Tour of Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre island on Catamaran

Three islands, one busy day. This eight-hour catamaran trip links Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre from Praslin, combining bird conservation, giant tortoises, snorkeling, and a Creole barbecue lunch. I like the rare wildlife and the chance to see three very different islands without arranging separate boat trips.

I also like the helpful crew, clear island-to-island route, and hotel transfer option. The main drawback is time: a 35-minute snorkeling stop at St Pierre can feel short, and Curieuse may not leave enough time for the full mangrove walk. At $263 per person, this is best for you if convenience matters more than a slow, private outing.

What makes this island day special

• Cousin’s bird sanctuary gives you a guided look at rare endemic species in a protected setting.
• Curieuse combines tortoises, mangroves, and history, including the old leper colony and Doctor’s House.
• St Pierre offers clear-water snorkeling, though the stop may be shorter than expected.
• The catamaran connects three islands in one day, saving you from booking separate boat transfers.
• Lunch is served on board, with barbecue food, water, and additional drinks available to buy.
• The crew receives especially high praise for being friendly and helpful throughout the trip.

A full day from Praslin, with plenty packed in

This tour is designed as a full island circuit rather than a lazy boat ride. You spend the day moving between three islands, with guided walking, wildlife viewing, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and scenic cruising worked into the schedule.

That variety is the main reason to book it. Cousin is about conservation and birds. Curieuse brings tortoises, mangroves, and colonial-era remains. St Pierre is the marine stop, with clear water and coral areas suited to snorkeling.

The trade-off is obvious. You cannot give every place a leisurely visit in one day. If you want long beach time or an unhurried walk, this schedule may feel tight. If you want a broad introduction to the islands around Praslin, it makes good use of eight hours.

Pickup is available from hotels accessible from the main road. The exact transfer time depends on traffic, so confirm your pickup time and location with the local partner 48 hours before departure. Praslin visitors receive transport to the departure point, which removes one small but useful planning task.

Cousin begins with birds and conservation

Cousin is likely to be the most distinctive stop for nature lovers. The island was once connected with French settlement, but today its importance comes from the species protected there and the conservation work that supports them.

You take a guided walk through the bird sanctuary, where the focus is on rare endemic species. This is not simply a quick photo stop from the boat. The guided element helps explain why the island matters and gives the visit more purpose than a standard beach excursion.

The walking portion also means you should wear comfortable shoes rather than flip-flops. Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, water, and clothing that works in warm outdoor conditions. Sunglasses are useful on the boat and during the exposed parts of the walk.

Cousin sets the tone for the day. You begin with land-based wildlife and local conservation, then move toward Curieuse’s tortoises and history. For me, that sequence makes more sense than treating the whole excursion as a series of swimming stops.

Curieuse brings tortoises, mangroves, and old ruins

Curieuse is the most varied island visit. You can encounter free-roaming giant land tortoises, walk through a mangrove forest, and reach the Baie Laraie lagoon. The route also includes the ruins of an old leper colony and the Doctor’s House.

The tortoise sanctuary is a shorter stop, so you should not expect an extended visit with unlimited time. Still, it gives you a chance to see these large animals at close range and to learn about one of the Seychelles’ best-known native attractions.

The mangrove walk is more active and may be the part you remember most. The path leads toward Baie Laraie lagoon, showing a side of the island that is easy to miss if you only stay on the beach. Mangroves are valuable nursery areas for marine life, and the walk adds an ecological layer to the day.

Time management matters here. One outing had too little time for the longer mangrove forest route, so you may need to choose between lingering with the tortoises, examining the historical remains, and walking farther through the mangroves. Listen carefully to the crew’s return instructions. A beautiful island is less enjoyable when you are watching the clock every few minutes.

The Doctor’s House and leper colony ruins add a sober historical note. These sites connect the island to the practical, difficult parts of Seychelles history, not only its postcard beaches. You should not expect a long museum visit, but the remains help show how the islands were used before they became protected nature destinations.

St Pierre is the marine highlight

St Pierre is the stop for snorkeling and swimming. The water is described as crystal clear, and the surrounding reefs offer a chance to see marine life below the surface.

Bring your own equipment if you have gear you prefer, though snorkeling equipment can be purchased on the trip. Drinks are also available at an extra cost. Water is included, which is useful in the heat, but I would still carry cash or a card for optional purchases.

The main caution is the length of the stop. The advertised plan allows snorkeling time, but one recent outing lasted about 35 minutes even after the crew had indicated closer to 50 minutes. That is enough for a worthwhile look, but it is not a long reef session.

There is also an environmental concern worth taking seriously. Anchoring can damage coral and the seabed, and a request was made for permanent mooring rings at St Pierre. You can help by avoiding contact with coral, keeping your fins controlled, and following the crew’s instructions around the reef.

If snorkeling is your top reason for booking, ask about the exact timing before you commit. If you see it as one part of a wider day, the shorter stop is easier to accept.

The catamaran ride is part of the experience

The boat links the islands by scenic coastal route, giving you views of the marine park between stops. The cruise itself provides a useful pause after the walking portions, though the boat can be exposed to sun and wind.

