Giant tortoises and reef time in one trip. This Curieuse and St. Pierre full-day excursion hits the Seychelles highlights in a smart order: you get hands-on moments with the famous Aldabra giant tortoises on Curieuse Island, then you settle in for a Creole-style beach BBQ at Anse José, and finally you snorkel the reefs at St. Pierre. Two things I really like are the close-up tortoise sanctuary experience and the fact that lunch is a real sit-down meal on the sand, not a rushed snack. One possible drawback to consider is the Curieuse Island entrance fee is not included, and the on-island walk through mangroves and uneven ground can be tiring in heat.

The day runs as a group outing from Praslin, with hotel pickup by van and speedboat transfers that keep you moving but not frantic. The pacing is good for a 390-minute tour, especially if you enjoy wildlife, simple nature trails, and water time without having to plan a thing. The overall feedback is strong, with a 4.7 rating across 74 reviews, which usually signals people feel they got their money’s worth.

Best of all, it feels like you are seeing two different sides of Praslin’s nearby islands. Curieuse is about wildlife and easy nature exploring, while St. Pierre is about granite boulders and snorkel-ready shallows. Just be aware the itinerary notes sea conditions between June and September, with snorkeling possibly shifted to a sheltered bay if needed.

Key Things That Make This Excursion Worth Your Time

• Aldabra giant tortoises on Curieuse, plus time around the Doctor’s House area
• Creole beach BBQ at Anse José, with fish, chicken, sausages, rice, chutneys, and salads
• Mangrove nature trail through mangroves and granite scenery, ending at Anse José Beach
• Snorkeling gear included, with assistance for beginners
• St. Pierre timing built in, with a plan B bay (Anse Petite Cours) if seas are rough

Curieuse Island: Doctor’s House, Tortoises, and Anse José Beach

Curieuse Island is where the day really earns its hype. You start by cruising from Praslin to Curieuse and then step off near the Doctor’s House, which acts like a small colonial museum stop. It sets the tone: you are not just walking around, you are learning the place as you go.

Then comes the main attraction, the giant tortoises. Curieuse is a sanctuary for Aldabra giant tortoises, and the experience is built around seeing them in their natural setting. You also get a guided walk that takes you through the island’s mangrove areas and granite scenery, so you are moving through varied terrain rather than just standing in one spot looking at wildlife.

The trail ends at Anse José Beach, where you get a refresh-and-reset block of time. This is a good moment to put your face in the water and cool off before the BBQ. If you like your nature days with a reward at the end, this part delivers.

The Mangrove Nature Trail: Great Views, Uneven Ground to Plan For

The walk on Curieuse is one of those “worth it, just be ready” experiences. The route includes mangroves, some hiking-style movement, and stretches where you will be on uneven ground and stones. Even though it is guided, you still have to physically do the walk.

A real-world hint from reviews that matches the itinerary: older guests can find it a bit of a challenge because you are crossing through mangrove areas and moving over rougher ground in warm weather. If you have any mobility concerns, weak ankles, or you just do not love hot, uphill-feeling walking, you will want to think carefully.

My practical advice:

• Wear secure walking sandals or shoes you can trust on uneven ground.
• Bring sun protection that stays put, not a hat you keep chasing.
• If you are unsure about your pace, tell the guide early so you can manage your energy and take a breath when needed.

Creole BBQ at Anse José: Lunch That Feels Like Part of the Day

The BBQ is not an afterthought. It is a full hour of food and downtime on Anse José Beach, which makes a big difference. After tortoises and walking, you get a proper break before snorkeling.

The menu is Creole-style and pretty concrete:

• Grilled fish, chicken, and sausages
• Creole rice, chutneys, coconut lentils, and salads
• Fresh bread plus a tropical fruit platter
• Soft drinks and bottled water
• One beer per adult (18 years and above)

Vegetarian options are available if you request them ahead of time. That is worth doing early, because when people wait until the last minute, options can get limited on group days.

Also note the tour does not provide towels, so plan to bring your own beach towel. And if you want to protect your phone or camera, a waterproof bag can be a lifesaver for the snorkel leg right after.

St. Pierre Island Snorkeling: Reefs, Granite Boulders, and a Sea-Condition Plan

St. Pierre Island is where the trip turns into a water day. You sail to the St. Pierre islet, known for granite boulders and turquoise water. The snorkel focus is on coral reefs and the fish life you can spot around the shallows.

Snorkeling time is roughly 1.5 hours, and snorkeling gear is included. If you are new to snorkeling, the tour provides assistance, which helps a lot if you are still learning how to breathe steadily and float calmly.

Here is the important practical detail: between June and September, the southeast monsoon can make seas rough around St. Pierre. For safety and comfort, the tour may shift snorkeling to Anse Petite Cours, a more sheltered bay that is better for marine life viewing in choppier conditions. You are not locked into one spot no matter what the ocean is doing.

So if your trip overlaps those months and you care most about snorkeling, pack for the possibility of a change in location. The goal stays the same, reef time with marine life, just adjusted to sea conditions.

