Seychelles: St Pierre and Curieuse Catamaran Tour with Lunch

Two islands, one very full day. This catamaran trip gives you excellent snorkeling at St Pierre and a close look at the free-roaming giant tortoises of Curieuse, followed by a BBQ lunch and a swim at Anse Georgette. I also like that water, snorkeling gear, Curieuse landing fees, and optional Praslin hotel transfers are included. The main drawback is group size: the boat may carry about 50 people, and pickup arrangements can require extra patience.

The tour lasts seven to eight hours and costs about $166 per person. That is not a bargain-basement boat ride, but the price covers several major Seychelles highlights in one outing. If you want a full day on the water without arranging separate boats, park fees, lunch, and equipment, the value is solid.

Key Points at a Glance

• St Pierre is the strongest water stop: You get about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling around a small, scenic island.
• Curieuse combines wildlife and walking: A guided one-hour trail leads through mountain scenery and mangrove areas to Anse Jose.
• The tortoises roam freely: Seeing giant land tortoises on Curieuse is one of the day’s most memorable moments.
• Lunch is served aboard the Oplezir: The BBQ is generous, with vegetarian food available if requested in advance.
• Anse Georgette adds a second beach stop: You have time for photographs and a swim, depending on sea and weather conditions.
• Expect a busy boat: The spacious catamaran helps spread people out, but this is not a private or small-group cruise.

Why This Day Works So Well From Praslin

Praslin is an excellent base for this excursion because St Pierre and Curieuse are close enough to visit in one long day. You spend much of the morning and afternoon at sea, with the catamaran making the transfers part of the experience rather than a dull gap between stops.

I like the rhythm of the route. First comes the water at St Pierre, then a land-based walk on Curieuse, followed by lunch, a beach stop at Anse Georgette, and a scenic cruise beside Praslin’s northeast coast. You get movement, wildlife, swimming, food, and scenery without repeating the same activity all day.

The overall score is 4.1 out of 5 from 21 ratings, which feels fair. The strongest points are the friendly crew, snorkeling, Curieuse’s tortoises, and the food. The weak spot is not the scenery. It is the practical side of organizing pickup times, especially when the local office and booking system do not communicate clearly.

St Pierre: Your Best Chance to Snorkel

The first major stop is St Pierre, a small island known for swimming and snorkeling. The setting is wonderfully simple: open sea, rocky island scenery, and clear water where you can look below the surface with the supplied equipment.

You should expect roughly 45 minutes in the water. That is long enough to enjoy a proper snorkel rather than a quick look, but it is not an unlimited beach session. If snorkeling is your top priority, be ready when the boat reaches the island. Put on sunscreen before entering the water, listen closely to the crew, and make the most of the stop.

The water stop received some of the warmest praise. That makes sense because it offers a welcome change from sitting on the boat and gives you a direct look at the marine side of the Seychelles. You do not need to arrange your own mask or snorkel, since equipment is included.

Still, weather and sea conditions control the experience. The exact order or length of stops may change on the day. If the water is rough, the crew may adjust the plan for safety. Bring a swimsuit under comfortable clothing and keep your camera protected when moving between the boat and the water.

Curieuse and the Giant Tortoises

Curieuse is the wildlife heart of the excursion. After landing, you take a guided walk of about one hour through the island reserve. The route passes mountain scenery and mangrove swamps before reaching Anse Jose.

The giant land tortoises are the main reason to come ashore. They roam freely, making the encounter feel less like a formal animal display and more like a visit to a protected island where the tortoises happen to be part of daily life. Bring your camera, but give these slow-moving residents room and follow the guide’s directions.

The walk is described as manageable within an hour, but you should still wear comfortable shoes. Curieuse is not only a photo stop. The trail gives you a look at a different side of the Seychelles, with mangroves and inland scenery replacing the open water and beach views.

This part may feel short if you want a long nature walk. The schedule has several stops to fit into one day, so the Curieuse visit is an introduction rather than a full island hike. For most people, that is a sensible trade. You see the tortoises, walk through notable habitats, and still have time for lunch and another swim.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the one-hour walk should be taken seriously when deciding if it suits you. The operator also lists the trip as unsuitable for pregnant women and babies under one year. Children under two are not allowed on these sea excursions.

BBQ Lunch Aboard the Oplezir

Lunch is served on the catamaran, the Oplezir, after the Curieuse walk. This saves you from another transfer and lets the boat remain your base for the day.

The BBQ has been praised for being tasty and plentiful. Vegetarian food can be arranged if you request it, which is worth doing before the tour rather than hoping for an option at lunchtime. Water is included, but bring cash for anything extra because services not listed in the inclusions may cost more.

I like the placement of lunch in the middle of the day. After walking on Curieuse, you can eat while the boat carries you toward the next stop. It also gives you a chance to sit down, dry off, and enjoy the views without having to rush straight into another activity.

A catamaran carrying around 50 people will not feel intimate during lunch. That is the honest compromise. On the other hand, the boat is large enough that people can spread out, and a sunny front area with netting may offer space away from the main group. If you prefer quiet meals and personal service, a private charter would be a better fit, but it would also cost much more.

Anse Georgette for Photos and a Swim

The next stop is Anse Georgette, one of Praslin’s most attractive beach settings. The plan allows time for photographs and a swim, giving you another chance to get into the water after St Pierre.

This beach stop works well because it feels different from snorkeling around a rocky island. At St Pierre, your attention is below the surface. At Anse Georgette, the pleasure is the beach, the coastline, and the chance to swim in a beautiful setting.

