Curieuse and St. Pierre Islands look like a postcard, but they feel real. You get giant Aldabra tortoises on Curieuse and a Creole BBQ on the beach, plus two chances to snorkel in the warm Seychelles water. One thing to plan for is that St Pierre snorkeling can shift with conditions in the Southeast monsoon season, so your second stop might change location.

I like that the day has clear blocks of time: a guided walk, beach lunch, and a dedicated snorkeling window. It also runs by speedboat, so the day stays lively and you are not stuck on a slow boat for hours.

Key Things That Make This Day Trip Work

• Curieuse tortoise sanctuary + mangrove walk: You are not just passing through, you are walking a real protected ecosystem.
• Creole beach BBQ, not a sad buffet: Grilled mix includes fish, prawns, chicken, sausage, plus lentilles and garlic bread.
• Two snorkeling stops with a guide in the mix: One near Curieuse and one around St Pierre, with an alternate option if seas get rough.
• A real wildlife focus, not just photos: Giant tortoises are the centerpiece, and you can see sea turtles and other marine life.
• Practical small touches: A 750 ml bottle of water for the trail, plus drinks with lunch like Seybrew local beer.
• Speedboat energy, not a long haul: This is built for a full day, then back to Praslin early afternoon.

From Praslin to Curieuse by Speedboat, What the Day Feels Like

This trip is set up as a full island day from Praslin. Pickup usually starts around 8:45 AM from several Praslin areas such as Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse, and Anse Volbert, and in some cases Amitie and St Joseph too. You then head to the departure point and meet the boat crew at the marina.

The speedboat ride is part of the experience. Expect a quick hop across the lagoon and a steady sense that the day is moving. It is also one reason this tour works well if you do not want to spend your vacation mostly in transit. If you are sensitive to boat motion, I would plan like you might get a bit of chop, especially later when you are out around the islands.

The crew handles the basics fast. You get a safety briefing, then you are off, with the first big target being Curieuse Island.

Curieuse Island: Mangroves, Tortoises, and the Walk to Anse José

Curieuse is the main event on land. You arrive around 9:30 AM at Baie Laraie, disembark, then get a guided tour and nature walk. The centerpiece is the giant tortoise sanctuary, where you can get very close to the Aldabra tortoise habitat.

The guided tortoise experience

This is not a quick stop where you see a tortoise from far away and rush on. The focus is on understanding the animals and the conservation behind the sanctuary. You spend time walking through the protected area and learning how the tortoises fit into the island ecosystem.

In practice, I find these guided moments valuable because tortoises and mangroves are not just scenery. When someone explains what you are looking at, the whole island feels more meaningful, and photos look better too.

Mangrove trails and Anse José Beach time

After the tortoise sanctuary time, you continue with the island walking trails. You also head toward Anse José Beach, one of the spots that helps break up the day. The route includes walking, and at least one booking notes that the hike can involve rocky sections, with a rough estimate of about 2 km up and down across the island. Flip-flops might be tempting, but I would rather you wear shoes you can trust on uneven ground.

Then comes the practical part: being able to cool off. At Anse José Beach, you have a chance to swim or snorkel right where lunch is centered later.

Photo Stops, Drinks, and Why the Morning Rhythm Matters

The morning is more than just walking. There is time built in for photo stops and sightseeing, and the day also includes drinks such as local beer and cocktails as part of the experience flow. That might sound like fluff, but it matters because you are doing a mix of walking and water time. A little refresh early makes the day feel less like a checklist.

Also, Curieuse is where you get your bearings. Once you know how the island walk feels and where Anse José sits, the rest of the schedule makes more sense. It is easier to enjoy the later snorkeling when you already know what kind of effort you just did.

Lunch on Curieuse: Creole BBQ on the Beach (What You Actually Get)

Lunch is timed for when you are ready for it, around 12:00 PM. It is beachside BBQ, prepared by the crew. This is one of the most praised parts of the day, and for good reason: it is not just meat on a plate.

The Creole BBQ menu highlights

You can expect a grilled mix along the lines of:

• Chicken, fish, sausage, and prawns kebab
• Lentilles
• Garlic bread
• Fresh salads and tropical fruits
• Local Creole dishes, with vegetarian options
• Soft drinks, water, and local beer such as Seybrew

If you are the kind of traveler who fears island lunches will be repetitive, this is where the tour earns its price. You get enough variety that most diets can find something to eat. And because it is timed before the next snorkeling session, you are fueled instead of tired and grumpy.

A quick tip for snorkel timing

One review specifically called out snorkeling from the Curieuse lunch side, mentioning a good area about 60 meters out from shore. I think that tip is useful because it tells you where to spend your effort first. If you are not sure where to go, ask the guide where the better water starts, then move out slowly and let the tide and visibility guide you.

St Pierre Island Snorkeling: Coral Reefs, Turtles, and a Possible Swap

After lunch, you board again around 2:00 PM for St Pierre Island, arriving around 2:30 PM for snorkeling. This is the part most people picture when they think Seychelles. Warm water, coral reefs, and the chance of sea life sightings.

The snorkeling itself is not just you alone with fins. A crew member can follow you to help you spot marine life. That matters. Even if you are a confident swimmer, reef hunting is easier when someone knows where to look.