I like this format because you are not repeatedly returning to a mainland pier. The route feels like a proper island day, with the sea connecting each section. You can also use the return journey to rest after the active parts of Cousin and Curieuse.

At the same time, catamaran travel can be less predictable than land transport. Transfer time from your hotel depends on traffic, and the day’s rhythm depends on sea conditions and the time required at each landing. The supplied details do not promise a particular boat size or group size, so you should not book this expecting a small private charter.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. They are described as very good and helpful, which matters when you are moving between landings, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and several different meeting points.

Creole barbecue lunch on board

Lunch is included and served on the catamaran. The meal is a barbecue with local-style sides, giving you a taste of Creole cooking without adding a restaurant stop to an already full schedule.

A vegan meal was provided as lentils, rice, salad, pumpkin, and bread. However, a request for vegan options did not receive a reply in advance. If you have dietary needs, contact the operator directly before the trip and confirm what will be available rather than relying on a last-minute arrangement.

Water is included. Other beverages can be purchased, so bring a credit card or cash if you want more choice. Since the itinerary includes walking and time in the sun, eating on board is practical. You do not lose another hour going ashore for lunch.

Still, the meal is part of a shared excursion, not a private dining experience. If food quality or dietary planning is central to your holiday, confirm the menu before paying.

What the $263 price really covers

At $263 per person, this is an expensive day, but the price includes several costly parts of a Seychelles excursion: transport to the departure point for Praslin clients, the catamaran journey, landing fees on Cousin and Curieuse, a barbecue lunch, and water.

The value improves if you would otherwise book separate boat trips or pay additional landing fees. You also receive access to three very different island experiences in one day, plus a guided sanctuary visit and opportunities for snorkeling.

The value weakens if your main goal is a long swim or a quiet beach day. The itinerary is active and tightly arranged. You pay for range and convenience, not for extended time in one place.

You should also budget for optional drinks, snorkeling equipment if needed, and any land transfer not included in your arrangement. La Digue clients must arrange their own transport between the hotel and La Passe jetty. Tickets are collected from the Creole Travel Services office opposite Fish Trap restaurant in La Passe.

Who will enjoy this excursion most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a broad first look at the islands around Praslin and prefer one organized day to several separate bookings. It suits people who enjoy nature walks, wildlife, history, boat travel, and a short snorkeling session in the same outing.

It is especially useful for:

• First-time visitors with limited time in the Seychelles
• Couples or families wanting a planned island circuit
• Wildlife fans interested in endemic birds and giant tortoises
• Visitors who prefer a guide and arranged transport
• Swimmers who are happy with snorkeling as one part of a longer day

I would think twice if you need a slow pace, have limited mobility, or want most of the day in the water. Children under two are not allowed on these sea excursions. The amount of walking and the need to move between boat, sanctuary, mangrove route, and beach also make comfortable shoes important.

English and French guiding are available. Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional, but only hotels accessible from the main road are covered. Confirm the arrangement in advance so you do not discover a transfer problem on the morning of departure.

Practical preparation for the day

Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable clothing, insect repellent, cash, and a credit card. Comfortable clothing matters because you move between outdoor walking, boat travel, and water activities.

Keep your passport details accurate when booking. The names provided must match the names on your passport.

I would also bring a dry bag or another way to protect small valuables, although this item is not specifically listed as included. Keep your phone and money secure around the boat and beach, and avoid bringing anything you would regret getting wet.

If you are staying on La Digue, collect your tickets at the Creole Travel Services office in La Passe, opposite Fish Trap restaurant. You must arrange your own land transfer to and from the La Digue jetty. A ferry transfer is included for La Digue clients, but the hotel-to-jetty portion is not.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour lasts eight hours, but hotel transfer time is separate and can vary with traffic.

Should you book this catamaran tour?

Book it if you want three islands in one organized day, especially if Cousin’s birds, Curieuse’s tortoises and mangroves, and St Pierre’s snorkeling all appeal to you. The crew, guided wildlife visit, included lunch, and island landing fees make the $263 cost easier to justify.

Skip it if snorkeling is your single priority, since the St Pierre stop may be only about 35 minutes. You should also look elsewhere if you want a quiet, flexible day or guaranteed time for the entire Curieuse mangrove route.

For most first-time visitors based on Praslin, I see this as a strong all-round introduction to the nearby islands. Just book it for variety, not for a long reef session or an unhurried walk.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The excursion lasts eight hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off time can vary depending on traffic and the location of your accommodation.

Which islands does the tour visit?

The advertised route visits Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre. The program includes a bird sanctuary, giant tortoises, mangroves, historical sites, and snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch is served on board the catamaran, and water is included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling equipment can be purchased during the trip. The provided details do not state that equipment is included in the tour price.

Can I join from Praslin?

Yes. Praslin clients receive a transfer to the departure point. Hotel pickup is available when the hotel can be reached from the main road.

Can La Digue clients join the excursion?

Yes. A ferry transfer is included for La Digue clients, but you must arrange your own land transport between your hotel and the La Passe jetty. Tickets are collected from the Creole Travel Services office opposite Fish Trap restaurant.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and French.

Are young children allowed?

Children under two years old are not allowed on these sea excursions.