Giant turtles, two snorkels, one easy day. This Curieuse Guided Tour is built around Curieuse Island’s land tortoises plus two chances to snorkel in good reef areas off Praslin and nearby waters. You also get a guided nature walk, a relaxed beach stretch, and a proper Creole BBQ lunch with drinks from start to finish.

My favorite parts are how well the day is paced and how much the guides add with their on-the-ground spotting and explanations, including guides like Benjamin and Rocco who helped people find marine life and tortoises without rushing anyone. One thing to plan for: the Curieuse marine park entry fee is not included, and you’ll need a credit card for it.

Key highlights worth centering your trip

• Two snorkeling breaks with conditions adjusted based on weather and sea state
• Curieuse trail guided by your staff, with real answers for what you’re seeing
• Giant tortoises up close in a protected setting, plus time to photograph and hang out
• BBQ lunch and drinks included, ending with a Takamaka rum cocktail
• Small-group feel on the boat and on land, so you’re not packed in

A full-day cruise that feels practical, not touristy

The Seychelles does big nature days well, and this one is a good example. You start with a hotel pickup on Praslin, then head out by boat with a crew that acts like they’ve done this a thousand times. That matters. When you’re spending the whole day on water and islands, the difference between a smooth plan and a chaotic one is huge.

The itinerary is built around three payoff moments: snorkeling (two separate underwater chances), the Curieuse experience (beach time plus a guided nature trail), and the tortoises (roaming right there, not behind glass). I also like that you get downtime, not just nonstop activity. You’ll sit, eat, and cool off between the active parts.

The day ends back in motion again with a rum cocktail on the cruise back, so you don’t get stuck thinking only about the logistics. It’s a full itinerary that still leaves you energy to enjoy it.

Price and value: what $112 really covers

At $112 per person, the tour is priced like a “real day out,” not just a quick island hop. What you’re getting for that money is hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Praslin, a guided visit on Curieuse, snorkeling equipment, and the big meal moment: BBQ lunch, plus soft drinks.

Where value shows up is in the time efficiency. If you tried to piece this together yourself—boat, guided trail, snorkeling stops, and a curated Curieuse visit—you’d likely spend more time figuring it out than enjoying it. Here, the structure does the work for you.

You should still budget for one extra cost: the Curieuse marine park entry fee (details next). If you plan for that from the start, you’ll feel like you’re paying for a well-run day.

The Curieuse entry fee: the only cost that can surprise you

Curieuse Island has an entry fee that is not included in your tour price. It’s SR300 per person for ages 12 and up. The crew helps with purchasing the ticket, and you can pay online or on site with a credit card.

So here’s the practical move: bring your credit card even if you think everything else is covered. The tour also includes guided time with staff on the island, but you still need that entry ticket to be on Curieuse.

If you forget your card, you risk slowing the start of your day. If you carry it, you keep momentum—exactly what you want when you have one full day and you’re on island time.

Pickup, boat launch, and timing that doesn’t waste your day

Your day starts with bus pickup from your hotel on Praslin, then a transfer to the boat launch point. Once you meet the crew, you’re off. That flow is one reason this tour gets praised for being “organized.” People don’t want to guess where to go, or wait around while others figure it out.

The day’s order is also smart: snorkeling early when the group is fresh, then a Curieuse beach break and guided walk, then lunch and tortoises, and finally the second snorkeling stop later. Later snorkeling can be affected by wind and sea conditions, so the plan keeps a flexible option.

Some boats run with a smaller group feel. I saw details like small groups and people spread out in the water, which makes a real difference in snorkeling quality. You get more space, fewer elbows, and a better chance to see fish instead of only faces.

Snorkel stop one off Praslin: your first underwater hit

You’ll make the first snorkeling stop for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on weather and sea conditions. The goal is clear: get you into colorful reef life quickly, with enough time to relax into the water.

In practice, snorkeling success comes down to calm water and good guidance. A big plus here is that your guide helps you spot marine life and points out interesting areas underwater. That turns snorkeling from just swimming around into a guided hunt for colorful fish, coral edges, and that moment when you realize you’re watching a whole living system.

If you’re a nervous snorkeler or not a confident swimmer, don’t assume you’ll be left behind. Some guides have offered extra help in the water so non-swimmers can still participate safely. You should still be honest about your comfort level at the start so the crew can place you appropriately.

Bring sunscreen. Reef water can feel cool, but sun doesn’t care. Also wear swimwear under your beach clothes so you don’t spend the next 10 minutes searching for the right shirt when you’re already in the day’s rhythm.

Curieuse beach time and the guided nature trail (about 1 hour)

After the morning snorkeling, you head to a beach on Curieuse and get some time to relax. This isn’t just a pause. It’s a buffer that keeps the day from feeling like a nonstop schedule.

Next comes the 1-hour guided tour on a natural trail. Your guide walks with you and explains what you’re seeing—flora, fauna, and how the island works as a sanctuary. This is where the tour becomes more than a photo stop. You learn what makes Curieuse different, not just what looks pretty.

One practical note: the trail can be slippery with roots and stones. Even if the route is described as doable, wear sturdy footwear. In real terms, that means sneakers or water shoes are a better bet than flip-flops.

The pace is set up so you can take breaks, look around, and still make it through the full trail without feeling rushed.

Giant tortoises: close encounters without the stress

Curieuse is famous for giant land tortoises, and this tour gives you time to see them where they roam. On Curieuse, you’ll be amazed at how calm the whole interaction feels—tortoises move at their own pace, and the crew keeps things orderly so you’re not shoving for a better angle.

