Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Tortoises, beaches, and reef time make a fine Seychelles day. This seven-hour boat trip from Praslin combines Curieuse Island’s free-roaming giant tortoises with a one-hour snorkeling stop at St. Pierre Marine Park. I especially like the hotel pickup and the friendly guides, including Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, Brandon, Audrey, and Axel, who have earned praise for clear explanations and good humor. The main concern is snorkeling: it is unguided, and the water can be choppy, so weaker swimmers may feel left out.

I also like the flexible lunch plan. You can pay €20 for a beach BBQ or bring your own food, while water, soft drinks, snacks, and one beer per adult are included. The €56 price is good value for transport, a guide, boat travel, equipment, and two major sights, but remember the extra €20 island tax for everyone aged 12 and above.

Key points before you book

• Curieuse’s giant tortoises are the star attraction: You can see them close to the Ranger’s Station at Laraie Bay and around the island.
• The island walk adds real substance: Expect mangroves, Coco de Mer palms, beaches, viewpoints, birds, crabs, and other wildlife.
• St. Pierre is a snorkeling stop, not a walking stop: You stay on the boat and swim around the small marine park island.
• Pickup is included across Praslin: Collection usually takes place 10 to 30 minutes before departure, though the wider timing given is 10 to 45 minutes.
• Lunch costs extra: The beach BBQ is €20 per person, or you can bring food and drinks.
• Swimming ability matters: Snorkeling is not closely guided, and conditions at St. Pierre may be rough.

Why this Curieuse and St. Pierre trip works so well

This outing gives you two very different sides of the Seychelles in one day. Curieuse is about land, wildlife, forest, and slow walking. St. Pierre is about warm seawater, rocks, coral, and fish.

That contrast is the reason I think the tour offers good value. You are not spending seven hours doing one repeated activity. The day moves from hotel pickup to a fast boat ride, then to a guided island walk, beach time, lunch, and snorkeling.

The schedule begins with pickup anywhere on Praslin. The van ride can take around 30 minutes, depending on where you are staying. The boat leaves from Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning, after a safety briefing.

The boat cruises at about 25 knots. That makes the ride to Curieuse fairly quick, with arrival planned for around 9:40. You should still expect wind, spray, and sun on the water, so a waterproof bag is useful even if you do not plan to take photographs.

Arriving at Curieuse around 9:40

Curieuse is the emotional high point of the day because of its giant tortoises. At the Ranger’s Station in Laraie Bay, you can see these huge, gentle animals at close range. The island has the second-largest population of giant tortoises in Seychelles, and they are not confined to a distant viewing area.

You might see tortoises moving around freely, resting under trees, or gathering near the station. Some visitors also get to feed them, which can be a memorable moment, especially for children. Bring your camera, but keep your attention on the animals rather than turning the stop into one long photo session.

The tortoises are not the only reason to spend time here. Curieuse gives you a chance to see a side of Seychelles that is easy to miss if you only visit beaches. The island has mangrove ecosystems, Coco de Mer trees, birds, colorful crabs, and plant life that the guide points out along the route.

Guides such as Mario and Benjamin have been praised for explaining the island’s plants, animals, environmental protection, and local life in clear English. That makes a difference. Without a guide, the walk can look like a pleasant forest stroll. With explanations, you begin to understand what you are seeing.

The Curieuse walk, mangroves, and beach views

The guided nature walk is described as about one hour, while the wider Curieuse visit takes around two hours. The route includes mangroves, forest, beaches, clear water, wildlife, and a viewpoint.

Expect a moderate outdoor walk rather than a hard hike. You should bring sports shoes or waterproof shoes, since the ground may not suit bare feet or delicate sandals. Swimwear under your clothes is sensible because beach time and swimming are part of the day.

One especially appealing feature is the chance to walk across the island toward Anse José. A walk of around 2.5 kilometers was described as full of plant life and explanations. You may also pass small animals and see young sharks in shallow water around the beach areas, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The walk is not rushed. That is good if you want photographs or time to listen. It can feel slow if you prefer a packed schedule. One person felt the day included too much hanging around on the island, so you should choose this tour for a relaxed pace rather than nonstop activity.

At the end of the walk, you can enjoy Curieuse’s beach and warm shallows. The beach is a fine place to cool off, watch fish near the shore, and take photographs of the tortoises. This part of the day also gives you a break from the boat and the walking route.

Lunch at Curieuse: BBQ or your own picnic

Lunch is not included in the advertised price. You can add a BBQ meal on the beach for €20 per person, or bring your own food and refreshments.

The BBQ is likely the easiest choice if you do not want to carry a meal around Praslin. It also keeps the day simple, since you can eat near the beach during the scheduled lunch period from about 12:15 to 1:30.

Still, self-catering can save money and suit you better if you have dietary needs or prefer a light meal. Pack food that handles heat well, plus snacks and extra water. Water and soft drinks are included, along with one beer per adult, but you should not treat those drinks as a replacement for your own hydration plan in strong tropical sun.

The meal stop is part of the tour’s easygoing character. You are not expected to rush from the walk straight into the sea. If you prefer a tightly timed sightseeing day, this open stretch may test your patience. If you like sitting on a beach with a cold drink, it will feel just right.

St. Pierre Marine Park and the one-hour snorkel

The boat leaves Curieuse at about 1:30 and reaches St. Pierre Marine Park around 2:00. St. Pierre is a small island accessible only by boat, and the stop is for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs from the water.

You do not land on St. Pierre for a walk. That point matters because the name of the stop can make it sound like an island visit on foot. Instead, you remain on the boat and enter the water for about one hour, with snorkeling gear supplied onboard.

