Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Tortoises, mangroves, and a reef in one day. This seven-hour trip packs two of Praslin’s best nearby sights into a straightforward boat outing, with hotel pickup, a guided walk on Curieuse Island, giant tortoises, beach time, and snorkeling at St. Pierre Marine Park. I especially like the easy door-to-boat transport and the chance to combine wildlife and swimming without arranging separate excursions.

The guides also receive strong praise, with names such as Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, Brandon, Audrey, and Axel appearing repeatedly in the feedback. The main consideration is snorkeling: conditions can be choppy, equipment quality may vary, and the stop suits confident swimmers better than complete beginners.

Key points before you book

• Giant tortoises roam freely on Curieuse: You can see them near the ranger station and around the beach area, often close enough for excellent photographs.
• The Curieuse walk adds real substance: A guided route through mangroves, forest, beaches, and Coco de Mer country gives the island more meaning than a simple beach stop.
• St. Pierre is a boat-based snorkeling stop: You do not land on the islet, and the water can be rough.
• Hotel pickup is included: Transfers from locations around Praslin usually begin about 10 to 45 minutes before departure.
• Lunch costs extra: A beach BBQ is available for €20 per person, or you can bring your own food and snacks.
• The price is attractive for a full day: At $56 per person, the package includes transport, a guide, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and one beer per adult, though a €20 island tax applies to people aged 12 and over.

Why this Curieuse and St. Pierre combination works

Curieuse and St. Pierre offer two very different kinds of Seychelles scenery. Curieuse gives you land, wildlife, forest, mangroves, and beaches. St. Pierre gives you a short, open-water swim among fish and coral.

That variety is the main reason I would choose this trip over a simple island transfer. You are not spending seven hours doing one thing. The day moves from a fast boat ride to a slow island walk, then to lunch and beach time, followed by snorkeling in clear tropical water.

The schedule begins with pickup around Praslin, usually 10 to 45 minutes before the boat leaves. Departure is from Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning. After a safety briefing, the boat heads toward Curieuse at about 25 knots, arriving around 9:40.

That early start matters. Curieuse can feel much more pleasant before the strongest midday heat. Bring a hat, sunscreen, water, and shoes that can handle a proper walking trail. Sandals may work for parts of the day, but sports shoes or waterproof shoes are more useful if the ground is uneven or damp.

Meeting Curieuse’s giant tortoises

The first major stop is Laraie Bay and the ranger station. Curieuse is famous for its giant tortoises, and this is not just a quick photograph from behind a fence. The tortoises roam around the island and beach area, giving you a close look at these calm, slow-moving animals.

You may see adults and younger tortoises, and several people specifically enjoyed how friendly and approachable they were. You should still follow the guide’s instructions and avoid crowding them. The best part of the encounter is its relaxed pace. These animals are not performing for a schedule. They simply wander, feed, and rest while you watch.

The island is also known for its second-largest giant tortoise population in the Seychelles. That context makes the stop more than a photo opportunity. The guide can help you understand why Curieuse is protected and how its plants and animals fit together.

Some tours offer snacks near the tortoise area, and one visitor described the island beach as an ideal place for photographs. Bring a waterproof camera or phone case if you plan to combine wildlife pictures with swimming.

A guided walk through mangroves and Coco de Mer country

The guided nature walk lasts about an hour, while the wider Curieuse visit takes longer. The route includes mangroves, beaches, forest, viewpoints, wildlife watching, and areas with Coco de Mer palms.

I like this part because it gives the island texture. Without the walk, Curieuse could become only a tortoise and beach stop. With a guide, you can notice plants, birds, colorful crabs, and the way mangroves occupy the shallow coastal areas.

The walk is often described as about 2.5 kilometers, with a route toward Anse José Beach. One guide, Mario, was praised for explaining nature protection and local environmental concerns, while other guides such as Benjamin and Aubrey were singled out for clear explanations and friendly help.

Do not expect a demanding mountain trek. The information describes a guided nature hike, not a strenuous climb. Still, you should wear sensible footwear and bring insect repellent. The combination of sun, sand, and forest means you will be more comfortable with lightweight clothing, a hat, and plenty of water.

The viewpoint gives you a reason to carry a camera, but the walk itself is just as useful. It breaks up the day and lets you see Curieuse as an actual island ecosystem rather than a postcard beach.

Beach time, lunch, and the slower middle of the day

After the walk and wildlife visit, the schedule allows time for lunch, swimming, and relaxing on Curieuse. The listed lunch window runs from about 12:15 to 1:30, with departure around 1:30.

The optional BBQ costs €20 per person. That is not included in the $56 tour price, so check your total cost before booking. You can also bring your own food and drinks, which is the better value if you are happy with a simple picnic.

The tour includes water, soft drinks, and one beer per adult. That helps, but it does not replace lunch. Pack enough food for yourself, especially if you prefer regular meals or have dietary needs that are not addressed in the tour details.

This middle portion is also where the pace may divide opinion. Some people appreciate having enough time to swim, sit on the beach, take photographs, and enjoy the island without being rushed. Others may find the waiting period long and wish for more time elsewhere.

I would treat this as a beach day with a guided walk, not as a tightly packed sightseeing program. If you like a little breathing room, the slower rhythm is useful. If you want constant activity, bring a book, snorkel mask if you have a preferred one, or a camera and make the most of the beach.

Snorkeling at St. Pierre Marine Park

The boat leaves Curieuse around 1:30 and reaches St. Pierre at about 2:00. This is a boat-based stop. You do not land on St. Pierre, but you can swim and snorkel around the islet while looking back at one of the Seychelles’ most recognizable sea views.