Timing and Transport: Hotel Pickup, Speedboat, and a Real Day Out

This is a full-day group excursion in the sense that you leave early and you are back mid afternoon. The itinerary starts with pickup on Praslin around 08:15 to 09:00, then you depart from Anse Volbert Beach (Côte d’Or). The boat ride sets you up for two island stops without wasting hours on transfers.

Transfers from your Praslin hotel are included. Your pickup is typically 05 to 30 minutes before the start time, and you are expected to share your exact hotel name and location so the driver can find you. This matters because Praslin pickups can be spread out, and you want a smooth morning rather than a scramble.

The day ends with a return cruise to Anse Volbert Beach and hotel drop-off. The overall duration is listed as 390 minutes, which you can think of as a solid workday of island time.

Price and Value: What the $89 Covers, Plus the Curieuse Tax

The headline price is $89 per person, which is often what helps people decide quickly. But on islands like Curieuse, the real value question is what you still need to pay on top.

What your price includes:

• Round-trip hotel transfers on Praslin by van
• Boat transfer (Curieuse and St. Pierre)
• Guided tour on Curieuse
• Creole BBQ lunch on the beach
• Snorkeling gear and assistance
• Soft drinks, bottled water, and one beer per adult (18+)

What is not included:

• Curieuse Island entrance fee, listed as SCR 300 per adult (around €20), payable directly on-site to the Seychelles Parks Authority
• Towels (you bring your own)
• Personal expenses

So the value is strongest if you want all three pillars of the day, wildlife, a real BBQ lunch, and snorkeling, without arranging separate boats or buying gear yourself. The entrance tax is the main “extra,” but it is also common for protected areas and park access.

If you are traveling as a group, the tax adds up, so factor it in early rather than hoping it is negligible. For most people, though, the included lunch and snorkeling equipment make the overall package feel balanced.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Skip It

This tour is best for travelers who want a single-day island program with a wildlife focus and a snorkeling finish, while still enjoying a calm pace. It also works well if you like guided experiences, because the tortoise and mangrove portion is structured.

Who it suits:

• People who can handle a guided walk over mangrove and uneven ground
• Snorkelers at any level, since equipment is provided and assistance is available
• Guests who want Creole food as part of the island day, not a quick stop

Who should think twice based on the tour’s own limits:

• Pregnant women
• People with back problems, heart problems, respiratory issues, or recent surgeries
• People with mobility impairments and wheelchair users
• People with animal allergies
• People over 80 years (and also guidance that it is not suitable over 75 years)
• People with low fitness or pre-existing medical conditions
• Children under 15 kg (33 lbs)

Also remember snorkeling depends on sea conditions at certain times of year, and the plan B can move the snorkeling bay. If you are someone who must snorkel at a specific exact spot, you may need to adjust expectations.

Should You Book Curieuse and St. Pierre With Creole BBQ?

If your idea of a great Seychelles day includes Aldabra giant tortoises, a beach BBQ lunch where you actually eat well, and snorkel time without planning boat logistics, this is a very sensible booking. The best-case scenario is exactly what the itinerary is built for: tortoise sanctuary on Curieuse, then a Creole meal at Anse José, then reef snorkeling at St. Pierre with gear included.

I would book it when:

• You are staying on Praslin and want an organized day that covers both islands efficiently
• You are comfortable with a guided walk and hot-weather conditions
• You want a guided, single-ticket experience instead of piecing together tours

I would skip or choose something gentler when:

• You are sensitive to uneven walking routes
• You are dealing with health limits listed by the tour
• You are traveling in June to September and snorkeling is your only top priority, especially if you react badly to sea conditions

If you do book, bring sun protection, secure footwear, insect repellent, and plan for the Curieuse entrance fee at the end of the day for your budget.

FAQ

Do I need to pay extra to enter Curieuse Island?

Yes. Curieuse Island entrance fee is not included. The tour lists SCR 300 per adult (around €20) for visitors aged 12 and above, payable on-site to the Seychelles Parks Authority.

What lunch is included during the tour?

You get a Creole-style BBQ lunch on the beach at Anse José. The menu includes grilled fish, chicken, sausages, Creole rice, chutneys, coconut lentils, salads, bread, and a tropical fruit platter. Soft drinks, bottled water, and one beer per adult (18+) are included.

Is snorkeling gear provided, and is there help for beginners?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour provides assistance for beginners. You snorkel around St. Pierre Island after the BBQ.

Where does the tour depart from on Praslin?

The boat departs from Anse Volbert Beach (Côte d’Or). You meet the skipper there after morning pickup.

What happens if seas are rough near St. Pierre?

Between June and September, rough seas can happen due to the southeast monsoon. The tour may shift snorkeling to a more sheltered bay at Anse Petite Cours for safety and comfort.

Are hotel transfers included?

Yes. You get round-trip transfers by van from locations on Praslin to the departure point and back.

What should I bring?

Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, swimwear, sandals, a camera, a towel (not provided), insect repellent, credit card (mentioned for entrance payment), and any items you need for walking comfort like hiking shoes if you prefer them. A waterproof bag can help for valuables during boat and snorkel time.