Curieuse & St Pierre Seychelles Tour 2025: An Honest Review

Setting the Scene: So What’s This Trip Really All About?

So, you’re thinking about spending a part of your day checking out Curieuse and St. Pierre islands in the Seychelles, right? Honestly, it’s one of those trips that pops up everywhere when you’re looking for things to do around Praslin. It’s pretty much sold as the quintessential Seychelles experience, you know, with giant tortoises and amazing snorkeling spots. Basically, you are promised a morning or afternoon of pure island magic, but you sort of wonder what it’s actually like. At the end of the day, you want to know if it lives up to the pictures. This is a half-day outing, so it’s supposed to be short, sweet, and packed with incredible sights without taking up your entire day. As a matter of fact, the idea is to give you a big taste of the inner islands’ character, from their unique wildlife to the kind of underwater worlds you dream about.

This trip, at its core, is pretty much a two-part adventure. First, you have Curieuse Island, which is kind of famous for being a sanctuary for hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises that just, you know, wander around freely. It’s a very different vibe from seeing animals in an enclosure, that’s for sure. The island itself is rugged and has this really interesting red-colored earth. Then, you’ve got St. Pierre, a tiny little granite islet that looks like it was made for a postcard. It’s just rocks, a few palm trees, and, supposedly, some of the best snorkeling in the area. Getting between these two spots obviously involves a boat, and that part of the experience is an adventure in itself. You can find more about these kinds of island-hopping tours if you look around. Frankly, it’s about seeing what makes these granitic islands so special, all in a few hours.

Let’s be real, the whole appeal is getting two very different, yet equally amazing, experiences packed into one tour. You get the wildlife encounter on land, a bit of a hike, some history, and then a full-on snorkeling session in the kind of water that is so clear it’s almost unreal. Unlike some other full-day excursions that might include a big lunch and more stops, this one is very focused. It’s typically for people who want to see the highlights without dedicating an entire day and a lot of cash. We found that it gave us a real feeling for the islands’ personality. For instance, the transition from the quiet, almost prehistoric feel of Curieuse to the lively underwater ballet at St. Pierre is something you definitely remember. It’s designed to be a concentrated dose of what makes the Seychelles archipelago a place unlike any other, you know?

The Pre-Trip Vibe: Booking and What to Expect Before You Go

Okay, so let’s talk about getting this trip sorted out. To be honest, you’ll see it advertised all over Praslin, from little huts on the beach to your hotel’s activity desk. Booking is generally not a complicated affair. You can more or less walk up to a vendor on Côte d’Or beach and have it booked for the next day. There are also a lot of operators online, which can be a little bit better if you want to read reviews and compare prices beforehand. Prices can vary a little bit, so it might be a good idea to ask around. As a matter of fact, the price usually includes the boat transfer, your guide, and the marine park entry fees for Curieuse, which is a pretty important detail to confirm. You really want to double-check what is and isn’t included before you hand over your money.

They typically run two trips a day: a morning one, usually starting around 9:00 AM, and an afternoon one that kicks off after lunch, like, around 1:00 PM. We opted for the morning tour, you know, thinking the sun would be a little less intense and the water might be calmer. When you book, they’ll tell you where to meet. For us, it was right on the beach, which was really convenient. The operators we talked to were all very friendly and seemed to really know their stuff. They’ll likely tell you to bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and of course, your camera. Some might also suggest bringing water, though many tours do provide it. It’s just a little thing, but having your own water bottle is often a good habit anyway.

What should you really expect on the day? Well, it’s pretty casual. There’s no fancy reception or anything. You basically just show up at the designated spot on the beach, find the guy with the boat, and hop on. It tends to be a small group, usually around 8 to 12 people, which is actually very nice. It means you don’t feel like you’re just part of a massive herd of tourists. Before you leave, the skipper or guide will give you a quick rundown of the plan for the next few hours. Honestly, it’s all very relaxed and has that classic island-time feel to it. So, just be prepared for a pretty straightforward start. There are no frills, but that’s part of the charm, really. It’s all about getting out on the water and to the islands, after all.

Setting Sail: The Boat Trip Experience from Praslin

Alright, so once everyone is on board, the boat ride itself begins, and frankly, this is where the adventure really kicks off. The boat we were on was a pretty standard speedboat, not huge but definitely powerful enough to give you a bit of a thrill as it skips over the waves. The ride from the Anse Volbert or Côte d’Or area of Praslin to Curieuse is actually quite short, maybe just 15 minutes or so. Still, in that time, you get some absolutely incredible views looking back at Praslin. You see the long stretches of white sand beaches and the dense green hills behind them, and you just know you’re somewhere special. The color of the water is something else entirely; it literally shifts from a pale turquoise near the shore to a deep, profound blue as you get further out. It’s pretty much mesmerizing to watch.

