Curieuse and St Pierre Snorkeling Half-Day Trip No BBQ Lunch

Curieuse is the star here: a short boat ride from Praslin brings you to Aldabra giant tortoises, mangrove forest, and the quiet sands of Anse José. I like that the trip packs a proper island walk and a St Pierre snorkel into four hours, so you can still have most of the day free.

I also like the guides. Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin are praised for their local knowledge, humor, care, and clear explanations. The mangrove crossing gives the trip more substance than a simple beach stop. The main drawback is the pace: the walk can feel long in the midday heat, while snorkeling may be shortened or moved if waves make the usual spot unsafe.

Key points at a glance

• Meet giant tortoises on Curieuse: You get time near these calm, people-friendly animals in their protected home.
• Walk across the island: The route through mangroves to Anse José covers about 1.7 kilometers, with stops for plant and wildlife information.
• Snorkel at St Pierre: Expect roughly 30 minutes in the water, with conditions guiding the exact location.
• Pay attention to the extra fee: The tour price is $53, but Curieuse landing fees add €20 per person.
• Good for a tight schedule: Hotel pickup in selected Praslin areas and a four-hour format make this easy to fit into a short stay.
• Pack for heat and water: Comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sun protection, insect repellent, and a waterproof bag all matter.

Curieuse gives this short trip its character

The boat leaves Praslin at about 9:15 in the morning, heading toward Curieuse. The crossing is part of the pleasure, with open sea and views of the Seychelles islands around you. Pickup is offered from selected areas including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert, with meeting points near Berjaya Resort beach and Kannus Supermarket.

At roughly 9:30, you reach Curieuse. This is not just a quick photo stop. You have time to walk, see the tortoise area, visit the beach, and listen to the guide explain the island’s plants and coastal life.

Curieuse is especially appealing because the visit joins wildlife and walking. You are not simply taken to a pretty beach, then rushed back to the boat. The island gives you a chance to see how mangroves, beaches, forest, and marine habitats fit together.

The giant tortoises are the big draw. They are used to people, which means you can observe them at close range without needing a long search. Give yourself time to watch their slow movements and heavy, ancient-looking shells. They are easy to photograph, but the better experience is simply standing near them and taking in their calm nature.

The schedule allows free time around the tortoise area before the walk begins. That matters because a guide-led explanation and personal time serve different purposes. You get the facts, then a chance to look around at your own pace.

The Curieuse walk crosses mangrove country

Around 11:00, the group begins the walk through the mangrove area. The route is about 1.7 kilometers, though the time depends on how often the guide stops to explain the plants, roots, birds, crabs, and coastal ecology.

The mangrove trees are worth your attention. Their tangled root systems shelter small marine creatures and help hold the shoreline in place. This is one of the places where a guide adds real value. Without an explanation, you may see a muddy stretch of trees. With one, you start noticing how much life is tucked around the roots.

Guides such as Mario have been praised for giving detailed explanations about Seychelles plants and wildlife. That can make the walk far more interesting, though it also means the pace may feel slow if you mainly want beach time. One family found the route easy in distance but too drawn out because of the many stops and long talks.

I would treat the walk as a nature tour, not as a quick transfer from one beach to another. Wear proper walking shoes or sturdy sports shoes, and bring water even though water is supplied. The sun can feel strong, especially when the path offers limited shade.

The route finishes at Anse José at about 11:45. This beach gives you a welcome change of scene after the forest and mangrove section. You can rest on the sand, take photographs, and look across the clear water before the next boat ride.

There is a practical point here: the advertised order puts the walk during the warmest part of the morning. Some people would prefer to sunbathe first and walk later, but the schedule does the reverse. If heat bothers you, wear a hat, choose breathable clothing, apply biodegradable sunscreen, and keep your walking pace comfortable.

Anse José is a pause, not a full beach day

Anse José is included as a scenic stop and resting place rather than a long beach session. You get time to appreciate the quiet shore and take photos, but this four-hour trip has several major elements to fit together.

That balance is part of the appeal. You see a beach, but you do not spend the entire morning lying on it. You see the forest, but you are not committed to a full-day hike. You see tortoises and snorkel, all without giving up an entire day on Praslin.

The beach also gives you a useful break before St Pierre. If you have children, this pause can help, although the walk and heat may still be tiring for younger children. The experience is not suited to people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and the operator also advises against it for people with motion sickness.

St Pierre brings the marine life

Around noon, the boat continues to St Pierre Island for swimming and snorkeling. The island is known for its granite boulders set against clear water, and the boat approach gives you one of the trip’s best photo moments.

The snorkeling period is usually about 30 minutes, based on the timed experience described by the operator. That is enough for a worthwhile look, but it is not a long reef session. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, a full-day marine trip may give you more time in the water.

Conditions matter here. The usual location may not be suitable when waves are high, so the crew can choose another spot. That flexibility is sensible, but it means visibility and marine life can vary. On a calm day, the water may feel like a natural aquarium. On a rougher day, the stop can be less impressive, even if the scenery remains beautiful.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. The information lists snorkeling equipment among the items to bring, so do not assume a full set is supplied unless you confirm this before booking. You should also pack a towel, swimwear, a waterproof camera or waterproof bag, and biodegradable sunscreen.

