One day, three big wow moments. A cruise from Praslin to Curieuse Island delivers giant land tortoises and clear-water snorkeling, plus a guided nature walk and BBQ. I like that it stays well paced, not rushed, and the crew keeps things fun without losing control. The one catch is the Curieuse marine park entry fee is extra, and you’ll want a credit card ready.

What makes this day work is the mix of water time, land time, and food time. You get two separate chances to see marine life, then a proper hour on Curieuse with a guide leading the trail so you know what you’re looking at. If you’re someone who wants maximum snorkeling time and nothing else, you might wish for longer in the water.

Key points to know before you go

• Curieuse’s giant tortoises up close on a guided island trail, where you can linger for photos
• Two snorkeling stops with one planned around weather and sea conditions
• Creole BBQ lunch plus drinks served during the island portion, not as an afterthought
• Small-group energy with guides who teach in English and French, including names like Benjamin, Rocco, Jimmy, Ryan, Samuel, and Liroy
• Sundowner-style rum on the return cruise using local Takamaka rum
• Weather-flexible reef stops on the way back, including options like St Pierre area and Anse Lazio

Praslin to Curieuse, and why the timing feels right

This tour is built as a full-day loop that starts with hotel pickup on Praslin and a transfer to the boat launch point. After a quick meet and greet, you’re off, usually with enough time to settle in before the first snorkel stop. It’s not a half-day sprint, but it also doesn’t feel like you’re wasting hours waiting around.

The rhythm is what I’d call travel-smart:

• Boat out
• Snorkel break
• Curieuse beach and guided trail
• BBQ lunch and tortoise time
• Second snorkel, then reef photo time
• Sundowner rum cocktail on the way back
• Drop-off by transfer

You’ll notice one theme: the tour gives you variety without making any single part feel chopped up. The BBQ is timed so you can snorkel again afterward. The trail is about an hour, long enough to feel like an experience, not a chore.

Snorkel Stop 1: your first chance at Seychelles marine life

Your morning starts with a snorkeling break of about 45 minutes to 1 hour. The exact location is chosen based on weather and sea conditions, so don’t assume it will be the same spot every day. That said, the goal is consistent: clear, colorful fish and an easy swim-and-breathe moment.

You’ll get snorkeling equipment included, which matters on Praslin because rental gear and logistics can quickly turn into a hassle. The guides also help you find good areas to look into, not just point you at the water and hope for the best. Several guides mentioned in the experience stories, like Benjamin and Ryan, are praised specifically for spotting marine life and explaining where to focus.

If you’re a nervous snorkeler, pay attention here: one review highlights that even a non-swimmer felt supported during snorkeling. That doesn’t mean you can ignore safety, but it does suggest the crew watches the group closely and helps people participate.

Quick tip: wear your swimwear under clothes. Bring water shoes if you have them, because the island parts can be slippery and rooty.

Curieuse arrival: beach time before the trail

After that first snorkel stop, you head to Curieuse Island for some downtime on the beach. This is a nice buffer. You’ve been in the boat, you’ve gotten wet already, and then you can dry off, grab a drink, and reset your energy.

Then comes the guided nature trail. This isn’t just a walk. You’re with a guide who explains what you’re seeing as you go, and the tour is designed to keep it manageable. Expect around an hour of walking across the island with viewpoints and chances to spot birds and plants along the route.

Guides often speak both English and French, and more than one review mentions the guides making sure information lands for mixed-language groups. Names that come up include Benjamin and Rocco, and the recurring theme is clear teaching plus a relaxed pace.

The Curieuse giant tortoises: the photo moment you can actually enjoy

Let’s talk about the headline. Curieuse is where you meet giant land tortoises roaming freely. You’re not just observing from a distance. You move through the island environment where these animals live, and you get time to watch them foraging.

A lot of the most excited feedback centers on the tortoises being calm and friendly, and in some cases, people mention feeding or petting them with guidance. That kind of interaction feels special because it’s not staged like a zoo setup. The crew can also help you with the Curieuse marine park entry ticket, which is important because the fee applies for ages 12 and older.

One practical consideration: you’ll want to be respectful with distance and behavior. Curieuse is a protected sanctuary, so follow the crew’s instructions and watch where you step. If you’re tempted to sprint around for the perfect selfie, don’t. Slow and steady wins here.

Photo tip: use your time for both portraits and scene shots. Take close-ups first, then step back for the wider “tortoise in its world” images.

Creole BBQ lunch and drinks on Curieuse

Lunch is served on Curieuse: a Creole BBQ with local beer. There’s also soft drinks included throughout the day. This part matters for value because it handles the most expensive daily meal problem. You’re not hunting food, and you’re not buying drinks one by one.

The BBQ is repeatedly praised as tasty and filling without being heavy. People mention fish and grilled meats, plus salads, including a mango salad that gets called out as a favorite. If you’re traveling with family or picky eaters, this meal format is usually a win because there’s variety and it feels local.

