Tortoises, mangroves, then coral snorkeling on one pass. You start on Praslin with a boat cruise to Curieuse Island, where giant tortoises roam, then head to St. Pierre for reef snorkeling.

I like the practical pacing: pickup from anywhere on Praslin, a guided nature walk on Curieuse, and lots of water and soft drinks during the day. One possible drawback is that snorkeling can feel more self-led than you might expect, and the water can be choppy, so you’ll want real comfort in open water.

Key things to know before you go

• Curieuse giant tortoises at Laraie Bay: you visit the ranger station area where the tortoises are part of daily life on the island
• Mangroves, birds, coco de mer viewpoints: the guided walk mixes scenery with hands-on nature spotting
• St. Pierre Marine Park by boat only: you reach the snorkeling area from the water, with sea views as a reward
• Snorkeling gear is provided: you get equipment on board and a set time in the water
• Lunch is your choice: bring snacks or add the optional BBQ (extra cost) on the beach
• Snorkeling guidance varies by moment: expect a briefing, then focus on your own swim comfort

From Praslin to Curieuse: the morning that actually has momentum

This is a full-day tour that uses the morning well. Pickup happens from anywhere on Praslin, usually 10–45 minutes before departure, then you roll to Anse Possession for the boat. The day kicks off between 09.00 and 09.15, and by about 09.40 you’re stepping onto Curieuse.

The boat ride isn’t just travel time. You cruise at around 25 knots, so you feel like you’re getting somewhere. The speed also means you spend less of your day waiting around, which matters on Seychelles islands where weather and tides can shift plans.

You’ll also get a safety briefing before departure and a team on board that keeps things moving. In the best versions of this tour, guides named Benjamin, Mario, and Arnold are the kind who explain things clearly and keep the vibe light. That matters because Curieuse and St. Pierre are both protected areas—you’re not just sightseeing for pictures.

Curieuse Island and the giant tortoise moment at the ranger station

If your goal is giant tortoises, Curieuse is the place. The highlight comes when you reach the ranger station at Laraie Bay, where you can see the tortoises in their relaxed, open-air environment. It’s hard to describe until you’re there—these aren’t distant “zoo” animals. They’re roaming freely as part of the island’s rhythm.

You’ll also get time on Curieuse that’s more than a quick stop. There’s a guided nature hike window (listed as 10.00–12.00 with a guided one-hour hike within that span), plus time to absorb the beach and viewpoints afterward.

A nice bonus: the island experience has a wildlife-and-nature feel, not just a single attraction. Birds and small animals are part of the walk, and you’ll likely spend more time looking down and around than you expect.

The guided nature hike: mangroves, coco de mer, and easy wildlife spotting

On Curieuse, the walking portion is what turns a boat tour into an island outing. You’re guided through mangrove ecosystems and past a mix of beaches and viewpoints. You’ll see coco de mer trees mentioned in the experience flow, plus exotic birds, colorful crabs, and other island wildlife along the way.

This kind of hike is a good fit for travelers who want their nature time to come with context. Instead of just walking from point A to point B, you’re hearing what you’re seeing—why mangroves matter, how the ecosystem works, and what to look for as you go.

The route is also paced so you’re not just grinding uphill. The goal is photos, viewpoints, and spotting wildlife at human speed. If you like nature photography, this is one of the better parts of the whole day.

Practical note: bring shoes that handle sand and uneven ground. The tour pack list even includes sports shoes for a reason.

Lunch options on Curieuse: BBQ extra, or keep it simple with snacks

Once you’ve finished the guided hike and had time for tortoises and photos, you get a lunch choice window on Curieuse, roughly 12.15–13.30.

Here’s how it works:

• Optional BBQ lunch is available on the beach for an extra €20 per person
• Or you can do self-catering with snacks and refreshments you bring

I like that this is flexible. It lets you match your budget and your appetite. If you’re the type who prefers a simple picnic, you can pack your favorites and skip the BBQ. If you want an actual sit-down meal feel, add the BBQ and enjoy it where you already are—no extra travel needed.

Also, the tour includes water and soft drinks, which helps if you’re planning to snack rather than buy lunch. One beer per adult is included too, so if you drink, you’ll want to plan your timing.

St. Pierre Marine Park: snorkeling that’s gorgeous, but plan for real conditions

After Curieuse, the day shifts to St. Pierre Marine Park. Departure from Curieuse is listed for 13.30, and you reach St. Pierre around 14.00.

This is the part most people book for: reef snorkeling in clear turquoise water, plus relaxation on a powdery white sand area that you reach only by boat. You get snorkeling equipment on board, and the snorkeling time is set to about one hour.

What you should know before you go in:

• You’ll snorkel for a fixed time, so you should show up ready to swim efficiently
• Some swimmers find the water choppy, and that can turn “fun” into “work” if you’re not used to open-water conditions
• Snorkeling instruction may be light once you’re in the water, so don’t count on someone coaching your breathing every minute

There are mixed comments about snorkeling quality. Some people felt it was amazing; others said it wasn’t as special as they hoped. That usually comes down to conditions and expectations, which you can’t fully control. The reef life you see depends on visibility, water movement, and the season.

