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

The giant tortoises are the star here, but the best part is the balance: you snorkel twice, walk across Curieuse with a guide, eat a Creole BBQ, and still have time to slow down. I especially like the small groups, often around eight to twelve people, and the way guides such as Benjamin, Rocco, Leroy, and Ryan explain the island instead of simply pointing at it.

I also like the practical touches: hotel pickup anywhere on Praslin, snorkeling equipment, drinks throughout the day, and a final Takamaka rum cocktail. The main drawback is the extra Curieuse marine park fee, SR300 for anyone aged 12 or older, payable by credit card. The trail can also be slippery, so water shoes or sturdy sneakers are a smart choice.

Key points to know before booking

• Two snorkeling stops: Conditions decide the exact sites, but the morning stop and Anse La Farine are often especially good for fish.
• A real Curieuse visit: You get beach time, a guided one-hour trail, and close views of free-roaming giant tortoises.
• Creole lunch included: Expect grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, salads, and soft drinks.
• Small-group feel: Boats and groups are commonly kept modest in size, helping the day feel less crowded.
• Extra cost to plan for: The Curieuse entry fee is SR300 per person aged 12 and older, and you need a credit card.
• Best for active sightseers: You need to climb on and off a boat, snorkel, and walk a natural trail.

Why this Curieuse day works so well from Praslin

Curieuse is close enough to visit by boat from Praslin, yet it feels like a proper change of scene. This trip gives you three different Seychelles experiences in one day: underwater viewing, a nature walk, and time among giant tortoises.

That mix matters. Some island excursions are mostly a boat ride with one quick stop. Here, the snorkeling, trail, beach, lunch, and tortoise visit each have their own place in the day. You are not asked to choose between seeing marine life and seeing the island itself.

The price is $112 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach Curieuse, especially once you add the SR300 marine park fee for people aged 12 and older. Still, the cost includes hotel transport on Praslin, a full day on the water, two snorkeling stops, equipment, lunch, soft drinks, a guide, and the final rum cocktail. For you, the value is strongest if you want one well-organized day rather than arranging several separate trips.

The tour is highly sought after, and the operator limits the number of people on each departure. Book early if your dates are fixed, since the lower price is more likely to be available in advance.

Hotel pickup keeps the morning simple

Your day begins with pickup from your hotel, villa, or guesthouse anywhere on Praslin. This is useful on an island where driving to a boat launch point can add needless stress, especially after a long day on the water when you are tired and wet.

The transfer takes you to the launch point for a crew welcome and safety briefing. Some bookings have included pickup from properties not shown in the standard hotel list, so it is worth contacting Geoli Charters if your accommodation is unusual or remote.

The boat setup varies with the departure, but the group is often small. Some departures use two boats, and groups of roughly eight to twelve people have been reported. That size gives you room to move around and makes it easier to hear the guide during the walk.

One especially useful feature is the glass-bottom boat used on some departures. Even if you do not snorkel every minute, you can still look into the clear water and see fish and reef areas from the boat.

The first snorkeling stop sets the tone

The first snorkeling break lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. The crew chooses the site according to wind, waves, and sea conditions, so the advertised location can change. That flexibility is sensible in the Seychelles, where a beautiful site may be unpleasant or unsafe on the wrong day.

You receive snorkeling equipment, and the guides can help you get comfortable in the water. This is worth noting if you are new to snorkeling. One guide has accompanied a non-swimmer into the water, and another helped a first-time snorkeler gain confidence. You should still be honest about your ability before entering the sea, but the crew does not treat beginners as an inconvenience.

The marine life is a major reason to choose this tour. You might see groups of colorful fish, reef life, and different underwater settings at the two stops. Conditions vary, but the morning location is often considered the stronger of the two. That is another reason not to sleep through the pickup.

Snorkeling is not a guaranteed wildlife show. Water clarity, weather, and recent environmental changes affect what you see. One planned stop near St Pierre may be replaced because the coral there is no longer healthy, with the crew choosing another reef nearby. That kind of last-minute change is a sensible adjustment, not a flaw in the trip.

