St Pierre first, tortoises next. This catamaran day strings together two of the Seychelles most memorable nature stops with an easy pace and a BBQ lunch at sea. I really like the St Pierre snorkeling time and the guided Curieuse island walk for giant land tortoises. The main tradeoff is simple: it’s not a small-group experience, with the catamaran running around 50 people, so you’ll want to like a social vibe.

You’ll cruise the coast in between swim breaks, then do a real walking portion on Curieuse (about an hour), not just a quick photo stop. For most people, that mix hits the sweet spot: water time, wildlife time, and food time—without you needing to plan a thing.

One more consideration: pickup and timing can vary by your hotel access and traffic, so I’d treat the confirmation message as mandatory reading. Also, if you’re hoping for full accessibility, this one isn’t designed for mobility impairments, and it’s not for pregnant women or very young children.

Key Things I’d Bet On

• St Pierre snorkeling with provided gear and a focused swim stop
• Curieuse guided nature trail that leads to giant land tortoises
• BBQ lunch on board served on the Oplezir, including a vegetarian option on request
• Anse Georgette beach time for swimming and photos
• Coastal cruising along Praslin’s North East coast with scenic viewing time

St Pierre + Curieuse: The Seychelles Pair That Saves You Planning Time

If you’re using Praslin as your base, this tour gives you a very efficient route through two big “yes” moments: clear-water snorkeling and real island wildlife. St Pierre is known for being swimmer- and snorkeler-friendly, while Curieuse is the island reserve where you get up close with giant land tortoises.

What I like is the sequencing. You start with the water-heavy St Pierre portion while the day is fresh, then shift to land with the Curieuse reserve walk. After that, you’re back to water for Anse Georgette, so the day never feels like one long commute between unrelated stops.

The Catamaran Day: Oplezir Cruising Without the Stress

You’ll be on the catamaran Oplezir, and the day is built around a rhythm: travel, stop, swim, walk, eat, photo, swim, cruise, back. That sounds obvious, but the practical value is big. You don’t have to figure out transport between islands or worry about timing your own gear, because the tour handles the landing fees, guide, and snorkeling equipment.

The boat setup matters too. With a catamaran capacity around 50 people, it can feel busy on board, but you can usually find room on the front sun area because of the way the nets/space are laid out. Still, if you’re the type who wants quiet and personal space, this isn’t built for you.

St Pierre Island Snorkeling: The Stop That Makes This Worth It

This is the reason many people pick the tour, and it’s easy to see why. St Pierre is where you get your swimming and snorkeling time, and the tour includes snorkeling equipment plus water, so you’re not scrambling for rentals or carrying extra weight.

Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Bring sunscreen and a hat even if clouds roll in. Sun here can still bite.
• Keep your camera accessible. If conditions are clear, you’ll want quick shots during the swim break.
• Use the snorkeling time early if you’re sensitive to crowds in the water.

The other hidden benefit of starting here is logistics. Snorkeling is easier when you’re not already tired from walking. After a Curieuse nature walk, you’ll still want to swim—but your energy for careful snorkeling technique will be lower.

Curieuse Island Reserve Walk: Giant Tortoises and a Real Trail

After St Pierre, you step onto Curieuse Island, a reserve with a guided nature trail. The walk is about one hour, and it’s not just a flat stroll. You’ll go through mountain scenery and mangrove areas until you reach Anse Jose.

Then comes the headliner: giant land tortoises. This is the wildlife moment that changes the tone of the day. Instead of chasing fast-moving action, you get to slow down and watch. Tortoises are steady creatures, and that makes the experience feel more “Seychelles” and less like theme-park wildlife.

Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes. You’re on a trail, and you’ll be happier if your feet can handle uneven ground. Also, insect repellent is worth bringing, especially if you tend to attract bites.

BBQ Lunch on the Oplezir: More Than a Token Meal

Lunch is served on board the catamaran, and it’s a real BBQ lunch, not just a sandwich stop. The important part for value is that it’s included, along with water, so you can stop thinking about food costs for the day.

The BBQ also comes with a big practical plus: a vegetarian option is available when requested. That means you don’t have to gamble on whether your dietary needs will be handled last-minute.

If you’re planning a full day outdoors—sun, salt air, walking—BBQ at sea hits the reset button. You’ll be glad you don’t have to go looking for lunch on the island after your swim and tortoise time.

Anse Georgette Swim and Photo Break: The Beach Moment

After Curieuse and lunch, you’ll sail toward Anse Georgette. The tour includes a photo opportunity and swimming time here, and that’s a good pairing with the rest of the itinerary. St Pierre is more “snorkel-focused.” Anse Georgette feels more like “beach reset.”

A couple ways to use this stop well:

• Go for a calm swim and then take photos while others are still active in the water.
• If you’re a photographer, treat this as your best chance for waterline shots before the day gets tired.

Remember, beach time depends on conditions. The itinerary can change based on weather, so keep your schedule flexible and don’t plan something else right after your return.

