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

Tortoises, reefs, and rum make a fine day out. This full-day cruise from Praslin packs in two snorkeling stops, a guided walk across Curieuse Island, a Creole BBQ, and time with giant tortoises. I especially like the small-group feel reported on many departures and the friendly guides, including Benjamin, Rocco, Liroy, Ryan, and Samuel. The hotel pickup and drop-off also make the day easy, particularly after a long boat trip.

The main point to consider is the SR300 Curieuse entry fee, which is not included and must be paid by credit card. Sea conditions can also change the snorkeling locations, and the trail has roots, stones, and some slippery sections. Still, at $112 per person, this is a strong value if you want one organized day that combines wildlife, scenery, swimming, food, and local conversation.

At a glance

• Curieuse’s giant tortoises: See the island’s famous land tortoises roaming freely, with time to take photos and gently pet or feed them.
• Two snorkeling stops: The morning and afternoon locations depend on sea and weather conditions, with Anse La Farine, St Pierre, and nearby reefs among the possible sites.
• One-hour nature trail: Walk across Curieuse with a guide explaining the island’s plants, animals, history, and changing ecosystems.
• Creole BBQ lunch: Expect grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentils, salads, and soft drinks, with mango salad earning special praise.
• Drinks throughout the day: Soft drinks are included, along with local beer and a final Takamaka rum cocktail.
• Easy Praslin transport: Pickup and return are provided anywhere on Praslin Island, including villas and guesthouses when arranged in advance.

Why Curieuse is worth a full day from Praslin

Praslin has beautiful beaches, but Curieuse gives you something different. The island is known for its giant tortoises and protected natural areas, and the experience lets you see both the shore and the interior rather than simply stopping for a quick photograph.

I like the balance here. You are not stuck on a boat all day, but you also do not spend the entire outing hiking in the heat. The schedule moves between swimming, beach time, walking, lunch, wildlife, and a final snorkel. That variety is a big reason the tour suits couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who want company without having to plan every transfer themselves.

The pace is another strength. Several people describe having enough time at each stop, with no sense that every activity is being hurried along. That matters in Seychelles, where the best moments often come from slowing down: floating above fish, watching a tortoise lumber past, or sitting with a cold drink after the trail.

The tour is highly popular, so book early if your dates are fixed. The operator limits daily places, and early booking is described as the best way to secure the lowest available price.

Morning pickup and the boat ride

The day begins with pickup at your Praslin hotel, villa, or guesthouse. The transfer is included anywhere on the island, and several departures have included help for people staying outside the standard hotel pickup list. If you are at a less familiar property, contact the operator ahead of time rather than assuming the driver will find it without instructions.

You then meet the crew and board the boat. Some departures use a glass-bottom boat, which is useful even if you prefer to stay dry. The clear Seychelles water lets you see fish and reef below the hull, giving you an early look at the marine life before the first swim.

Group size can vary. The tour description presents it as an exclusive outing for a selected number of people, and many recent departures have been described as groups of around eight to twelve. Some days use two boats. That is small enough to feel personal, but you should not treat a tiny group as guaranteed for every date.

The crew receives consistent praise for being warm, funny, and helpful. Guides have included Benjamin, Rocco, Jamie, Liroy, Ryan, Samuel, and others. English and French are available, and one bilingual guide made a point of explaining the walk in both languages so nobody was left out.

First snorkeling stop: start with the sea

Your first snorkeling break lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. The exact location depends on wind, waves, and visibility, so the advertised site may change. That flexibility is sensible. A captain who chooses a calmer reef usually gives you a better and safer swim than one who insists on following a fixed route.

The snorkeling is one of the most praised parts of the day. The water around Praslin can feel like a natural aquarium, with fish in different colors and sizes moving through the reef. Guides do more than drop you overboard. They point out creatures and help less experienced swimmers find a comfortable way into the water.

The included equipment keeps packing simple. Bring your own mask only if you are particular about fit. Otherwise, the supplied snorkeling gear should cover the basic need.

