Full Day Excursion of Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre Islands from Praslin Island

Three islands, one busy day. This excursion links Cousin Island Reserve, Curieuse, and St. Pierre without making you arrange separate boats, guides, meals, and transfers. I like the rare birdlife on Cousin and the chance to see giant tortoises on Curieuse, and I also like having snorkeling gear, lunch, island transport, and hotel pickup arranged together. The main caution is that the tour can feel rushed, and the speedboat ride may be uncomfortable in rough seas.

At about $176.18 per person, this is not a cheap beach outing. You also need to budget for island entrance fees, which are listed separately as SCR 600 per person for Cousin and SCR 300 for anyone aged 12 or older on Curieuse. Good weather matters, and the service has received mixed marks, so I would confirm pickup details before departure and pack for a wet, bumpy boat ride.

Key points to know before booking

• Cousin is the wildlife highlight: The reserve is known for close views of birds in their protected habitat, with guided walks and a panoramic viewpoint.
• Curieuse combines tortoises and lunch: You visit the island, see giant tortoises, and eat a barbecue on the beach.
• St. Pierre is the snorkeling stop: You get about one hour in the water, with snorkeling equipment supplied.
• The schedule begins at 8:30 a.m.: Hotel pickup and drop-off on Praslin are included, but confirm the exact pickup time and location.
• Extra entrance fees affect the real cost: Cousin costs SCR 600 per person, while Curieuse costs SCR 300 for those aged 12 and above.
• Prepare for spray and mosquitoes: Waterproof bags, life jackets, secure seating, and mosquito repellent are practical necessities.

Why this three-island plan works

Praslin is surrounded by small islands, but visiting several in one day takes planning. You need to match boat times, find an operator, arrange food, and work out how to get back to your hotel. This excursion removes much of that work by combining the transfers and activities into one approximately eight-hour outing.

I like the variety. Cousin gives you protected nature and birdlife, Curieuse adds giant tortoises and a beach meal, and St. Pierre finishes the day in the water. You are not spending eight hours doing the same thing.

The trade-off is pace. Each island receives only part of the day, and the boat journeys take time. If you prefer a slow morning on one island, this schedule may feel crowded. If you want to see three distinct places from Praslin in a single day, the tight timetable is the reason the trip works.

The maximum group size is 15 people, which is more manageable than a large boat excursion. Even so, the experience can depend heavily on the skipper, sea conditions, and how well the pickup and island arrangements are handled that day.

Starting from Cote d’Or Beach at 8:30 a.m.

The day begins at 8:30 a.m., with hotel pickup offered on Praslin. The itinerary identifies Cote d’Or Beach as the starting point, so check your pickup instructions carefully rather than assuming the boat leaves directly from your hotel.

This is one part of the experience where a little effort from you helps. A previous outing had confusion around pickup arrangements, so I would contact the provider in advance and make sure the company has your correct hotel details. Vision Voyages DMC PTY LTD operates the experience.

Bring only what you need for the day. A swimsuit, towel, sun protection, a change of clothes, and a small amount of cash for fees are more useful than a large beach bag. The boat may spray water, so use waterproof bags for phones, cameras, wallets, and passports.

Safety instructions matter here. You are advised to wear the life jacket, remain seated until the craft reaches the beach, and keep belongings protected. Some boat rides have been described as very fast and rough, with passengers taking hard jolts when the craft hits waves. If the sea is unsettled, politely ask the skipper to slow down if you are uncomfortable.

Cousin Island Reserve and its close birdlife

Cousin is the first major stop, and it gives the excursion its strongest nature focus. You visit the island reserve with a guide, following a route through protected habitat and learning about the local flora and fauna.

The most memorable feature is the birdlife. You may see rare birds at surprisingly close range because the island is protected and managed as a nature reserve. The experience is less about checking off a long list of species and more about observing wildlife in a place where conservation comes first.

The guided walk also offers a panoramic viewpoint. A good guide can make a large difference here by pointing out birds, explaining the reserve, and helping you notice details you would likely miss alone. One particularly praised guide was able to explain the island well and show the viewpoint clearly. Samuel was also singled out for making the full day especially enjoyable, although guide assignments can change.

Cousin is not simply a quick photo stop. It is the most educational part of the excursion, and it gives you a better sense of why these islands need protection. I would allow yourself to walk at the group’s pace and listen to the guide rather than treating the reserve as a race to the beach.

There is one practical warning: mosquitoes can be aggressive on Cousin. Apply repellent before leaving the boat and bring more with you. Lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs may also help, especially if you react badly to bites.

The entrance fee is listed separately at SCR 600 per person, for all ages. That is a sizeable addition to the advertised tour cost, but it supports access to a protected reserve and is essential when calculating the day’s real price.

The 30-minute ride to Curieuse

After Cousin, the boat takes about 30 minutes to reach Curieuse. This transfer is part of the island-hopping appeal, but it is also where sea conditions can affect your comfort.

On calm water, the ride gives you a pleasant change of scene between the reserve and the next island. On rough water, the same speedboat can feel hard and bouncy. Sit securely, keep your belongings closed in waterproof bags, and avoid standing until the boat is safely beached.

The operator recommends following the skipper’s safety directions. This is not a minor formality. The combination of open water, beach landings, and a small craft means you should keep your life jacket on as directed and remain seated until told otherwise.

Curieuse: giant tortoises and a beach barbecue

Curieuse is the most relaxed stop in the middle of the day. The island is associated with giant tortoises, and the chance to see these animals is a major reason many people choose this excursion.

You may find the tortoise visit less time-consuming than expected. The animals are a memorable part of the island, but the stop is not designed as a long, standalone tortoise encounter. If tortoises are your only priority, you might feel that the time here is brief. If you enjoy pairing wildlife with food and scenery, Curieuse fits the day well.

