Praslin’s boat trips are good. This one mixes snorkeling, tortoises, and a mangrove walk. You get a glass bottom cruise from Praslin to Curieuse, then you add two water stops, plus a guided trail on land. I especially like that it feels like a 100% Seychellois day, with a local guide who keeps the pace calm. One thing to consider is the extra marine park entrance fee (SR300 per person age 12 and up), which adds to the headline price.

Two things I really like: the chance to see giant land tortoises up close during the day, and the fact you are not just on a boat and gone. You even share the BBQ lunch setting right next to a giant tortoise, which is a rare, memorable detail. The only drawback is that snorkeling stops can shift with weather, so the exact location for your first swim may vary.

If you want a mix of sea and nature, with guided context and no rush, this is a strong pick. It also helps that the day includes drinks throughout, snorkeling gear, and English and French guidance.

Key things to know before you go

• Glass bottom cruising that helps you spot marine life before you even snorkel
• Two snorkeling stops using provided mask and fins
• Curieuse Island’s 1.7 km mangrove trail, guided on land
• BBQ lunch beside giant land tortoises, not just a meal with a view
• Drinks included during the tour, plus beer for adults 18+
• Marine park fee extra (SR300 per person age 12 and up), payable on the spot

What this Praslin day really is, sea to shore to tortoise

This tour is built like a full island day, starting with the water and ending with time to recharge on Curieuse. You cruise from Praslin toward Curieuse Island, then you spend the morning in the sea and the afternoon on land and in or near the water again. At a practical level, it means you get variety without having to plan anything yourself.

The other big reason it works is the guided flow. A local guide speaking English and French connects what you see on the water to what you walk through on Curieuse, including the mangrove trail. That added context makes the tortoise encounter feel more meaningful than a quick photo moment.

And yes, it is designed to feel local. You are on a Seychellois-led experience with a crew and guide, drinks included, and a nature focus rather than a sightseeing checklist.

The glass-bottom cruise, how it sets the tone

You start with a glass bottom boat cruise from Praslin to Curieuse. A glass bottom means you can look down and see underwater scenery during the ride, which is a nice “warm-up” before snorkeling.

This is also where you get your bearings. If you are the type who likes to understand the place before you jump in the water, this first segment helps. The cruise itself is also part of the appeal, since you get the scenic time while the crew handles the schedule.

One practical note: you should be ready for a day that includes time on the water, and the tour is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. If that is you, plan carefully.

Snorkeling on St. Pierre, then again in Curieuse waters

The tour includes two snorkeling stops, with masks and fins provided. Your first swim happens at St Pierre, or another location depending on weather, since the tour does mention that the first stop may adjust.

That flexibility is not a bad thing. It usually means the operator is aiming for workable conditions rather than sticking to a plan no matter what. Still, it does mean you should not expect one fixed spot every day.

What you can expect from the snorkeling part is straightforward: gear is included, you get guided help, and you have enough time to do more than a quick dip. The day is designed so you are not rushed between moments.

You get another water option later in the day as well. The schedule includes an afternoon slot where you either snorkel again or enjoy the beach on Curieuse, depending on how things are running. This is helpful if you want a balance, especially if the sea changes.

Landing on Curieuse, beaches and the feel of being on land

After the first water segment, you land on Curieuse Island. This is where the day shifts from ocean scenery to island rhythms, with a beach stop that gives you a chance to settle in and switch modes.

Curieuse is known for its protected nature setting, and that shows in the way the land part is structured. Instead of only doing beach time, you also get a guided trail through mangrove forest, which is one of the best ways to understand the island ecosystem beyond the shoreline.

If you want pure beach time only, this tour still gives you some, but it is not a beach-only day. It is a nature day with a beach payoff.

The mangrove trail (1.7 km), why it matters

One of the most specific parts of the itinerary is the 1.7 km nature trail across Curieuse, through mangrove forest. This is not a long hike in distance, but it is long enough to feel like you are actually walking through the island environment rather than just making a quick photo stop.

Mangroves are a key part of coastal ecology, and the guide’s role matters here. You are not just walking through a pretty area. You have live English and French interpretation tied to what you see.

A practical consideration: this portion is not designed around people with mobility impairments or wheelchair use, and the tour has a long list of groups for whom it is not suitable. If walking distance is a concern for you, take that seriously.

BBQ lunch beside a giant land tortoise, the moment you remember

Lunch is BBQ on Curieuse Island, and the standout detail is that you sit right next to a giant land tortoise. That is not just a nice story. It changes the whole tone of the meal, because you are eating in the same natural setting you came to learn about.

The lunch itself is described as BBQ, and it is included in the price you see (before the marine park ticket). Reviews also point out that the lunch is simple but tasty, which matches what you would expect from a straightforward island BBQ.

This tortoise-adjacent lunch is one of those rare experiences that feels genuinely special, because it connects your food stop to the conservation setting rather than treating the tortoises like a roadside stop.

Drinks throughout the day, and the adult options

The tour includes drinks during the cruise and stops: water and lemonade, plus 1 beer per 18+ adults and a rhum cocktail. Having drinks provided matters more than people think, because you are out for about 390 minutes, so staying hydrated is part of enjoying the day.

