Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Curieuse is the star of this day out, and the giant tortoises are impossible to miss. They roam around the Ranger’s Station at Laraie Bay, while a guided walk leads you through mangroves, beaches, Coco de Mer palms, and island viewpoints. I especially like the mix of wildlife and walking, plus the easy hotel pickup from anywhere on Praslin.

I also like that the day gives you two very different settings: Curieuse for land and wildlife, St. Pierre for swimming and snorkeling. Guides such as Benjamin, Mario, Arnold, and Brandon have earned praise for clear explanations and warm, cheerful service. The main drawback is the snorkeling, which can be choppy and less impressive than expected, and the time in the water may feel short.

Key points to know before booking

• Giant tortoises at Laraie Bay: You can see and photograph these gentle animals close to the Ranger’s Station.
• A real island walk: The Curieuse route covers mangroves, beaches, Coco de Mer trees, wildlife, and scenic viewpoints.
• St. Pierre by boat: You cannot land on the tiny island, but you can swim and snorkel around it for about 45 to 60 minutes.
• Useful extras included: Hotel transfers, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and one beer per adult are included.
• Extra costs to plan for: Island taxes are €20 per person aged 12 and above, and the optional BBQ lunch costs €20.
• Best for active visitors: You should be comfortable walking on uneven ground and entering open water. This trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Curieuse and St. Pierre in one well-filled day

This seven-hour trip packs two of Praslin’s most popular boat outings into one schedule. You leave by van from your accommodation, board at Anse Possession between 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning, visit Curieuse, stop at St. Pierre Marine Park, and return to Praslin later in the day.

That combination makes good sense. Curieuse gives you time on land, with a nature walk and tortoise viewing. St. Pierre gives you a chance to cool off in the sea. You are not spending the entire day on a boat, but you are also not limited to a single beach or one short wildlife stop.

The advertised boat speed is about 25 knots, and the ride to Curieuse takes roughly 25 minutes. Pickup usually happens 10 to 45 minutes before departure, with the practical guidance indicating about 10 to 30 minutes. Keep your phone nearby in the morning, since the exact pickup time depends on where you are staying on Praslin.

The morning boat ride from Anse Possession

At the meeting point, staff welcome you aboard and explain the basic safety rules before setting off. The boat ride is part of the pleasure of the trip, but it can also be exposed to sun, wind, and spray. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for your phone.

The boat normally reaches Curieuse around 9:40. That early arrival is useful. You have cooler morning conditions for the walk, and the day does not begin with a long wait before seeing the island’s main attraction.

Hotel transfers are included, which adds real value if you are staying away from Anse Possession. It also saves you from arranging a taxi for both directions. The van ride is usually about 30 minutes, and several people have praised prompt pickups and friendly drivers.

Meeting Curieuse’s giant tortoises at Laraie Bay

The first major stop is the Ranger’s Station at Laraie Bay. Curieuse is known for its large population of giant tortoises, and this is where you can see them at close range. They move freely around the area, making the encounter feel less like a quick viewing platform and more like time spent alongside living animals.

You will have plenty of chances to take photographs. The tortoises are a clear highlight for families, wildlife fans, and anyone who wants an experience that feels distinctly Seychellois rather than simply another boat trip to a pretty beach.

You may also see smaller wildlife around Curieuse. Sightings mentioned on this outing include baby sharks, colorful crabs, exotic birds, and, on some days, sea turtles and rays during the snorkeling stop. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so come for the setting and the tortoises first, with other animals as a bonus.

Walking through mangroves, beaches, and Coco de Mer country

The guided walk lasts about an hour, though the day’s wider Curieuse schedule gives you several hours on the island. The route takes in mangrove ecosystems, beach areas, clear water, Coco de Mer trees, and viewpoints. One reported walking stretch is about 2.5 kilometers, so this is more than a quick stroll from the boat to the tortoises.

A guide makes a difference here. Without explanation, mangroves and tropical plants can blur into a pleasant wall of green. With a guide, you get a better sense of how the plants, crabs, birds, and shoreline fit together. Mario has been praised for explaining the island and its environmental protection, while Benjamin, Arnold, Brandon, and others have been singled out for clear and friendly guiding.

The route may include uneven ground, sand, and warm conditions. Wear sports shoes or sturdy sandals rather than flimsy flip-flops. You should also carry water, although drinking water and soft drinks are provided.

One pleasant detail is the chance to reach a beautiful beach during the walk. The beach at Curieuse has been described as calm and relaxing, with fish visible in shallow water. If you like combining a short hike with a swim, this part may be the strongest section of the day.

Lunch, drinks, and the useful free-time gap

Around 12:15 to 1:30, you have time for lunch and relaxation. A BBQ lunch is available for an additional €20 per person. You can also bring your own food and snacks, which is the better choice if you have dietary needs or prefer to keep the cost down.

Water, soft drinks, snacks, and one beer per adult are included. That is helpful on a hot island day, especially if you choose not to buy the BBQ. Still, do not rely only on the included refreshments if you know you need a full meal. Bring extra food and drinks, as the instructions allow.

The schedule gives you a fair amount of free time on Curieuse. Some people appreciate this slower pace, since it leaves room for swimming, photographs, a beer, or simply sitting by the beach. Others may find that the waiting feels long and wish more time had been given to snorkeling or another stop.

That is an important choice point. If you prefer a tightly packed sightseeing day, the pauses may test your patience. If you like a relaxed beach outing with room to breathe, the unhurried rhythm is a plus.

