Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

One short boat ride can feel like two separate worlds. This Praslin day trip pairs Curieuse Island (tortoises, mangroves, beaches) with St. Pierre Marine Park for snorkeling in protected waters. I like that the day is guided end to end, and the schedule keeps you moving without feeling rushed.

My favorite part is the mix: a land nature hike where you learn what makes Curieuse special, followed by calm, clear water time at St. Pierre. I also like the practical setup—pickup around the start time, snorkeling gear included, plus water and soft drinks on the way. A heads-up: snorkeling conditions can vary, and in at least one case people felt the snorkeling support was lighter than expected.

Key things to know before you go

• Curieuse first, then St. Pierre: morning nature time, afternoon reef time.
• Real guided nature hike: mangroves, Coco de Mer trees, birds, and wildlife viewing.
• St. Pierre is boat-only access: you spend time on the islet beach and in the water.
• Snorkeling gear is included, but guidance can be inconsistent: bring your own confidence.
• Cost adds up with island taxes and optional BBQ: plan for the extras.

A fast-paced day: tortoises first, reefs later

This is a 7-hour outing built around two “wow” zones. You start on Curieuse Island and then move to St. Pierre Marine Park for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.

The flow is straightforward: morning pickup, boat ride, Curieuse hike and beach time, then St. Pierre in the early afternoon. If you like a day that gives you both nature and water time, this one fits the bill.

From Praslin pickup to the 25-knot cruise

Pickup runs from practically anywhere on Praslin, typically 10–45 minutes before departure. You’ll board for a safety briefing before heading out, then cruise toward Curieuse at about 25 knots, which helps you get to the action early.

The start is designed to feel organized, and many people highlight the guides keeping things clear and friendly. If you want an easy day with minimal decision-making, this transfer-and-guided format is a big reason it works.

Curieuse nature hike: mangroves, Coco de Mer, and wildlife spotting

You arrive around 9:40 AM and then get into the island walk. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, you do a guided nature hike (about an hour of walking time) that focuses on what’s unique about Curieuse—mangrove ecosystems, coastal areas, and the famous Coco de Mer trees.

Along the route, you’ll get viewpoint stops and chances to watch wildlife like birds and crabs. The guiding style matters here: multiple guide names come up in feedback—Benjamin is repeatedly praised for clear explanations, while Arnold and Mario also show up as standout guides who made the walk feel informative and fun.

Practical note: this is a nature walk, not a “move-fast and run” hike. Comfortable shoes help, and you’ll want to keep an eye out for uneven ground under mangroves and near shore.

Laraie Bay ranger area: close-up giant tortoises and beach time

Curieuse is known for its giant tortoises, and your visit centers on the ranger area at Laraie Bay. This is where the day earns its reputation. You’re not just viewing them from a distance—you get time to be near them in their open-air setting, with plenty of photo opportunities.

After the hike window, you also get additional free time on Curieuse. You may find it’s the best place to cool off, take photos, and enjoy the quiet beaches between activities. Some people also mention seeing marine life near shore from the Curieuse beach area, which adds another little bonus if conditions are right.

St. Pierre Marine Park snorkeling: 1 hour in protected waters

After 1:30 PM departure from Curieuse, you reach St. Pierre around 2:00 PM. This is the part that most people book for: one hour of snorkeling in the Marine Park, with snorkeling equipment provided on board.

St. Pierre is only accessible by boat, which is part of the magic. You also get a beach setup—powdery white sand and open ocean views while you wait your turn in the water.

A realistic heads-up from feedback: snorkeling quality can depend on water conditions, and a few people felt the spot wasn’t as amazing as they’d hoped. One review pointed out choppier water and stronger effort needed, and another mentioned snorkeling support felt limited or unguided.

How to get more out of the snorkeling hour

• If you’re a confident swimmer, you’ll usually enjoy it more in choppy conditions.
• Bring a waterproof bag for your phone/camera so you can focus on the water, not gear anxiety.
• If you’re new to snorkeling, practice breathing technique beforehand. A short training refresher beats trying to figure it out mid-boat.

If you want a safety-first plan, take your time getting settled, keep your mask clear, and don’t rush your first swim pass. Most people don’t need to go far from the shoreline to see fish and coral areas.

Food, drinks, and the real cost: what $56 doesn’t cover

The price is $56 per person, but the total day cost can rise once you factor in island fees and meals. Two big add-ons are clearly part of the day:

• Island taxes: €20 per person (age 12 and above)
• Lunch: not included, with an optional BBQ lunch for €20 per person on the beach

The good news is that you’re not stuck hungry. Soft drinks and water are included, and the tour includes one beer per adult. You can also bring your own snacks and refreshments, which gives you control over your budget and makes it easier if you have food preferences.

