Birds and tortoises in one day. I really like Cousin for how it turns wildlife viewing into a guided conservation experience, and I love the chance to meet giant tortoises on Curieuse. One caution: because it’s a speedboat day, rough weather can mean you get wet fast, and landing can be delayed.

This is a small-group outing (limited to 10) run by Loyalty Boat Charter, with pickups around Côte d’Or area beaches on Praslin and a steady rhythm of island stops. You’ll get BBQ lunch plus drinks and snorkeling gear, but you’ll still need to budget for landing fees at Cousin and Curieuse.

Quick hits on Cousin, Curieuse, and St-Pierre

• Cousin Island bird conservation with guided wildlife viewing time and photo stops
• Curieuse giant tortoises plus a mangrove hike into a protected habitat
• Creole BBQ on Curieuse with soft drinks, water, and local beer included
• St-Pierre snorkeling with provided snorkeling gear (short but focused)
• Small group of 10 max with English and French guiding
• Watch the weather: speedboats can be exposed, and landings may not always be perfectly timed

Cousin, Curieuse, and St-Pierre: what makes this trip worth your time

This trip works because it hits two different “Seychelles nature” moods in one day. Cousin feels like a tight, rules-based wildlife sanctuary where you’re learning as you look. Curieuse is more hands-on, with a walk through mangroves and that iconic moment of being close to giant tortoises.

Then comes St-Pierre, where the day shifts from land to water. You get a chunk of snorkeling time over coral and marine life, and it’s a nice contrast after hours on islands.

For me, the best part is that the itinerary isn’t only about scenery. It’s about seeing ecosystems in action—birds and coral on one side, mangroves and slow-moving giants on the other.

The 7-hour speedboat day: timing, comfort, and reality checks

You’re on the water for most of the day, and that matters. It’s a 7-hour speedboat outing with pickup and drop-off options on Praslin (Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse Praslin, Anse Volbert). The boat leaves around 9:15 AM from Côte d’Or and you’re back roughly 3:30 to 4:00 PM.

Here’s the practical bit: on calm mornings, speedboats are fun. On stormy or windy days, they can feel like you’re in the elements. A documented downside from an earlier booking was heavy rain and rougher ride conditions—plus a delay in getting ashore—so the plan can change when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

If you’re prone to seasickness, you should know this trip isn’t suitable for you. If you’re fine with boats but dislike getting wet, plan to dress like you might. Even on “normal” days, the boat ride is part of the experience, not a quick transfer you barely notice.

Cousin Island: the bird sanctuary stop (and the beach-photo bonus)

Cousin Island is known for bird conservation, and the trip gives you a proper wildlife window rather than a rushed look. You arrive around 9:30 AM and you’ll typically get about three hours there.

On Cousin, you can expect:

• A guided tour and wildlife viewing
• Time for sightseeing and photos
• A chance to enjoy beaches mentioned in the highlights, including Anse Georgette and Anse Lazio

Those names matter because they’re not just marketing words in Seychelles—they’re part of what makes Praslin famous. Even when Cousin is the star, you still get that “wow, this island palette looks unreal” feeling.

One detail I like: it’s not only birds. You might also spot sea turtles and various bird species during the wildlife viewing portion. The guide’s role here is big; the whole point is to understand what you’re seeing and why the island is protected.

Small-group benefit: when there are up to 10 people, questions are easier and the guide can manage pacing better than on big boats.

Curieuse Island: tortoises, mangroves, and a Creole BBQ lunch

If Cousin is about birds and conservation education, Curieuse is about giant tortoises and their habitat. After leaving Cousin around 12:30 PM, you head to Curieuse for lunch and an active part of the day.

You’ll have about 1:00 PM to 2:45 PM on Curieuse, and that window is packed:

• Creole BBQ lunch on the island
• A 45-minute hike into the mangrove swamp
• A guided tour and time to meet the giant tortoises
• A stop at Anse Badamier

This is where the trip earns its nickname in my head as the slow-life island. Giant tortoises move like they’ve got all the time in the world. Watching them in their natural setting (not in a zoo-style setting) is the kind of memory that sticks.

It’s also not just tortoises. The tour highlights include exploring the natural habitat of giant crabs and the giant aldabra tortoise. Even if your main goal is the tortoises, the mangrove hike gives you a different kind of wildlife perspective—less about spotting from a distance and more about walking through a living system.

Food note: the BBQ is included, and that’s one of the big value points here. You’re not paying extra for lunch once you’re on Curieuse; you’re building that cost into the trip price. And in the feedback, the BBQ is specifically called out as a high point.

St-Pierre snorkeling: short time, clear purpose

After Curieuse, you go to St-Pierre for snorkeling, roughly from 2:45 PM to 3:20 PM.

This part is intentionally time-limited. That’s not a flaw—it’s how the trip keeps the whole day moving across multiple islands. You get provided snorkeling gear, which saves you from the hassle of renting or bringing your own.

What you’re looking for:

• Coral reefs
• Marine life

Because the snorkeling slot is shorter than the land stops, you’ll want to be ready as soon as you’re in the water. If you’re the type who needs to adjust goggles forever, do it on the beach fast, not during your “only” snorkeling window.

Also, if you don’t swim well, you still might enjoy it with the right comfort level—but you’ll be safer staying close to the guide and staying calm in the water.

Price and logistics: what you pay, what you still need to pay

The advertised price is $155 per person for a 7-hour full-day boat trip. For a multi-island outing with BBQ lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear included, it’s not bad value—especially because you’re also paying for a guide and the small-group setup.

