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

Curieuse makes a big day feel easy. This full-day trip from Praslin combines giant tortoises and a guided island trail with two snorkeling stops, lunch, drinks, and hotel pickup. I like the small-group feel reported on many departures, often around 8 to 12 people, and the friendly guides, including Benjamin, Rocco, Liroy, Ryan, and Samuel.

I also like the way the schedule leaves room to swim, walk, eat, and take photos without racing from stop to stop. The main thing to consider is the extra SR300 marine park fee for each person aged 12 or older, payable by credit card. Snorkeling spots can also change with weather and sea conditions, so the exact plan is not fixed.

What makes this Praslin boat trip worth considering

• Curieuse’s free-roaming tortoises: See giant land tortoises up close, with time to take photos, feed them, and watch them move around the island.
• Two separate snorkeling stops: The morning stop is often especially good, while the final stop at Anse La Farine can offer large numbers of colorful fish.
• A real Creole lunch: The BBQ includes grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, salads, and soft drinks, with mango salad earning special praise.
• A guided walk across Curieuse: The one-hour trail covers local plants, animals, island history, and different natural settings.
• Small-group service: Departures have included groups of roughly 8 to 12 people, and some trips use two boats to keep the water stops comfortable.
• A cheerful finish: After snorkeling and sightseeing, you return toward Praslin with a Takamaka rum cocktail.

Starting with hotel pickup on Praslin

The day begins with pickup anywhere on Praslin Island, followed by a transfer to the boat launch point. That may sound like a minor convenience, but it matters on a full-day outing. You do not need to arrange a taxi, find a marina, or worry about driving back after swimming, walking, eating, and drinking.

The transfer has also worked well for people staying outside the main hotel areas. One solo visitor arranged pickup from a villa by WhatsApp, while another group was collected from the opposite side of the island. If your accommodation is not on the usual pickup list, contact Geoli Charters before the day rather than assuming the transfer is impossible.

At the launch point, you meet the crew and receive snorkeling equipment. The boats used on different departures have included a newer, well-equipped boat and a glass-bottom boat. The latter is useful even if you do not spend much time in the water, since clear Seychelles water lets you see fish and reef below the boat.

This is an active day, not a quiet sightseeing cruise. You should be comfortable boarding a boat, swimming or getting into the water, and walking on a natural trail. The tour is not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, or people over 65. Those restrictions are worth taking seriously because the day combines boat movement, swimming, sun, and uneven ground.

The first snorkeling stop near Praslin

The first water stop lasts about 45 minutes to one hour. The exact location depends on wind, waves, and visibility, but the goal is the same: give you a proper look at Seychelles marine life before lunch and the island walk.

This early stop is often the stronger of the two. You may see schools of fish and colorful underwater life, and guides can help point out what is worth noticing. If you are new to snorkeling, tell the crew before entering the water. A guide has assisted people who were not confident swimmers, including one person who had never snorkeled before.

That support makes this trip more approachable than a boat outing where you are simply handed a mask and left to manage alone. Still, you should bring realistic expectations. Sea conditions control visibility, and no operator can guarantee a particular fish, reef, or snorkeling site. The crew chooses from several locations when weather requires a change.

The boat ride itself adds to the experience. You get moving views of Praslin’s coast and nearby islands, and a glass-bottom boat can keep non-swimmers involved. Bring sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a shirt or cover-up. One useful tip from the day is to wear water shoes or sturdy sneakers for the island trail, since roots, stones, and slippery sections can appear along the route.

Curieuse Island begins with beach time

After the first snorkeling stop, the boat heads to a beach on Curieuse. You have time to relax, swim, and dry off before starting the walk across the island. That pause is welcome because it breaks the day into clear sections instead of turning the outing into one long activity.

Curieuse is more than a tortoise photo stop. The island gives you a chance to see coastal nature, forest, and the effects of past human use along a marked route. The exact trail experience depends on the guide and conditions, but the walk is planned for about one hour and has been described as manageable rather than strenuous.

The route can still be slippery. Roots and stones make sensible footwear important, especially if you are used to flat hotel paths. Flip-flops may be fine for the beach, but they are a poor choice for the walk. Pack them along if you want sandals for lunch and proper shoes for the trail.

Guides such as Benjamin, Rocco, Ryan, and Samuel have been praised for explaining the island’s plants, animals, history, and culture. The crew also makes an effort with mixed-language groups. English and French are available, and guides have repeated explanations in both languages when needed.

That human element is a major part of the value. You are not simply following a path and reading a sign. The guide helps you notice details you might otherwise miss, answers questions, and keeps the pace comfortable. Some guides also help spot creatures along the way, which turns an ordinary walk into a more attentive one.

Giant tortoises at the heart of the day

The tortoises are the emotional high point for many people. They roam freely around the island, and you can take photographs, watch them feed, and in suitable areas pet or feed them. They are famously calm, curious, and very interested in food, so expect a close encounter rather than a distant wildlife sighting.

The experience is especially good for families with older children and for anyone who wants a wildlife stop that feels personal. You may spend more time here than expected because the animals are easy to watch and photograph. They move slowly, but they are not lifeless exhibits. They wander, eat, and come over to investigate.

The island’s care of the tortoises is also part of what makes the stop meaningful. You are seeing protected animals in a setting where they are well looked after, not just posing beside a statue for a quick picture.

The marine park entry fee is separate from the tour price. Budget SR300 per person aged 12 or older, and bring a credit card because payment is made online or on site by card. This is the one extra cost most likely to catch people off guard, so include it when comparing the total price.

