Curieuse Guided Tour, St Pierre, BBQ & 2 Snorkel Stops

Turtles, reefs, and BBQ in one long day. This Curieuse Island trip links two snorkeling stops off Praslin with a guided nature walk and up-close time with giant tortoises. It’s the kind of day where you can switch gears fast: saltwater, sand, then roaming turtles.

What I like most is the mix of two different underwater moments plus a land break that actually teaches you something. You’ll also get a Creole BBQ on Curieuse with local beer and drinks kept flowing, which makes the day feel complete, not just “tourist checklist.”

The main catch to plan around is the Curieuse marine park entry fee (SR300 for ages 12+), which is separate from the tour price and needs a credit card either online or on site.

Key highlights in plain English

• Two snorkeling stops timed around weather and sea conditions
• Curieuse guided trail (about 1 hour) with a local guide
• Giant land tortoises roaming close enough for photos
• Creole BBQ + local beer on the island, plus drinks during the day
• Hotel pickup and drop-off across Praslin for an easier day

Getting from Praslin to Curieuse: the day starts on your schedule

This is a full-day guided cruise that kicks off with bus pickup from your hotel anywhere on Praslin Island. You’ll transfer to the boat launch point, meet the crew, then get moving without having to figure out transport or logistics yourself. For many visitors, that alone is a big quality-of-life win.

Once aboard, the rhythm is set: you’re not stuck waiting around. There’s usually a first water time early enough that your body still has energy for snorkeling, then a beach break and the Curieuse walking portion, followed by more time at sea.

One small practical note: your day depends on wind and sea state. The itinerary keeps the same structure, but snorkeling locations can swap to match conditions—so I treat this as a “weather-smart” tour, not a strict route with no flexibility.

First snorkel stop off Praslin: gear, guidance, and fish time

After the meet-and-greet, you’ll head out for a 45-minute to 1-hour snorkeling break at one of the chosen sites. The exact location depends on weather and sea conditions, but the goal stays the same: colorful marine life and an easy first look at what Praslin waters do well.

Good news: snorkeling equipment is included. You’re also given drinks from start to finish, which matters more than you’d think once the sun comes out and you’re alternating between boat shade and water time.

If you’re wondering whether you need to be a confident swimmer, the tour is set up for typical visitors with basic comfort in the sea. Still, bring your best common sense: if you’re shaky in open water, tell the crew early and use whatever support they suggest.

Curieuse beach time and the island trail: where the day turns “educational”

After the first snorkeling session, you cruise to Curieuse Island and spend time relaxing on a beach. This is not a frantic stop. It’s a reset: sandy shoes off, towel on, sunscreen back on, and enough breathing room to enjoy the island rather than race across it.

Then comes the highlight land segment: a 1-hour guided tour via a natural trail. Your guide walks with you and points out what you’re seeing—plants, animals, and the island’s natural story as you move across it. This part matters because Curieuse isn’t just a background for tortoise photos; it’s a living ecosystem, and the guide helps you notice details you’d otherwise miss.

Comfort check: the trail is described as not difficult, but it can still be slippery because you’re walking on roots and stones. If you’ve got them, I’d pack water shoes or grippy footwear, not just flip-flops. Your feet will thank you.

Giant tortoises on Curieuse: the moment everyone remembers

Then you reach the part most people book for: giant land tortoises roaming freely. These are the biggest tortoises in the world, and on Curieuse they’re a real feature of daily life on the island. The crew can help with interactions like feeding and petting when the moment is appropriate, and you’ll get plenty of time for selfies and photos.

This experience works because it’s not staged like a quick photo pit stop. You’re walking through habitat, taking in the island vibe, and then the tortoises are there—calm, curious, and comfortable with people.

A practical detail: the tour crew also helps you handle the Curieuse marine park entry ticket. The fee is not included in the tour price, so you’ll need to pay for it (SR300 per person aged 12+). Payment is described as possible online or on site with a credit card, so bring your card to avoid last-minute stress.

Creole BBQ with local beer: the island lunch that actually fuels you

Lunch is served on Curieuse as a Creole BBQ, paired with local beer. Soft drinks are included too, and the drinks continue through the day. The way this is timed—after walking and before the next sea leg—means you get a proper meal when you’re ready for it, not a snack that disappears too fast.

From what you’ll hear on the day (and what makes this lunch feel worth it), the BBQ isn’t heavy and doesn’t leave you wiped out. People point to fish and other items on the menu, plus a mango salad that gets repeated praise.

If you’re the type who plans food around activities, this is a good setup. You eat well, then you still have time to relax and enjoy the tortoise portion, and later you’re not dragging through the afternoon snorkel.

St Pierre and reef photography: plan for course changes

After Curieuse, you leave the island and head to St Pierre or other reefs depending on weather. The tour aims to get you to a good photography spot, and then you move toward the next snorkeling location.

