Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Curieuse is the star of this outing, and the best moment comes when you meet giant tortoises roaming freely near Laraie Bay. Add a guided walk through mangroves, beaches, and Coco de Mer palms, then finish with a boat ride to St. Pierre for swimming and snorkeling.

I like the easy hotel pickup and the friendly guides, especially names that come up often on this route, including Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, Brandon, and Aubrey. I also like the mix of wildlife, short hiking, beach time, and sea life for $56 per person, with water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and one beer included.

The main caution is the snorkeling. Conditions can be choppy, equipment quality may vary, and the reef does not always deliver a spectacular show. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask about safety support before booking.

Quick points to know

• Curieuse gives you close access to giant tortoises: You can see, photograph, and in the designated area feed these gentle animals.
• The island walk adds real nature content: Expect mangroves, Coco de Mer trees, birds, crabs, beaches, and views rather than only a quick tortoise stop.
• St. Pierre is a boat-access snorkeling stop: You do not land on the islet, and the water may be unsettled.
• Hotel pickup keeps the morning simple: Pickup is normally 10 to 45 minutes before departure, with many instructions also stating 10 to 30 minutes.
• Lunch costs extra: A beach BBQ is available for €20 per person, or you can bring your own food and drinks.
• The day is strongest for variety: It suits you if you want wildlife, scenery, swimming, and a guided island visit in one outing.

Why Curieuse makes this seven-hour trip worthwhile

Curieuse is not just a postcard stop. It gives this boat outing its sense of place. You get a protected island setting, a close look at the Seychelles giant tortoise population, and a guided walk that explains the plants and animals around you.

The tortoises are the clear headline. At the Ranger’s Station in Laraie Bay, you can see them at close range, with some moving freely around the area. The chance to photograph them, watch their slow movements, and feed them in the permitted setting is far more memorable than seeing them behind a distant fence.

Curieuse also gives you a useful break from boat time. You walk, look for birds and crabs, cross mangrove areas, and reach beaches with clear water. The walk is described as roughly 2.5 kilometers in one account, so bring proper shoes if you prefer support over bare feet and sandals.

The island’s Coco de Mer trees add another layer. These unusual palms are one of the Seychelles’ signature plants, and a guide can point out details you might miss on your own. Guides such as Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, and Brandon have been praised for clear explanations, friendly manners, and good energy. The quality of the day depends partly on who leads your group, but the guide role is important here because the walk has much more to offer than scenery alone.

The morning pickup and boat ride from Praslin

Your day begins with pickup anywhere on Praslin. The vehicle normally arrives 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, though the stated pickup window can extend to 45 minutes. Keep your phone available and allow a little flexibility, since the van is collecting people from different locations.

The boat leaves from Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning. Staff provide a safety briefing before departure, then the boat heads toward Curieuse at a stated cruising speed of 25 knots. The crossing to Laraie Bay takes about 25 minutes, putting arrival around 9:40.

This transfer is part of the pleasure of the day, but it also means you should prepare for sun and spray. Wear swimwear beneath light clothing, protect your phone and camera in a waterproof bag, and keep your hat secure. You receive water and soft drinks, and adults receive one beer, but you should still bring extra drinks if you know you need more.

Small-group conditions are possible, but the exact group size is not stated. One particularly personal outing had only three people aboard, while other departures may be larger. I would not book this expecting a private charter unless that is confirmed separately.

Meeting the tortoises at Laraie Bay

The first Curieuse stop is the emotional high point for many people. You reach the Ranger’s Station in Laraie Bay and enter the area where the giant tortoises live. They are calm, photogenic, and close enough for you to appreciate their size without a long search.

The staff can help you understand how to behave around the animals. Follow their instructions, avoid crowding them, and keep your camera ready because the tortoises may be moving rather than posing neatly in one place.

This is also where you should think about timing. The schedule allows roughly two hours for the guided nature portion, including the walk and wildlife viewing. Some departures include free time before or after the walk, so the pace may not feel identical every day.

That flexibility can be a plus. You can take photographs, spend time on the beach, or simply sit and watch the tortoises. One downside is that the day may include more waiting or unstructured time than you expect. If you prefer a tightly packed schedule, ask the operator how the walking and beach periods are arranged on your departure.

Walking through mangroves, palms, and beach country

The guided nature hike is not a hard expedition, but you should expect sun, uneven ground, and warm conditions. The route includes mangrove ecosystems, beaches, Coco de Mer trees, viewpoints, birds, crabs, and other island wildlife.

I like this part because it turns Curieuse from a tortoise attraction into a proper island visit. You see how the island changes between forest, wet areas, open beach, and rocky viewpoints. A guide can also identify plants and explain local nature protection, which adds meaning to what might otherwise be a pleasant but short walk.

Wear sports shoes or waterproof shoes if you have them. Sandals can work for beach time, but they are less useful on a longer path. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent are specifically recommended, a sensible choice in a protected natural setting.

The walk is also a good reason to pack a camera and, if you enjoy birdwatching, binoculars. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the route is designed for nature viewing. You might see birds, colorful crabs, baby sharks near the beach, or other small creatures, depending on conditions.