The barbecue lunch is served on the beach. This is a useful feature rather than a minor extra: arranging lunch on an island would otherwise take planning, and a midday meal keeps you from having to carry food or return to Praslin. The meal has been praised as generous and tasty, though one account found the barbecue less impressive in rainy weather and when served to a large group.

Weather can shape the lunch considerably. In sunshine, a beach barbecue sounds exactly right. In heavy rain, it becomes a functional meal rather than a highlight. Bring a light waterproof layer, even if the morning begins clear.

One bottle of water or one soft drink is included per person. I would still bring extra water if you can, especially in hot weather. The day includes walking, time in the sun, and snorkeling, so one drink may not be enough for everyone.

Curieuse has a separate listed entrance fee of SCR 300 per person for anyone aged 12 or older. Children under 12 are not listed as paying this particular fee. Because the published details also describe entrance fees separately from the tour price, confirm the payment arrangement before you go.

St. Pierre snorkeling for about one hour

The final stop is St. Pierre, a tiny island used as the snorkeling location. You receive snorkeling equipment, and the scheduled time in the water is about one hour.

This is a good finish because it shifts the day from walking and wildlife to swimming among clear water and fish. Several people rated the snorkeling highly, describing attractive fish and clear conditions around both Curieuse and St. Pierre.

Still, conditions vary. The experience requires good weather, and visibility or comfort in the water can change with wind and rain. The supplied information does not promise a particular collection of fish or a specific reef condition, so treat the snorkeling as a weather-dependent opportunity rather than a guaranteed underwater show.

You should be comfortable in the water and able to follow instructions. The activity is suitable for most people according to the supplied details, but life jackets and boat safety rules remain important. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew what flotation support is available before entering the water.

An hour is enough for a satisfying look around, but it is not a full snorkeling expedition. The stop works best as part of a varied day rather than as the sole reason to book.

What the $176.18 price really covers

The advertised price is about $176.18 per person. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off on Praslin, boat transport between the islands, barbecue lunch, one bottle of water or one soft drink, local taxes, and snorkeling equipment.

It does not clearly absorb every island entrance charge. The supplied fee details list SCR 600 for Cousin and SCR 300 for Curieuse for visitors aged 12 and over. That means the total cost can be notably higher than the headline price, particularly for adults visiting both islands.

I see value here if you want convenience. The price pays for a full day, several boat transfers, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a small-group format capped at 15 people. Organizing all of that independently would take time and would not necessarily cost less.

I see less value if you want a slow beach day or only care about giant tortoises. Curieuse alone may suit that preference better, while a dedicated snorkeling trip may give you more time in the water. This outing earns its price through variety and logistics, not through long stays at any one stop.

The fact that the experience is commonly reserved well ahead of time, around 55 days in advance on average, also suggests that you should not leave it until the last minute if your Praslin dates are fixed.

Service can make or break the day

The strongest experiences come from the natural attractions and the guides. Friendly boat staff, clear explanations on Cousin, and a helpful Curieuse guide can turn a busy schedule into a rewarding day. Positive accounts describe supportive guides, unusual birds, giant tortoises, good food, and excellent snorkeling.

The weak point is organization. Pickup communication needs to be clear, and poor communication can be particularly frustrating when you are standing outside a hotel early in the morning. Confirm the meeting details before the day begins.

Boat handling is another variable. Some people have found the speedboat ride too fast and rough, with uncomfortable impacts in choppy water. This is a serious consideration if you have back problems, motion sensitivity, or simply dislike high-speed rides.

Weather has caused disappointing days, including rain and an underwhelming barbecue. The operator requires good weather and may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force cancellation. That policy is helpful, but it cannot change the forecast during an otherwise scheduled outing.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and the excursion can also be changed or canceled if the minimum number of participants is not met.

Who should book this Praslin excursion?

I would recommend it to someone staying on Praslin who wants to see several nearby islands without arranging separate transport. It suits people who enjoy wildlife, short boat crossings, a beach meal, and a moderate amount of snorkeling in one day.

It is also a good match for first-time visitors to the Seychelles who want a broad sample of the area. Cousin, Curieuse, and St. Pierre offer three different experiences, so you get more variety than on a single-island outing.

I would think twice if you need a gentle boat ride, dislike strict schedules, or want an unhurried day. The speedboat may be rough, the timetable is full, and the service has not been perfectly consistent.

Pack mosquito repellent for Cousin, waterproof bags for all valuables, sturdy sun protection, and enough drinking water for the day. Keep some flexibility in your expectations: the wildlife and snorkeling can be excellent, but both depend on weather and sea conditions.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if variety and convenience matter more to you than lingering in one place. The combination of rare birdlife on Cousin, giant tortoises and a barbecue on Curieuse, and snorkeling at St. Pierre makes a strong full-day plan.

Before paying, confirm the pickup point, ask how the entrance fees will be collected, and make sure you understand the boat arrangements. If you are comfortable with a fast ride and an active schedule, this can be a rewarding way to experience three memorable islands from Praslin. If you want slow travel, a calmer boat, or a lower final cost, choose a shorter and more focused excursion instead.

FAQ

How long is the excursion?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:30 a.m.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off at hotels on Praslin Island are included.

Are the island entrance fees included in the price?

The supplied details list entrance fees separately. Cousin Island costs SCR 600 per person for all ages, and Curieuse costs SCR 300 per person for those aged 12 and older.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided for the stop at St. Pierre.

What happens if bad weather cancels the excursion?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. A minimum number of participants is also required, and a cancellation for that reason comes with the choice of another date or experience, or a full refund.