Curieuse Island Guided Boat Tour from Praslin — BBQ, Giant Tortoises & 2 Snorkel Stops

Most Praslin island cruises cover Curieuse and St Pierre in a day — what elevates this particular tour to 4.9 stars across over a thousand bookings is the professional guide who accompanies the group throughout. On the Curieuse nature trail, the guide identifies individual tortoises, explains the island's conservation history, and points out the endemic Coco de Mer palms and mangroves that line the path. At the snorkel stops, the same guide is in the water with you, pointing out species you would otherwise swim past: Napolean wrasse, octopus, reef sharks sheltering under coral ledges.

The BBQ lunch is served on Curieuse beach under casuarina pines — fresh-grilled local fish, Creole rice, salads, and a generous supply of local beer and rum punch. Several recent reviews specifically call out the lunch as a standout moment: "The BBQ was genuinely delicious — not the usual bland tourist food," wrote one reviewer. The beach at Curieuse is calm and sheltered, making the post-lunch swim one of the most relaxed parts of the day.

Two completely different ecosystems in a single day — that is the unique structure of this Praslin island boat tour.

• Giant Aldabra tortoises — 300+ roaming free on Curieuse beach and through the mangrove trail; close-up encounters virtually guaranteed
• Curieuse mangrove forest — one of the Seychelles' most intact mangrove ecosystems, with a raised boardwalk through the root network
• St Pierre Island coral garden — shallow (3–6m) branching and brain coral, surgereonfish, parrotfish, barracuda, and hawksbill turtles
• Granite boulder formations — Curieuse's famous pink granite boulders lining the beach
• Seabirds — white fairy terns, noddies, and Seychelles blue pigeons common on the island trail

The two snorkeling stops target different parts of the St Pierre Marine Park reef — the first stop covers the deeper coral garden (5–8m), while the second is over the shallow fringing reef (2–3m), suitable for weaker swimmers and children. Visibility at St Pierre averages 15–25 metres from May to October when the southeast trade winds keep the water clear on the Praslin side.

Included

Everything you need for the full day is covered in the $114 price:

• Professional English-speaking guide throughout the day
• Snorkeling equipment: mask, fins, and snorkel for both stops
• Traditional BBQ lunch: grilled fish, Creole rice, salad, fruit
• Local beer and rum punch with lunch (soft drinks available)
• Boat transfer from Praslin pier to Curieuse and St Pierre
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

Not included

• Hotel pickup — self-drive or taxi to the Praslin departure pier (Anse Volbert or Grand Anse)
• Gratuity for the guide and crew — customary and appreciated
• Wetsuit — not needed (water temperature 26–28°C year-round)
• Underwater camera — bring your own or rent one in Anse Volbert

Tips gathered from recent travelers and the Praslin island-hopping community:

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen only — fluorinated UV filters are banned in Seychelles marine national parks; use mineral-based (zinc oxide) sunscreen
• The tortoise colony is most active in the morning when it's cooler — arrive on the early departure (8:00 AM) rather than a later slot if offered
• Wear a rash guard in addition to sunscreen — the snorkel stops have strong surface UV even in moderate conditions
• The Creole rum punch at lunch is strong — pace yourself if you're snorkeling in the afternoon
• Bring a small dry bag for your phone — sea spray is common on the Praslin-to-Curieuse crossing
• Mornings from May to October have the best snorkeling visibility at St Pierre — the southeast trade winds keep the Praslin-side water clearest during this period

The Curieuse Island guided boat tour from Praslin is ideal for first-time visitors to the Seychelles who want a single day that covers the two most iconic Praslin-side experiences: a close encounter with giant Aldabra tortoises on a protected island and snorkeling at one of the clearest coral reefs in the Indian Ocean. It is equally well-suited to couples, families with older children, and solo travelers who want a guided group experience rather than a private charter.

• Not suitable for: guests with significant mobility limitations — the Curieuse nature trail has uneven terrain and the beach landing requires wading from the boat
• Not suitable for: pregnant travelers — open-water boat crossings are not advised during pregnancy
• Not suitable for: very young children (under 5) — 7 hours is a long day and the snorkeling stops require basic swimming ability

What to Bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen (mineral-based, zinc oxide only)
• Rash guard or long-sleeve UV top
• Hat and sunglasses
• Small dry bag for phone and camera
• Light footwear for the nature trail (sandals or water shoes)
• Cash for crew gratuity

Not Allowed

• Non-reef-safe sunscreen — banned in all Seychelles marine national parks
• Touching or feeding the giant tortoises — approaching is fine, contact is not permitted
• Collecting shells, coral, or any natural material from the island or reef
• Outside food and beverages — BBQ lunch is provided