The boat returns to Praslin at about 12:30. That gives you a compact morning that includes a protected island, a guided walk, a beach, and a marine stop. The short format is especially useful if you have only a few days on Praslin or want an afternoon free for another activity.

What $53 really covers

The advertised price is $53 per person. For the amount included, I consider that fair value, particularly if you want both Curieuse and St Pierre rather than paying separately for transport and a boat outing.

But you must add the €20 Curieuse landing fee per person. Bring cash and a Visa or debit card, as requested by the operator. That extra charge changes the real cost, so calculate it before you compare this trip with other Praslin excursions.

Hotel transfer is included from certain areas, along with a licensed guide, water, and soft drinks. The trip information also mentions local beer being offered, but the included list specifically names water and soft drinks. If a beer matters to you, confirm what is available on your departure date.

There is no BBQ lunch. That is not a serious weakness for a four-hour outing, but it does mean you should plan food around the tour. Since you return around lunchtime, you can eat after getting back to Praslin, or ask your hotel about a small breakfast or packed snack.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. You are paying for the boat, guide, transfers in selected areas, Curieuse access, the island walk, tortoise viewing, and snorkeling. The value is weaker if you want a long, relaxed snorkeling session or a slow beach morning.

The guides can shape the whole morning

The best part of this experience may be the guide. Mario is repeatedly praised for his passion, humor, and detailed explanations. Reynold is described as professional, kind, funny, and very well informed, while Benjamin is noted for explaining things with care even when weather forced a change in snorkeling plans.

That personal element matters on Curieuse. A good guide helps you notice the mangrove roots, identify the island’s plant life, explain the tortoises, and keep the group safe during the crossing. The tour is also offered in English and French.

The tradeoff is that a guide who cares deeply about the subject may talk more than you expect. If you prefer a fast route and maximum free time, the frequent nature stops could test your patience. If you like understanding what you are seeing, they are one of the strongest reasons to book.

How to prepare for the heat and boat ride

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sun hat, sunscreen, and breathable clothing
• Insect repellent for the mangrove section
• Waterproof bag for electronics and valuables
• Camera or waterproof camera
• Water, even though the operator supplies it
• Visa or debit card, plus cash, for the Curieuse fee

Do not bring oversize luggage, strollers, mobility scooters, or non-folding wheelchairs. Jeans, high heels, jewelry, and valuables are poor choices for a boat, beach, and forest walk. Smoking is not allowed in the vehicle or indoors.

The operator advises against booking if you have serious mobility limitations, visual impairment, motion sickness, or if you are over 80. Babies under one year are also not considered suitable, and the activity is not designed for people over 95. These limits reflect the boat transfer, uneven walking route, heat, and water activities.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your Praslin plans depend on weather or changing ferry arrangements.

Who should choose this Curieuse trip?

I would choose it if you want a short, well-rounded introduction to Curieuse. It suits couples, families with active older children, and anyone who wants wildlife, a moderate walk, beach scenery, and snorkeling in one morning.

It is also a smart choice if your schedule is tight. The four-hour length leaves the afternoon open, and selected hotel pickups reduce the need to arrange transport to the boat.

You should think twice if snorkeling is your top priority. Thirty minutes in the water is useful, but conditions can change, and the best spot may not always be available. You should also reconsider if you dislike guided walks with frequent explanations or if you want several hours of unstructured beach time.

Families can enjoy it, but do not mistake half-day for effortless. The walk is not long by distance, yet heat and repeated stops can make it feel longer. Children should be comfortable walking, getting in and out of a boat, and spending time in the sun.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want to see the gentle giant tortoises, understand Curieuse’s mangroves, and add a quick snorkel at St Pierre without giving up a whole day. The guides, especially Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin, appear to be a major strength, and the combination of wildlife and water gives the outing real variety.

Skip it if you want a dedicated snorkeling charter, a BBQ lunch, or a slow beach day. Also budget for the €20 landing fee, bring sensible shoes, and accept that weather may change the snorkeling location.

For most active visitors staying on Praslin, this is a useful and fairly priced way to meet Curieuse properly in a single morning.

FAQ

How long is the Curieuse and St Pierre trip?

The activity lasts about four hours. The stated schedule runs from morning pickup at about 8:45 until return to Praslin around 12:30.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is offered in selected areas of Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert. Meeting points include the Berjaya Resort beach side at Anse Volbert and Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.

What is the Curieuse landing fee?

The landing fee is €20 per person and is not included in the tour price. Bring cash and a Visa or debit card for payment.

Is lunch included?

No. This is the no-BBQ-lunch version of the trip. Water and soft drinks are included, and the activity information also mentions local beer being offered.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling gear is listed among the items to bring. Pack your own equipment or confirm with the operator what is supplied before departure.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It includes boat transfers and a walk through the mangrove area.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.