Praslin: Curieuse & St. Pierre Full-Day Boat Trip with Lunch

Giant tortoises and snorkeling in one day. This Praslin full-day boat trip strings together St. Pierre reef swims, Curieuse sanctuary wildlife, and a mangrove walk that ends at a beach worth cooling off at.

Two things I really like are the way the snorkeling stops are built into the pace of the day, and the lunch on Curieuse that tastes like the Seychelles rather than generic boat-food. Guides such as Ryan and Jason (and other crew members named by past guests) keep the energy light but the information solid, with lots of time at each location.

One thing to think about first: the Curieuse park ticket is not included (pay 20 EUR on the island), and the day includes a 1.7 km mangrove hike plus open-water time on a speedboat. If you get motion sick or you’re on the fence about walking on sand/paths, plan accordingly.

Key highlights I’d plan around

• St. Pierre snorkeling with gear included for a reef-focused day
• Giant tortoises on Curieuse in a real sanctuary setting
• BBQ lunch on Curieuse with fresh island ingredients and soft drinks
• Mangrove hike (1.7 km) to an idyllic beach with swim time
• Accommodation pickup/drop-off in Praslin (shared, not private)

From Praslin pickup to the first salty splash

The day starts with pickup from your accommodation in Praslin, then you transfer to Grand Anse Main Beach. You’ll check in and get a short safety briefing, then it’s out onto the water on a comfortable speedboat. Expect salty air, ocean wind, and that quick shift from hotel pace to island adventure.

This tour is not private, so you may share the boat with other people. That’s usually fine because the itinerary is structured to keep everyone moving on time. Still, pickup can be a little tricky in Seychelles because some hotels are in remote spots. The operator notes pickup is not available in areas like Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin, Anse Possession, and Anse La Blague, so if you’re staying near those, you may need to walk to the nearest pickup point.

A small but important point: the islands you visit have no shops, restaurants, or hotel facilities. So when you reach Curieuse, you’re not counting on buying anything last-minute. That matters because it keeps the experience grounded in what’s planned: snorkeling, tortoises, lunch, and a beach stop.

St. Pierre Island snorkeling: fish-first, with real wildlife odds

St. Pierre Island is where the snorkeling shines. You’ll head out and then get two snorkeling stops there, plus you’ll have a chance to swim in between activities. The total snorkeling block is about 1 hour, and you’re provided snorkeling gear so you’re not hunting for masks or paying extra.

What you’re looking for:

• Colorful coral and schools of tropical fish
• Species sightings like parrotfish, surgeonfish, and clownfish
• Extras when conditions are right, including reports of sea turtles and even stingrays

A helpful reality check from past experiences: some reef sections may not look like a perfect postcard. Even so, you can still see plenty of fish. So don’t expect the seabed to be identical every day. Your odds improve when you go in with patience and keep your eyes moving underwater.

Also, snorkeling here is not just about water time. Guides keep the day organized and help you get the most out of each stop. One guest mentioned sea turtles, and others highlighted how the crew stayed attentive while everyone was in the water. If you’ve never snorkeled in Seychelles before, this is one of those days where you can feel supported rather than left to figure it out.

Curieuse giant tortoises: the sanctuary moment that anchors the trip

Then comes Curieuse Island, and it’s the kind of stop people remember long after the rest of the schedule fades. Curieuse is a giant tortoise sanctuary, and you’re not viewing these animals behind a fence. They roam in a protected, natural-feeling environment, and you’ll have time to visit and see them.

What makes this part special is the contrast:

• Snorkeling is fast, wet, and bright.
• Tortoises are slow, grounded, and oddly calming.

Past guests gave a lot of specifics about close-up encounters. People described the sense of meeting tortoises in the wild, with time to feed them and, in some cases, get very close to them. One practical tip that came up: bring extra bananas if you want the chance to participate in feeding. (If there are rules on the day, follow what the guide says, but the banana suggestion is clearly a real tactic people used.)

For photos, this is also where you’ll be thankful you brought a camera. Giant tortoises aren’t rare zoo animals here; they’re part of the island’s daily rhythm. The best shots usually happen when you slow down and let the tortoises come to you.

BBQ lunch on Curieuse: simple, local, and actually filling

Lunch is not an afterthought here. On Curieuse, you’ll sit down for BBQ lunch plus soft drinks. Several guests specifically noted that the food felt local and flavorful, not just a convenient meal thrown together for tourists.

The BBQ is described as featuring fresh products sourced from the islands, which is the right phrase to pay attention to. In a place where there are no shops on the islands you visit, your best guarantee of a good meal is that it’s planned and prepared in advance.

What you might see on the plate can vary, but guests described dishes like grilled fish and a Creole-style BBQ setup. One person even mentioned barracuda fish, and others described sides like rice and salads along with the grilled main.

Here’s my practical take: this lunch hits best if you treat it as part of the day’s rhythm. Snorkeling makes you hungry. The tortoise visit builds anticipation. Then lunch is a reset before the mangrove hike and the beach swim.