The wind in your hair, the salty spray, the sound of the engine – it’s a full sensory experience, you know? The skipper often points out interesting things along the way. For example, he might show you where some other islands are on the horizon or point to a particular rock formation. It’s all very informal, more like a chat than a formal tour guide speech. You just feel the excitement building. As you get closer to Curieuse, the island starts to take shape. You can make out its rugged coastline and the distinctive red soil that gives it a sort of raw, untouched appearance. We felt that this short boat trip was a perfect introduction; you can explore the different boat options around Praslin, but for this kind of trip, the speedboat is totally ideal. It’s quick, it’s fun, and it gets you right into the heart of the action without any delay.

“I mean, the boat just pulls away from the beach, and suddenly you’re in this world of brilliant blue and green. Looking back at Praslin getting smaller and seeing Curieuse ahead… honestly, that moment alone is worth the price of the ticket.”

Safety-wise, everything felt really solid. Life jackets are readily available, and the skippers are clearly very experienced with these waters. They know exactly how to handle the boat for a smooth and enjoyable ride. Of course, if the sea is a bit choppy, it can be a little bumpy, but it’s all part of the fun, right? It just adds to the sense of adventure. The journey is also a great chance to chat with the other people on the tour. You’re all kind of in the same boat, literally, and sharing in that initial sense of wonder. It’s a nice, shared experience before you even step foot on the first island. At the end of the day, the boat ride isn’t just a transfer; it’s an integral part of the tour that sets the tone for everything that follows.

First Stop – Curieuse Island: More Than Just Giant Tortoises

So, the boat slows down and carefully approaches the shore of Baie Laraie on Curieuse Island. Getting off the boat usually means, you know, hopping into shallow water, so wearing shoes you don’t mind getting wet is a really good idea. The second you are on the island, its unique personality just hits you. Unlike the lush, green vibe of Praslin, Curieuse feels a bit more wild and untamed. The ground is this remarkable reddish color, and there are these huge granite boulders smoothed by time scattered all around. It has an almost prehistoric feel, and frankly, you half expect a dinosaur to peek out from behind one of the takamaka trees. It’s a protected bio-reserve, and you can really feel that it’s a place where nature is in charge.

The main attraction is, of course, the giant tortoises, and you will literally meet them within seconds of your arrival. They congregate around the ranger station area, where there’s a breeding and nursery program. But we’re not just talking about a few of them; there are dozens. And they are just… there. Wandering around, munching on leaves, or just chilling out in the shade. It’s a very different experience from a zoo. There are no walls, no fences. You are basically a guest in their home, and it’s a pretty incredible feeling. Your guide will likely give you some leaves so you can feed them, and they’ll give you some simple rules to follow, like touching their shells gently but staying clear of their heads. You can discover some amazing facts about their conservation efforts while you are there. They are such calm, gentle creatures, and spending time with them is absolutely a highlight.

But Curieuse is not just about the tortoises. The island has a pretty deep story. It’s a former leper colony, and the history is carefully preserved here. The tour pretty much always involves a walk across the island. This walk is what really allows you to see the island’s other side. You leave the open area with the tortoises and head onto a trail that leads you through different landscapes. The raw beauty of the place is striking. The sounds are different here too—it’s quieter, with just the rustling of leaves and the calls of native birds. It is a very peaceful and slightly surreal place, to be honest. You feel very far away from the regular world, which is a big part of the appeal of these kinds of escapes. The island shows you that there’s often a lot more to a place than just its most famous feature.

Meeting the Gentle Giants Up Close

Okay, let’s spend a bit more time on the tortoises, because, let’s be honest, they are the stars of the show on Curieuse. I mean, where else in the world can you just casually hang out with hundreds of these massive, ancient reptiles? The Aldabra giant tortoises here are part of a very important conservation project. They were brought over from the Aldabra Atoll, and they have clearly thrived on Curieuse. When you first see them, their size is what gets you. Some of them are absolutely huge, with shells that look like walking boulders. They move in this slow, deliberate way that makes you feel like you need to slow down, too. It’s a pretty humbling experience, really. Your guide will show you how to interact with them safely and respectfully. You’ll probably get the chance to give one of them a little scratch on the neck; they seem to quite like it, as they’ll often stretch their long, wrinkly necks out for more.

The babies and younger tortoises are kept in a special enclosure near the ranger’s station to protect them from predators until they are big enough to fend for themselves. Seeing the tiny little ones is just adorable, you know? It gives you a sense of the full life cycle and the success of the conservation work happening here. You get a real appreciation for the effort that goes into protecting this species. The guides are full of interesting tidbits. For example, they can show you how to roughly tell the age of a tortoise or how to distinguish between males and females by the shape of their shells. Learning these details helps you see them as more than just a tourist attraction; you start to see them as individuals. You can often learn so much more about their lives this way.