Still, the setting is part of the payoff: the marine views from the boat, the sand-and-water combo, and the protected park feel all add up to a very Seychelles day.

Snorkeling tips to make the most of your hour

Bring (or use) what the tour encourages:

• Waterproof bag if you want your phone/camera protected
• Biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent
• A towel and swimwear you don’t mind getting sandy

And if you’re a newer swimmer, be honest with yourself. This tour can include conditions where you’ll need to handle getting in and out of the water confidently.

Transfers, timing, and what the included price actually buys you

The price on this tour is listed at $56 per person, and it’s a seven-hour experience with pickup and drop-off on Praslin. That combination matters more than people realize. Day tours that include transport save you the hassle of coordinating boats or arranging local shuttles.

Included in the cost:

• Hotel transfers
• Guide
• Water and soft drinks
• Snorkeling gear
• One beer per adult

Not included:

• Island taxes: €20 per person for ages 12 and up
• Lunch

That island tax piece is important for value math. If you’re traveling with a teen or adult age 12+, budget that €20 per person before you compare deals. The good news is that everything else that usually costs extra—gear, transfers, guide time—is handled.

Timing is also part of the deal. You get a morning that starts on schedule (between 09.00 and 09.15), hits Curieuse around 09.40, and then transitions to St. Pierre in the early afternoon. Several reviews praise the organization and the way guides keep the day flowing.

There can be some waiting time built in between stages, and on St. Pierre you’re mostly there to swim rather than take a full walk. If you’re expecting a long beach exploration stroll there, you may feel the schedule is tighter than you pictured.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is best for people who want a classic Seychelles day across two different kinds of scenery:

• Curieuse for wildlife and mangrove nature walking
• St. Pierre for reef snorkeling plus beach downtime

You’ll probably enjoy it most if:

• You want giant tortoises without renting your own boat
• You like guided explanations during the nature portion
• You’re comfortable doing snorkeling as a set activity block

You might want to think twice if:

• You’re a beginner swimmer and nervous about choppy water
• You expect heavy in-water coaching during snorkeling
• You’re hoping for a long St. Pierre land walk (the focus there is swimming and snorkeling)

Also, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed.

Price and value check: is $56 a good deal here?

In plain terms: you’re paying for three things—transport + guiding + snorkeling gear—and the day visits two major attractions that normally require coordination.

With included water/soft drinks and one beer per adult, plus the way the day is structured (tortoises, hike, then reef time), $56 can feel fair—especially on a one-island stay where you don’t want to spend hours planning.

But do the math with the add-ons:

• Island taxes: €20 per person (12+)
• Lunch is extra unless you bring snacks
• BBQ lunch costs €20 per person if you want it

If you’re the type who already planned to do both Curieuse and St. Pierre, this tour can package a lot of the cost and logistics into one payment.

What to bring so your day feels easy

The tour’s recommended packing list is practical and worth following:

• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Swimwear, towel, sandals
• Camera, including waterproof protection if you have it
• Sunscreen (biodegradable recommended) and insect repellent (biodegradable recommended)
• Waterproof bag for valuables
• Sports shoes and sportswear for the Curieuse hike

If you bring just one “upgrade,” make it a waterproof camera solution or waterproof phone pouch. That way you can actually enjoy photographing without worrying about sand and spray.

Should you book this boat adventure?

I’d book this tour if you want a single, organized day that covers Curieuse giant tortoises and St. Pierre Marine Park snorkeling without stress. The included transfers and snorkeling gear make it especially good value, and the Curieuse guided walk gives the day more substance than a fast sightseeing loop.

Skip it or choose a different style if you’re very sensitive to choppy water, need lots of hands-on snorkeling coaching, or you’re expecting a full walking experience on St. Pierre. In that case, you’ll likely want a snorkeling-focused outing with more explicit instruction and longer time in the water.

If you’re a confident swimmer and you’re excited about turtles and reef scenery, this is a strong Praslin day.

FAQ

What time is pickup and departure from Praslin?

Pickup happens from any location on Praslin Island about 10–45 minutes before departure. The boat activity starts between 09.00 and 09.15 from Anse Possession.

How long do you snorkel at St. Pierre Marine Park?

Snorkeling gear is provided, and you snorkel for about one hour at St. Pierre Marine Park.

Is lunch included in the price?

Lunch is not included. You can bring your own snacks, or choose an optional BBQ lunch on the beach for an extra €20 per person.

What’s included in the tour price?

The tour includes hotel transfers, a guide, water, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and one beer per adult.

Are island taxes included?

No. Island taxes are listed as €20 per person for ages 12 and above.

Is this tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and electric wheelchairs aren’t allowed.

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