Beach time and the optional BBQ lunch

Around midday, you have time to eat and relax on Curieuse. The optional BBQ lunch costs €20 per person. If you choose it, you can eat on the beach rather than interrupting the day to find food elsewhere.

The lunch is not included in the $56 price, so compare the full cost before you book. The tour price itself is reasonable for a seven-hour outing with transport, a guide, a boat, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and access to two major locations. Once you add the €20 island tax for each person aged 12 and above, plus lunch if wanted, the final cost is higher than the headline figure.

You can bring your own food and snacks instead. This is useful if you have dietary needs, want to save money, or prefer a lighter picnic. Bring drinks too, even though water and soft drinks are supplied, since the day is long and hot.

The beach stop is one of the quieter parts of the trip. You can swim, take photographs, and enjoy the setting without rushing straight from the tortoises to the boat. Still, some people find the free time longer than necessary. If you would rather spend more time snorkeling, keep that expectation in mind because the schedule does not promise a long second water session.

St. Pierre Marine Park and the snorkeling reality

The boat leaves Curieuse around 1:30 and reaches St. Pierre Marine Park at about 2:00. St. Pierre is a small island that you view from the boat and water. You do not land there for a walk.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the planned water time is about one hour. Some accounts describe closer to 45 minutes, so I would treat the session as roughly 45 to 60 minutes rather than counting on a full 90 minutes. You can swim among fish and coral, take in the turquoise water, and photograph the rocky outline of St. Pierre from the boat.

Sea conditions matter a great deal here. Several people have found the snorkeling excellent, with sightings that included sea turtles, rays, and other marine life. Others found the coral less impressive or saw little wildlife. That is normal for any open-water stop, but it is especially important if snorkeling is your main reason for booking.

You need to be at least a reasonably confident swimmer. The water can be choppy, and the snorkeling is largely unguided. This means you may not receive a detailed lesson or constant personal assistance once you enter the water. One person could not get into the sea because their companion needed more safety support, so speak up before departure if you are new to snorkeling or uncomfortable in open water.

Ask to check your mask and fins before the boat leaves Curieuse. Equipment is supplied, but fit matters. If you have your own mask, bringing it may improve your comfort. A waterproof camera is worthwhile, though conditions may make photography difficult.

The snorkeling stop is best viewed as an enjoyable chance to swim in a beautiful marine setting, not as a guaranteed wildlife spectacle. If your priority is coral quality or a long, closely guided session, you may want a specialist snorkeling trip instead.

What is included, and where the value changes

At $56 per person, the basic package covers a lot for a full day:

• Hotel pickup and return on Praslin
• Boat transport
• An English or French-speaking guide
• Water and soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• One beer per adult

You also need to budget for the €20 island tax for each person aged 12 and above. Lunch is extra, with the BBQ priced at €20 per person. You can avoid that charge by bringing your own food.

For me, the value comes from combining two different experiences. A Curieuse visit by itself gives you tortoises and a nature walk. St. Pierre adds a marine stop. The transport and guide make the day easier than arranging separate boats and transfers, especially if you are staying somewhere on Praslin away from Anse Possession.

The value drops slightly if you are mainly interested in snorkeling. The St. Pierre session is not always long, the water can be rough, and the reef may look ordinary on a poor day. The tour is a better deal for you if you want a balanced day with wildlife, beach time, walking, and swimming.

Who should book this Praslin boat adventure

I would recommend this trip for couples, families with older children, first-time visitors to Praslin, and anyone who wants to see Curieuse without arranging every detail independently. It is also a good choice if you want a friendly guide to explain the island’s plants, animals, and conservation work.

It suits active people who can walk on uneven ground and climb in and out of a boat. You do not need to be a serious hiker, but you should be comfortable in heat and able to manage a beach walk.

I would be more cautious if you use a wheelchair, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also think twice if you cannot swim confidently or if snorkeling is the only part of the day that interests you.

Pick up a towel, swimwear, sandals or sports shoes, sun protection, insect repellent, snacks, and a waterproof bag. Leave weapons and sharp objects at home. Electric wheelchairs are not permitted.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the current starting time and pickup details before booking, since the exact pickup window can vary.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the best all-round Curieuse day from Praslin rather than a specialist snorkeling trip. The giant tortoises, guided walk, beach time, and simple hotel transfers make this a useful introduction to the islands around Praslin.

Book with realistic expectations about St. Pierre. You may see excellent marine life, including turtles or rays, but you may also find the coral modest and the water unsettled. Bring your own mask if you have one, ask about safety support, and choose the BBQ only if its convenience is worth the extra €20.

For most visitors, the combination of Curieuse’s tortoises and scenery is enough to make the $56 base price worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

The boat departs from Anse Possession on Praslin between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is available from locations on Praslin, normally 10 to 30 minutes before the activity, although the stated window can extend to 45 minutes.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about seven hours, including pickup, boat transfers, time on Curieuse, and snorkeling at St. Pierre.

Is lunch included?

No. A BBQ lunch is available for an additional €20 per person. You may also bring your own food, snacks, and refreshments.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided on board, along with water and soft drinks.

Do I land on St. Pierre Island?

No. St. Pierre is visited by boat for swimming, snorkeling, and marine life viewing. The experience does not include a walk on the island.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs are not allowed.