What you might see

Sightings depend on conditions, but bookings include sea turtles as a common highlight. There are also reports of other marine life, and one booking describes a whale shark sighting with the crew slowing down to let the group see it.

I want to be honest about one variable. Visibility and conditions change. The operator specifically notes the Southeast monsoon from May to October can make sea conditions rough at St Pierre. If that happens, the snorkeling spot might switch to a calmer bay area such as Anse Petit Cours.

St Pierre Conditions During May to October, How to Set Expectations

If you travel in the monsoon months, plan for flexibility. This is not a tour you should book thinking every second will be identical to the photos. When wind and waves pick up, safety and comfort come first, so your snorkeling location can change.

What I would do in your shoes is pack for both scenarios:

• Sunscreen and a sun hat no matter what
• A dry bag for your phone and valuables
• Swimwear you do not mind getting wet again if the day shifts

If you end up snorkeling at the alternate bay, it can still be a good experience. In fact, calmer water can make it easier to spend time watching fish instead of battling current.

Back to Praslin: Light Refreshments and Closing the Loop

You leave St Pierre around 3:00 PM and head back to Praslin, arriving about 3:30 PM. On the ride back, you may get light refreshments. Then you are dropped at your pickup zone, with drop-offs in areas such as Baie Ste Anne, Berjaya Praslin Resort, and the Kannus supermarket area.

I like how the day ends early enough that you still have evening energy on Praslin. That means you can still shower, eat dinner, and not feel like you got home just to collapse.

Price and Value: Is $85 a Good Deal for This Mix?

At $85 per person for about a 6-hour experience, the value comes from the combination, not any single item. You are paying for:

• Speedboat transport between islands
• A guided Curieuse tour, including tortoise sanctuary time and mangrove trails
• Beachside Creole BBQ with multiple protein options and sides
• Two snorkeling sessions, with guidance
• Drinks at lunch, including local beer, soft drinks, and water

The catch is that there are landing fees not included. You pay about 20 Euro per person on Curieuse, and the note says payment is card only on arrival. So your true total cost is a bit more than the base price once you factor that in.

Even with landing fees, I think the pricing makes sense if you want a one-day hit of Curieuse wildlife plus St Pierre snorkeling. If your main goal is only snorkeling, you might compare it against other half-day snorkel options. If your goal is island life, tortoises, and reef time in one day, this is one of the more balanced ways to do it.

What to Bring (So the Day Feels Easy, Not Annoying)

You will be out in the sun, walking on uneven ground, then getting in the water. Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes

That shoes part matters. A booking flagged that the hike can have rocky steps and a slightly rough route, so sturdy sandals with grip or trail sneakers are better than flimsy flip-flops.

If you have your own snorkeling gear, consider bringing it. One booking mentioned the snorkel gear provided can have a mouthpiece, and they strongly suggested having your own setup if you care about comfort.

Also, you get a 750 ml water bottle for the trail. Still, pack a small bag that can handle water and sweat, because you are moving between beach, boat, and snorkeling spots.

Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Might Want to Skip It)

This is best for:

• Nature lovers who want real wildlife time on Curieuse
• Snorkelers who like having a guided plan rather than guessing offshore
• People who want a Creole BBQ lunch included, with enough variety to satisfy different tastes
• Travelers staying on Praslin who want a full day but not an all-day logistics headache

It may not be best if:

• You have mobility concerns. The operator states it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
• You do not handle boats well. It is carried out in a speedboat, and the day includes open water time.
• You hate walking. There is a hike component on Curieuse.

If you are generally healthy and comfortable with beach walking and short hikes, you should be fine.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book This Curieuse and St Pierre Day Trip?

I would book this if you want a single day that mixes Curieuse tortoises and mangroves with St Pierre snorkeling and a proper Creole BBQ lunch. The strongest reasons are the wildlife focus, the lunch quality with real variety, and the fact that the snorkeling is structured with help, not left to luck.

I would hesitate if you are traveling in the May to October monsoon months and you are fixated on a specific St Pierre snorkeling site. The tour can shift locations for calmer conditions, which is smart, but it does change the plan.

If you are okay with that flexibility, this is a very practical way to experience two of the Seychelles most famous island stops in one go, without turning your vacation into a travel spreadsheet.

FAQ

How long is the Curieuse and St. Pierre day trip?

The experience runs about 6 hours, with pickup around 8:45 AM and a return to Praslin around 3:30 PM based on the schedule.

Where can pickup and drop-off happen on Praslin?

Pickup can be arranged from certain areas on Praslin, including Baie-Ste-Anne, Grand-Anse, Anse Volbert, and also areas such as Amitie and St Joseph. Drop-off is offered at areas including Baie-Ste-Anne, Berjaya Praslin Resort, and the Kannus supermarket area.

What is included in the BBQ lunch?

Lunch includes a Creole BBQ with grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns kebab, lentilles, garlic bread, salads, tropical fruits, and vegetarian options. Soft drinks, water, and local beer (Seybrew) are also included.

Are snorkeling sessions included, and how many?

Yes. The tour includes 2 snorkeling spots.

Do I need to pay landing fees?

Yes. Landing fees are not included. You will pay about 20 Euro per person on arrival on Curieuse Island, and payment is card only.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.