If you are not a confident swimmer, speak up early. One guide went into the water with a non-swimmer and helped her enjoy the stop. That does not turn the activity into a formal swimming lesson, but it shows the crew is attentive. You should still be honest about your ability and follow the guide’s instructions.

Conditions can affect the quality of each stop. One report found the morning snorkeling better than the afternoon, while another described the later Anse La Farine stop as spectacular, with hundreds of fish. Expect variation rather than a guaranteed underwater scene.

Curieuse beach and the walk across the island

After the first swim, the boat heads to a beach on Curieuse. You get time to relax, swim, or dry off before beginning the guided trail. This pause is welcome because it breaks up the day and gives you a chance to settle into the island rather than rushing straight from the boat to lunch.

The guided walk lasts about an hour and crosses toward the other side of Curieuse. It is not presented as a hard hike, but it is not a flat promenade either. Expect roots, stones, slippery patches, and some climbing. I would wear sturdy sneakers or good water shoes, not flimsy sandals.

The guide adds real value here. Along the trail, you learn about Curieuse’s flora and fauna, the island’s past, and the way different ecosystems appear along the route. Guides have also pointed out birds and small creatures that are easy to miss if you walk alone.

One especially useful feature is the personal attention. Benjamin was praised for answering questions patiently and helping the group spot wildlife. Rocco was described as new to the role but already confident, amusing, and well prepared. Ryan received similar praise for his facts and pleasant manner.

The trail is also a good reason to choose this tour over a simple beach transfer. You see more of Curieuse than the tortoise area, and the walk gives context to the island. The only caution is practical: heat, damp ground, and uneven footing may be tiring for some people.

Giant tortoises up close

The tortoise encounter is the emotional center of the day. Curieuse’s giant land tortoises roam freely, and you have time to watch them, photograph them, and, where permitted, pet or feed them under the crew’s guidance.

These are not animals you simply glimpse behind a fence. They wander through the area, often moving slowly toward people. Several visitors describe them as calm, friendly, and very interested in food. That makes for excellent photographs, but remember that these are large, living animals. Follow the guide’s directions and handle the encounter gently.

I appreciate that the experience includes information about the sanctuary and the animals rather than reducing the stop to a selfie session. The guides answer questions about the tortoises and explain what you are seeing. The result feels more respectful and memorable.

Give yourself time here. The schedule allows the wildlife stop to be part of the day rather than a rushed five-minute photo opportunity. If giant tortoises are high on your Seychelles wish list, this alone may justify the trip from Praslin.

Creole BBQ lunch with local drinks

Lunch is served after the trail, on the far side of the island. The meal is a family-style Creole BBQ with grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, and fresh salads. Mango salad is a recurring favorite, and the fish is a particularly good choice if you want something that fits the setting.

The food is generous without being too heavy. That matters because you still have another snorkeling stop ahead. You can eat properly, enjoy a local beer or soft drink, and return to the water without feeling that lunch has ended the active part of the day.

Drinks are provided throughout the trip. Soft drinks are included, and local beer and rum are part of the island-style hospitality. The final Takamaka rum cocktail comes later, during the slow cruise back to Praslin, and makes a pleasant finish.

Do not confuse the included drinks with unlimited alcohol for every preference. The supplied details specifically mention local beer, rum, soft drinks, and the final cocktail. If you need something particular, bring it up before departure.

St Pierre, reefs, and the second snorkeling stop

After Curieuse, the boat heads toward St Pierre or another suitable reef, depending on sea conditions. This section is also useful for photographs, with the crew choosing scenic water and island views when the original plan needs adjusting.

The final snorkeling stop is normally at Anse La Farine. If conditions prevent that, the route may shift to Anse Georgette and Lazio Beach. These changes are not a weakness. They show the crew is willing to adapt the route to the water.

St Pierre itself may not always be used as a snorkeling site. One detailed account explained that the boat chose a nearby reef instead because the coral at St Pierre was no longer alive. That is a useful reminder that the exact place name matters less than the quality and safety of the chosen water.

