Curieuse and St. Pierre Islands Day Trip with BBQ Lunch

Paradise comes with a barbecue. This Curieuse and St. Pierre boat trip packs giant Aldabra tortoises, mangrove trails, beach time, snorkeling, and a generous Creole lunch into one busy day from Praslin. I especially like the small-group feel and the care shown by guides such as Reynold and Mario. The main thing to consider is that the day can run closer to seven hours, and rough seas may move the St. Pierre snorkeling stop.

The $85 price is strong value for a speedboat ride, hotel pickup in selected areas, lunch, drinks, two snorkeling stops, and a guided Curieuse walk. I also like that the barbecue includes fish, chicken, sausage, prawns, lentils, salads, fruit, soft drinks, water, and Seybrew beer. You still need to pay the Curieuse landing fee separately, and it is card-only.

Key points at a glance

• Giant tortoises at Curieuse: See Aldabra tortoises in their protected setting and learn about them from a guide.
• A proper Creole BBQ: The meal is more than a quick sandwich stop, with grilled meats, fish, prawns, lentils, salads, fruit, and drinks.
• A scenic speedboat ride: The boat journey between Praslin, Curieuse, and St. Pierre is part of the pleasure, not just transport.
• Two snorkeling opportunities: St. Pierre is the planned location, but Anse Petit Cours may be used when the southeast monsoon makes the sea rough.
• A real island walk: The Curieuse route includes mangroves and rocky sections toward Anse José, so comfortable shoes matter.
• Useful guide support: Reynold, Mario, and other crew members are praised for keeping the group safe, informed, and well looked after.

Why this Praslin day trip works so well

Curieuse and St. Pierre give you two different sides of the Seychelles in one outing. Curieuse is about land, wildlife, mangroves, and tortoises. St. Pierre is a small, photogenic island with clear water and coral reefs. The contrast keeps the day moving.

I like this trip for people who want more than a beach transfer. You get a boat ride, a short nature excursion, a wildlife encounter, lunch, swimming, and snorkeling without having to arrange separate bookings. The schedule is active, but it also leaves room to sit on Anse José Beach and cool off.

The experience has earned a 4.7 rating from 487 reviews, with particularly strong praise for the crew, food, pickup service, and guides. Names that come up often include Reynold and Mario. That matters because a good guide makes the Curieuse walk far more interesting than simply wandering between tortoise enclosures and mangrove trees.

There are limits. This is a speedboat trip, not a slow sailing cruise. You may feel spray, movement, and wind on the ride. The route is also shaped by weather. From May through October, the southeast monsoon can make St. Pierre too rough for safe snorkeling, so the crew may switch to the calmer bay at Anse Petit Cours.

Morning pickup and the speedboat from Praslin

Pickup is offered from selected areas, including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert. Some guests meet at Berjaya Praslin Resort or Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne. Confirm the exact meeting point and pickup time before the morning of the trip, since this has not always been clear to everyone.

The usual schedule begins with pickup around 8:45 a.m. and departure near 9:15 a.m. The boat receives a safety briefing before heading toward Curieuse. The exact timing can shift, so think of the schedule as a useful framework rather than a minute-by-minute promise.

The speedboat is a big part of the appeal. You get open views across the turquoise water and a quick, exciting ride to the islands. It also means less time spent getting from place to place. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the movement feels easiest and bring any medication you normally use. The operator does not describe this as a wheelchair-friendly outing, and it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Curieuse and the giant Aldabra tortoises

The first stop is usually Baie Laraie on Curieuse. Here, a licensed guide accompanies you along the island trail. A 750-milliliter bottle of water is provided for the walk, but you should still bring sun protection and your own extra water if you tend to drink often.

The tortoise sanctuary is the emotional high point for many people. Aldabra giant tortoises are one of the Seychelles’ most famous animals, and seeing them at close range gives the trip a strong sense of place. Your guide can explain their habits, the conservation work on the island, and the part these animals play in Seychelles wildlife.

Reynold is especially praised for introducing people to the tortoises and explaining their behavior. Mario is also noted for combining useful information with a friendly manner. The quality of this part depends heavily on the guide, so take the opportunity to ask questions rather than rushing through for photographs.

You may spend roughly 45 minutes around the tortoises. That is enough time for pictures and observation, though some people may prefer less time here and more snorkeling later. If you love wildlife, this longer stop will feel worthwhile. If underwater activity is your main reason for booking, the pace may feel slower than expected.

Mangroves, rocky paths, and Anse José

Curieuse is not just a tortoise stop. The island’s mangrove area gives you a look at a wet coastal ecosystem, with boardwalk sections and shaded vegetation. Guides explain the plants, animals, and conservation work, making the walk more than a simple transfer to the beach.

The route toward Anse José can include rocky steps and uneven ground. Previous guests have described a walk of around two kilometers up and down, although the exact route and timing can vary. I would not wear flip-flops here. Comfortable walking shoes or secure sandals will make the trail much easier.

This is also where you need to pack light. A large beach bag becomes awkward on a small boat and during the walk. Bring only what you need for sun, swimming, photos, and the trail.

The walk offers good photo stops and, on clear days, views toward the sea. One person even spotted a sea turtle in the water from a viewpoint. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the combination of mangroves, forest, coast, and wildlife gives Curieuse more variety than a quick beach visit.

The Creole BBQ at lunchtime

Lunch is served around noon, usually near the beach. This is one of the most praised parts of the trip, and the menu explains why. Expect a mix of grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns or prawn kebabs, lentils, garlic bread, salads, and tropical fruit. Vegetarian options are available.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, and local Seybrew beer. This is useful on a hot island day, especially after the walk. The meal is described as plentiful, and the timing is sensible: you reach the barbecue after the morning trail, when you are ready for something substantial.

