Curieuse and St. Pierre Islands Day Trip with BBQ Lunch

Curieuse is the real prize here: a low-key island of mangroves, tortoises, rocky trails, and beaches where nature does most of the entertaining. You also get a proper Creole BBQ, not just a sandwich on a boat, followed by snorkeling near St. Pierre.

I like the mix of wildlife and sea time, and I like the personal touch from guides such as Reynold and Mario, who are often praised for explaining the tortoises and keeping the group together. The main catch is the speedboat ride and changing sea conditions. St. Pierre can be rough from May through October, so the snorkeling stop may move to calmer Anse Petit Cours.

Key points to know

• Curieuse is the heart of the day: See giant Aldabra tortoises, mangroves, and a nature trail toward Anse José Beach.
• Lunch is substantial: Expect grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns kebab, lentils, salads, fruit, garlic bread, and Creole dishes.
• Two snorkeling stops are included: St. Pierre is the usual site, with Anse Petit Cours used when the sea is rough.
• The boat is a speedboat: It makes the island crossings quick, but the ride can feel lively in windy weather.
• Bring proper shoes: The trail can be rocky, with an approximately 2-kilometer walk in some versions of the route.
• Budget for the landing fee: Curieuse charges 20 euros per person, payable by card only.

Why Curieuse makes this more than a beach trip

Many island excursions around Praslin are built around sand and swimming. This one gives you a reason to get off the boat.

Curieuse is known for its giant Aldabra tortoises, and the sanctuary visit is the clearest highlight. You can see these enormous animals in their protected setting while your guide explains their habits, the island environment, and conservation work.

The tortoises are not a quick photo stop squeezed between activities. The schedule allows time to see them properly. Guides including Reynold and Mario have been praised for introducing the animals and answering questions, which matters because a good explanation turns a large tortoise into a living part of Seychelles natural story rather than just another photo subject.

The island also has a striking mangrove area. A boardwalk and nature paths lead through wet coastal habitat, where you learn how mangroves protect shorelines and support wildlife. This section gives the morning some variety, especially after the open-water ride from Praslin.

You may walk from the area around Doc’s House toward the tortoise beach or continue toward Anse José. The route can include rocky steps and uneven ground. I would not choose flip-flops for this part, even if you plan to spend most of the day in swimwear.

The morning boat from Praslin

Pickup begins around 8:45 a.m. in selected parts of Baie-Ste-Anne, Grand-Anse, Amitié, St. Joseph, and Anse Volbert. You can also meet the boat near Berjaya Praslin Resort or Kannus Supermarket in Baie Ste Anne.

The main departure is around 9:15 a.m. The boat is a speedboat, so you cover the distance efficiently and spend more of the day on the islands rather than slowly motoring between them. The trade-off is comfort. In calm water, the ride can be a highlight in itself, with open views and plenty of sea air. In rougher conditions, you should expect spray, bouncing, and a less relaxed crossing.

A safety briefing takes place before departure. Keep your hat and loose belongings secure, and use sunscreen before boarding. You will receive a 750-milliliter bottle of water for the trail, but bringing extra water is still sensible if you drink often in hot weather.

The group size can vary. Some departures have been small, with five or six people, while the planned group can reach around 10 to 12. A small group gives you more room on the boat and makes questions easier. A larger group may slow the walking portion, particularly around the tortoise area.

Walking Curieuse’s mangroves and tortoise sanctuary

You arrive at Baie Laraie on Curieuse at about 9:30 a.m. From there, the guided section combines wildlife, vegetation, island history, and a walk across the island.

The tortoise sanctuary is the first major draw. Take your time here, but remember that this is still a group excursion. You may get roughly 45 minutes around the tortoises, depending on the day’s pace and the guide’s plan.

The mangrove walk is just as useful for understanding Curieuse. It is not merely a scenic path. The boardwalk takes you through a different type of coastal habitat, and the guide points out the connection between the mangroves, the shoreline, and local animal life.

The walk toward Anse José can be rocky. One route described by past participants covers about 2 kilometers up and down, so comfortable shoes are important. Lightweight hiking shoes or sturdy sandals are a better choice than bare flip-flops.

This is the part of the day least suited to anyone with mobility difficulties. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and uneven paths, steps, and heat can make the walk demanding. If you want only a boat ride and beach stop, this is probably more walking than you need.

The Creole BBQ at the beach

Lunch is served around noon, usually after the morning walk. That timing works well because Curieuse’s trail is active and exposed, and you will likely be ready for a full meal.

The BBQ includes a mix of grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns kebab, lentils, garlic bread, salads, and tropical fruit. The menu may also include other local Creole dishes, and vegetarian options are available.

Drinks are part of the package: water, soft drinks, and local Seybrew beer. A cocktail may be offered as part of the overall experience, but the dependable inclusions are water, soft drinks, and local beer.

The food is one of the strongest reasons this tour offers good value at $85 per person. You are not paying only for transport and a short swim. The price covers hotel transport in selected areas, the boat, a guided Curieuse visit, a filling lunch, drinks, and two snorkeling opportunities.

There is one extra cost to remember. Curieuse charges a landing fee of 20 euros per person, or the equivalent of about 300 Seychelles rupees, and payment is by card only. This is not included in the advertised tour price, so plan for it before you arrive.

Vegetarians should mention their needs when booking or confirming the trip. The supplied information confirms vegetarian options, but the main BBQ menu is built around meat, fish, and seafood.

Anse José: beach time with a practical limit

After lunch, the schedule allows time at Anse José, with swimming and possible snorkeling from the beach. The water is clear, and the beach gives you a chance to slow down after the guided walk.