Here’s the useful reality check: coral and snorkeling conditions can vary. One account notes that the snorkeling plan around St Pierre may shift to nearby reefs when live coral isn’t in the best shape. So if you’ve got high expectations for every inch of coral everywhere, adjust them slightly. This tour still prioritizes good water time, just not with the same certainty about exact reef quality.

When you’re on the boat, watch for crew guidance on where to float, where to surface, and where to look. That’s how you get the most out of a reef visit—quick questions now save you from guessing later.

Second snorkeling stop: Anse La Farine or Lazio Beach

Your final snorkeling time happens near the end of the day. If sea conditions allow, you snorkel at Anse La Farine for the last stop. If the water conditions don’t permit it, the plan changes to Anse Georgette & Lazio Beach instead.

This is exactly the kind of tradeoff you want on a trip with two snorkeling sessions. Instead of forcing you to go somewhere that isn’t safe or comfortable, the tour swaps to what’s workable that day.

The payoff tends to be a big one. People describe the second stop as feeling like an aquarium—lots of fish and good visibility. Even if you don’t snorkel as long as you hoped, you’ll still likely get a solid view from the water with the time you’re given.

The Takamaka rum sundowner: the easy ending on the water

To wrap up, you cruise back toward Praslin and finish with a trademark Takamaka rum cocktail. It’s timed as the slow, relaxed closer to the day—good after sun, walking, and two separate snorkeling sessions.

This is one of those details that matters because it turns “activity day” into “memory day.” You’re not rushing back the second the boat docks—you get a chance to sit, sip, and let the day settle in.

Price and value: what $112 buys you, and what costs extra

The price listed is $112 per person, and it includes several things that remove stress:

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

On top of that, drinks are provided from start to finish, and you get the local beer with lunch plus the Takamaka rum cocktail later.

What’s not included is the Curieuse marine park entry ticket: SR300 per person aged 12 or older. This matters for your budget because it’s a required add-on for the tortoise island. Plan to bring a credit card, since payment is stated as possible online or on site with credit card.

So is it good value? In my view, yes—because you’re paying for a full-day structure: transportation, guide time, snorkeling gear, two snorkeling windows, and a proper meal. You’re not just buying access to Curieuse; you’re buying a whole day of guided flow that would be hard to replicate on your own without extra planning.

Who this tour suits (and who should skip it)

This trip is designed for a broad range of adults, but there are clear “not for everyone” items. It’s not suitable for children under 4, not suitable for pregnant women, and not suitable for people with heart problems. It’s also not suitable for wheelchair users and for people over 65.

On the positive side, it fits well if you want:

• A guided day without figuring out timing
• Two snorkeling opportunities rather than just one
• A real nature walk, not just a beach stop
• Up-close tortoise time with a guide to help you do it responsibly

If you’re traveling solo, this can also be a comfort option because you’re in a guided group with staff working through the itinerary.

A practical packing checklist for a day like this

Bring swimwear and a towel. Wear beachwear, and pack sunscreen because you’ll be on a boat and in the sun across multiple hours.

If you’ve got water shoes, pack them. Even if the trail is described as manageable, the path can get slippery due to roots and stones. Also consider bringing a light top or cover-up for the boat ride.

And bring your credit card for the Curieuse entry fee. The tour explicitly tells you the fee is payable online or on site with credit card, and that it applies from age 12.

One more rule: no smoking on the tour.

Should you book this Curieuse day trip with BBQ and snorkeling?

I’d book it if you want a full-day Seychelles mix where the best parts are connected logically: first snorkel for fish, then Curieuse for tortoises and a guided walk, then a second reef stop to end the day on a water note. The price also feels fair because it covers transportation, guide time, meals, and snorkeling equipment, with only the park entry fee as a separate add-on.

You might skip it if the extra entry cost will feel annoying, or if you’re in a group where the trail and open-water snorkeling won’t be comfortable. Also, if you’re extremely sensitive to sea conditions, remember the snorkeling sites are adjusted based on weather—so the day still works, but the exact reef location may change.

If you’re visiting Praslin and want one day that hits multiple Seychelles highlights without a stressful plan, this is the kind of tour that makes sense.

FAQ

What snorkeling stops are included?

You’ll have two snorkeling breaks during the day. The first is about 45 minutes to 1 hour, and the second snorkeling stop is Anse La Farine if sea conditions permit, otherwise Anse Georgette & Lazio Beach.

Do I need to pay an entry fee on Curieuse Island?

Yes. The Curieuse marine park entry ticket is not included. It costs SR300 per person aged 12 years or older and can be paid online or on site with a credit card.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included anywhere on Praslin Island.

What’s included for snorkeling?

You get snorkeling equipment included with the tour.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch on Curieuse includes BBQ lunch, and soft drinks are included. Local beer is served, and the day ends with a Takamaka rum cocktail. Drinks are provided from start to finish.

Which languages are the guides?

The languages are English and French.

Is the tour suitable for young children or older adults?

The tour is not suitable for children under 4 and it is also listed as not suitable for people over 65. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women, people with heart problems, and wheelchair users.