The mangrove hike (1.7 km) and the beach swim payoff

After lunch, the day shifts onto land with a guided mangrove hike. The hike is 1.7 kilometers, not a marathon, but it’s also not a flat sidewalk stroll. You’ll walk through the mangrove forest and then reach an idyllic beach where you can cool off with a swim.

This is one of those “the journey matters” parts. Mangroves can look gentle from the outside, but up close you’ll notice how alive they feel. Past guests highlighted the hike as peaceful and scenic, and at least one noted it took about an hour at a slow pace while the guide explained what you were seeing.

If you’re the type who enjoys small details, ask your guide questions during the hike. It’s the best time to understand how the ecosystem works before you go back into beach mode.

What to watch for:

• Wear comfortable shoes you don’t mind getting sandy
• Bring your towel (you’ll want it after the swim)
• Expect a bit of walking unevenness in a natural setting

Timing, weather plans, and why the schedule feels smooth

Seychelles weather can change quickly. This tour runs with that in mind. In heavy rain, the activity is canceled, but when conditions are less than perfect, guides may adjust the route to keep the experience strong.

Guests specifically mentioned plan changes like plan B and plan C based on wind or weather. That’s a big deal because snorkeling and boat timing can be sensitive. When the operator handles it well, you end up with the right balance: enough time at tortoises, enough time underwater, and still a beach moment.

On the water, you’ll also get brief local context from the guide during the return journey, with points of interest and local history. It’s not a lecture. It’s more like story-sharing while you watch the coastline slide by.

Some groups also reported small-boat vibes. One guest said their group felt semi-intimate because it was around 10 people. That can make the day feel less rushed and more personal, though group size can vary.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $93

At about $93 per person, this trip is priced like a full-day, multi-activity outing with real logistics baked in. Here’s what’s included:

• Speedboat tour
• Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Praslin (shared)
• BBQ lunch and soft drinks
• Snorkeling gear
• Guided mangrove hike

The one extra cost to budget for is the Curieuse park ticket (20 EUR), payable by credit card on the island. So your real comparison isn’t just the $93. It’s $93 plus the ticket.

What makes it good value is that you’re not paying separately for transfers, guide time, lunch, and snorkeling gear. Many day trips on islands look simple on paper but cost more once you add transport and food. Here, you get a built-in day package.

Is it the best value for everyone? Not always. If your travel style is low-effort and you want zero walking, the hike may tip the balance. If you mainly want a beach day with minimal structure, you might prefer something else. But if you want one day that covers reef time + wildlife time + a local meal, this is strong.

Who this tour suits best (and who should skip it)

This trip fits best if you:

• Want a guided nature day on Praslin without renting boats or organizing separate tours
• Enjoy snorkeling and want gear included
• Are excited by wildlife that’s real and unforced, like giant tortoises
• Don’t mind walking about 1.7 km through mangroves

It’s listed as not suitable for:

• Children under 3
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users
• Visually impaired people
• People with low fitness
• People over 70
• People with heart problems

I’ll also add a common-sense note: because this is a speedboat day, if you’re sensitive to motion, plan for that. Bring sunscreen. Use a towel. And if you know you get seasick, talk to your doctor before you go.

Language-wise, you’ll be guided in English or French.

What to pack so you’re not scrambling mid-day

This tour is simple, but you need the right basics. Bring:

• Comfortable shoes
• Swimwear plus a spare if you have room
• Towel
• Sandals (helpful for beach and getting dry)
• Sunscreen and beachwear
• Camera
• Credit card for the Curieuse park ticket
• Anything you normally need for sun protection

One more practical tip: bring a little thinking time about your day. You’ll be wet, you’ll be in sun, and you’ll walk. If you keep your essentials organized in one small bag, you’ll thank yourself later.

Should you book this Curieuse & St. Pierre day trip from Praslin?

If your Seychelles trip needs one “big nature day,” I’d book this. The combo of St. Pierre snorkeling, Curieuse tortoises, a real BBQ lunch, and a mangrove hike to a beach creates a full set of memories without requiring you to manage multiple tickets or transfers.

I’d hesitate only if you strongly dislike boats, don’t want to walk the 1.7 km hike, or you know the speedboat + beach routine will stress your body. If that sounds like you, choose a slower plan.

For everyone else, this is a solid, well-structured day where the highlights line up in the right order: water first, wildlife next, then food, then land, then a final swim.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Praslin Curieuse & St. Pierre full-day boat trip?

The trip runs for about 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included in Praslin, but pickup is not available in Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin, Anse Possession, and Anse La Blague. You may need to use the nearest pickup point.

Is the park ticket for Curieuse included?

No. You pay the Curieuse park ticket on the island (20 EUR) by credit card.

Does the tour include snorkeling gear?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included.

Where do we go snorkeling?

You visit St. Pierre Island for snorkeling stops, and you also have a swim stop at Anse Georgette.

What kind of lunch is included?

A BBQ lunch is included, along with soft drinks.

How long is the mangrove hike?

The guided mangrove hike is 1.7 kilometers.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sandals, a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, and a credit card for the Curieuse ticket.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live guide is available in English and French.

Is the tour cancelled for weather?

It is canceled in the case of heavy rain. The provider decides early on the day and informs you accordingly.