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

Two islands, one compact adventure. This four-hour trip gives you a useful slice of Praslin’s natural surroundings without taking up your whole day. I like the close encounter with Aldabra giant tortoises, and I like the walk across Curieuse from the mangrove area to Anse José Beach. The main consideration is that the snorkeling stop depends on sea conditions, and some departures may spend more time walking than swimming.

At $53 per person, the price is fair for a guided boat outing that includes hotel pickup in selected parts of Praslin, a guide, drinks, and two very different island experiences. You will need to budget another 20 euros per person for Curieuse’s landing fee, and there is no BBQ lunch, so eat beforehand or bring something suitable.

The tour is especially useful if you have limited time on Praslin. It combines wildlife, a short island hike, beach time, and snorkeling in one morning. Guides such as Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin have earned warm praise for their humor, care, and strong knowledge of the islands.

Key points to know before booking

• Aldabra giant tortoises at Curieuse: You can see these large, gentle animals up close in their protected island habitat.
• A 1.7-kilometer island walk: The route crosses Curieuse from the mangrove area toward Anse José Beach, with stops to discuss plants and wildlife.
• Snorkeling at St Pierre Island: The granite rocks and clear water make a striking setting, though waves can affect the chosen snorkeling site.
• A true half-day format: Pickup begins around 8:45 AM, and you return to Praslin around 12:30 PM.
• Drinks are included, lunch is not: Water, soft drinks, and local beer are available, but a meal and the Curieuse landing fee cost extra.
• Best for active visitors: You need to manage a beach landing, walking trail, boat transfers, and snorkeling without wheelchair access.

Why this four-hour trip works well on Praslin

Praslin can tempt you into slow mornings and long beach afternoons, which is part of its appeal. Still, a short boat trip lets you see more of the Seychelles without giving up an entire day. This excursion uses the morning efficiently, moving from Curieuse’s land-based wildlife to St Pierre’s underwater scenery.

I like the mix. Curieuse is not simply a beach stop, and St Pierre is not treated as only a photo stop. You get time on land, a guided walk, and time in the sea. That variety makes the outing a better choice than a trip focused only on snorkeling, especially if you want to understand some of the natural setting around Praslin.

The tour has a rating of 4.6 from 102 bookings, with especially strong praise for the guides. Mario is repeatedly described as warm, funny, and well informed, while Reynold is praised for his professionalism and care. Benjamin has also been singled out for explaining the area clearly and handling difficult weather conditions well.

That matters because a short tour can feel rushed when the guide simply moves everyone from one stop to the next. Here, the guide helps explain what you are seeing, from mangrove roots to island plants and tortoise habitat. The tradeoff is that a talkative guide may use more of your time than you expect.

8:45 AM pickup and the boat ride from Praslin

Pickup is offered from selected areas including Baie Sainte Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert. The listed meeting points include the beach side of Berjaya Resort at Anse Volbert and Kannus Supermarket in Baie Sainte Anne.

The boat leaves at about 9:15 AM. The ride toward Curieuse is part of the experience, with open views of the sea and nearby islands. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for anything you want to keep dry. You should also carry your camera carefully, since the trip includes several good photo settings.

The exact pickup arrangement matters if you are staying outside the main areas. Hotel transfer is included only in certain parts of Praslin, so check your pickup point before paying. If you are staying elsewhere, you may need to reach Anse Volbert or Baie Sainte Anne on your own.

This is a small point, but it can shape the whole morning. A tour advertised as four hours feels less convenient if you spend extra time sorting out transport. Confirming the pickup area in advance is sensible.

Curieuse Island and its giant tortoises

The boat reaches Curieuse at about 9:30 AM. The island is best known for its Aldabra giant tortoises, and this is the emotional center of the trip. You can see them in their natural island setting, with time to observe their slow movements and distinctive size.

The tortoises are used to people, which makes close viewing possible. That does not mean you should crowd them or treat them like props. Give them space, listen to the guide, and take your photographs without turning the stop into a noisy animal encounter.

The guide begins with an introduction, followed by free time around the tortoise area. This balance works well. You get context first, then a chance to look at the animals at your own pace. The tortoises are not a quick roadside sighting. They are a major reason to choose Curieuse over a simple beach outing.

Bring patience. A tortoise does not perform on schedule, and the best part of the visit is often watching ordinary behavior: walking, feeding, or resting. Children usually find the animals memorable, and adults tend to appreciate the chance to see them in a protected setting.

The landing fee is not included. Allow 20 euros per person and carry a Visa card, debit card, or cash, as requested for payment. This extra cost makes the advertised price less than the final cost, so include it when comparing tours.

Walking through the mangrove forest

Around 11:00 AM, the group begins the walk through Curieuse’s mangrove area. The route is about 1.7 kilometers, and it crosses the island toward Anse José Beach.

The trail gives you a different view of Curieuse. Instead of only seeing white sand and blue water, you notice the island’s coastal plant life and the strange, spreading roots of mangrove trees. These roots help shelter small marine creatures and reduce coastal erosion, so the guide’s explanations add useful meaning to what might otherwise look like a simple forest path.

You might spot birds, crabs, and other small creatures along the way. The setting is quiet, with leaf sounds and distant wildlife replacing the noise of roads or resort areas. Wear proper walking or sports shoes. Flip-flops may be fine for the beach, but they are not the best choice for a trail.

The pace depends heavily on the guide. Mario and other guides have been praised for stopping to explain plants and island ecology. That makes the walk more interesting for adults who want details. It can also make the route feel long for children or anyone expecting a quick stroll.

One family found that the walk took too much of the four-hour schedule because of the many stops. The physical distance itself was not the problem. The issue was the amount of talking, along with walking during the hottest part of the day. You should know this before booking if your priority is maximum time in the water.