Curieuse begins with beach time

After the first water stop, you head to a beach on Curieuse. This pause gives you time to swim, dry off, or simply sit beneath the island sun before the walk begins.

The beach stop also breaks up the day. You have already been in the water, and a relaxed interval keeps the tour from feeling like a series of rushed instructions. Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and a cover-up or beach clothes. You will want something dry for lunch and the island walk.

The crew assists with the Curieuse marine park entry ticket. The fee is not included, however. Anyone aged 12 or older must pay SR300, either online or on site, using a credit card. Bring the card even if you expect to pay for most of the holiday in cash.

The one-hour Curieuse trail adds meaning

The guided nature trail is one of the strongest parts of the day. It lasts about an hour and crosses the island toward the other side, giving you more than a quick stop beside the tortoise area.

The trail guide explains the plants, animals, history, and natural features around you. Guides have led the walk in both English and French, and they have taken care to repeat information when groups include speakers of both languages. That matters because the walk is where Curieuse becomes more than a photo stop.

The route is not described as difficult, but it is a natural trail with roots, stones, and slippery sections. Wear water shoes with a good sole or sturdy sneakers. Flip-flops are a poor choice. The walk may include some climbing, and the operator says the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

The pace is generally comfortable, with time to stop for explanations and photographs. You may notice different plant communities and signs of the island’s past as you cross from the beach side toward the tortoise area. The exact details depend on your guide, but the walk gives the island a useful sense of place.

Giant tortoises are the emotional high point

Curieuse is famous for its giant tortoises, and the close encounter is every bit as appealing as you might expect. The tortoises roam freely around the area, and you can take photographs while watching them move, feed, and respond to people.

They are accustomed to visitors and can be friendly, but remember that these are living animals, not photo props. Follow the guide’s instructions when touching or feeding them. The guides are happy to answer questions about the tortoises and their care, which adds value to the stop.

You get time with the animals after the walk and around lunch. That is better than being given five minutes to snap a picture before being pushed back to the boat. Several parts of the day can be photographed, but the tortoise area is the one you will probably remember most clearly.

Families with older children and teenagers tend to get a lot from this part of the tour. Children under four are not accepted, and the operator also lists the activity as unsuitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, and people over 65. Those limits are worth taking seriously because the day includes boat movement, swimming, and a trail.

A Creole BBQ makes lunch part of the experience

Lunch is served after the walk, on the other side of Curieuse, near the tortoise area. The menu has included grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, and fresh salads. The mango salad receives special attention, and the fish is a particularly good choice if you want a taste of local cooking.

The meal is served in a relaxed, family-style setting rather than as a formal restaurant lunch. Soft drinks are included, and drinks are available throughout the trip. Local beer is also part of the day, subject to the provider’s serving arrangements.

The lunch is filling without being the only reason to book. Its real strength is timing. You eat after the trail and tortoise visit, when a proper meal feels welcome, then return to the boat for more swimming and sightseeing.

If you have dietary needs, ask the operator before booking. The provided details do not list specific vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or religious meal arrangements, so do not assume a special menu is available.

The second snorkeling stop is often the best

After Curieuse, the boat heads toward St Pierre or another reef chosen according to sea conditions. This section gives you time for photographs and another chance to see the Seychelles from the water.

The final snorkeling stop is planned for Anse La Farine. If the sea is not suitable, the crew may substitute Anse Georgette and Lazio Beach. The change means you cannot count on one exact site, but it also keeps the day practical and weather-aware.

Anse La Farine is frequently described as a strong snorkeling location, with many fish of different sizes and colors. Some people compare the water there to an aquarium, though you should keep expectations tied to conditions on your particular day.

You may get to snorkel around different kinds of reef scenery at the two stops. That variety is more useful than visiting the same type of site twice. It also means you should bring a waterproof phone case or camera if photographs matter to you, although no camera equipment is included.