The second swim can feel different from the first. Some people find the morning stop clearer or calmer, while others describe the later site as the highlight, with dense schools of fish. I would plan to enjoy both without ranking them in advance.

If you have a camera, this is a good part of the day to use it. Bring a waterproof case or sealed pouch, since the tour includes several chances for photographs from the boat and in the water.

The return cruise and Takamaka rum cocktail

The day winds down with a slow cruise back toward Praslin. A Takamaka rum cocktail is served as a final drink, giving you time to sit back and look over the water after the walking and swimming.

This ending is more than a small extra. A full day of activity can feel like a checklist if the final transfer is hurried. Here, the return cruise gives the day a calmer rhythm and lets you enjoy the scenery without another scheduled stop demanding attention.

You return to the dock and take the included transfer back to your accommodation. That matters more than it might seem. After snorkeling, walking, eating, and spending hours in the sun, most people will be glad not to drive.

Is $112 a good price?

At $112 per person, the value is strong if you plan to visit Curieuse and snorkel anyway. The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off, the boat trip, snorkeling equipment, two snorkeling stops, the guided island walk, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, and the final drinks service.

You still need to budget for the Curieuse marine park entry fee: SR300 for each person aged 12 or older. It can be paid online or on site, but you need a credit card. That fee is easy to overlook, so include it when comparing the total cost with other excursions.

The tour also saves you the work of arranging separate transport, a boat charter, lunch, equipment, and a guide. I see the strongest value in the combination rather than in any one item. You get wildlife, marine life, food, and transport in one day.

The price may feel less attractive if you want a private charter, a long beach stay, or complete control over the route. This is a shared day with a set structure, even though the crew can adjust sites for weather and sea conditions.

Who should book, and who should think twice?

I would recommend this for adults, older children, couples, solo visitors, and anyone staying on Praslin without a car. It is especially good for a first full day on the island because you get a broad sample of Seychelles nature without having to solve the transport puzzle yourself.

The tour is not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with heart problems, or people over 65 according to the supplied restrictions. You should also reconsider it if you dislike boats, swimming, uneven trails, or changing plans caused by weather.

The walk is manageable for many people, but roots, stones, slippery ground, and some climbing are part of it. Wear water shoes or sneakers, pack a towel and sunscreen, and bring swimwear with light beachwear over it.

Smoking is not allowed. The crew speaks English and French, and cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Praslin plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Curieuse tour?

I would book this tour if you want the most variety from one Praslin day. The giant tortoises and guided trail give Curieuse substance, while the two snorkeling stops keep the outing active and scenic. The BBQ, steady drinks service, and return transfer round out a package that feels well planned rather than patched together.

I would skip it only if you want a private boat, dislike group activities, or need a fully accessible route. For everyone else, the combination of friendly guides, flexible snorkeling sites, good food, and close tortoise encounters makes this one of the better uses of a day on Praslin.

FAQ

Where does the Curieuse tour begin?

The tour includes pickup from your hotel, villa, or guesthouse anywhere on Praslin Island, followed by a transfer to the boat launch point.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $112 per person.

Is the Curieuse entry fee included?

No. The marine park entry fee is SR300 for each person aged 12 or older.

How can I pay the Curieuse entry fee?

You can pay online or on site with a credit card. Bring a credit card because this fee is not included in the tour price.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. The locations depend on weather and sea conditions.

Where does the snorkeling take place?

Possible locations include St Pierre or nearby reefs, Anse La Farine, Anse Georgette, and Lazio Beach. The final locations can change according to sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes a Creole BBQ lunch, soft drinks, local beer, and a Takamaka rum cocktail during the return cruise.

Is a guide included on Curieuse?

Yes. A guide accompanies the one-hour nature trail and explains the island’s plants, animals, history, and natural surroundings.

Who cannot join this tour?

The tour is not suitable for children under four, pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with heart problems, or people over 65. Smoking is also not allowed.