The setting is beautiful. St. Pierre’s granite rocks rise from clear turquoise water, creating the classic Seychelles view. Around the island, you may see fish, coral, rays, sea turtles, or other marine life. One particularly lucky outing included sea turtles, rays, and baby sharks.

However, you should set your expectations carefully. Snorkeling conditions vary, and not every outing produces a spectacular marine display. Some swimmers found plenty to see, while others found the coral less impressive and the water choppy.

The snorkeling is also unguided. That means the crew provides equipment and access to the site, but you should not count on a detailed lesson or a guide pointing out every fish. If you are new to snorkeling or not a confident swimmer, this can be a serious drawback.

One person could not get into the water because there was not enough support for a nervous swimmer. Another felt that the conditions required at least an intermediate swimming level. You should be comfortable entering open water from a boat before booking this trip.

Ask about the equipment when you arrive if you have concerns. A few people found the gear below standard, so check that your mask fits and that your fins feel secure before moving away from the boat. A waterproof camera can be useful, but do not let photography distract you from staying close to the boat and following crew instructions.

Guides, crew, and the overall service

The crew receives some of the strongest praise connected with this experience. Guides named Benjamin, Arnold, Mario, Brandon, Audrey, Axel, Aubrey, Bruno, and Shaun have been singled out for friendliness, patience, humor, and clear explanations.

That variety suggests the exact guide depends on the day. Still, the standard of personal service appears to be one of the tour’s reliable strengths. Guides explain Curieuse’s nature and wildlife, help with timing, and create a cheerful atmosphere onboard.

The boat captain also matters here. One visitor particularly appreciated a captain who kept everyone safe and knew good places for snorkeling. That is important because the sea around St. Pierre can change the feel of the stop. A capable captain can choose a better entry point, but no crew can guarantee calm water or abundant marine life.

Drinks and snacks help the day feel generous for the price. Water, soft drinks, and one beer for each adult are included. That is a practical benefit, especially after the Curieuse walk and before the afternoon swim.

There is one service issue worth noting. One person was driven back to Praslin while still wearing wet swimwear and felt the return journey was rushed. You may want to ask whether there is time to change before the van leaves. Carrying a dry shirt, towel, and waterproof bag will make the ride more comfortable either way.

Price, extra costs, and who gets the best value

At $56 per person, the tour is competitively priced for a full day in the Seychelles. You receive hotel transfers, a guide, boat transport, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and one beer per adult.

The price becomes less simple once you add the €20 island tax for each person aged 12 and above. Lunch is another €20 if you choose the BBQ. Even with both extras, the package can still make financial sense because arranging separate transport, a boat, a Curieuse visit, and a snorkeling trip would take more planning.

I see the strongest value for couples, families with older children, and first-time visitors to Praslin who want a broad introduction to the area. You get wildlife, a nature walk, beach time, and marine scenery without having to organize several separate outings.

The value is weaker if your only goal is serious snorkeling. St. Pierre may be excellent on the right day, but the stop lasts about 45 to 60 minutes in actual reports, and the conditions are not always gentle. A dedicated snorkeling charter may suit you better if underwater time is your main reason for going.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack lightly, but do not arrive unprepared. You will want:

• Swimwear, a towel, and a dry change of clothes
• Sun hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag
• Sports shoes or waterproof shoes for the Curieuse walk
• Snacks and food if you are skipping the BBQ
• A camera or waterproof camera
• Insect repellent for the island walk
• A reusable water bottle, even though water is supplied

Biodegradable sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent are sensible choices around marine and island environments. A waterproof phone pouch can protect your valuables during the boat ride and swimming stop.

Weapons and sharp objects are not allowed. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are specifically excluded.

Timing, pickup, and cancellation flexibility

Pickup is included from locations around Praslin, generally 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, with the broader pickup window listed as 10 to 45 minutes. Be ready early and keep your phone available in case the operator needs to confirm the meeting point.

The main boat departure is from Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15. The full day lasts about seven hours, although exact return time can shift with sea conditions and the pace of the group.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. The guides operate in English and French.

Should you book this Curieuse boat trip?

I would book it if you want the classic Praslin combination of giant tortoises and a second island by boat. Curieuse is the stronger part of the day, with wildlife, a useful nature walk, beaches, and guides who bring the island to life.

Book with more caution if you are a weak swimmer or if you expect a highly organized snorkeling lesson. St. Pierre is open water, the snorkeling is unguided, and conditions can be choppy. If you are comfortable swimming from a boat and accept that marine life varies, the stop adds a lovely change of pace.

For the best experience, bring your own snacks if you do not want the €20 BBQ, wear proper shoes for Curieuse, check your mask before entering the water, and ask about changing clothes before the return transfer. With those small preparations, this is a well-priced and pleasantly varied day from Praslin.

FAQ

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

The activity lasts about seven hours. Pickup takes place before departure, and the boat usually leaves Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

Where does pickup take place?

Hotel transfers are included from locations across Praslin Island. Pickup is usually 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, although the stated pickup window can extend to 45 minutes before departure.

What time does the boat arrive at Curieuse?

Arrival at Curieuse is planned for about 9:40 in the morning.

Can I see giant tortoises on Curieuse?

Yes. The tour visits the Ranger’s Station at Laraie Bay, where you can see Curieuse’s famous giant tortoises. They may also be found roaming around the island.

Is lunch included?

No. You can purchase an optional beach BBQ for €20 per person or bring your own food, drinks, and snacks.

Is the island tax included in the price?

No. The island tax is €20 per person for anyone aged 12 and above.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided onboard. You should still bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag.

Can I walk on St. Pierre Island?

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