The food is served in a relaxed beach setting rather than a formal restaurant. That is part of the charm. You can eat, talk with the group, and take in the coast before the afternoon water activity.

One practical tip: bring a small snack if you tend to get hungry early. Lunch may not arrive until around noon, and the morning includes a boat ride and walking. Do not expect a full breakfast stop.

Beach time at Anse José

After lunch, you usually have time at Anse José to swim, relax, or snorkel from the beach. One useful tip is to try snorkeling roughly 60 meters from shore near the lunch area if conditions allow. This spot has been praised for its fish and can be a pleasant extra look beneath the surface before the boat heads to St. Pierre.

Anse José is a good pause in the middle of an active day. You can dry off, sit on the sand, and let lunch settle. The beach time may feel too long if you are eager to reach St. Pierre, but it gives the schedule some breathing room.

The water conditions determine how much you can do. Currents and wind can change quickly, so follow the crew’s instructions rather than swimming farther out on your own.

Snorkeling around St. Pierre Island

The boat generally leaves Curieuse around 2 p.m. for St. Pierre, reaching the snorkeling area around 2:30. St. Pierre is a small granite island surrounded by clear water, and the reefs are home to tropical fish and, when luck and conditions cooperate, sea turtles.

The snorkeling has received strong praise. Some outings have included sightings of sea turtles, and one trip even had a whale shark nearby. Those encounters are chance events, not promises, but they show the kind of marine life that can appear in these waters.

A crew member may swim with the group and lead you toward good areas. That is helpful if you want to spend your time looking at fish rather than working out where to go. Two snorkeling stops are included in the price, although weather can affect the exact route.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them and prefer your own equipment. Gear is provided, but one person specifically advised bringing personal snorkeling gear because of shared mouthpieces. You will also need your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.

The important weather note is the southeast monsoon, which runs from May through October. Rough water at St. Pierre can make snorkeling unpleasant or unsafe. In that case, the crew may use Anse Petit Cours, a calmer bay. This is not a failure of the trip. It is the sensible adjustment that lets you get in the water without forcing a risky stop.

What the $85 price really includes

At $85 per person, the trip offers good value if you plan to visit both islands anyway. The price includes selected hotel pickup and drop-off, the speedboat, a guided Curieuse walk, barbecue lunch, soft drinks, water, local beer, and two snorkeling stops.

You still pay the Curieuse landing fee separately. It is 20 euros per person, or about 300 Seychelles rupees, and payment is by card only. Keep that fee in mind when comparing the total cost.

The price is strongest for people who appreciate convenience. Arranging transport, island access, lunch, wildlife viewing, and snorkeling separately would take more time and may cost more. The tradeoff is a fixed group schedule. You cannot linger indefinitely at Curieuse or turn the outing into a private beach day.

Small groups have been reported, including groups of around five or six people, though the size can vary. A smaller boat group gives you more room and makes it easier to ask the guide questions. The operator does not promise a private charter for every departure.

Who should book this outing?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full island day with several kinds of activity. It suits couples, families with older children, wildlife fans, casual snorkelers, and anyone staying on Praslin who wants to see more of the nearby islands.

It is especially good for first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the area. You see land wildlife, coastal vegetation, beaches, reefs, and local food in one outing.

You should think twice if you dislike speedboats, uneven paths, shared equipment, or changing plans caused by weather. It is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. The Curieuse walk is manageable for many active visitors, but rocky ground and steps are part of the day.

Book with realistic expectations. This is not a quiet luxury cruise and not a dedicated wildlife expedition. It is an active, sociable island day with a very good lunch and plenty of variety.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Wear secure walking shoes, not flip-flops, for the Curieuse trail.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel.
• Pack light because you will carry your belongings on the boat and trail.
• Bring a small snack if you need food before noon.
• Take your own snorkeling gear if you prefer not to use shared mouthpieces.
• Bring a payment card for the Curieuse landing fee.
• Confirm your pickup point and time in advance.
• Expect the day to last about six to seven hours, depending on conditions and the pace of the group.

Should you book the Curieuse and St. Pierre tour?

Yes, if you want a practical, well-filled day from Praslin and value good food, wildlife, and water activities in one package. The strongest reasons to book are the close look at Aldabra tortoises, the informative guides, the generous BBQ, and the chance to snorkel with tropical fish and possibly turtles.

I would skip it only if you want a slow private boat trip or a dedicated snorkeling day. For most active visitors, the $85 cost is fair, especially with transport, lunch, drinks, and two water stops included. Just budget for the separate landing fee, wear proper shoes, and accept that the sea may send you to Anse Petit Cours instead of St. Pierre.

FAQ

How long does the Curieuse and St. Pierre trip last?

The advertised duration is six hours, with a typical schedule from around 8:45 a.m. pickup to about 3:30 p.m. return. Some outings may take closer to seven hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $85 per person. The Curieuse landing fee is not included and must be paid separately by card.

Where can pickup take place?

Pickup is available in selected areas of Praslin, including Baie-Ste-Anne, Amitié, St. Joseph, Grand-Anse, and Anse Volbert. Meeting points can include Berjaya Praslin Resort and Kannus Supermarket in Baie-Ste-Anne.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a Creole barbecue with items such as grilled chicken, fish, sausage, prawns, lentils, garlic bread, salads, and tropical fruit. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, and local Seybrew beer are included.

What happens if the sea is rough at St. Pierre?

The snorkeling location may change to Anse Petit Cours, where the water is calmer. This is particularly possible during the southeast monsoon from May through October.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users because it includes a boat ride, walking trails, rocky sections, and steps.