It is also a nice touch that you are not forced to buy drinks between segments. You can relax into the rhythm, especially during transitions between boat and beach.

If you are not drinking alcohol, the water and lemonade keep you covered. If you are a drinker, it helps that the adult options are part of the included package rather than an add-on later.

The real cost: price plus the marine park entrance fee

The tour price is listed as $105 per person for the experience itself. What you should plan for is the marine park entrance fee of SR300 per person age 12 and above, payable with the supplier by card, online, or cash.

So, the best value question is really this: does the experience include enough to justify both the tour price and the park fee. In this case, yes, if you want the combination of glass bottom cruise, two snorkeling opportunities with gear provided, a guided mangrove trail, and BBQ lunch with a tortoise encounter.

If you are traveling as a family, the fee rule matters. Since the marine park tickets apply from age 12 and up, calculate your group’s ages before you assume the all-in total. Also keep in mind the tour mentions you skip the ticket line, which can save time once you arrive.

Transportation to the boat location is not included, so factor in a taxi or your own local ride to reach the meeting point area.

Meeting time and what to do before you arrive

You meet at Beach Front Garden in front of Pirogue Restaurent Parking by 09:30. Arriving early is smart. Even if the tour starts right after you gather, you want time to sort out anything you brought, fill up on water, and get your sunscreen sorted.

What to bring is simple and worth following: sunscreen and swimwear. The tour also provides snorkeling mask and fins, so you do not need to pack your own gear for that.

Also remember what is not allowed: smoking, and baby strollers. If you are bringing young kids, check the age suitability. The tour is not suitable for children under 4.

Who this tour suits best, and who should skip it

This experience is a good match if you want a guided nature day that includes both water time and a land walk, without turning into an all-day hike. You also should like the idea of a tortoise encounter as a central moment, not a side stop.

It is not a fit if any of these apply, because the tour specifically lists restrictions. It is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, mobility impairments, heart problems, wheelchair users, people over 65, people prone to seasickness, people with recent surgeries, people with low level of fitness, people over 70, and people with insect allergies.

That list is long, and that is your signal to take safety and comfort seriously. If you are worried you might fall into one of those groups, you are better off asking the provider directly before booking.

Value and service, what stands out in the reviews

The overall rating is 5 with strong marks across the set. The most repeated praise centers on the guides and the way the day is managed.

One theme is that the crew is patient and there is no sense of rushing. That matters on a day with snorkeling, because you want enough time to get comfortable in the water and to actually see what you came for. Another theme is that you can ask a lot of questions about Curieuse, flora, and fauna, and get thoughtful answers.

The BBQ also gets described as simple but very tasty, which aligns with what you should expect from an island lunch. The best part for me is the overall balance people report: great places, fun activities, and service that keeps things smooth.

Finally, the experience provider is Geoli Charters, and the tour positions itself as a 100% Seychellois experience. In practice, that usually means you are spending your day with locals guiding you through a protected nature setting rather than a generic, high-volume sightseeing day.

Quick heads-up on practical realities

Weather plays a role, especially for the first snorkeling location. You should be mentally ready for the day to adjust, even if the plan stays on track as a whole.

You will also spend part of the day on a boat, so plan for sun and warmth. Sunscreen is not optional. Even on a “cruise day,” the Seychelles sun can surprise you.

Finally, remember the added marine park fee is separate from the tour price. If you are keeping a budget, calculate the all-in cost early so there are no surprises later.

Should you book this Curieuse and St. Pierre tour?

Book it if you want a structured, guided nature day that combines snorkeling twice, a mangrove walk, and a BBQ lunch tied to a giant tortoise experience. It is also a good choice if you appreciate calm pacing and lots of chances to ask questions, rather than a rushed tour where you barely get time in the water.

Pass on it if you fall into the tour’s non-suitable categories, especially if you are prone to seasickness or mobility challenges. Also reconsider if you are only after pure beach time, because the tour includes a nature trail and a full schedule that is meant to be active.

If you do decide to go, do the simple prep: bring swimwear and sunscreen, and budget for the marine park ticket for anyone 12 and older. When you line up those details, this tour turns into one of the more memorable sea-and-nature combos you can do from Praslin.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Curieuse St. Pierre Guided Tour with BBQ and two snorkeling spots?

The tour duration is 390 minutes.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at the Beach Front Garden in front of Pirogue Restaurent Parking by 09:30.

Is the marine park entrance fee included in the price?

No. The marine park entrance fee is SR300.0 (about 20.00 euro) per person from 12 years and above, and it is payable by card, online, or cash with the supplier.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

The tour includes mask and fins for snorkeling.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is a BBQ. Drinks included are water, lemonade, 1 beer per 18+ adults, and a rhum cocktail.

What should I bring and what should I wear?

Bring sunscreen and wear swimwear.

Who should not book this tour?

It is not suitable for children under 4 years, pregnant women, people with back problems, people with mobility impairments, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, people over 65 years, people prone to seasickness, people with recent surgeries, people with low level of fitness, people over 70 years, and people with insect allergies. Smoking and baby strollers are also not allowed.