You’re free to wander around and take as many photos as you like, but the best moments are actually when you just put the camera down and watch them. Seeing a group of them gather under a tree or watching one determinedly make its way down to the water is oddly therapeutic. They seem completely unbothered by the human visitors, which is a sign of a well-managed program, in my opinion. It feels like a very natural and non-intrusive encounter. At the end of the day, this part of the tour is pure magic. It’s a chance to connect with a creature that has been on this planet for a very long time, and that’s not something you get to do every day. It’s definitely a core memory from any trip to the Seychelles.

The Walk Through the Mangrove Forest

So, after you’ve had your fill of tortoise time, the next part of the adventure on Curieuse is the walk to the other side of the island. This isn’t just any walk; it’s a trail that takes you right through a huge mangrove forest, and it’s mostly on a raised wooden boardwalk. Frankly, this was a part of the tour that we weren’t really expecting to be so interesting, but it turned out to be a real highlight. As you step onto the boardwalk, the whole environment changes. You’re suddenly under a canopy of green leaves, and the air feels cooler and a little more humid. The gnarled, tangled roots of the mangrove trees create this incredible, otherworldly landscape all around you. It’s all very serene and quiet, except for the scuttling sounds you hear in the mud below.

What are those sounds? Well, they’re crabs! The mudflats beneath the boardwalk are absolutely teeming with them. You see thousands of little crabs with one giant claw, waving it around. They are so much fun to watch. Your guide will probably stop and point them out, along with the unique mudskippers, which are these funny little fish that can actually live out of the water. It’s like getting a peek into a whole different ecosystem. The boardwalk itself is pretty well-maintained and makes the walk very easy, about a 1.7-kilometer trek that’s more or less flat. It’s an easy walk for almost anyone. The information about this scenic hiking trail is super helpful. As you walk, there are informational signs that tell you about the different types of mangrove trees and their importance to the coastal environment.

This walk isn’t just about the nature, though. It’s also about the journey. As you meander through the mangroves, you’ll eventually climb up a small granitic hill. From the top, you get these breathtaking views out over the bay. It’s a fantastic photo opportunity and a moment to just stop and soak it all in. The contrast between the dense, dark mangroves and the bright, turquoise water of the bay is just stunning. The walk ends at Anse St. José, a beautiful, long beach on the other side of the island. This is where the historical part of the island is located, and where the boat will usually pick you up. Honestly, the walk through the mangroves is a perfect transition. It connects the wildlife of the landing point with the history of the Doctor’s House and feels like you’ve really explored the heart of the island.

A Look Back at the Doctor’s House and the Leper Colony Story

So, as the boardwalk trail through the mangroves opens up, you find yourself at Anse St. José. It’s another ridiculously beautiful beach, and right there, set back a little from the sand, is the Doctor’s House. This building is pretty much one of the only major structures on the island and it’s a direct link to Curieuse’s unusual past. From 1829 until 1965, Curieuse was actually used as a colony for people with leprosy. The Doctor’s House, which is this really beautiful, old colonial-style building, was where the doctor in charge of the settlement lived. Today, it’s been restored and turned into a small museum and educational center. It gives you a little bit of a pause, you know? Standing in this tropical paradise and thinking about the very different kind of life people experienced here is quite sobering.

Inside the Doctor’s House, you’ll find old photographs and displays that tell the story of the leprosarium. Honestly, there isn’t a huge amount of stuff in there, but what is there is very effective. It gives you a snapshot of the island’s history that you would otherwise totally miss. You see the faces of the people who lived here and learn about their daily routines. The building itself is a fine piece of Creole architecture, with a wide veranda and big windows to catch the breeze. Standing on that veranda, looking out at the same view the doctor saw every day, really connects you to that history. It’s more than just an old building; it’s a place with a soul and a lot of stories to tell. Getting context on these historical spots really enriches the trip.

This part of the tour really adds another layer to the whole Curieuse experience. It’s not just about nature; it’s also about human history and resilience. It’s a quiet, reflective moment in an otherwise very active tour. After walking through the museum, you’ll typically have some time to just enjoy the beach at Anse St. José while you wait for your boat to come and pick you up for the next leg of the journey. This beach is often where some tours serve a barbecue lunch if you’re on a full-day trip. For the half-day trip, it’s just a beautiful spot to relax for a few minutes and process everything you’ve just seen—the ancient tortoises, the magical mangrove forest, and the poignant history of this really unique island.

Next Up – St. Pierre Island: Snorkeling in a Natural Aquarium

After the boat picks you up from Curieuse, it’s a very short ride over to the next and final stop: St. Pierre island. And when I say island, well, it’s more like a tiny, perfect little cluster of granite rocks and a handful of palm trees sticking out of the ocean. It’s literally the definition of a picture-postcard paradise. It looks almost too perfect to be real. Your boat won’t actually land on the islet, because there isn’t really anywhere to land. Instead, your skipper will anchor a little way off, and this is where the snorkeling part of the adventure happens. You basically just grab your mask and