Curieuse and St Pierre Snorkeling Half-Day Trip No BBQ Lunch

A short boat ride, and suddenly you are in tortoise country. This half-day Curieuse and St Pierre trip packs Giant Tortoise sanctuary time and snorkeling at St Pierre into about four hours, with a mangrove walk that feels like a mini adventure. The main thing to plan around: the Curieuse landing fee (20 Euro per person) is not included.

If you’re staying on Praslin and you want nature without a full day commitment, this tour is a great fit. You’ll get a licensed guide (English and French), pickup from set areas around the island, water and soft drinks, and a local beer option. It’s also very weather- and comfort-dependent: if the sea is rough, your snorkeling spot or time may change.

Key things worth knowing before you go

• Curieuse giant tortoises: you visit their natural habitat on the island
• Mangrove swamp hike: a short trail that takes time because of guided stops and wildlife spotting
• Anse José beach break: a calm pause after the walk, built for photos and relaxing
• St Pierre snorkeling: you swim off the coast where you’ll see marine life near granite boulders
• Extra cost to remember: Curieuse landing fees are paid on arrival (20 Euro per person)
• Timing is tight: this is a fast half-day, so expect limited free time at each stop

From Praslin to Curieuse and St Pierre: the trip flow that makes it work

The schedule is built for efficiency. Pickup happens in the morning (one common departure pattern is hotel pickup around 8:45 AM, then reaching the boat departure point shortly after). You’ll head out by boat to Curieuse Island first, then transfer to St Pierre for snorkeling, before returning to Praslin by around 12:30 PM.

What I like about this format is that it fits real life. You get a real change of scenery—tortoises, mangroves, and a swim—without burning your whole day. It’s also great if you don’t have a hire car, because pickup is offered in specific areas such as Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand-Anse (town area), and Anse Volbert.

One practical note: the tour isn’t built for people who need long, uninterrupted mobility support. The mangrove walk is part of the experience, and the activity info lists it as not suitable for mobility impairments and wheelchair users, plus it’s also not listed for people with motion sickness.

Curieuse Island: your giant tortoise stop (and what to look for)

Curieuse is famous for one reason: the Aldabra giant tortoises. On this trip, you don’t just see them from far away—you get time to visit the tortoise sanctuary area and observe these gentle animals in their island habitat.

Here’s how to make that time count. Keep your eyes scanning the ground and shaded edges near the paths. Giant tortoises often look closest when they’re moving slowly or resting near natural cover. Also, listen to your guide’s explanations. The tour is led by a licensed guide (English and French), and guides like Mario, Reynold, and Benjamin are mentioned in past guest feedback for being especially engaging and helpful.

Expect the tortoise visit to be meaningful but time-boxed. Because the tour has to cover both Curieuse and St Pierre in one half-day, you shouldn’t expect a long, unhurried “all morning” session with the animals. Plan for a focused stop: take your photos, watch the behavior, then move on when the boat schedule demands it.

The mangrove swamp hike at Curieuse: short trail, big payoff

After the tortoise time, the plan shifts to walking. You’ll enter the mangrove area and follow a well-trodden path through the swamp forest. This is where the tour feels more hands-on, and it’s also where you get a lot of the “why Seychelles works” context—how mangroves protect coastlines and support wildlife.

What you’ll notice on the walk:

• Mangrove roots and the structure of the trees matter more than it looks at first glance. Those roots create shelter and help the ecosystem function.
• Birds and small wildlife can show up as you move slowly, stop, and listen.
• The atmosphere is usually quieter than beach time, with shade helping you from the morning heat.

One detail worth planning for: while the hike is not described as long, it can take time because your guide makes stops to explain plants and wildlife. In one guest account, the walking distance was noted as roughly 1.7 km, but it felt longer because of repeated teaching stops. If you prefer a fast, mostly silent walk, go in expecting a guided nature lesson rather than a casual stroll.

If you’re sensitive to heat, bring breathable clothing and water. In the reviews, a few people pointed out that the forest walk can land near peak warmth depending on the day’s schedule, so shade-loving comfort matters.

Anse José Beach: the calm break that turns a checklist day into a real morning

After the mangrove portion, you reach Anse José Beach. This is the “slow down” part of the trip. You’ll get a chance to rest, take photos, and enjoy that beach-light feeling Seychelles does well.

This stop matters because it balances the day. Without it, the trip could feel like two activities rushed together. Instead, you get a breather before heading off to snorkeling.

A smart way to use the beach time:

• Put on sunscreen right away if you haven’t already.
• Take a couple photos with the shoreline and water colors from a few angles—this is often the easiest part of the day to get good lighting.
• If you’re snorkeling later, keep your towel and swim items handy so you don’t scramble.

St Pierre Island snorkeling: swimming off the coast with granite boulders

Once Curieuse time is done, you transfer to St Pierre Island for snorkeling. The water here is described as clear, and the experience is built around swimming off the coast and checking out marine life near the shore.

What makes St Pierre especially memorable on this trip is the setting. The island is known for iconic granite boulders, and you can often spot them in photos with turquoise water around them. That mix—rocky shoreline edge plus underwater life—tends to make snorkeling more interesting than “just open water.”