The advertised snorkeling time is about one hour, although some visitors experienced closer to 45 minutes. That is worth noting if snorkeling is your main reason for booking. The equipment is provided, but a few people felt the gear was not ideal.

Conditions also vary. Some outings produce excellent sightings, including rays, sea turtles, baby sharks, and plenty of fish. Other outings encounter less coral life, and one assessment described the coral as partly dead. Weather, water movement, visibility, and the exact place chosen by the captain all affect what you see.

This is not the right place to assume that every snorkel will look like an aquarium. St. Pierre can be choppy, and one person found the stop risky for anyone below an intermediate swimming level. The snorkeling is unguided, so you should be comfortable entering the water, keeping track of your position, and returning to the boat without constant instruction.

If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water and ask what flotation or assistance is available. The tour information does not promise a dedicated snorkeling lesson or lifeguard service. That matters for families, nervous swimmers, and anyone expecting a closely supervised activity.

Still, the location can be beautiful and rewarding. Confident swimmers may get clear views of fish and coral, and lucky conditions can bring larger sea life. Use biodegradable sunscreen, protect your phone in a waterproof bag, and keep your mask fitted before you jump in.

Transport, boat staff, and the human side of the trip

Pickup is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. A van collects you from your location on Praslin before the boat departure, then returns you at the end of the day. Several people praised punctual pickup and friendly drivers.

The staff also seem to be a major part of the experience. Benjamin received especially warm praise for his clear speech, humor, and ability to keep an international group engaged. Arnold was described as easy to understand and full of good energy. Brandon was noted for attentive explanations, while Mario was praised for his nature knowledge and environmental concern.

That matters on a trip with several moving parts. You need a driver who gets you to Anse Possession on time, a captain who handles the open water safely, and a guide who can make the island walk worthwhile. The strongest feedback covers all three areas.

There are a few practical rough edges. One person was returned to the van before having time to change out of wet swimwear, and found the drive back uncomfortably hurried. Bring a dry bag with spare clothes and ask about changing time before leaving the boat.

The group size is not specified, so do not book expecting a private charter. One outing happened to have only three solo travelers, creating a very personal atmosphere, but that should be treated as luck rather than a promise.

What the $56 price really includes

At $56 per person, this is a strong value if you want a full day with transport and two major stops. Hotel pickup, boat travel, a guide, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and one beer are included.

You should add the mandatory island tax of €20 per person for anyone aged 12 or over. Lunch is another €20 if you choose the BBQ. That means the final cost can be much higher than the headline figure, especially for families or couples who add both lunch and the island tax.

Even with those additions, the package can compare well with arranging separate transport, a Curieuse visit, and a marine park trip. Its value is strongest if you plan to see both places anyway.

The weaker value comes if you mainly want high-quality snorkeling. The stop may be shorter than expected, the equipment may not suit everyone, and conditions can produce modest marine life. In that case, a specialist snorkeling trip might be a better fit, though no alternative price is provided here.

Who should book this day out?

I would recommend it for couples, families with older children, first-time visitors to Praslin, and anyone who wants wildlife and swimming in one manageable outing. It also suits people who prefer having transport and a guide arranged rather than negotiating separate boat trips.

It is especially good for anyone who has always wanted to see Seychelles giant tortoises. The tortoise encounter is the most dependable highlight, while the scenery and guided walk give the day more variety.

You should think twice if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Strong swimming ability is also important for the St. Pierre section, particularly in choppy conditions.

Pack sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sandals or sports shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, food, snacks, and a waterproof bag. Weapons and sharp objects are not allowed, and electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

The activity is available with English or French speaking guides. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later, which helps if your Praslin plans may change.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre tour?

Book it if you want an efficient introduction to Curieuse, especially for the giant tortoises, and you are happy with a relaxed beach break before a short open-water snorkel.

The strongest reasons are the included pickup, friendly guides, informative island walk, and the chance to see tortoises at close range. The main cautions are the extra €20 island tax, optional lunch charge, possible waiting time, and snorkeling that may be less impressive or less comfortable than expected.

For confident swimmers who value variety, this is a very good use of seven hours on Praslin. For nervous swimmers or serious snorkeling enthusiasts, book only after confirming the safety arrangements and expected water conditions.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts about seven hours, including pickup, boat travel, the Curieuse visit, lunch or free time, snorkeling, and the return to Praslin.

Where does the boat leave from?

The boat leaves from Anse Possession on Praslin, with boarding scheduled between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from locations on Praslin, usually about 10 to 45 minutes before departure.

What can I see on Curieuse Island?

You can see giant tortoises, mangroves, Coco de Mer trees, beaches, birds, crabs, viewpoints, and other island wildlife.

How long is the guided walk on Curieuse?

The guided nature walk is described as lasting about one hour. The full Curieuse visit includes additional time for wildlife viewing, swimming, photographs, and free time.

Is lunch included?

No. An optional BBQ lunch costs €20 per person. You can also bring your own food and snacks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, along with water and soft drinks.

Can I walk on St. Pierre Island?

No walking visit is included on St. Pierre. The stop is for swimming, snorkeling, and viewing the marine area from the water and boat.

Is the snorkeling suitable for beginners?

The activity is not specifically described as beginner-friendly. The water can be choppy, and snorkeling is unguided, so you should be comfortable swimming in open water.

What extra costs should I expect?

People aged 12 and over must pay a €20 island tax. Lunch is optional and costs €20 per person if you choose the BBQ.