Private Seychelles Islands Tour by Boat with snacks & drinks

Curieuse and St. Pierre are close enough to visit in one morning, but choosing the right beaches, reefs, and landing spots takes time. This private boat trip puts Jacques and his assistant in charge of the route, while you get a relaxed look at two of Praslin’s best-known island outings. The boat returns to Anse La Blague at about 1:30 p.m.

I like the private format, since you can ask to linger at a pretty spot or adjust the plan rather than follow a fixed group schedule. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, snacks, soft drinks, and alcohol are included, so you can keep your beach bag light.

The main consideration is the short four-hour schedule. You can see several highlights, but this is a sampler rather than a full-day island cruise. The Curieuse walk may also be demanding for older people or anyone without good walking fitness, and good shoes matter.

Key points to know before booking

• Two islands in four hours: The route focuses on Curieuse and St. Pierre, with time for beaches, snorkeling, and island scenery.
• Jacques leads the boat trip: Jacques, sometimes accompanied by his son Mathys, is described as attentive, friendly, and willing to adjust the route.
• A genuinely private outing: Only your group joins, giving you more say over stops and pacing.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can explore the water without arranging separate equipment rental.
• Refreshments are covered: Snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks are included in the price.
• Walking shoes are important on Curieuse: The tortoise-island walk is not ideal for people with limited fitness.

A private start from Anse La Blague at 9:30

The trip begins at MQCF+XCJ in Anse La Blague, on Praslin, at 9:30 a.m. The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Pickup is offered, and one account describes a beach pickup and return close to a hotel, but you should confirm the exact arrangement when booking rather than assume door-to-door transport.

The start time works well for a half-day plan. You get out on the water while the morning is still fresh, then have the rest of the afternoon for lunch, a beach, or a slower afternoon on Praslin. At four hours, this is easy to fit into a short stay, but you should arrive ready to make the most of each stop.

Because this is a private boat, the people in your group set the pace. That matters if one person wants more time in the water while another prefers to stay aboard, or if you spot a pleasant beach and want to pause. The boat operator can also adjust the route for attractive spots along the way, although the exact order and length of each stop will depend on sea and weather conditions.

Curieuse Island, tortoises, and the walking decision

Curieuse is the more substantial land stop. It is known for wild tortoises, beaches, and a walk across the island. You should think of this part as more than a quick photo stop. It gives you a chance to get off the boat, see the island at ground level, and encounter one of the Seychelles’ most distinctive animals.

The walk is the part that deserves honest planning. Good shoes are strongly advisable, and the route may not suit an older person or anyone who lacks walking fitness. The exact trail details are not specified, so ask Jacques how much walking is planned on the day and how much time you will have. If your group includes someone who is pregnant, has joint problems, or simply prefers a gentler outing, the private format gives you a useful advantage: you can discuss a shorter walk or a more relaxed island visit.

One family outing included special care for a person who was six months pregnant. That does not make the trip automatically suitable for every pregnancy or health condition, but it does suggest that the crew pays attention to individual needs. You should still explain any limitations before departure and make your own medical decision.

Curieuse can be hot and exposed, so bring sun protection, water-friendly clothing, and shoes you can walk in comfortably. Drinks are supplied, but you may still want personal essentials such as sunscreen, a hat, and a dry change of clothing. These are small details, but they matter more on an island with little room for last-minute shopping.

St. Pierre for clear water and snorkeling

St. Pierre is the water-focused part of the route. The islet is used for snorkeling and views from the boat, and the trip includes snorkeling equipment rental. That saves you one more piece of planning and makes it easier to decide on the spot if the conditions look good.

The snorkeling locations are selected by the captain, and the crew can point you toward appealing places around St. Pierre. You should expect the sea, visibility, and comfort in the water to vary by day. Snorkeling is a major part of the appeal, but it is not guaranteed to feel the same every morning. Weather is an explicit condition of the trip, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a refund.

I like the way St. Pierre balances Curieuse. After walking and looking for tortoises, you get a chance to cool off and see Seychelles from the water. If you are happiest with a mask and snorkel rather than a long land excursion, tell the captain early. The private setup makes that request more realistic than it would be on a large shared boat.

You should not treat the included equipment as a guarantee that every item will fit perfectly. If you own a mask or snorkel that you prefer, it may be sensible to bring it, though the supplied information does not require you to do so. The important point is that you do not need to arrange a separate rental before the trip.

