at different nearby reefs.

You should see the itinerary as a framework, not a rigid checklist. You are promised two snorkeling opportunities, but not one exact patch of water. That is normal for a sea-based excursion and usually works in your favor when wind or swell changes.

Drinks, crew style, and the ride back

Drinks are available throughout the day, including soft drinks and local beer. The trip ends with a Takamaka rum cocktail as the boat cruises back toward Praslin. It is a simple touch, but a good one after the walk, lunch, and snorkeling.

The crew’s manner is a major part of the experience. You can expect humor, help with equipment, explanations during the trail, and assistance in the water if needed. Liroy and his team are noted for making solo participants feel welcome, while guides including Rocco, Jamie, Benjamin, Ryan, and Samuel receive praise for being friendly and clear.

That does not mean every departure will feel identical. The guide assigned to you may be different, and the exact group size can vary. The consistent feature is the provider’s effort to keep the day social without making it feel like a large crowd.

The return transfer to your hotel is included. Some people have arranged pickup from villas or locations not clearly shown among the standard hotel options by contacting the provider. It is wise to confirm your exact pickup point before the day.

Is $112 a good value?

At $112 per person, the price is reasonable for a full-day excursion that includes Praslin hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transport, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, a guided Curieuse walk, lunch, and drinks.

You should add the Curieuse marine park fee to your budget. It is SR300 per person aged 12 or older, and payment is made online or on site by credit card. Bring the card even if you have already paid for the excursion itself.

The value is strongest if you want one organized day that covers several highlights. Booking separate transport, a boat charter, snorkeling equipment, a Curieuse guide, lunch, and a return taxi would take more planning and could cost more. The tour also saves you from deciding which reef is safe on a particular day.

It is less attractive if you want complete control over your timetable or prefer a quiet private charter. The day includes several activities, so you need to be comfortable with a full schedule. The provider also describes it as one of the most sought-after Praslin trips, so early booking may help secure a place and the lowest available rate.

Who will enjoy this Praslin excursion most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and first-time guests who want to see Curieuse without arranging several separate outings. Teenagers are likely to appreciate the balance of snorkeling, wildlife, beach time, and boat travel.

It works well for mixed-ability groups because the guides can offer support in the water and the glass-bottom boat option may allow non-snorkelers to see marine life. You should still be comfortable getting on and off a boat, walking a natural trail, and spending much of the day outdoors.

It is not a good fit for anyone who needs wheelchair access, has a heart condition, is pregnant, is under four, or is over 65 according to the stated restrictions. The operator also does not allow smoking.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a credit card for the marine park fee. Add water shoes or proper sneakers for the trail, since roots, stones, and slippery ground are possible.

Should you book the Curieuse guided tour?

Book it if you want a well-rounded Praslin day with giant tortoises, two snorkeling stops, a guided island walk, and lunch already arranged. The small groups, hotel transfers, bilingual guiding, and flexible reef choices make it a practical option for a first visit.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a short outing, or a guaranteed visit to one exact snorkeling site. For most visitors who have one free day on Praslin, though, the combination is hard to beat. The tortoises provide the memorable moment, while the sea time, trail, BBQ, and rum cocktail give the day enough variety to feel worth the price.

FAQ

How much does the Curieuse guided tour cost?

The tour costs $112 per person. A separate Curieuse marine park entry fee of SR300 applies to each person aged 12 or older.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included anywhere on Praslin Island. The provider may also arrange pickup from a villa after you confirm the location.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. Each location depends on the weather and sea conditions.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

What food is served at lunch?

The Creole BBQ includes fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, and salads. Soft drinks are included, and local beer is available.

Is the Curieuse entry fee included?

No. The marine park entry ticket is separate and costs SR300 per person aged 12 or older. It can be paid online or on site by credit card.

What languages are available?

Guiding is available in English and French. Guides may explain information in both languages when the group includes speakers of each.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a credit card for the Curieuse entry fee. Sneakers or sturdy water shoes are useful for the trail.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, or people over 65. Smoking is not allowed.