Value check

For the money, you’re paying for three things: transportation, guided time on Curieuse, and protected-water snorkeling at St. Pierre with gear. If you’d otherwise rent a boat or do these separately, the bundled approach often feels like the smarter deal.

Guides and on-board vibe: what to look for (and who you might meet)

You’ll be with a live guide, in English and French. The tone matters a lot on a day like this—people aren’t just paying for movement, they’re paying for interpretation and safety.

From the guide names that come up often, you might meet Benjamin, Arnold, Brandon, Mario, Audrey, Axel, Obrie, or Axel (names vary by date and team). What repeatedly gets praised is clarity and personality: guides who explain what you’re seeing, keep group energy positive, and watch safety during boat and water time.

Even the smaller touches get mentioned: how the driver handles pickup/drop-off smoothly and how the captain positions you near good snorkeling spots. If you care about getting the most out of your short time in the water, choose a day that matches your comfort level and ask questions at the briefing.

Timing and logistics: what to watch for during transfers

One thing I appreciate about the schedule is that it’s built around the “prime daylight” hours for Curieuse and afternoon water time. You’re out early enough to see wildlife actively, and you’re at St. Pierre when visibility is typically good.

That said, a couple of practical friction points show up in feedback:

• Some people felt there was extra waiting time on Curieuse.
• Others wished there was more walking or an additional stop on St. Pierre, but it’s an islet focused on beach time and snorkeling rather than long island hikes.
• On the return, a few people reported coming back in wet swimsuits and not having much time to change.

If you want to reduce stress, pack a spare dry set and a small towel. Bring sunscreen too (and consider biodegradable sunscreen since that’s specifically listed). Having a waterproof bag helps a lot for changing clothes without soaking everything.

What to bring: the essentials that actually matter

The tour request list is solid, so I’d treat it like a checklist:

Bring:

• Sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (biodegradable is recommended)
• Swimwear, towel, sandals
• Camera (and a waterproof camera bag if you want shots)
• Sunscreen and insect repellent (biodegradable repellent is also listed)
• Waterproof bag for phone and valuables

Optional-but-smart:

• Sports shoes if you like more grip for uneven ground on Curieuse
• Binoculars for bird and wildlife viewing
• Waterproof shoes if you prefer footwear in slippery coastal areas

What to skip:

• Weapons or sharp objects
• Electric wheelchairs (wheelchair users are not suitable for this tour)

Who should book this Curieuse & St. Pierre trip

This is a great fit if you want a one-day combo: land nature on Curieuse plus a snorkeling session at a protected marine site.

You’ll likely enjoy it most if you:

• like guided walking and learning as you go
• can swim comfortably for an hour in open water conditions
• don’t need a long meal schedule (lunch is optional)

If you’re looking for very structured, fully instructed snorkeling with a lot of coaching during the swim, keep expectations flexible. Some people felt the snorkeling support was light, so going in prepared helps.

Should you book this Curieuse & St. Pierre boat adventure?

I’d recommend booking if you want strong value and a day that actually uses your time well: guided nature on Curieuse, then St. Pierre snorkeling with gear included. The tortoise time at Laraie Bay is the headline, and St. Pierre is the payoff if you enjoy reefs and fish.

I’d think twice if you:

• are easily discouraged by choppy water or rougher entries
• need a fully guided snorkeling lesson (not just equipment and a spot)
• hate boat days where you might come back wet with limited changing time

If you’re a comfortable swimmer who enjoys wildlife, this tour is one of the most practical ways to see both islands in a single day from Praslin.

FAQ

Where are pickup and departure from?

Pickup is from any location on Praslin Island, usually 10–45 minutes before departure. Embarkation is listed for 09:00–09:15 AM at Anse Possession.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 7 hours.

What time do we arrive at Curieuse Island?

You arrive at Curieuse Island around 09:40 AM.

Is there a guided hike on Curieuse?

Yes. There is a guided nature hike from about 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. There is an optional BBQ lunch on Curieuse for an additional €20 per person.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is provided on board.

When does snorkeling happen at St. Pierre?

You visit St. Pierre at about 2:00 PM, and snorkeling is scheduled for about one hour.

Are island taxes included in the price?

No. Island taxes are €20 per person for those 12 years and above.

What drinks are included?

The tour includes water and soft drinks, plus one beer per adult.

What languages are the guides?

The tour is guided in English and French.

Is it suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users.