Island Adventure Cousin, Curieuse & St Pierre with BBQ Bliss

Three islands, one very full day. From Praslin, this outing combines Cousin’s rare birds, Curieuse’s giant tortoises, St Pierre’s reef fish, and a Creole beach BBQ in about seven and a half hours. I especially like the mix of land and sea, and the chance to see conservation work rather than just admire beaches. The guides Benjamin, Matia, Lenny, Bruno, Denis, and the wider boat team have earned strong praise for their friendly help and clear explanations.

The main catch is cost. The advertised price is $165 per person, but you must also pay €45 for Cousin Island and €20 for Curieuse Island on arrival. Sea conditions can also change the snorkeling stop, and the boat ride may feel rough during the southeast monsoon from June through September.

Key points to know before booking

• Cousin is the wildlife centerpiece: Expect a guided forest walk with rare Seychelles birds, nesting seabirds, giant millipedes, geckos, and other island wildlife.
• Curieuse combines tortoises and lunch: You may walk among free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises, visit Doctor’s House, explore mangroves, and eat a generous Creole BBQ.
• St Pierre is the main water stop: Snorkeling gear is supplied, with help available for beginners, though the exact site can change with the weather.
• The extra fees matter: Add €65 per person for the two island entry charges, paid in cash on site.
• The day moves at a brisk pace: Cousin receives about three hours, Curieuse about two, and St Pierre about one hour.
• It suits active visitors best: Boat boarding, uneven paths, beach time, and snorkeling make this a poor fit for people with limited mobility or serious health concerns.

A practical start from Praslin

Pickup runs from a long list of hotels, villas, apartments, the Praslin Ferry Terminal, and Praslin Island Airport. Bruno is scheduled to collect you in a taxi or white van, usually 15 to 30 minutes before the excursion begins. The detailed timing places pickup between 8:15 and 9:00 a.m., followed by departure from Côte d’Or Beach at about 9:10.

Wait at your hotel reception or designated waiting area. Bring a little patience, since one pickup was reported as 15 minutes late and there may not be mobile data or Wi-Fi available to contact the operator. The listed pickup network covers much of Praslin, but confirm your exact time rather than relying only on the general schedule.

At Côte d’Or, you board the boat for the crossing to Cousin. The trip is part of the experience, with open sea, fresh air, and views back toward Praslin. It is also the part most affected by wind and swell, so take seasickness precautions if you need them. The boat is not described as a large ferry, and one serious complaint focused on a small vessel and long waits while passengers were moved ashore at Cousin. That may not happen on every departure, but it is a fair reason to ask about the boat and group size before paying.

Cousin Island, where the birds take center stage

Cousin receives the longest scheduled visit, from about 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The island is a protected nature reserve, and the visit centers on a guided walk through its forest rather than a casual beach stop.

The wildlife list is unusually appealing. You may see Seychelles warblers, tropicbirds, nesting seabirds, giant millipedes, geckos, and Aldabra giant tortoises. The birdlife is the real reason to come, especially if you enjoy spotting species found only in the Seychelles or learning how a small island can support serious conservation work.

The walk is led by island rangers or reserve volunteers, with a safety briefing before setting out. Benjamin has been praised for explaining the natural setting clearly, while two reserve volunteers were singled out for making the bird walk informative and easy to follow. Bring binoculars if you have them, but do not expect a safari-style guarantee of every species.

Cousin is also where the additional €45 entry fee becomes important. This is a substantial extra charge on top of the $165 tour price, so your real cost is notably higher than the headline figure. The fee supports the reserve, but you still need to budget for it, and the instructions say to pay in cash on arrival.

Allow time for the landing process. One account described a wait of roughly 45 minutes before reaching the island because other boats were unloading first, with a similar delay on the way back. That kind of congestion can reduce time at Curieuse later in the day. It may be an occasional problem rather than the normal routine, but it is the biggest operational risk in the schedule.

Curieuse Island, tortoises, mangroves, and lunch

The boat is scheduled to reach Curieuse around 1:00 p.m., leaving roughly two hours for the island. This is a compact visit, so the order of activities matters.

Curieuse is best known for its free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises. Walking near these enormous, slow-moving animals is one of the day’s most memorable moments. You can observe them at close range, but please follow the guide’s instructions and avoid unnecessary touching. One useful concern raised about the visit was the practice of encouraging people to pet tortoises after applying insect repellent. Keeping hands and sprays away from wildlife is the more respectful choice.

The visit also includes Doctor’s House Museum, a historic building connected with the island’s former leper settlement. The schedule lists a guided walk along a mangrove boardwalk lasting about 30 to 45 minutes. This gives you more than a photo stop: you get a look at the island’s plants, coastal habitat, and past use.

The timing can force a choice if the boat arrives late. One account described having to choose between the mangrove boardwalk and the tortoise holding area after losing time earlier in the day. Ask your guide at the start of the Curieuse visit how the two hours will be divided. If both are important to you, arrive ready to walk rather than lingering over lunch.

Curieuse also carries a €20 entry fee, again payable on site. Together with Cousin’s fee, the two charges add €65 per person. This is not a minor surcharge, especially for couples or families, but the money goes toward protected island areas. You should still view the price in full before deciding if the day fits your budget.

The beach BBQ is more than a quick sandwich

Lunch is served on Curieuse, close to the beach, and it is one of the most praised parts of the outing. The meal includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, lentils, salads, chutneys, and fresh fruit. Adults receive one beer, while soft drinks and water are included.

This is a useful feature because island days can become expensive once you start buying food and drinks separately. The BBQ also gives the day a local flavor that a packed lunch would miss. Expect a generous spread rather than a small snack between boat rides.

Dietary restrictions should be provided at least 24 hours in advance. The supplied information does not list vegetarian or vegan alternatives, so do not assume that suitable substitutions will be available without advance notice.

