Praslin: Curieuse & St Pierre Island Day Trip with Barbecue

Giant tortoises, reef fish, and lunch by the sea. This seven-hour trip from Praslin packs together three of the Seychelles’ best outdoor experiences: Curieuse’s wild island paths, a beach barbecue with Creole flavors, and snorkeling around the granite rocks of St Pierre. I especially like the close encounter with freely roaming Aldabra tortoises and the way the tour combines land and water without asking you to organize several separate trips.

The Creole BBQ lunch is another strong point. It includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, fruit, drinks, and one local beer per adult. The main caution is that the €20 Curieuse entrance charge is extra, and snorkeling quality depends heavily on sea conditions. Some days bring clear water and turtles. Other days may offer only a few fish.

The trip costs $88 per person, not including that island charge. For the price, return hotel transport, boat transfers, a guide, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and two major islands make this a solid value on Praslin. Just bring patience for group transport, as drop-offs can take time, and be ready for heat, sand, and a fairly active day.

Key points to know before booking

• The tortoises roam freely: At Curieuse’s sanctuary, you can get remarkably close to Aldabra giant tortoises rather than viewing them from a distant enclosure.
• The walk is longer than it sounds: The guided route through mangroves and palm forest can take around 90 minutes, with some gentle ups and downs.
• Lunch is a real highlight: The beach BBQ is served buffet-style, with enough food for seconds and both local and familiar choices.
• Snorkeling can change location: Rough southeast monsoon seas from June to September may move the water session from St Pierre to calmer Anse Petite Cours.
• Hotel pickup covers much of Praslin: Collection is available from a long list of hotels, guesthouses, villas, beaches, the ferry terminal, and the airport.
• Large groups are possible: Most outings run smoothly, but one group reached about 47 people, which can make two-language guiding and beach logistics feel crowded.

8:00 pickup to a 15-minute crossing

Your morning begins with a van pickup at your Praslin hotel, usually 10 to 30 minutes before the activity starts. The listed pickup area covers much of the island, including Côte d’Or, Baie Sainte Anne, Anse Volbert, Anse Possession, Anse Kerlan, Grand Anse, and the Praslin ferry terminal.

That broad pickup network is useful if you are staying outside the main resort strip. It also means the morning may not feel identical for everyone. If you are among the first pickups, you may spend extra time collecting other people before reaching Côte d’Or Beach.

The boat leaves at about 9:15 in the morning for the short crossing to Curieuse. The ride takes roughly 15 minutes, so you get a quick burst of open-water views without a long sea journey. Still, take seasickness seriously if you are sensitive. The boat is exposed to weather, and conditions can become rougher during the southeast monsoon season from June through September.

Curieuse begins at the Doctor’s House

The first Curieuse stop is Anse José, home to the historic Doctor’s House. This wooden colonial building now serves as a small museum connected to the island’s former leper colony.

The stop gives Curieuse more depth than a simple beach visit. You are not only looking at palms and clear water. You also get a short introduction to the island’s past, including the difficult period when people with leprosy were isolated here. Guides explain the site and point out details that are easy to miss if you walk around alone.

After the museum, the route moves through coastal vegetation and Coco de Mer palms. The Coco de Mer is one of the Seychelles’ most distinctive plants, and seeing it in its island setting adds a useful natural-history layer to the outing. This is also a good place for photos, though your guide may keep the group moving to stay on schedule.

The mangrove trail takes real time

The nature walk is one of the best parts of the day if you enjoy seeing an island beyond its beach. A boardwalk leads through protected mangroves, with explanations about Curieuse’s plants, wildlife, and coastal ecology.

You might spot native birds and crabs along the route. The path also passes palm forest, coastal plants, and remains connected with Curieuse’s former settlement. The guide is important here. The scenery is pleasant, but the facts about the island make the walk more rewarding.

