Speedboat, snorkel, tortoises, and mangroves in one day. I love the way this Praslin outing strings together St. Pierre snorkeling with a beach stop like Anse Georgette, so you get real variety without rushing. The day runs on a comfortable rhythm: transfer, check-in, a short safety talk, then out on the water with salty air and plenty of time to swim.

My favorite part is the chance to see giant tortoises roaming free at Curieuse, not in a zoo setup. You also get a guided mangrove walk to a swimming beach, which turns the day from just water fun into something more grounded and local.

One thing to plan for: you’ll still need to pay a 20 EUR park ticket for Curieuse (by credit card on-site).

Key things to know before you go

• Two island experiences, one ticketed day: St. Pierre for snorkeling and Curieuse for tortoises plus a guided mangrove hike
• Snorkeling gear is included: so you can show up ready to swim, not shop for equipment
• BBQ lunch with soft drinks: you’ll eat well without hunting down a restaurant
• No shops or facilities on the islands: bring what you need from Praslin
• Pickup isn’t private: you may share the boat and your pickup timing with other guests

Why Curieuse and St. Pierre make a great one-day pairing

This trip works because it matches two of Praslin’s biggest “wow” categories: coral and sea life, then land wildlife. St. Pierre is all about what you can see underwater in a protected, uninhabited setting. Curieuse is about the giant tortoises and the island’s mangrove-lined scenery, with a guided walk that changes the pace of the day.

You also benefit from the structure. The day is timed around swimming windows, so you’re not stuck watching others snorkel while you wait. And the order matters: you start with the water, then move to tortoises and walking, which feels like a natural flow instead of a checklist.

One more practical advantage: the islands you visit don’t have shops or restaurants. That forces the day to be self-contained in a good way. You’ll bring what you need, eat the provided BBQ lunch, and then enjoy the scenery without breaks for shopping.

Pickup to Grand Anse Main Beach: smooth start, shared timing

Your day starts with pickup from your accommodation in Praslin, followed by a transfer to Grand Anse Main Beach. Some hotels are in remote areas, so pickup is not available in certain spots, including Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin, Anse Possession, and Anse La Blague area. If your hotel is one of those, you’ll need to contact the operator to find the nearest pickup point.

Once you arrive at Grand Anse, you check in and get a short safety briefing. Then you board a speedboat for the west-coast run, feeling the breeze as the coastline slides by. It’s not a private charter, so you should expect other guests onboard and to respect the pickup timing the crew has organized.

Why that matters for you: with a shared schedule, the best mindset is to stay flexible. If you’re the kind of traveler who likes everything to be perfectly silent and personal, this may feel a bit busy. If you’re here for experiences and timing that actually hits the main stops, the shared setup is usually a plus.

The boat ride and the Anse Georgette stop for a quick reset

Before you reach the snorkeling phase, there’s a stop for a refreshing swim at the secluded white-sand beach of Anse Georgette. This is a nice reset point because it breaks the day into smaller chapters. It also gives you a chance to settle in, rinse the salt later, and get used to the water before you put on snorkeling gear.

Look at this stop as your “warm-up.” You’ll often find the water calm enough for an easy paddle, and the beach gives you a proper moment to be on land again. Even if you’re itching to snorkel, the brief beach time helps you avoid a rushed feel later at St. Pierre.

Practical tip: wear your swimwear under clothes if you can. You’ll be in and out of the water a few times, and being ready cuts down on wasted minutes.

St. Pierre snorkeling: what you’re likely to see above and below the waterline

St. Pierre is the snorkeling centerpiece of the day, with time for swimming and snorkeling plus snorkeling stops around the island. The big idea here is simple: you’re in clear ocean conditions with colorful fish life moving around the coral formations.

From the info you’ll get on this trip, the fish you might spot include parrotfish, surgeonfish, and clownfish (yes, the Nemo look). In real-world sightings from past trips, you may also see sea turtles and stingrays, which is one of those moments that makes the whole day feel like it’s working.

Two useful mindset points for your snorkeling experience:

• Keep expectations realistic. Coral can be different depending on conditions, and sightings vary.
• Watch your breathing and take it slow at the start. You’ll spot more when you’re steady.