A key realism check: sea conditions matter. One past guest described snorkeling being adjusted due to rough waves and changing the snorkeling spot. So if the day looks windy or choppy, don’t panic—just know your guide may alter the plan to keep it safe and doable.

Also, keep expectations right-sized. This is a half-day trip, so snorkeling time can be limited compared to full-day cruises. That doesn’t mean it’s short on value; it just means you’ll get a focused swim, not an all-afternoon reef session.

Price and value: what you get for $53, plus the Curieuse landing fee

At $53 per person, this tour is priced like a practical nature sampler. You’re paying for:

• Licensed guide support
• Hotel pickup/transfer within certain areas
• Water and soft drinks
• The combination of Curieuse tortoises + mangrove hike + St Pierre snorkeling

There’s an important extra cost: Curieuse landing fees are 20 Euro per person, and they’re not included. You’ll need to bring a Visa card or debit card and cash for that payment on Curieuse Island.

How I think about the value: you’re essentially buying three different experiences in one package. If you tried to piece them together yourself—transport, guide knowledge, and timing—the cost often jumps. For a short Praslin stay, this is a strong way to get high “variety per hour.”

One more note: the activity is listed as no BBQ lunch. If you’re used to a full-day “food included” outing, you’ll want to plan your next meal back on Praslin.

Drinks onboard and small comfort wins

This isn’t a long luxury cruise, but it includes the basics that keep the day pleasant. You get water and soft drinks, and the trip highlights also mention local beer.

Those small extras matter on a half-day plan. When you’re out on boats and in the sun, having a cold drink without having to buy everything separately is a real convenience. It also helps if you’re traveling with kids or someone who just needs a steady hydration rhythm during the walk.

What to bring (and what to avoid) for Curieuse + St Pierre

Packing correctly makes a big difference, especially because you combine walking + water time.

Bring:

• Comfortable shoes (and hiking shoes if you have them)
• Sun hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and a towel
• Camera (and a waterproof camera option if you want to protect it)
• Snorkeling gear (it’s listed on the packing list)
• Insect repellent and breathable clothing
• A waterproof bag if you’re bringing valuables

And plan on leaving some items behind:

• Jeans (listed as not allowed)
• Pets
• Jewelry and other valuables
• Anything that conflicts with the listed restrictions (like smoking indoors, oversized luggage, and so on)

If you want one simple packing trick: wear your comfortable clothes for the morning walk, then keep a separate, easy-to-reach bag for snorkeling gear and beach items.

Weather, sea conditions, and motion sickness: the stuff that can change your day

This tour depends on the sea. When conditions are rough, snorkeling can shift to a different spot or be adjusted for safety. Your guide is the person who will make the call, and the best mindset is flexible.

Motion sickness can also be a factor. The activity info lists it as not suitable for people with motion sickness, which tells you the boat portion isn’t meant for everyone. If you’re unsure, think hard before booking and consider whether you’ve tolerated island boats before.

Also remember: a mangrove walk in humid heat is still physical. If you tend to feel overheated, stick with breathable fabrics, use sunscreen, and take your time during explanation stops.

Who this half-day trip is best for

This is a strong match if you:

• Want giant tortoises without a full-day commitment
• Like a guided nature walk (mangroves + wildlife spotting)
• Want a snorkeling experience that’s efficient and close to your base on Praslin
• Prefer a morning outing when the day is still fresh

You might not love it as much if you:

• Need a fully low-walking itinerary (the hike is part of it)
• Have mobility limits that make forest paths hard
• Are sensitive to boat motion or rough seas
• Want a long, laid-back beach day with lots of free time

My booking verdict: should you book this Curieuse + St Pierre tour?

Yes, I’d book it if your goal is variety in a short window: tortoises, mangroves, and snorkeling, all tied together with pickup and a licensed guide. The $53 price makes sense because you’re not just paying for transport—you’re paying for guided time and the structure that keeps everything on schedule.

I’d especially recommend it if you’re staying on Praslin and you want an experience that feels genuinely local: tortoise sanctuary habitat, mangrove ecology, and a swim at St Pierre with granite boulders.

Just go in with two smart expectations: bring cash or card for the 20 Euro Curieuse landing fee, and don’t assume perfect snorkeling conditions every day. If you can handle those realities, this half-day trip is a great use of time in Seychelles.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Curieuse and St Pierre snorkeling trip?

It’s listed as a 4-hour half-day tour.

How much does it cost?

The price is $53 per person.

Are Curieuse Island landing fees included?

No. There’s a landing fee of 20 Euro per person on Curieuse Island, paid on site.

Where is pickup offered?

Pickup is available in certain areas, including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St Joseph, Grand-Anse (town area), and Anse Volbert.

What’s included in the trip price?

Included items are hotel transfer (certain areas), a licensed guide, water, and soft drinks.

Is a BBQ lunch included?

No. This option is listed as no BBQ lunch.

What language is the guide?

The guide is listed as English and French.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is listed for a full refund.