Do not treat the exact timing as guaranteed. Weather and sea conditions can alter the route. If you have a favorite beach photo in mind, keep your camera ready, but protect it from spray and saltwater. A waterproof pouch is a useful addition to the listed essentials.

The stop also breaks up the day. Without it, the tour would lean heavily toward snorkeling, walking, and sitting aboard the boat. With Anse Georgette included, you get one more straightforward swim before the cruise back along Praslin.

The Cruise Along Praslin’s Northeast Coast

The return journey follows Praslin’s northeast coast, with time to enjoy the views from the catamaran. This is not a formal guided sightseeing stop, so the value comes from simply watching the coastline pass by.

I find this kind of cruise useful at the end of a busy day. You have already seen tortoises, walked through mangroves, eaten lunch, and snorkeled. The ride home gives you room to rest and take photographs instead of adding another scheduled activity.

Choose your seat with the weather in mind. The front netting can be a pleasant place to stretch out, but the open sections may receive more sun and spray. A hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothing are not optional extras here. You can get plenty of sun even when the breeze makes the temperature feel mild.

Boat Size, Crew, and Comfort

The crew has earned strong praise for being friendly and helpful. That matters on a day involving water, a beach landing, a nature walk, and several changes of location. Clear instructions and a good attitude can make the difference between a relaxed outing and a confusing one.

The boat may carry around 50 people. That is the clearest limitation for anyone imagining a quiet sailing trip. You may queue when moving ashore or returning to the boat, and the atmosphere will be social rather than private.

Still, the catamaran’s size offers one practical benefit: you may find room to spread out. The front sun netting has been a popular place to sit, and the large boat prevents the whole day from feeling cramped. I would choose this tour for variety and convenience, not solitude.

The live guide service is available in English and French. If you need important instructions repeated, ask early and stay near the crew during transitions. Sea excursions run better when you know where to meet and when to return to the boat.

The Real Value of $166

At $166 per person, the tour asks you to pay for a full package rather than just a boat ride. The price includes the catamaran excursion, BBQ lunch, water, snorkeling equipment, and the landing fee for Curieuse. Hotel pickup and drop-off on Praslin can also be included if you select that option.

That bundle is valuable if you would otherwise need to arrange separate transport, a boat, lunch, snorkeling gear, and access to Curieuse. It also reduces the risk of wasting holiday time trying to connect several independent services.

The value is lower if you want only a beach day or only a snorkel trip. You are paying for a long itinerary with several elements, and you should be willing to spend most of the day with a group. A private boat would offer more freedom, but this shared trip is the practical choice for many people who want to see the area without paying private-charter rates.

Praslin pickup is available only for hotels accessible from the main road. Transfer time depends on traffic, and the operator asks you to confirm your pickup time and location 48 hours before departure using the contact details on your voucher. Do this. One booking issue involved confusion over an official pickup point near Baie Sainte Anne, so confirming directly can save needless email exchanges on the morning of the trip.

La Digue Pickup Details Matter

If you stay on La Digue, the meeting point is the Creole Travel Services office at La Passe, a short walk from the jetty. Ferry tickets are included when that option is selected, but you must arrange your own transfer between your hotel and the La Digue ferry harbour.

That makes La Digue participation possible, but less door-to-door than the Praslin option. Give yourself enough time to reach the office and jetty, and do not assume your hotel transfer is included. The practical details are simple once understood, but they are easy to miss during booking.

The supplied information also lists departures from Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue. Exact departure times depend on availability, so check the date and starting time before paying.

What to Pack for a Better Day

Bring comfortable shoes for the Curieuse trail, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothes, and a camera. Cash is also recommended for purchases or services not included in the tour.

I would add a waterproof phone pouch and a dry change of clothes, although those items are not specifically listed. Keep valuables secure on the boat, especially when you leave your things behind for a swim.

Use reef-safe habits in the water, avoid touching marine life, and follow the crew’s instructions around the boat and island reserve. The itinerary can change because of weather, so pack for a flexible day rather than a rigid schedule.

Should You Book This Catamaran Tour?

I would book this trip if you want a broad taste of the Seychelles in one day: snorkeling at St Pierre, giant tortoises on Curieuse, a nature walk, BBQ lunch, Anse Georgette, and a coastal cruise. It is especially suitable for active couples, families with older children, and first-time visitors staying on Praslin who do not want to arrange each part separately.

I would look elsewhere if you want a private boat, a slow sailing day, or a long uninterrupted beach stay. The group may be large, and pickup coordination needs attention.

For the best experience, confirm your transfer 48 hours ahead, request vegetarian lunch in advance if needed, and accept that weather may change the order. With those expectations, the $166 price is reasonable for a full day that covers several of Praslin’s most appealing nearby sights.

FAQ

How long does the St Pierre and Curieuse tour last?

The excursion lasts about seven to eight hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your selected date.

What is included in the tour price?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the St Pierre stop allows about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Can I join the tour from La Digue?

Yes. La Digue participants meet at the Creole Travel Services office in La Passe, a short walk from the jetty. Ferry tickets are included if that option is selected, but you arrange your own transport between your hotel and the ferry harbour.

Are children allowed on the sea excursion?

Children under two years old are not allowed. The activity is also listed as unsuitable for babies under one year, people with mobility impairments, and pregnant women.

Can the itinerary change?

Yes. Weather conditions may alter the itinerary on the day of the excursion. The operator also asks you to confirm pickup time and location 48 hours before departure if you are using a transfer.