Private Seychelles Islands Tour by Boat with snacks & drinks

Island hopping can get complicated fast. This four-hour private boat trip from Praslin keeps the plan simple while taking you to Curieuse Island and St. Pierre, two of the most appealing stops near Praslin.

I like the private format, which lets Jacques adjust the route when you spot a good swimming or snorkeling area. I also like that snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, and snorkeling gear are included, so you do not need to pack much beyond sun protection and suitable shoes.

The main limitation is time. Four hours is enough for a well-paced morning, but not enough for a slow, full exploration of both islands. The Curieuse walk can also be tiring, especially if you are not comfortable on uneven ground.

Key points to know before booking

• Curieuse combines beaches, walking, and wild tortoises: It is the main land-based stop and gives the trip more variety than a simple boat-and-snorkel outing.
• St. Pierre is the snorkeling highlight: The small island is particularly appealing for swimming and seeing the water below the boat.
• Jacques offers a flexible private trip: He and his assistant can adjust the plan to suit your group and the conditions.
• Snacks and drinks are included: You get refreshments along the way, including soft drinks and alcohol.
• The tour begins at 9:30 a.m.: Meet at MQCF+XCJ in Anse La Blague, with the trip ending back at the same meeting point.
• Good shoes matter on Curieuse: The island walk is not ideal for older people or anyone with limited fitness, according to direct trip feedback.

Why this private Praslin boat trip works well

The best feature here is control. On a shared excursion, you usually follow a fixed route and fixed timing. This private outing is for your group alone, so Jacques can respond to the conditions and your interests.

That flexibility matters in the Seychelles. You may want more time in the water, a quieter beach stop, or a shorter walk on Curieuse. The available feedback repeatedly praises Jacques for changing plans when asked and for making sure the group was comfortable.

Jacques sometimes operates with his son, Mathys, who has also helped on the boat. The pair received warm praise for their friendly service and careful attention, including looking after a passenger who was six months pregnant. That does not turn the trip into a specialist medical or mobility excursion, but it does suggest a thoughtful approach to comfort and pacing.

The boat itself has also been praised as very clean. One account describes pickup and return close to a hotel beach, though the published meeting point is MQCF+XCJ in Anse La Blague. Confirm the exact pickup arrangement before you set out, especially if you are not staying near Anse La Blague.

Starting at Anse La Blague at 9:30 a.m.

The official start time is 9:30 a.m., and the meeting point is MQCF+XCJ, Anse La Blague, Seychelles. The activity ends at the same meeting point.

The location matters because you should allow enough time to reach the departure area without rushing. Pickup is offered, but the information does not specify that every hotel transfer is automatic. Ask for clear instructions after booking if you need a pickup rather than making your own way to Anse La Blague.

A morning departure is a sensible choice. It gives you a half-day on the water and leaves the rest of the day open for Praslin. You will want to arrive ready for sun, spray, and movement on the boat. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and shoes that can handle both a boat deck and a rough island path.

The tour is private, but the information does not state the maximum number of people in your group. That is worth checking if you are booking for a larger family or party.

Curieuse Island: tortoises, beaches, and a demanding walk

Curieuse is the main island stop on this route. The attraction is not only the shoreline. You can combine a beach visit with a walk inland and the chance to see wild tortoises, giving the morning a welcome change of pace.

The island is a good match for people who want more than a short swim. You can get off the boat, stretch your legs, look around, and spend time seeing a different side of the Seychelles. The combination of wildlife, beaches, and walking makes Curieuse feel more varied than a pure snorkeling trip.

The catch is the walk. One direct account warns you to wear proper shoes and says the route may not suit older people or anyone without much fitness. That is useful advice. Do not arrive in slippery sandals and expect an easy stroll. Good walking shoes will make the stop more pleasant and safer.

The information does not give a fixed walking distance or route length, so your exact experience may depend on timing, weather, and the plan you agree on with Jacques. Since this is a private trip, you can ask for a shorter visit if the walk is too much for your group.

Curieuse is also where timing becomes important. With only four hours for the whole outing, you will not have unlimited time for both a long island walk and extended snorkeling. Tell the captain what matters most before leaving. If seeing tortoises is your priority, protect that time. If swimming matters more, keep the Curieuse visit focused.

St. Pierre: the strongest stop for snorkeling

St. Pierre is a small island known here mainly for its water access and snorkeling. Several direct accounts praise the snorkeling near St. Pierre, making it the natural choice for the trip’s main swim.

Snorkeling gear rental is included, which removes one small but annoying task. You do not need to arrange equipment separately, though you should still confirm fit and availability for everyone in your group before getting in the water.

The private setup is useful at St. Pierre. Jacques can point you toward good places to snorkel and adjust the stop to your comfort level. If some people want to swim while others prefer to stay aboard, a private boat gives you more room to manage the morning as a group.

Water conditions can affect any snorkeling stop, and this experience requires good weather. Do not treat the advertised route as a guarantee that every swim will happen in exactly the same place. The captain’s ability to adjust the plan is one of the practical benefits of booking privately.