Also, snorkeling gear is included, so you don’t have to bring or rent equipment. Just make sure your sunscreen is fully on before you’re in the sun, since you’ll be outside for long stretches.

Curieuse giant tortoises: the wild-meets-guided moment

When you arrive at Curieuse, the vibe shifts from ocean to land. Curieuse is a giant tortoise sanctuary park where tortoises roam in an unspoiled wilderness setting. You don’t just see them from a distance; you can often spend meaningful time observing them as they wander through their space.

This is where guide quality matters. The best guides on this route keep the group moving at a pace that makes tortoise viewing feel relaxed, not rushed. Names you may hear in operation include Timothy, Jason, Ryan, and Alex, and multiple crew members are known for keeping everyone oriented while sharing what to look for.

Camera strategy: use bursts and be ready for slow motion. Tortoises don’t hurry, and the best photos come when you stop trying to chase them. Also, stay mindful of where you step and how close you get. This is a sanctuary, so respect the space even when it’s tempting.

One small practical tip from the way some groups handle tortoise feeding: you may want to bring bananas, but check with your guide about what’s permitted before you offer anything. Rules can vary in wildlife areas.

The BBQ lunch on Curieuse: local flavors with minimal hassle

Lunch is part of the Curieuse block, and it’s not an afterthought. You’ll get a BBQ lunch and soft drinks, and the meal is described as featuring fresh products procured from the islands. In other words, you’re eating what fits the day, not trying to plan a restaurant detour.

The BBQ setup is ideal for this tour format. You’re on an island, you don’t want to waste time traveling for food, and you don’t want to end up hungry halfway through the walk. This lunch does the job: it refuels you so you can enjoy the hike without turning it into a struggle.

If you’re trying to picture the taste: expect Creole-style simplicity, grilled items, and sides like rice and salads. Past experiences on this route also include fish options such as grilled barracuda, depending on day and menu.

A smart move: eat at an unhurried pace, then reapply sunscreen and get your water ready for the mangrove walk. You’ll thank yourself when the path starts to feel warm and shaded.

The mangrove hike to a swimming beach (1.7 km of real scenery)

After lunch, you switch gears to a guided mangrove hike. It’s 1.7 kilometers, which is a manageable walking distance for many adults, but it’s still a trail. Wear comfortable shoes and expect some uneven ground.

What makes this section special is the change of environment. Mangroves aren’t just pretty trees. They shape the feel of the hike: cooler air in patches, shifting light through branches, and the kind of quiet that makes the island feel alive rather than staged.

You’ll then reach an idyllic beach area where you can cool off with a swim. This turns the hike from a “walk because we have to” activity into something that ends with payoff. The swim also helps your body recover after the morning and lunch.

If you have even mild mobility concerns, don’t ignore the hike distance. The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments, back problems, wheelchair users, or those with low fitness, so take that seriously and choose accordingly.

Guides and crew make the day land on time

With island tours, timing is everything. If the boat runs late, you lose snorkeling time, tortoise time, or beach time. This trip is built to keep those parts in sequence, and the crew’s job is to make sure you get back on schedule.

The guides are also a big reason people rate this so highly. Names you might hear include Francis, Nelson, and Ryan, with a style that combines jokes, safety reminders, and clear explanations about flora and fauna. Even on different weather days, guides are described as adjusting plans so you still get the best version of the day.

The boat crew gets credit too. Captains like Captain Morgan are referenced for safe, smooth navigation. That matters because you’re riding on speedboat water for a full day, so comfort and stability affect the whole experience.

Price and value: what $93 covers, plus the Curieuse ticket

At $93 per person, this tour can feel like a lot until you break down what’s included. You’re getting hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, a speedboat tour, snorkeling gear, BBQ lunch with soft drinks, and a guided mangrove hike. You’re also not paying for the labor of arranging multiple stops across islands.

Then comes the one extra line item: the Curieuse park ticket costs 20 EUR, payable by credit card on Curieuse island. You may also be able to skip a ticket line, but budget for the fee either way. That makes your realistic total closer to $93 + 20 EUR, depending on your currency conversion.

