Seychelles: St Pierre and Curieuse Catamaran Tour with Lunch

St Pierre is the star of this day. Its clear water, rocky coast, and good snorkeling make a fine first stop before you continue to Curieuse Island, where giant tortoises wander near the trail. I like the smart mix of water time and land time, and I like that lunch is served on the catamaran instead of eating up precious beach hours.

I also like the one-hour Curieuse walk through mountain scenery and mangrove swamps to Anse Jose, followed by a swim at Anse Georgette. The main drawback is group size: the boat may carry about 50 people, so this is a lively shared outing rather than a quiet private cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• St Pierre gives you the best early water stop: Plan on about 45 minutes for snorkeling and swimming.
• Curieuse combines wildlife and walking: The one-hour route passes mangroves and leads toward Anse Jose.
• Giant tortoises are a major highlight: You will see them on Curieuse, often close enough for excellent photographs.
• Lunch is served aboard the Oplezir: The BBQ is generous, with a vegetarian option available if you request it.
• Anse Georgette adds a second swim: You get time for photographs and a refreshing stop, subject to sea and weather conditions.
• This is a full shared-day outing: A large catamaran gives you room to spread out, but it does not feel intimate.

Why this island-hopping day works

For $166 per person, this tour packs several of Praslin’s most appealing nearby experiences into one day. You get boat transport, snorkeling equipment, water, Curieuse landing fees, lunch, and selected hotel transfers. Buying each part separately would take more planning, and you would need to coordinate boats, beach stops, and the Curieuse visit yourself.

I see the value mainly in the variety. You are not spending seven or eight hours doing one thing. The day shifts from snorkeling to a nature walk, then to lunch, another beach stop, and a scenic cruise along Praslin’s northeast coast. That range makes the price easier to justify, especially if you want an active day without arranging several separate trips.

There is a tradeoff. This is not a small sailing charter. Around 50 people may be on board, though the Oplezir is large enough that you can usually find space, including on the forward sun net. If you prefer quiet coves, personal service, and a flexible schedule, a private boat would suit you better. If you want the main sights at a reasonable all-in price, the shared catamaran format works well.

St Pierre: start with the water

The first stop is St Pierre, a small rocky island that is especially popular for swimming and snorkeling. The boat gives you a scenic approach, and the island itself provides the kind of open-water setting that makes the Seychelles feel special without requiring a long walk or complicated transfer.

You can expect roughly 45 minutes in the water, depending on the day’s conditions and the guide’s timing. That is long enough to snorkel at a comfortable pace, but it is not an unlimited session. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, get your mask and equipment ready early so you do not lose time.

Snorkeling gear is included, which is useful if you are not carrying your own. Water is also provided. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that dries fairly quickly, since the day moves between boat deck, sea, trail, and beach.

St Pierre is likely to be one of the most active parts of the tour. You should be comfortable entering and leaving the water from a boat and swimming in open sea conditions. The itinerary can change if wind, waves, or other weather conditions make a planned stop unsuitable.

Curieuse Island and the giant tortoises

After St Pierre, the boat heads to Curieuse Island, a protected reserve known for its giant land tortoises. This is the part of the day that adds more than a pretty beach. You get a chance to walk through a protected island setting and see one of the Seychelles’ most memorable animals.

The tortoises are a major reason to bring a camera. You can admire them at close range, but you should still give them room and follow the guide’s directions. Their slow pace makes them easy to photograph, though the tropical sun can be strong, so keep your hat and water close.

The guided walk lasts about an hour. The route crosses mountain scenery and mangrove swamps before reaching Anse Jose. I like this length because it gives you a real look at Curieuse without turning the day into a hard hike. You get a taste of the island’s interior, not just a quick landing beside the shore.

Still, you should wear comfortable shoes. This is not the right outing for anyone who needs smooth, level paths or regular assistance. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and pregnant women and very young children should not book it. Children under two are not allowed on these sea excursions, and the activity information also lists babies under one as unsuitable.