You should also remember that snorkeling is not the same as a guided marine-life tour. The information confirms gear rental and good snorkeling locations, but it does not promise a particular species or a dedicated underwater guide. The reward is the chance to see the underwater world around St. Pierre at a pace that suits your group.

Snacks, drinks, and the value of a private boat

The price is listed at $261.71 per person. That is not a budget boat ride, but the cost includes a private experience, tax, snacks, drinks, alcohol, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear rental.

Value depends heavily on your group size. For a couple, the per-person cost may feel high compared with a shared excursion. For a family or group of friends, dividing the cost of a private boat can make the flexibility more appealing, especially if you care about choosing your own pace.

I see the refreshments as a practical bonus rather than the main reason to book. Snacks and drinks mean you can stay out on the water without carrying a full supply. One direct account also praised the quality of the refreshments, and another referred to a pleasant lunch during the outing. Still, the formal details specifically promise snacks and drinks, so you should not assume a full meal is guaranteed unless the operator confirms it.

The private boat is where the larger part of the value lies. You are paying to avoid a fixed group schedule, reduce planning, and combine two islands in one morning. If you would rather set the route around your own interests, the premium can make sense.

A clean boat and attentive service

The human side of this trip earns strong praise. Jacques is repeatedly described as friendly, accommodating, and attentive. He has been willing to alter plans and show groups attractive snorkeling places instead of simply following a rigid script.

That can make a real difference in the Seychelles, where a good morning depends partly on weather and sea conditions. A captain who listens can help you avoid wasting time at a stop that does not suit your group.

The boat has also been described as very clean. That may sound minor, but a tidy boat matters when you are carrying wet towels, snorkeling equipment, food, and personal bags in a small space.

The service appears especially suited to families and couples who want personal attention. A private trip also helps if your group has mixed interests. One person can focus on the beach, another on snorkeling, and another on seeing tortoises, with Jacques helping balance the timing.

Do not confuse flexibility with unlimited time. The whole trip lasts about four hours, so even a helpful captain has to keep the boat moving. Make your priorities clear early.

Who should book this experience?

I would recommend this tour most strongly to:

• Couples who want a private morning on the water
• Families who prefer their own pace
• Small groups that want to split the cost of a private boat
• People who want both island walking and snorkeling
• Visitors staying on Praslin who want to see more than one nearby island
• Anyone who values a friendly captain and flexible plans

It may be less suitable if you want a full-day island expedition. Four hours passes quickly once you include boarding, cruising, Curieuse, St. Pierre, and refreshments.

It is also not the best fit for someone who wants a guaranteed long hike or a highly structured wildlife program. Curieuse is included as a stop, but the exact amount of walking depends on your group and the day.

If you have mobility concerns, ask about the Curieuse walk before booking. Most people can participate, but the island path may be challenging for anyone with limited fitness. A passenger who was six months pregnant was well cared for, yet that should not be read as a promise that every medical or mobility need can be accommodated.

Price, timing, and cancellation details

The activity is generally booked about 33 days ahead, which suggests that planning early is wise, especially if your dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the experience is offered with a mobile ticket.

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached and the operator cancels the activity.

These rules are fair for a boat trip, but pay attention to the local cutoff time. Do not wait until the morning of the tour to decide.

My practical advice for making the most of the morning

Set your priorities before you board. Tell Jacques if you care most about tortoises, beach time, snorkeling, or a relaxed pace. A private trip is most valuable when the captain knows what you want.

Wear proper footwear for Curieuse. This is the single clearest practical tip from the available feedback. Bring a towel and sun protection, even though snacks and drinks are supplied.

Keep your schedule after the tour flexible. The listed duration is approximately four hours, but boat conditions and the pace of your group can affect the morning. Since the trip ends back at the meeting point, you can plan another Praslin activity afterward, but leave yourself some breathing room.

Finally, confirm pickup details. The meeting point is Anse La Blague, while pickup is offered. The exact arrangement may depend on your accommodation and the operator, so get the departure instructions in advance.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre tour?

Book it if you want a private, flexible morning that combines two islands, snorkeling, refreshments, and the chance to see wild tortoises. The strongest reasons are Jacques’s accommodating service, the clean boat, and the freedom to adjust the route.

Think twice if you want a long, unhurried island visit or if uneven walking is difficult for you. The four-hour limit means you must choose your priorities.

For couples, families, and small groups who value personal service over the lowest price, this is a strong Praslin option. Pack good shoes, confirm pickup, and tell Jacques what you want to see before the boat pulls away.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The published meeting point is MQCF+XCJ in Anse La Blague, Seychelles. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The boat tour lasts approximately four hours.

Which islands are included?

The tour includes Curieuse Island and St. Pierre.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The price includes snacks, soft drinks, alcohol, and drinks. The formal details specifically mention snacks and drinks rather than promising a full meal.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear rental is included in the price.

Can the tour be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.