One useful tip is to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. Equipment is available, but the mouthpieces may not appeal to everyone. One past participant also suggested snorkeling roughly 60 meters from shore near the Curieuse lunch area, where conditions allow.

The beach stop is valuable if you want a relaxed break. If you are mainly interested in underwater time, it may feel a little long. Some departures have spent close to an hour on the beach, while some people would prefer that time to become an additional snorkeling stop.

That is the central trade-off in this excursion. It tries to satisfy several interests in one day: animals, mangroves, walking, lunch, beach time, and reef snorkeling. You get variety, but no single activity receives the full attention of a specialist tour.

Snorkeling around St. Pierre Island

Around 2 p.m., the boat leaves Curieuse for St. Pierre Island. The crossing is short, and the little granite island makes a memorable setting for the afternoon water stop.

The usual snorkeling area has coral, tropical fish, and the chance to see sea turtles. Past departures have also seen large groups of fish, and one fortunate group spotted a whale shark after snorkeling. That sighting is not something you should expect, but it shows the kind of marine life that can appear in these waters.

A crew member may accompany the group in the water. This is helpful if you want someone to point out sea life or guide you across the snorkeling area. You should still be comfortable in open water and able to manage your own mask and fins.

Sea conditions matter here. From May through October, the southeast monsoon can make St. Pierre rough. When that happens, the crew may move the snorkeling stop to Anse Petit Cours, a more sheltered bay.

This change is sensible, but it means the exact snorkeling experience cannot be guaranteed. Even in good conditions, coral may show signs of bleaching, and visibility depends on weather, currents, and the day’s water conditions. Go for the chance to see marine life, not a promise of perfect reef scenery.

Timing, transfers, and the $85 value

The published duration is six hours, with a general schedule from about 8:45 a.m. pickup to 3:30 p.m. return. In practice, the full day can run close to seven hours, especially when hotel transfers, walking, group movement, and sea conditions add time.

Drop-off is available around Baie Ste Anne, Berjaya Praslin Resort, or Kannus Supermarket in Baie Ste Anne. Pickup and drop-off are limited to selected areas, so confirm that your accommodation falls within Baie-Ste-Anne, Grand-Anse, Amitié, St. Joseph, or Anse Volbert.

At $85, the package is strong value if you want a full day with several elements included. A separate boat transfer, guided wildlife visit, BBQ meal, drinks, and snorkeling can quickly cost more when arranged independently.

The value is weaker if you dislike boat rides, do not want to walk on uneven trails, or plan to spend the day only snorkeling. You are paying for the combination, not for a single focused activity.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later terms make the booking less rigid. Still, the sea conditions are the bigger practical question. Ask about the meeting point and pickup time before the morning of the trip, as precise pickup details have occasionally needed confirmation.

What to pack for Curieuse and St. Pierre

Pack lightly. A small dry bag or compact daypack is easier to carry along the Curieuse trail and on a speedboat.

Bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes with grip
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• High-factor sunscreen
• Your own snorkeling mask and snorkel, if preferred
• A waterproof pouch for phone and valuables
• A small snack for the morning

The included water is useful on the trail, but lunch is not served until around noon. A small snack can help if you are hungry after the boat ride or prefer an early breakfast.

Do not bring a large suitcase or bulky beach bag. You will need to carry your belongings during the walk, and space on a speedboat is limited.

Who will enjoy this Praslin boat trip

I would recommend this for couples, families with older children, and active visitors who want one well-filled day away from Praslin. It works especially well if you want to see giant tortoises but also want a proper swim and snorkeling stop.

It is also a good match for anyone who enjoys guided nature walks. English and French are available, and the guides have received strong praise for their friendliness, safety awareness, and explanations of the tortoises and mangroves. Reynold is frequently singled out for contacting people before the trip and taking care of practical details, while Mario has also been praised for his calm, helpful approach.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike rough water, or want a slow luxury cruise. The speedboat is useful, but it is not a soft ride in all conditions.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a full Seychelles day in one package: tortoises, mangroves, a beach BBQ, drinks, swimming, and snorkeling. The guides and food are major strengths, and the $85 price is fair once you factor in the transport and included meal.

Before paying, check three things: your pickup area, the 20-euro Curieuse landing fee, and the sea forecast. Bring real walking shoes, your own snorkel if hygiene matters to you, and a flexible attitude about the exact snorkeling site.

If Curieuse is your priority and you are happy with a busy day, this is an easy choice. If underwater time matters more than tortoises and walking, look for a snorkeling-focused charter instead.

FAQ

How much does the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip cost?

The advertised price is $85 per person. A separate Curieuse landing fee of 20 euros per person is payable by card only.

How long does the activity last?

The stated duration is six hours. The schedule runs from about 8:45 a.m. pickup to 3:30 p.m. return, and the full day can sometimes take close to seven hours.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available in selected parts of Baie-Ste-Anne, Grand-Anse, Amitié, St. Joseph, and Anse Volbert. Meeting points also include Berjaya Praslin Resort and Kannus Supermarket in Baie Ste Anne.

What languages do the guides speak?

Guides are available in English and French.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a Creole BBQ with grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns kebab, lentils, garlic bread, salads, fruit, and vegetarian options.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes water, soft drinks, and local Seybrew beer.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling spots are included. St. Pierre is the usual location, but the crew may use Anse Petit Cours when conditions are rough.

What happens if the sea is rough at St. Pierre?

The snorkeling location may change to Anse Petit Cours, where the water is calmer. Sea conditions can be rough during the southeast monsoon from May through October.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments because Curieuse includes uneven and rocky walking trails.