The one-hour walk is manageable for many active visitors, but heat and uneven ground can make it feel more demanding than the distance suggests. Carry insect repellent, which is specifically recommended, especially for the mangrove section.

Anse Jose gives the walk a purpose

Anse Jose is the destination at the end of the Curieuse trail. Reaching a beach after walking through the island’s interior gives the stop a satisfying rhythm: forest and mangroves first, open sand and sea afterward.

The route is not simply a transfer from the boat to a tortoise area. You get a short guided introduction to Curieuse’s natural character. The mountains, mangrove swamps, and beach each show a different side of the island, and the walk helps you understand why Curieuse is worth more than a quick photo stop.

You should expect the guide to set the pace for the group. This keeps the schedule moving, since lunch and the later Anse Georgette stop still need to fit into the day. If you want a long independent walk or time to explore every trail, this tour may feel brief. If you want a compact introduction, the hour is well used.

English and French guiding are available. The provided details do not name individual guides, so do not book expecting a particular guide by name.

BBQ lunch aboard the Oplezir

Lunch is served on board the Oplezir catamaran. That choice saves time and keeps the group together, while also giving you a chance to sit down after the Curieuse walk.

The BBQ is described as plentiful, and a vegetarian meal can be arranged when requested. I would make that request in advance rather than waiting until you are hungry at lunchtime. The included meal adds real value to the $166 price, since you do not need to find and pay for lunch during a full-day boat excursion.

Water is included, but other drinks or extras may cost more. Bring some cash for items that are not covered. The information provided does not specify a full drinks menu, so do not assume every beverage is part of the package.

The boat itself matters here. With about 50 people on board, lunch will have a group-outing feel. On the positive side, the catamaran is large, and you may find room on the forward net or other deck areas after eating. If you like a social boat day, that can be part of the fun. If you want a private table and a quiet meal, adjust your expectations.

Anse Georgette for the final swim

The next major stop is Anse Georgette, one of Praslin’s most attractive beach settings. The plan allows time for photographs and a swim, so this is not only a passing view from the boat.

I like the position of this stop in the day. After snorkeling and walking, you can slow down, take pictures, and get back into the water without needing another long activity. It also gives you a second chance to swim if the St Pierre conditions are not ideal.

Do not treat the exact order or timing as fixed. The itinerary can change on the day because of weather and sea conditions. If conditions affect the stop, the crew may adjust the route. That flexibility is sensible for a sea excursion, but you should book with the understanding that no beach schedule is guaranteed.

Bring your camera in a waterproof bag or other secure protection. The tour specifically recommends a camera, sunscreen, hat, comfortable clothes, and comfortable shoes. You may also want a dry change of clothing, though this is not listed as a required item.

The cruise along Praslin’s northeast coast

The day ends with a scenic cruise along Praslin’s northeast coast before transport back to your accommodation, when hotel pickup and drop-off are part of your selected option. This final stretch gives you time to enjoy the coastline without another scheduled activity.

I find these return cruises useful because they let the day wind down naturally. You have already had the main swim, walk, meal, and beach stop. Now you can sit back and take in the views, though the experience will depend on your seat, the light, and the sea conditions.

A catamaran also gives you more than one place to sit. The forward sun net is popular, but it may fill up. You can move around when safe and permitted, which helps on a boat day lasting seven to eight hours.

Transfers from Praslin, La Digue, and Mahé

Pickup is optional, and the details differ by island. On Praslin, hotel pickup is available when you choose that option, but the property must be accessible from the main road. Transfer time depends on traffic, and you should confirm your pickup time and location with Creole Travel Services 48 hours before departure using the number on your voucher.

That confirmation step matters. One booking problem reported for this type of arrangement involved confusion over a selected pickup point at Amir Mini Market in Baie Saint Anne. The practical lesson is simple: do not assume the booking screen has settled every transfer detail. Contact the operator and confirm the exact meeting place.