Coastal Cruising Along Praslin’s North East Coast

Once the main stops are done, the trip winds down with scenic cruising along Praslin’s North East coast. This part matters more than it sounds. The Seychelles has a lot of “wow,” but it’s easy to miss the overall scale when you’re only focused on swim spots and wildlife.

Cruising time gives you that broader view—coastlines, island silhouettes, and the sense that you’re traveling by water because this region is meant for it.

Price and Value: Is $166 Fair for a 7–8 Hour Day?

At $166 per person for a 7–8 hour outing, this tour costs more than a simple boat ride—but it also packs in more than a sightseeing cruise.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in plain terms:

• Snorkeling equipment plus water
• BBQ lunch on board
• Landing fees on Curieuse
• A live guide (English and French)
• The core island circuit: St Pierre, Curieuse, and Anse Georgette

If you’re the kind of visitor who wants a guided day with meals and gear included, the value is solid. If you’re traveling light and already planned your own snorkeling or beach time, you might feel the cost more. But for most people visiting for a week or less, this is a “buy convenience + buy time” package.

Pickup, Transfers, and the La Digue Meeting Point

How you get to the start matters because the tour’s day depends on it. The pickup is optional, and it works only for hotels accessible via the main road. Transfer time depends on traffic that day, and you’re asked to confirm your pickup time and location 48 hours prior by contacting the activity provider using the number on your voucher.

If you’re staying on La Digue, you’re responsible for your own transfer to the ferry harbour jetty. For the actual meeting point, plan to meet at the Creole Travel Services Office at La Passe, a few minutes walk from the jetty.

One caution I’d take seriously: if your pickup details don’t match what you expect, don’t wait all morning. Go confirm in person at the office so you can get the correct pickup arrangement and stop the back-and-forth.

Group Size, Comfort, and What That Means for You

This isn’t a private charter. The experience can run around 50 people on board. That can be totally fine if you’re social, happy to share sun space, and you treat it as a day-trip with friends-of-friends energy.

The bright side: because it’s a catamaran with sun area in the front, you can usually find room to relax even when the boat is full. The tone stays upbeat because the stops keep rotating—snorkel, walk, BBQ, swim—so you’re not stuck in one place with the same group mood for hours.

If you want quiet, long pauses with nobody nearby, this might feel slightly busy. But if you want an efficient Seychelles day with minimal planning, it fits nicely.

What to Bring (So Your Day Doesn’t Turn Into Laundry Later)

Do yourself a favor and bring the basics listed for the trip:

• Comfortable shoes for the Curieuse trail
• Hat and sunscreen
• Camera
• Comfortable clothes
• Insect repellent
• Cash

Also, pack with wet-suit reality in mind: bring a way to keep your bag and phone protected from splashes, and consider spare dry clothes. You’ll be in and out of the water, and salt air can make everything feel damp for hours.

Weather Changes: When the Itinerary Shifts

Like any Seychelles sea day, the itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions. That’s not a failure; it’s normal safety and sea-state planning. The practical move: keep your expectations flexible and don’t schedule a separate tight plan for the minute the tour ends.

If the sea is rough, the order of stops or the exact timing may shift, but the overall idea stays the same: St Pierre water time, Curieuse wildlife trail, and beach time at Anse Georgette when conditions allow.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This tour is a great fit if you:

• Want snorkeling plus wildlife in one day
• Like guided walking and don’t mind about an hour on Curieuse
• Prefer a setup where lunch and gear are handled
• Are okay with a larger group and shared boat space

It’s not a match if you need accessibility support, you’re pregnant, or you’re traveling with babies (and very young children aren’t allowed on sea excursions of this type).

Should You Book This St Pierre and Curieuse Catamaran Tour?

I’d say book it if you’re doing a short Seychelles stay and you want a well-paced day that hits the biggest “Seychelles highlights” without logistics headaches. The strongest reasons are the St Pierre snorkeling stop, the Curieuse giant tortoises experience, and the fact that BBQ lunch is included on board with snorkeling gear and landing fees handled.

Skip it (or look for another option) if you want a quiet, small-group outing, or if your day needs accessibility accommodations this tour doesn’t offer. Also, if you’re picky about pickup timing, make the effort to confirm your details 48 hours ahead so you start the day on the right foot.

If you want a classic Praslin-area nature day, this one is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The duration is listed as 7–8 hours, and starting times depend on availability.

Is BBQ lunch included?

Yes. You’ll get a BBQ lunch on board the catamaran, and water is included as well.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Will I be picked up from my hotel?

Pickup is optional and available at hotels accessible via the main road only. You’re asked to confirm your pickup time and location 48 hours prior using the number on your voucher.

If I’m staying on La Digue, where do I meet?

For La Digue clients, meet at the Creole Travel Services Office at La Passe, a few minutes’ walk from the jetty. You’ll also need to arrange your own transfer between your hotel and the La Digue ferry harbour jetty.

What languages does the live guide speak?

The live tour guide speaks English and French.

Is there free cancellation?

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

Is the tour suitable for young children or mobility needs?

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and pregnant women. It also notes that sea excursions don’t allow babies under 1 year, and children under 2 years are not allowed on these sea excursions.