The schedule allocates about two hours to Curieuse, including the walk, lunch, and possible swimming. That sounds comfortable, but it can disappear quickly if landing takes longer than expected. I would eat efficiently, keep your walking shoes nearby, and ask when the boat leaves before settling into the meal.

St Pierre and the final hour in the water

St Pierre Islet is scheduled for about 2:45 to 3:45 p.m. It is the day’s dedicated snorkeling stop, with clear water, coral gardens, tropical fish, and other marine life.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and assistance is available if you are new to it. The water stop has received especially warm praise, with the boat crew described as relaxed and attentive. The planned format gives you freedom to swim and explore rather than keeping you on a tightly scripted route.

Do not expect a long underwater session. One hour includes anchoring, getting equipment ready, swimming, and returning to the boat. Strong swimmers may wish the stop were longer, while beginners may find the pace manageable.

The location is weather dependent. From June through September, southeast trade winds can produce rougher water. If St Pierre is uncomfortable, the crew may use Anse Petite Cours, a calmer and more protected bay. That is a sensible safety change, though it means the exact scenery and reef conditions may differ from the advertised plan.

There is one operational detail worth checking before departure: equipment availability. A serious complaint described snorkeling gear not being available and the stop being shortened or moved closer to Curieuse, with fish reportedly attracted using bread. That is not consistent with the stated program, which includes gear and a St Pierre snorkeling stop. Ask the crew where you will snorkel and confirm that equipment is aboard before leaving Praslin.

What the day is really worth at $165

At $165 per person, the tour is not a budget boat ride. Add the €65 in island entry fees and you are paying for a full day of transport, guides, two guided island visits, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and hotel transfers.

The value is strongest if you want all three elements in one outing: protected wildlife, giant tortoises, and reef snorkeling. Organizing Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre independently would require arranging boats, landing permits or entry charges, food, and local guidance. The included pickup is also useful if you are staying away from Côte d’Or.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a relaxed beach day. The schedule has several moving parts, and delays at Cousin can shorten Curieuse or St Pierre. The extra fees also make the final price less transparent than the headline figure suggests.

The strongest praise has focused on the people running the day. Matia, Lenny, Bruno, Benjamin, Denis, and the rest of the team have been described as friendly, helpful, and good at keeping the mood relaxed. That matters on a long boat outing, especially when weather or landing logistics cause delays.

Still, service quality can vary with the boat, crew, and conditions on a particular day. I would judge the tour as a good-value splurge for nature lovers, but not a guaranteed luxury experience.

What to pack for a day of walking and swimming

Pack lightly. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and you will move between a vehicle, boat, forest paths, beach, and snorkeling water.

Bring:

• Reef-safe or biodegradable sunscreen
• A sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent
• Swimwear, towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Comfortable walking shoes or sports shoes
• Sandals or waterproof shoes
• Camera and binoculars if you enjoy wildlife spotting
• Cash and a credit card
• Water and any personal medication you require

Comfortable shoes matter on Cousin and Curieuse. Flip-flops may be fine on the beach but are less useful on uneven paths and the mangrove walk.

Use biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent, and apply them away from animals and the water when possible. The islands are protected places, not petting zoos or picnic sites, so leave shells, plants, and wildlife alone.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to active couples, families with older children, wildlife fans, photographers, and anyone staying on Praslin who wants to see more than one nearby island. It is particularly good for visitors who want a guided introduction to Seychelles birds and tortoises without arranging separate excursions.

It is less suitable for pregnant people, anyone with significant back or respiratory problems, people with recent surgery or serious medical conditions, and anyone with a low fitness level. The operator also lists the trip as unsuitable for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility because of boat boarding and uneven ground.

Children under three are not recommended because of the long day and boat travel. Unaccompanied minors are not permitted. The tour may require at least two participants to operate.

My booking advice

Book this if Cousin’s birds and Curieuse’s tortoises matter as much to you as snorkeling. The mix is excellent, the BBQ is a real meal, and the guides can add useful context to places that would otherwise be difficult to understand on your own.

Before booking, confirm the full cost, cash payment for the two island fees, the boat type, expected group size, and the snorkeling plan. If you are visiting between June and September, accept that St Pierre may be replaced by a calmer bay.

For a well-run day with the full itinerary, this is a memorable Praslin outing. If delays leave you with shortened island walks and only a brief swim, the price will feel high. Go in prepared for an active schedule and changing sea conditions, and the experience has a good chance of rewarding you.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

Hotel pickup is available at many locations on Praslin Island, including hotels, villas, apartments, the Praslin Ferry Terminal, and Praslin Island Airport. The boat departs from Côte d’Or Beach.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is 450 minutes, or about seven and a half hours. The detailed schedule runs from morning pickup to hotel drop-off at about 4:00 p.m.

What islands does the tour visit?

The tour visits Cousin Island, Curieuse Island, and St Pierre Islet.

Are the island entry fees included?

No. Cousin Island costs €45 per person and Curieuse Island costs €20 per person. Both fees are payable on site, and the instructions say to bring cash.

What food is served at lunch?

The beach BBQ includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, lentils, salads, chutneys, and fresh fruit. One beer per adult, soft drinks, and water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and assistance is available for people trying it for the first time.

Can the snorkeling location change?

Yes. Rough sea conditions can lead the crew to replace St Pierre with Anse Petite Cours, a calmer, protected bay.

What languages are available?

The tour offers live guides in English and French.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable walking shoes, swimwear, a towel, a change of clothes, sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, insect repellent, cash, and a camera. Binoculars may be useful for bird watching.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility because of boat boarding and uneven terrain. It is also not recommended for pregnant people, people with serious medical conditions, recent surgery, back problems, respiratory issues, or low fitness levels.