The Takamaka rum cocktail closes the day

The return cruise ends with a Takamaka rum cocktail. It is a small touch, but it gives the long day a pleasant finish as you slowly head back toward Praslin.

The trip is not built around drinking. You receive soft drinks throughout, and alcohol is just one part of the lunch and return arrangements. Smoking is not allowed on the tour.

After the boat reaches the dock, your transfer takes you back to your accommodation. The return ride is especially welcome after swimming, walking, eating, and sitting in the sun all day.

Guides make the difference

The operator has several guides, and the names that come up most often include Benjamin, Rocco, Leroy, Ryan, Samuel, Lienel, and Jamie. The strongest guide-led moments involve patient explanations, humor, spotting small creatures on the trail, and helping less confident swimmers.

Benjamin has led both the island walk and snorkeling portions, while Rocco has been praised for explaining the island’s nature and history with a light touch. Leroy is also involved in pickup and guest support, and Ryan has guided the Curieuse walk.

You should not expect every departure to have the same guide. That is normal, but the provider’s English and French service is useful for mixed-language groups. Guides have made an effort to explain information in both languages rather than leaving one group with a short summary.

Who should book this day

I would choose this trip if you want a single full-day outing that covers the main Curieuse sights without arranging transport, lunch, equipment, and guiding yourself.

It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and small groups who want an active day with plenty of structure. It is also a good match for people who do not want a large party boat. The small-group format can make snorkeling less awkward and the trail more personal.

You should think twice if you dislike boats, cannot swim or walk comfortably, have a heart condition, are pregnant, use a wheelchair, or are over 65. The supplier lists those groups as unsuitable, and the combination of sea conditions, boat access, and uneven trail surfaces supports that caution.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a credit card for the entry fee. Add water shoes or sturdy sneakers for the trail. You cannot smoke during the activity.

Is the $112 price good value?

At $112, the tour is fairly priced for a full day that includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a boat trip, two snorkeling stops, equipment, a guided Curieuse walk, BBQ lunch, soft drinks, and a cocktail.

The SR300 park fee raises the total cost, so include it in your budget. You also need to pay that fee by credit card if you are 12 or older. Even with the extra charge, you are paying for a packed day with several separate components.

The best value comes from the organization. You do not need to find a boat launch, arrange a guide, rent snorkeling gear, plan lunch, or work out how to return to your hotel. If you already have a private boat or prefer to spend most of the day on one beach, another option may suit you better.

Should you book the Curieuse tour?

Book it if you want to see giant tortoises, snorkel at two sites, eat local-style food, and learn about Curieuse in one active day. The combination is the real reason to go, not simply the number of stops.

I would book early for a preferred date, especially during busy periods. Contact Geoli Charters in advance if your hotel is not listed, if you have meal requirements, or if you need to clarify the pickup point.

This is a particularly strong choice for first-time visitors to Praslin. You get the island’s best-known wildlife, its marine life, a guided walk, and a relaxed boat ride back, all without having to build the day yourself.

FAQ

How much does the Curieuse guided tour cost?

The tour costs $112 per person. The Curieuse marine park entry fee is extra and costs SR300 for each person aged 12 or older.

Is hotel pickup included on Praslin?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included anywhere on Praslin Island. Contact the provider if your accommodation is not shown in the booking details.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

What food and drinks are included?

A Creole BBQ lunch is included, with items such as grilled fish, chicken, sausage, rice, lentil sauce, and salads. Soft drinks are included, and a Takamaka rum cocktail is served during the return cruise.

Do I have to pay an entry fee for Curieuse?

Yes. The marine park fee is SR300 per person aged 12 or older. You can pay online or on site with a credit card.

What languages are available?

Guiding is available in English and French.

Is the tour suitable for young children?

The tour is not suitable for children under four years old. The operator does not provide a more specific age restriction for older children.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a credit card for the Curieuse entry fee. Sturdy sneakers or water shoes are also sensible for the trail.