Then there’s the drinks setup. Reviews mention local beer and a rum cocktail later using Takamaka rum. That rum portion is often described as a perfect end to the day while you cruise back toward Praslin.

Snorkel Stop 2 and the St Pierre area reef photos

After lunch and tortoise time, the tour heads back out. The next reef stop depends on weather. You might go toward the St Pierre area or another reef close to Curieuse when conditions are right.

On the way, you may have a photo moment on the reefs, depending on what the captain can safely access. That’s smart, because Seychelles sea conditions can change fast, and the crew isn’t pretending everything is identical.

Then you reach the second snorkeling stop. If the sea allows, it’s typically at Anse La Farine. If conditions don’t permit that, the plan switches to Anse Georgette and Lazio Beach.

One review specifically praises a second snorkeling stop as feeling like an aquarium, with hundreds of fish and lots of color. While you can’t guarantee exact fish counts, the takeaway is consistent: the second stop is often where snorkeling feels especially alive. If snorkeling is your main goal, you’ll likely be happiest that this isn’t one long session. It’s two separate bursts, with land time and food in between.

The return cruise: Takamaka rum and the right kind of wind-down

On the way back to Praslin, you get a final drink highlight: a trademark Takamaka rum cocktail while you slowly cruise. It’s the kind of finishing touch that turns the day from a checklist into a memory.

You’ll then return to the dock and get your transfer back to your hotel anywhere on Praslin. The included pickup and drop-off matter because it saves you time and stress, especially if your lodging is not exactly near the boat launch area.

Price and value: $112 plus Curieuse entry fee

The tour price is $112 per person, which is a solid midrange price for a full-day experience on Praslin. The real question is what you’re getting for that amount.

Included items make the cost easier to justify:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Praslin
• BBQ lunch
• Soft drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Guided trail on Curieuse

Not included:

• Curieuse marine park entry ticket, SR300 per person age 12 and older
• Payment by credit card for that entry fee

So yes, there’s an extra cost. But the extra is tied to the protected island you’re visiting, and the guide also assists with the entry ticket purchase. Also, you’re not paying separately for gear, guided walking time, transport, and your two snorkel breaks.

One more practical value point: early booking can lower the price, and this is described as one of the most sought-after trips from Praslin. If you’re set on it, don’t leave it to the last second.

Group size and guide quality: where this tour wins

This is one of the tours where guide personality can make or break the day. The feedback here is extremely consistent about guides being friendly, organized, and willing to explain.

Names that show up in the experience stories include:

• Benjamin, praised for patient, knowledgeable guiding during the trail and snorkeling
• Rocco and Jimmy, praised for humor and care
• Ryan, praised for facts and a great snorkeling plus hike rhythm
• Samuel, praised for keeping things fun and organized
• Liroy, praised for hospitality and going above and beyond, including solo traveler support
• Sami, praised for positive energy and sharing

It also matters that the day isn’t described as overcrowded. Some people mention smaller group experiences and feeling spaced out during snorkeling. That reduces the claustrophobic feeling that can happen when boats are packed.

What to bring so the day stays easy

Here’s what you’ll want in your day bag:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear (for after snorkeling and on the beach portion)
• Credit card (because the Curieuse entry fee is paid with credit card, on site or online)
• Snorkeling-ready footwear if you have them (many mention sneakers for the hike since paths can be slippery)

Also note what’s not allowed: smoking.

If you want the hike to feel safer and less annoying, prioritize shoes with grip. One review points out slippery routes with roots and stones, so treat the trail like it deserves real footwear, not just flip-flops.

Who this tour suits best

This is a strong fit if you want an all-in-one Seychelles day that covers the main hits: sea life, giant tortoises, and local food.

You’ll probably be happiest if you:

• Want two snorkeling chances rather than one long session
• Like guided interpretation so you know what you’re seeing
• Enjoy mixing active time with a relaxed beach and BBQ stop
• Appreciate good drink service and a fun crew

If you’re less suited, it’s clearly spelled out:

• Not suitable for children under 4
• Not suitable for pregnant women
• Not suitable for people with heart problems
• Not suitable for wheelchair users
• Not suitable for people over 65

Should you book this Curieuse, BBQ, and 2 snorkel stops day trip?

If your goal is a high-value, full-day Seychelles experience that mixes two snorkel stops with the Curieuse tortoises and a real Creole BBQ lunch, I think you should book it. The best part is how the day is structured. You get variety without feeling rushed, and you’re guided in a way that makes the day more than just scenery.

Book with confidence if you:

• Are okay paying the Curieuse entry fee with a credit card
• Want both water time and guided island time
• Prefer a tour with strong organization and friendly guides

Hold off only if you’re mainly chasing uninterrupted snorkeling time, or if any of the health or mobility restrictions apply to you. Otherwise, this is the kind of day that tends to become a top memory from Praslin.