If you are staying on La Digue, you must arrange your own trip between your accommodation and the ferry harbor jetty. The meeting point is the Creole Travel Services office at La Passe, a short walk from the jetty. Ferry tickets for La Digue clients are included when that option is selected.

The supplied information also describes departures from Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue, but the listed meeting instructions are most specific for La Digue and Praslin hotel pickup. Check the available option carefully for your island before paying.

Group size, comfort, and practical limits

A seven to eight-hour boat day can feel long if you are not prepared for sun, spray, and a busy schedule. Wear comfortable clothes, use sunscreen often, and keep a hat within reach. Comfortable shoes are important for the Curieuse walk, while cash is useful for purchases not covered by the tour.

The catamaran’s size helps offset the group size. You may not feel crowded all day, and the forward sun net offers another place to sit. Still, about 50 people means shared boarding, shared meal service, and a set timetable.

This outing suits people who enjoy a full day with several stops. I would recommend it to active couples, families with children old enough for a sea excursion, and anyone staying on Praslin who wants to combine snorkeling, wildlife, and beaches without planning separate transport.

I would think twice if you have limited mobility, are pregnant, have a baby under the permitted age, or dislike boats and group schedules. The tour includes swimming, snorkeling, a trail walk, and boat transfers, so it is not a passive sightseeing cruise.

Cancellation and booking details that matter

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility, which is useful when your island plans depend on weather and ferry connections.

Make sure the names on your booking match the names on your passports. The tour is offered in English and French, and the provider is Creole Travel Services.

The listed score is 4.1 from 21 ratings. The strongest praise centers on the St Pierre snorkeling, the friendly and helpful crew, the BBQ lunch, the tortoises on Curieuse, and Anse Georgette. The main criticism is not about the sights themselves, but about pickup coordination and the size of the group.

Should you book the St Pierre and Curieuse catamaran tour?

I would book this tour if you want a well-filled day that covers the Seychelles essentials: clear-water snorkeling, giant tortoises, a guided island walk, a BBQ lunch, and a second beach swim. The $166 price is fair for the transport, meal, equipment, water, and landing fees included.

I would skip it in favor of a private boat if your priority is peace, privacy, or a flexible route. I would also avoid it if a one-hour trail, boat boarding, and open-water swimming sound tiring.

For most active visitors staying on Praslin, this is a practical way to see several highlights in one outing. Confirm your pickup details 48 hours ahead, request the vegetarian lunch in advance if needed, and arrive ready for sun, sea, and a lively group day.

FAQ

How long does the St Pierre and Curieuse tour last?

The tour lasts about 7 to 8 hours, including the island stops, lunch, scenic cruising, and return transfers when selected.

What is included in the $166 price?

The price includes a BBQ lunch aboard the catamaran, water, snorkeling equipment, and Curieuse Island landing fees. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Praslin are included only when that option is selected.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

How long is the snorkeling stop at St Pierre?

The snorkeling stop is generally about 45 minutes, though the timing can change with weather and sea conditions.

Will I see giant tortoises?

Giant land tortoises are a central part of the Curieuse Island visit, and the itinerary includes time to see them.

How long is the Curieuse Island walk?

The guided Curieuse walk lasts about one hour and passes through mountain scenery and mangrove swamps before reaching Anse Jose.

Is lunch suitable for vegetarians?

A vegetarian BBQ meal can be arranged when requested. Make the request before the tour rather than waiting until lunchtime.

Where do La Digue visitors meet the tour?

Visitors staying on La Digue should meet at the Creole Travel Services office at La Passe, a short walk from the jetty.

Do La Digue visitors receive ferry tickets?

Ferry tickets are included for La Digue clients when that option is selected. You must arrange your own transfer between your hotel and the La Digue ferry harbor jetty.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.