But there’s a key line you should not ignore: landing fees are not included.

You’ll need to plan for:

• Cousin Island landing fees listed as €40 equivalent (SCR600), and elsewhere noted as €60 per person for payment on the day
• Curieuse Island landing fees listed as €20 equivalent (SCR300)

The operator also specifically notes that guests should bring a debit card for landing-fee payment at Cousin. With the Cousin fee amount showing two figures in the information you provided, I’d treat “have enough euros equivalent” as the smart move rather than trying to guess the exact number.

Included in your price:

• Pickup from select areas on Praslin (Baie Ste Anne, Grand Anse, Anse Volbert)
• BBQ lunch
• Soft drinks, water, and local beer
• Snorkeling gear
• Tour guide (English and French)

That drink-and-lunch combo is a real practical win. It reduces what you need to buy on the islands. When you’re bouncing from island to island on a set schedule, fewer extra stops for food usually means a smoother day.

What’s included (and why it matters on an island-hopping day)

You’ll see a lot of tours list “snorkeling gear” and “BBQ,” but on this route, those details change how the day feels.

Because:

• Lunch is handled on Curieuse, not as a stop you have to scramble through
• Drinks (soft drinks, water, local beer) are included with the BBQ
• Snorkeling gear means you don’t have to locate rentals before pickup
• A guide helps with both wildlife understanding and keeping the group on track

And the group size is limited to 10. That makes a difference for things like hiking pacing and how quickly you can get help with snorkeling setup.

Weather and the boat reality: the one risk you should plan for

This is the part I want you to take seriously, because it’s the difference between a great day and a frustrating one.

This activity is wildlife-focused, but it’s also water-dependent. That means:

• Wind and rain can make the boat ride uncomfortable
• Landing plans can be delayed when conditions are poor
• If the day turns rough, you may spend longer exposed and less time on the islands

One booking example described a start with strong rain, an uncomfortable boat ride, and a wait for boarding to reach Cousin, ultimately returning without seeing the island due to conditions. That’s not what anyone wants. The lesson for you is simple: pack for weather, and don’t assume the day will run exactly as scheduled if conditions deteriorate.

If you have flexibility and you’re coming from farther away, consider keeping your other plans light that day.

How to pack like you mean it (Cousin mosquitos, Curieuse hikes, St-Pierre water)

The packing list for this trip is detailed for a reason. I’d follow it closely, especially because you’ll be on shore, in mangroves, and then in the water.

I’d prioritize:

• Insect repellent (biodegradable if possible)
• Sunscreen plus a hat and sunglasses
• Comfortable shoes for the mangrove hike
• Towel and swimwear (you’ll want to dry off fast)
• Water shoes if you have them, since snorkeling setups can be rough around the edges
• A waterproof bag or phone protection (charged smartphone is listed, plus camera options)

If you’re serious about photos, bring a camera and consider a waterproof camera or waterproof bag. You’ll be moving between islands quickly, so you want gear that won’t turn into a wet science project.

Also, avoid the items the tour says are not allowed, like jeans, pets, oversize luggage, glass objects, and anything that could turn into an awkward safety issue on a speedboat.

Who this trip suits best (and who should choose differently)

This outing is great if you:

• Want wildlife plus snorkeling in one day
• Like guided nature stops rather than solo wandering
• Enjoy active time on foot (the mangrove hike is real)
• Prefer small groups over big bus energy

It’s not suitable for:

• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• People who are visually impaired or hearing-impaired (as listed)
• Anyone prone to seasickness
• Babies under 1 year (and there are listed upper age cutoffs)

If you’re older and the boat ride or hike is a concern, it’s worth thinking hard before booking. And if insect allergies are an issue, this one is flagged as not suitable.

The verdict: should you book Cousin, Curieuse, and St-Pierre with Loyalty Boat Charter?

If your dream day includes birds, giant tortoises, and at least some snorkeling, I’d say this trip is a strong choice—because it combines all three without making you spend the whole day planning meals or rentals. The BBQ lunch, included drinks, and snorkeling gear make it feel like a complete package rather than a series of “add-ons.”

But I would only book it if you’re okay with the boat reality. When conditions are bad, speedboats can be exposed, and landings can become unpredictable. If you go in prepared—light colors for mosquitos, rain-ready clothing, and realistic expectations about timing—you’re set up for a genuinely memorable day.

So: book if you’re flexible and nature-first. Skip or pick a calmer option if you can’t handle rough water or you need the day to be perfectly schedule-proof.

FAQ

How long is the Cousin, Curieuse and St-Pierre full-day trip?

The duration is 7 hours.

What does the $155 per person price include?

Pickup from select areas on Praslin, barbecue, soft drinks, local beer, water, snorkeling gear, and a tour guide (English and French).

Are landing fees included for Cousin and Curieuse?

No. Landing fees are not included. You’ll need to pay at Cousin Island (listed as €40 equivalent or €60 per person) and at Curieuse Island (€20 equivalent).

Do I need a debit card for the landing fees?

Yes. The tour notes that guests should bring a debit card for landing-fee payment at Cousin Island.

What time does the trip depart from Praslin?

Departure is around 9:15 AM from Côte d’Or, Praslin Beach, with arrival at Cousin Island around 9:30 AM.

Is the group small?

Yes. It’s limited to 10 participants.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkeling gear is included.

Who should avoid this tour?

It is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and it’s also listed as not suitable for people with insect allergies and certain sensory or age categories.