Why the private boat changes the experience

The strongest reason to choose this outing is control. A standard group cruise often has a set route and a set departure from every stop. Here, Jacques can respond to your interests, the sea, and the places that look most inviting along the way.

That flexibility is especially useful for families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can ask for more time snorkeling, while others can enjoy the boat, beach, and refreshments. It also helps couples or small groups that want a quieter morning without strangers sharing every stop.

Jacques is the main personality of the trip. His son Mathys sometimes assists him, and the pair have been praised for being friendly and attentive. Several comments point to Jacques changing plans to suit the group, keeping the boat clean, and taking care with comfort and service. Those details matter because a private trip depends heavily on the crew. The islands are beautiful, but a poor captain can make a boat day tiring. Here, the available feedback points to a captain who takes his role seriously.

The tradeoff is cost. At $261.71 per person, this is not a cheap way to spend four hours if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. It becomes easier to justify when split among a private group, especially since snacks, drinks, tax, snorkeling gear, and the captain’s flexibility are included. You are paying for privacy and a tailored route, not simply for transport between two islands.

If you mainly want the lowest-cost way to reach Curieuse, compare shared excursions before booking. If you care about your own schedule, personal attention, and avoiding a crowded boat, this price may offer better value than the headline number first suggests.

Snacks, drinks, and what to bring

The trip includes snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks. That is useful on a warm morning at sea, when stopping to buy supplies is not practical. It also adds an easy social rhythm to the outing: swim, look around, come back aboard, and have something to drink before the next stop.

The supplied information does not promise a full meal. One account describes a pleasant lunch, but you should plan on the stated snacks and drinks rather than assume a substantial lunch is included. If you need a proper midday meal, arrange that separately for after the tour or confirm the food plan in advance.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and shoes suitable for the Curieuse walk. A waterproof pouch for phones and small valuables is sensible, although it is not listed as an included item. You will want to keep the boat uncluttered, so pack only what you need for a half-day on the water.

The boat itself has been described as very clean. That is not a minor point on a snorkeling trip. A tidy boat makes it easier to move between sitting, swimming, and refreshments, and it gives you more confidence in the overall level of care.

Who will get the most from this four-hour outing

This tour suits you best if you want to see Curieuse and St. Pierre without spending a full day at sea. It is a good fit for couples, families, and small groups who value privacy and want the freedom to request changes.

It also works for people who dislike long planning sessions. You do not need to build your own island route, arrange separate snorkeling gear, or pack a cooler. The crew handles the practical side while you focus on the islands and the water.

Families may appreciate the personal attention, especially if children or adults in the group need a slower pace. The private setting can also make the morning less stressful than a large shared excursion. Still, the Curieuse walk deserves a realistic look before you book. If someone in your group cannot manage uneven or tiring walking, ask what alternatives are possible.

This is less suitable if you want a long hike, a full day of island exploration, or a guaranteed meal. It is also not the right choice if your main goal is to spend the entire time snorkeling. The trip divides its time between boat travel, Curieuse, St. Pierre, beaches, wildlife, and refreshments.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is helpful, but Seychelles weather can affect sea conditions even when the morning looks fine from shore, so keep some flexibility in your wider plans.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The activity also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that minimum is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Confirmation arrives at booking, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but the description does not give detailed accessibility information. Ask in advance about boarding, the Curieuse walk, and any mobility concerns.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre boat trip?

I would choose this tour if I wanted a short, private island morning with snorkeling, tortoises, beaches, and refreshments in one package. The flexible route is the real advantage, and Jacques appears to provide the kind of personal service that can turn a simple boat ride into a well-managed day.

I would hesitate if $261.71 per person strains your budget, if you want a full-day outing, or if anyone in your group is uncomfortable with the Curieuse walk. In those cases, compare a shared trip or ask for a route with less walking.

For a couple or family that values privacy, the price can make sense because it covers the boat, captain, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, and the ability to shape the morning around your group. Confirm pickup, food expectations, and the walking plan before you go. If those details fit, this is a practical way to see two attractive islands without spending your holiday buried in route planning.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The stated meeting point is MQCF+XCJ in Anse La Blague, Seychelles. The start time is 9:30 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Anse La Blague.

How long does the boat tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours.

Which islands are included?

The route includes Curieuse Island and St. Pierre.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates in this private activity.

Are snacks and drinks included?

Yes. The price includes snacks, soft drinks, and alcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear rental is included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.