Plan for about 90 minutes of walking, even though some descriptions may make it sound shorter. The route includes gentle up-and-down sections. It is not described as difficult, but midday heat can make it feel more demanding. Wear proper walking shoes or sturdy sandals, and carry water even though water is provided on the trip.

This is not the right excursion if you want seven hours of sitting beside a beach. You will walk, climb in and out of a boat, swim, and spend time in the sun. People with severe health problems are advised not to book, and the activity is not suitable for anyone over 95.

Aldabra tortoises at Anse Laraie

At around 12:30, the group reaches Anse Laraie on the opposite side of Curieuse. This is where the giant tortoises become the day’s main attraction.

The Aldabra tortoises move freely around the sanctuary. You can see them close up, watch them lumber between the trees, and take photos without the feeling of looking at wildlife from behind a zoo barrier. Some visitors are surprised by how near they can get, though you should still follow the guide’s instructions and avoid crowding the animals.

The tortoises are a strong reason to choose this trip over a simple island cruise. Children and adults usually find them memorable, and their slow pace creates a nice contrast with the boat ride and snorkeling later in the afternoon.

The sanctuary visit is also a reminder to respect the setting. Do not litter, and do not assume that a friendly-looking tortoise wants to be handled. The tour includes a guided visit, so use that time to ask about the animals and the island’s conservation work.

A beach BBQ with Creole flavor

Lunch follows beneath the palms, with the sea as your backdrop. The barbecue includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, salads, lentils, chutneys, and fresh fruit. Water and soft drinks are included, along with one local beer per adult. Some outings have provided two beers, but the stated inclusion is one, so I would plan on that basis.

The meal is served buffet-style, and there is enough food for a second helping when supplies allow. This matters after a hot walk. You are not handed a small snack and sent back into the sun. The spread gives you a chance to try familiar grilled food as well as flavors more closely tied to Seychelles cooking.

The lunch is one of the most consistently praised parts of the experience. It also gives the group a welcome pause. You can sit, eat, take photos, and dry off before the next boat ride.

There is a practical weakness here: outdoor island facilities are limited. One person specifically noted a lack of working washrooms and changing rooms. Do not expect resort-style bathrooms at Curieuse. Wear swimwear under your clothes, carry a towel, and bring a waterproof bag for wet items.

St Pierre is the marine finale

After lunch, the boat heads to St Pierre Islet, a small granite island surrounded by clear water and coral reefs. The planned snorkeling period is about one hour, with equipment supplied.

The water may reveal tropical fish, coral, turtles, and eagle rays. One outing even produced a sea turtle sighting at St Pierre, while another included unexpected marine life during the wider day. These sightings are never guaranteed, but the islet is chosen for its position and marine setting.

Beginners can take part, and assistance is available. If you are new to snorkeling, tell the crew early and listen carefully to the instructions. A mask that fits well makes a bigger difference than expensive equipment, so ask for help if yours leaks.

The honest warning is that snorkeling is the least predictable part of the excursion. Clear water and calm conditions can make it excellent. Rough weather or poor visibility can leave you seeing only a few fish, sometimes gathered near the boat, with coral that may appear damaged. One person also felt the session could have lasted another 15 to 20 minutes.

From June through September, the crew may move the snorkeling stop to Anse Petite Cours if St Pierre is too rough. That is a sensible safety change, though it may mean a different marine setting from the one you expected. The replacement bay is described as calmer and suitable for viewing sea life.

Guides make the difference

The guiding is a major strength of this trip. Guides named in the feedback include Benjamin, Aubrey, Sebastian, Alexander, Brandon, and Rio, with Benjamin and Aubrey receiving especially warm praise for their energy, humor, local knowledge, and care for the group.

A good guide matters on Curieuse because the island’s meaning is easy to miss. The Doctor’s House, leper colony remains, mangroves, palms, tortoises, and conservation efforts are more interesting when someone explains how they connect.

The guides also help during snorkeling. They provide equipment, offer assistance to first-timers, and keep an eye on the group. Boat crew members such as Evan, Sean, Edwin, Bruno, and Dwayne have also been praised for being friendly and helpful.