My value take: this is best if you want a full-day nature day without vehicle rentals, without booking separate boat trips, and without figuring out how to coordinate snorkeling gear. If you already plan to hire your own boat or already have snorkeling gear and a private guide, you might be able to build a cheaper DIY plan. For most people, though, the simplicity plus included meals and transport is where the value lives.

What to bring for a day that mixes water, heat, and walking

Pack like you’re going to be outside for hours and in and out of the water. The essentials are clearly listed, and you’ll feel it if you skip one.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable shoes for the mangrove walk
• Sandals for quick beach movement
• Sunscreen and beachwear
• Camera for tortoises and snorkeling moments
• Credit card for the Curieuse park ticket
• Optional but smart: water-friendly protection for your phone

Also remember: the islands visited have no shops, restaurant, or hotel facilities. That’s why lunch and drinks are included. It’s also why you should not rely on finding a place to buy snacks if you get hungry.

Weather reality: when heavy rain cancels, and when plans adjust

The Seychelles weather can shift quickly. This trip is cancelled in the case of heavy rain, and the provider decides early on the day and informs you accordingly. The upside is that guides often have experience running around changing conditions, so you may still end up with a workable plan if it’s not heavy rain.

What you should do: check the day’s forecast in the morning, but also plan for flexibility. If you hate schedule changes, keep your other Praslin activities light that day.

If the tour goes ahead, your best protection is simple: sunscreen, a light layer if it turns breezy, and a towel ready to dry fast after snorkeling.

Who should book this, and who should skip it

This is a great fit for you if you want a classic Praslin nature day: snorkeling, giant tortoises, and a short guided hike without complicated logistics. It’s also a good pick if you’re staying in Praslin long enough to fit a full 7 hours, starting and ending with pickup.

It’s not suitable for:

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

That list is worth respecting. The speedboat ride plus the hike means you need a basic level of stamina and comfort in moving around outdoors.

If you’re someone who’s steady in the water, this tour also suits snorkelers of many levels because you’re not asked to do anything technical. You’re swimming, watching fish, and getting a guided experience throughout.

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

Book it if you want one day that hits multiple Seychelles highlights with a clear rhythm: St. Pierre snorkeling, Curieuse giant tortoises, BBQ lunch, and a guided 1.7 km mangrove hike. At $93, the value is strong because pickup, guide time, boat time, snorkeling gear, and lunch are bundled together.

Pass or reconsider if:

• You can’t pay the 20 EUR Curieuse park ticket by credit card
• You’re uncomfortable with walking on a hike trail
• You fall into one of the health or mobility categories listed as not suitable
• Your hotel is in an area where pickup is not available and you don’t want to coordinate a nearby meeting point

If you’re visiting Praslin for the first time, this is also a smart “orientation day.” It teaches you the island’s nature in a way that feels practical, not theoretical. And if wildlife is what you came for, Curieuse with the tortoises is the part you’ll remember long after the boat ride fades.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Praslin Curieuse & St. Pierre full-day trip?

The tour duration is 7 hours.

What does the snorkeling include?

Snorkeling gear is included, and you’ll have snorkeling time at St. Pierre island.

Is lunch included, and what is it?

Yes. You’ll enjoy a BBQ lunch and soft drinks as part of the day on Curieuse.

Do I need to pay an extra fee for Curieuse?

Yes. There is a park ticket fee of 20 EUR, payable by credit card on Curieuse island.

Where does pickup happen?

Pickup is included at Grand Anse Main Beach/Grand Anse Praslin area, but pickup is not available in Anse Lazio, Anse Boudin, Anse Possession, and Anse La Blague area. Remote hotels may also require a nearest pickup point.

Is this tour private?

No. Pickup and the boat experience are not private, so you’ll likely share the day with other guests and follow the pickup schedule.

What is the mangrove hike distance?

The guided mangrove hike is 1.7 kilometers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If there is heavy rain, the tour is cancelled. The provider decides early on the day and informs you accordingly.