Anse José Beach at midday

The trail ends at Anse José Beach at about 11:45 AM. This is a good point to pause, cool down, and enjoy the coast after the forest walk.

The beach offers space for photographs, quiet reflection, and a look back toward the route you have just crossed. You may have free time here before the boat collects you. For some people, this is the most relaxing part of the Curieuse visit. For others, it can feel brief because the schedule moves on to St Pierre.

The timing also deserves thought. One family would have preferred beach and sun time during the hottest part of the day, rather than walking then. That is a fair criticism. The itinerary places the forest walk before the later snorkeling stop, so you should expect heat on the trail and bring water, a hat, breathable clothing, and sunscreen.

Water and soft drinks are provided, and local beer is also listed among the refreshments. Still, do not rely on drinks as a replacement for food. There is no BBQ lunch. If you need a substantial meal before or after the tour, plan for it yourself.

St Pierre Island snorkeling

Around noon, the boat continues to St Pierre Island. This small granite island is known for its rounded rocks rising from clear water. It makes a memorable backdrop even before you put on a mask.

The snorkeling stop is usually the most active part of the outing. You can swim off the coast and look for marine life in the clear water. Several strong experiences describe the water as feeling like an aquarium, which captures the appeal of this stop when visibility and sea conditions cooperate.

Conditions are not guaranteed. One outing encountered high waves and used a less impressive snorkeling location. Another had to change the snorkeling site because of poor weather. That is normal for a sea trip, not a sign of poor planning. A responsible boat operator should choose a safer site rather than force a stop in rough water.

You should bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it, though snorkeling equipment is listed among the recommended items rather than clearly confirmed as included. Ask before departure if you need equipment supplied. A waterproof camera can be useful, but protect it in a waterproof bag when you are back on the boat.

The time in the water may be around 30 minutes, depending on conditions and the group. That is enough for a taste of St Pierre, but not enough for a long, specialist snorkeling session. If underwater time is your only goal, a full-day snorkeling trip may suit you better.

What the $53 price really covers

The $53 price is attractive because the tour combines a boat transfer, guide, Curieuse visit, mangrove walk, beach stop, and St Pierre snorkeling. Hotel pickup is included in selected areas, along with water and soft drinks.

The extra landing fee changes the calculation. Adding 20 euros per person means the final price is noticeably higher than the headline rate. Since lunch is excluded, you should also allow for your own food.

Even with those additions, I consider the trip good value for someone who wants several experiences in one morning. You would pay more in time and likely in transport effort if you tried to arrange Curieuse and St Pierre separately. The value is strongest for couples, families with active children, and short-stay visitors.

It is less compelling for someone who wants a slow, luxurious beach day. The schedule is active, the trail can be hot, and the snorkeling window is limited. You are paying for variety and organization, not for a private island day.

Who should book this trip?

I would choose this tour if you want wildlife and snorkeling in equal measure. It suits people who enjoy a guided walk and do not mind listening to explanations about plants, mangroves, and island ecology.

Families can enjoy it, especially if children are excited by giant tortoises. Kids between five and fourteen have managed the outing, although younger children may find the trail and heat tiring. Bring snacks, sun protection, and sensible footwear.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not recommended for people with serious motion sickness, visual impairments, or those over 80, with the listed age limit extending to 95. Babies under one year are not suitable for the activity.

You should skip it if you strongly dislike boats, hot walking trails, or changing sea conditions. You should also think twice if you need a long snorkeling session or a full meal included.

Book at least a day ahead if your plans might change, since cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option can help keep your schedule flexible.

Final verdict: a smart short outing from Praslin

I would recommend this Curieuse and St Pierre trip for most active visitors staying on Praslin. The giant tortoises are the main draw, the mangrove crossing gives the morning substance, and St Pierre adds the colorful payoff in the water.

The best guides make a real difference. Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin are praised for warmth, humor, care, and clear explanations. Still, ask yourself how much guided talking you enjoy. The walk can feel longer when every plant becomes a discussion, especially during peak heat.

Book it if you want a well-priced half-day that covers wildlife, walking, beach scenery, and snorkeling. Choose another outing if you want a relaxed beach day, a BBQ lunch, or several hours in the water. For a compact introduction to the natural side of Praslin, this is a strong choice, with the landing fee and sea conditions kept firmly in mind.

FAQ

How long is the Curieuse and St Pierre trip?

The trip lasts about four hours. Pickup begins around 8:45 AM, the boat leaves at about 9:15 AM, and the return to Praslin is scheduled around 12:30 PM.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available in selected areas of Baie Sainte Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert. Listed meeting points include Berjaya Resort beach side at Anse Volbert and Kannus Supermarket in Baie Sainte Anne.

What is the price of the tour?

The listed price is $53 per person. You must also pay a 20 euro Curieuse landing fee per person.

Is the Curieuse landing fee included?

No. The 20 euro per-person landing fee is separate. Bring cash, a Visa card, or a debit card for payment.

Is lunch included?

No. This experience does not include a BBQ lunch. Water and soft drinks are provided, and local beer is also listed among the refreshments.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live guide service is available in English and French.

Can I see giant tortoises on Curieuse?

Yes. The visit includes time at the habitat of the Aldabra giant tortoise, followed by free time to observe them.

How long is the walk on Curieuse?

The walk is about 1.7 kilometers and crosses from the mangrove area toward Anse José Beach. The guide may make several stops to discuss plants and wildlife.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is listed as something to bring. Confirm with the operator if you need equipment supplied, since the included items specifically list the guide, transfer, water, and soft drinks.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It includes boat transfers, beach access, a forest walk, and snorkeling.