The language of the tour is English and French. If one guide handles a large group in both languages, explanations can take longer. A group of about 47 people felt too big for some participants, especially when everyone was trying to follow one guide. Smaller groups provide a more personal feel, but group size can vary.

How the $88 price holds up

At $88, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day around Praslin, but it covers a lot. You receive hotel pickup and drop-off, boat transport, a guided Curieuse visit, the nature walk, the tortoise sanctuary, a full lunch with drinks, snorkeling equipment, and a guided marine session.

The extra €20 Curieuse entrance fee for people aged 12 and above needs to be included in your budget. It is paid on-site by Visa card according to the activity information. Because this fee is separate, the advertised price is not the final total for most older children and adults.

I still consider the package good value if you want both Curieuse and St Pierre in one day. Booking separate transfers, boat seats, food, and snorkeling equipment would take more planning. The value is weaker if you mainly want a quiet beach day or if your priority is serious reef snorkeling. Marine conditions can limit what you see.

The return drive can also add time. One person spent more than an hour on the bus after the tour because of hotel drop-offs across the island. That is an inconvenience rather than a flaw in the island visit, but do not schedule an important evening connection too tightly.

What to bring for heat, salt, and sand

Pack lightly, since oversized luggage is not allowed. You will be better off with a small waterproof bag than a large suitcase.

Bring:

• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and light clothing
• Swimwear, a towel, sandals, and water shoes if you have them
• Comfortable walking shoes for the Curieuse trail
• A waterproof phone case or camera
• Insect repellent and rain gear
• Cash or a card for personal expenses
• Any personal medication you need
• Snacks if you prefer something between stops

The long supply list can look excessive, but the basics are simple: sun protection, walking footwear, swim gear, and a way to keep wet clothes separate. Bring enough water for your own comfort, especially during the walk.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip if you want a broad taste of the Seychelles in one outing. It suits active couples, families with older children, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants wildlife, local food, history, and coastal scenery without arranging each piece separately.

It is less suitable for people who dislike organized groups, have limited mobility, or want a slow beach day with reliable facilities. The walking route is manageable for many people, but heat and uneven sections still require basic fitness.

The trip works particularly well early in a Praslin stay. It gives you a sense of Curieuse, the nearby waters, and Creole food, leaving other days open for beaches or independent exploring. If your holiday is short, this is an efficient way to cover several signature sights.

Should you book the Curieuse and St Pierre trip?

Yes, if you value variety and want the giant tortoises to be the centerpiece. The combination of freely roaming tortoises, a guided mangrove walk, a generous BBQ, and a boat trip to St Pierre gives you a full Seychellois day for a reasonable price.

Book with the right expectations. The group may be large, the island fee is extra, facilities are basic, and snorkeling can be ordinary when visibility is poor. But the guides, food, tortoises, and well-organized transport make this a strong choice for most active visitors staying on Praslin.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St Pierre trip last?

The excursion lasts about seven hours. The usual schedule runs from hotel pickup between 8:00 and 8:55 in the morning to hotel drop-off around 3:30 in the afternoon.

Is hotel pickup included on Praslin?

Yes. Return van pickup and drop-off are included for hotels, guesthouses, villas, the Praslin ferry terminal, the airport, and other listed locations across Praslin. Pickup usually happens 10 to 30 minutes before the activity begins.

Is the Curieuse entrance fee included?

No. People aged 12 and above must pay an additional €20 entrance fee on-site. Payment is accepted by Visa card according to the activity information.

Is lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a guided one-hour snorkeling session are included. Assistance is available for beginners.

What happens if the sea is rough?

From June to September, stronger southeast monsoon winds can make the sea rough. If conditions are unsuitable at St Pierre, the snorkeling session may be moved to Anse Petite Cours, a calmer bay.

What languages are used on the tour?

The tour is offered in English and French.