St. Pierre Marine Park and the snorkeling stop

The boat leaves Curieuse at about 1:30 and reaches St. Pierre around 2:00. St. Pierre is a tiny island that you view from the water rather than visit on foot. Its rocky shape and turquoise sea make a memorable photo stop, but the main reason to come is the snorkeling around it.

Snorkeling gear is provided on board, and you usually spend about 45 to 60 minutes in the water. The exact timing can vary, but you should not assume a full 90-minute session. One person specifically wanted more time because the stop was interesting and passed quickly.

The water can be excellent on a calm day, with colorful fish, coral, rays, and occasional sea turtles. Some outings have produced very good marine-life sightings. On other days, the coral has appeared worn and there has been little to see. Sea conditions matter a great deal here.

You also need to be honest about your swimming ability. The water around St. Pierre can be choppy, and the snorkeling is not always suitable for a nervous beginner. One person found the activity difficult because there was no strongly guided, step-by-step introduction into the water, while another felt the conditions required at least an intermediate swimmer.

If you are confident in the sea, you will likely enjoy the freedom to swim around the boat and explore. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water and ask what flotation or safety support is available. The supplied information confirms that equipment is provided, but it does not promise a dedicated snorkeling instructor or guided formation in the water.

What the guides add to the day

The human side of this trip receives unusually strong praise. Benjamin is noted for clear English, humor, and a friendly manner. Arnold is described as easy to understand and full of good energy. Mario has been valued for his understanding of island plants, wildlife, and environmental care.

Brandon has also been praised for being attentive and explaining the stops well. Audrey, Axel, Aubrey, and Shaun are among the other crew members mentioned positively. Guide assignments can change, so you should not book expecting one particular person. Still, the range of names gives you a sense that the company has several strong staff members.

The guides do more than point out the tortoises. They can explain plants, wildlife, island life, and conservation. That matters on Curieuse, where the walk is a key part of the experience rather than filler between boat rides.

The captain also matters at St. Pierre. One captain was praised for safety and for choosing good places to snorkel. On a sea trip, sound judgment about water conditions is more valuable than a flashy commentary.

Price, extra fees, and overall value

The advertised price is $56 per person. You must add the €20 island tax for each person aged 12 and above. Lunch is not included, and the optional BBQ adds another €20 per person. If you bring your own food, the total remains fairly reasonable for a seven-hour trip with hotel transfers, a guide, boat transport, drinks, snorkeling gear, and access to two major Praslin-area stops.

The value is strongest if you want convenience. Booking separate transport to Curieuse, arranging a boat to St. Pierre, and organizing snorkeling equipment could take more time and cost more. Here, one crew handles the day, and you do not need to negotiate separate rides.

The value is less clear if you only want outstanding coral snorkeling. Some conditions produce excellent fish and turtle sightings, but the coral is not always impressive. You are paying for the whole day: Curieuse, tortoises, walking, beach time, transport, and St. Pierre, not only the underwater stop.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking give you some useful flexibility. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and electric wheelchairs are not accepted. Bring a passport or visa only if your own travel situation requires it.

What to pack for a smoother day

Keep your day bag simple and waterproof. You will want:

• Swimwear, a towel, and beachwear
• Sunscreen, preferably biodegradable, plus a hat and sunglasses
• Sandals or sports shoes for the walk
• Snacks and food if you skip the BBQ
• A waterproof phone case or camera
• Insect repellent
• A waterproof bag for dry clothes and valuables
• Binoculars if you enjoy spotting birds

The return transfer may happen before you have much time to change. One person reported getting into the van still wearing wet swimwear, so pack a dry change of clothes and keep it easy to reach. That small step can make the ride back far more comfortable.

Who should book this Curieuse day trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, solo visitors, and active adults who want a broad sample of Praslin’s nearby attractions in one day. It suits you especially well if you want giant tortoises and a nature walk but also want a chance to swim in the sea.

It is a good fit for visitors who value friendly guiding and simple logistics. The pickup service, included drinks, and supplied snorkeling equipment remove much of the usual planning work.

Think twice if your main goal is serious reef snorkeling. St. Pierre can be rewarding, but conditions vary, the session is not especially long, and the water may be rough. Strong swimmers will have the easiest time.

You should also skip it if you dislike unstructured free time. The Curieuse schedule includes several hours for beach time, drinks, swimming, and sightseeing. That relaxed space is pleasant for some people and wasted time for others.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the classic Curieuse experience, especially the giant tortoises, plus a manageable boat outing to St. Pierre. The guides, hotel pickup, nature walk, and included refreshments make the $56 price attractive once you account for what is covered.

Go with realistic expectations about snorkeling. Treat it as one part of a varied day rather than a guaranteed reef spectacle. Bring food if you want to avoid the extra lunch charge, wear proper shoes for the walk, and pack dry clothes for the ride home. For most visitors looking for a relaxed, wildlife-focused day from Praslin, this is a worthwhile choice.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including hotel pickup, the boat ride, time on Curieuse, snorkeling at St. Pierre, and the return to Praslin.

Where does the boat leave from?

Boarding takes place at Anse Possession on Praslin between approximately 9:00 and 9:15 in the morning.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is included from locations on Praslin, generally 10 to 45 minutes before departure. The exact time depends on your accommodation.

What is included in the price?

Hotel transfers, a guide, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and one beer per adult are included.

Are island taxes and lunch included?

No. The island tax is €20 per person aged 12 and above. An optional BBQ lunch costs €20 per person, or you can bring your own food.

Can I walk on St. Pierre Island?

No. The St. Pierre stop is for swimming, snorkeling, and viewing the island from the boat. The Curieuse stop includes the guided walk.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

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