A Creole BBQ with fish, chicken, and mango salad

After the walk, the group settles down for lunch on the other side of Curieuse. The BBQ is served in a relaxed, family-style setting and includes a good range of food: grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, and fresh salads.

Fish is the natural choice here, and it has been singled out as a favorite. The mango salad also gets repeated attention, so it is worth trying even if you usually skip fruit-based salads. The meal is substantial without being so heavy that you cannot enjoy the second water stop.

Soft drinks are included, and drinks are available throughout the day. Local beer is part of the relaxed lunch setting, while the final Takamaka rum cocktail gives the return cruise a distinctly Seychellois finish. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, soft drinks are provided.

The BBQ adds real value to the $112 price. A separate boat trip, island visit, snorkeling rental, lunch, drinks, and hotel transport could quickly become several bookings. Here they are handled as one package, with a guide present for both the trail and water activities.

St Pierre and the second snorkeling stop

After Curieuse, the boat heads toward St Pierre or another nearby reef, depending on conditions. St Pierre is a popular photo subject, but the exact snorkeling location may shift. One trip used another nearby site because living coral was not available at St Pierre, so you should think of this part as a flexible reef stop rather than a guaranteed St Pierre snorkeling session.

That flexibility is sensible. The crew is responding to marine conditions instead of forcing every departure into the same route. You still get time for photos and another chance to enjoy the sea.

The final snorkeling stop is planned for Anse La Farine when conditions allow. It has been described as feeling like an aquarium, with hundreds of fish in different sizes and colors. If the sea is not suitable, the backup plan is Anse Georgette and Lazio Beach. Both are attractive alternatives for swimming, photos, or a coastal pause, but they will not offer exactly the same underwater experience.

The order and quality of the snorkeling stops can vary with weather. Several people found the morning water clearer or more rewarding than the afternoon, while others considered Anse La Farine the best stop of the day. The fair advice is to enjoy the first opportunity fully rather than saving all your energy for the final stop.

The return cruise and hotel drop-off

The Takamaka rum cocktail arrives as the day winds down. It is a small detail, but it gives the return boat ride a pleasant local touch. You can sit back, look over the water, and let the day slow down before returning to Praslin.

Hotel drop-off is included, which is particularly useful after a full day outside. You may be tired, wet, and sun-exposed by this point. Having a vehicle take you back means you do not need to keep enough energy for driving or find a taxi from the dock.

Smoking is not allowed on the tour. Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a credit card for the marine park fee. I would also add a dry bag or waterproof pouch for phones and room keys, although that item is not supplied as part of the tour.

Is $112 a fair price?

At $112 per person, the tour offers strong value if you want several Praslin highlights in one day. The price includes pickup and return anywhere on Praslin, the boat trip, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, the guided Curieuse walk, BBQ lunch, and soft drinks.

The extra SR300 entry fee changes the final cost, especially for a family or group with several people aged 12 or older. You also need a credit card for that payment. Even with the fee, the package remains attractive for anyone who would otherwise need to arrange separate transport, a boat charter, food, and equipment.

The strongest value comes from the combination of activities. A basic Curieuse transfer would not give you the same guided walk, two water stops, lunch, and drink service. A private charter might offer more control, but this small-group trip is likely the better fit if you want an organized day without paying private-boat prices.

Book early if your dates are fixed. This is a sought-after Praslin outing, and the operator limits the number of people on selected departures. Early booking may also secure the lower advertised price.

Who should book this Curieuse tour?

I would recommend it to you if you have one full day on Praslin and want to combine wildlife, beaches, snorkeling, food, and local guidance. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors who want an easy social day, and mixed groups where some people are stronger swimmers than others.

It is also a good choice if you are staying on Praslin without a car. The included transport removes much of the day’s practical work, and the crew has helped with pickups from villas and less central accommodation.

I would be more cautious if your priority is a private, quiet boat trip or guaranteed access to one exact reef. The itinerary changes with sea conditions, and this is a full activity day rather than a slow cruise. People with mobility limits or health concerns should choose a different outing because the tour includes boat access, snorkeling, and an uneven trail.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the most variety from one Praslin day. The tortoises are the main draw, but the tour earns its price through strong organization, kind guides, two snorkeling opportunities, a tasty BBQ, and transport from your hotel.

Before booking, confirm your pickup point, set aside the SR300 marine park fee, and pack proper shoes for the trail. If Benjamin, Rocco, Liroy, Ryan, Samuel, or another member of this friendly crew is guiding your departure, expect the information and humor to be as memorable as the scenery.

FAQ

How much does the Curieuse guided tour cost?

The tour costs $112 per person. The Curieuse marine park entry fee is separate and costs SR300 for each person aged 12 or older.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included anywhere on Praslin Island. If your accommodation is not shown among the usual pickup points, contact the provider before the tour.

How long is the tour?

It is a full-day experience. The first snorkeling stop lasts about 45 minutes to one hour, and the guided Curieuse trail takes about one hour.

What food is included?

Lunch is a Creole BBQ with grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, and salads. Soft drinks are included, and local beer and rum are available during the day.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

The locations depend on weather and sea conditions. Stops may include areas near Praslin, St Pierre or another nearby reef, and Anse La Farine. If conditions are unsuitable, the final stop may be changed to Anse Georgette or Lazio Beach.

Do I need to pay the Curieuse entry fee in cash?

No. The entry fee is payable online or on site by credit card. Bring a credit card for the SR300 charge per person aged 12 or older.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under four are not accepted. Older children may enjoy the tortoises, beach time, snorkeling, and BBQ, but the tour also includes boat travel and a natural trail with roots and stones.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a credit card. Water shoes or sturdy sneakers are useful for the Curieuse trail, which can be slippery and uneven.