You’ll get time for photos and even moments of gentle contact when the guides advise. Many people love that these tortoises aren’t “background creatures.” They’re the center of the island experience, and the day is built around them.

There’s also a safety and care element that comes through in how the guides handle the visit. When you see how they manage the interaction, it feels like you’re visiting a sanctuary, not a roadside attraction.

Expect the tortoise time to be a highlight, especially if you like wildlife that doesn’t try to put on a show. These animals do not rush you—and in Seychelles time, that’s the point.

Creole BBQ, local beer, and the Takamaka rum cocktail finish

Lunch is served on Curieuse: a Creole BBQ with a laid-back setup. It’s a welcome break after snorkeling and walking, and the menu typically includes fish and other grilled choices, plus sides like salad. Mango salad shows up as a favorite detail in people’s memories, and it makes sense: it’s a fresh counterpoint to the heavier grill.

Drinks are part of the full day experience. You get soft drinks throughout, and there’s local beer during the BBQ portion. Then, as you cruise back, you get the Takamaka rum cocktail as a trademark end to the day.

That last piece matters more than you’d think. When a tour ends right after the last stop, you’re tired and the day can feel like a blur. Here, the rum cocktail gives the day closure, a moment to sit on the boat and enjoy the ride back.

St Pierre (or nearby reefs) then Anse La Farine or Lazio Beach

After Curieuse, you head to St. Pierre or other reefs depending on the weather. Sometimes this is a photo-focused stop rather than a full snorkeling session, because reef conditions can change quickly.

Then comes the final snorkeling plan. If the sea conditions allow, you finish with snorkeling at Anse La Farine. If not, the tour goes to Anse Georgette & Lazio Beach instead.

That flexibility is a big deal. You’re on an island where wind and swell can change fast, and the team adapts rather than forcing a rough or unsafe water session. You still get your second snorkeling experience; the exact location is what shifts.

Some snorkeling spots are known for sheer fish volume, and people have talked about the feeling of swimming in an aquarium style environment. Your experience may vary day to day, but the planning is clearly aimed at maximizing underwater viewing time.

If you care about being comfortable for snorkeling, stay ready with your towel and dry clothes for the end of the day. The second stop can be the longest memory-maker, so you’ll want to feel decent as you gear up and cool down.

Guides and group size: small-group energy with real attention

The most praised factor is not one “wow” moment. It’s the combo: friendly crew, good organization, and enough time at each stop.

You’ll often be in a smaller group, which helps in two ways. First, it makes the snorkel experience less crowded. Second, it lets your guide actually work with people, point out what matters, and answer questions without shouting over a huge crowd.

Guides often get named in people’s feedback—Benjamin, Rocco, Jimmy, Samuel, Ryan, Liroy, and others. What’s consistent is the tone: they’re there to guide, but also to keep things light. Humor helps on a day that includes saltwater, sun, and stairs.

Pacing is another strength. The day doesn’t feel like a race. People mention that nothing is rushed and that the timing hits the sweet spot: enough time to explore, enough time to snorkel twice, and enough time to enjoy tortoises and lunch without feeling drained.

Who should book this Curieuse tour (and who should think twice)

This is a great fit if you want a one-day Seychelles nature and wildlife day from Praslin that includes snorkeling, guided walking, and a proper meal. It’s also ideal for couples, friends, and solo travelers who want someone else handling the schedule.

It may be less ideal if you fall into these categories: it’s not suitable for children under 4, not for pregnant women, not for people with heart problems, not for wheelchair users, and not for people over 65.

If you’re a non-swimmer, you should still ask at the start and be honest about your comfort level. The crew has offered additional help in the water in some cases, but your safety needs to come first.

Also keep in mind: snorkeling depends on weather. If sea conditions are rough, the guide may adjust the exact snorkeling site to keep things safe and doable.

Should you book it? My practical recommendation

Yes—if you’re on Praslin and you want Curieuse’s tortoises plus two snorkeling stops in one organized day, this is an easy pick. You get real value in the package: hotel transfers, snorkeling gear, guided trail time, BBQ lunch, and drinks including beer and a Takamaka rum cocktail. The structure also protects your time, which is rare on island tours.

My one “do this before you go” tip: plan for the SR300 Curieuse entry fee and bring your credit card. If you check that box, the rest of the day is set up to feel smooth, social, and genuinely memorable.

FAQ

How much is the Curieuse Guided Tour with BBQ & 2 snorkel stops?

The price listed is $112 per person.

Does this tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

Yes. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Praslin Island.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What is the extra fee for Curieuse Island?

Curieuse Island has a marine park entry ticket fee of SR300 per person aged 12 years or older, and it is not included in the tour price. You can pay online or on site with a credit card, and the crew assists with purchasing.

Are meals and drinks included?

Yes. BBQ lunch is included, along with soft drinks. Local beer is served on the island, and the day ends with a Takamaka rum cocktail.

Where are the snorkeling stops?

You’ll snorkel twice. The first break is at a chosen snorkeling location off Praslin, depending on weather and sea conditions. The second stop is at Anse La Farine if conditions permit, or Anse Georgette & Lazio Beach if they don’t.

How long is the guided nature walk on Curieuse?

The guided trail tour on Curieuse is about 1 hour.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and a credit card. You’ll also want to have a plan for comfortable footwear since the trail can be slippery.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?

No. It’s not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, people with heart problems, wheelchair users, or people over 65. Smoking is not allowed.

If you want, tell me your travel month and whether you snorkel confidently. I’ll help you plan what to prioritize on the day (and what to pack) around the likely water conditions.

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