This is a rare Seychelles combo day, where you do the animal thing on land and the reef thing in the same outing. You get a giant tortoise sanctuary on Curieuse, a Creole BBQ lunch on the beach, then finish with snorkeling at St. Pierre.

I like two parts the most. First, the Curieuse walk is actually worth your time, not just a quick look, because you visit the Doctor’s House and then follow a guided mangrove nature trail. Second, the BBQ is a real sit-down beach meal, with the food prepared fresh and drinks included.

One consideration: the Curieuse portion includes walking on uneven ground through mangroves and rocky areas, plus heat. If you have limited mobility or a sensitive back, this day may feel tougher than the name suggests.

Key highlights to look for

• Doctor’s House on Curieuse: a colonial-era stop that makes the tortoises feel like part of a bigger story.
• Guided giant tortoise sanctuary time: you get close to Aldabra giant tortoises in a protected setting.
• Mangrove nature trail walk: short but active, with scenery that changes as you move.
• Creole beach BBQ at Anse José: grilled food, sides, and fruit, served in a relaxed seaside rhythm.
• St. Pierre snorkeling plan B: if seas are rough between June and September, snorkeling may shift to a sheltered bay.

How the day flows from Praslin (and why timing matters)

This is a full-day group excursion run out of Praslin, built around one clean loop. Your day starts with pickup from your Praslin hotel, generally 30 to 60 minutes before departure, and you’ll cruise from Anse Volbert Beach (Côte d’Or). The total time on the calendar is about 390 minutes, roughly 6.5 hours, plus the transfers.

You’ll get a driver and van for Praslin transfers, and then the day switches to boat time. That rhythm matters here: you spend enough time on the islands to enjoy them, but the schedule stays tight enough that you still get your snorkeling window.

Curieuse Island: Doctor’s House, tortoises, and real walk time

Curieuse is the star for wildlife. The day includes a guided visit starting near the Doctor’s House, a small historic site that helps set the tone beyond the photo ops. From there, you head into the protected area where Aldabra giant tortoises roam.

What I like about this stop is that it is guided, so you are not guessing where to look or what you are seeing. You also get a chance to spot the tortoises in their own world, not just behind a fence.

Now the practical part. The Curieuse experience includes walking through mangroves and along rocky terrain, and it can feel like more than a “stroll” when it is hot. One review I read highlighted that reaching the tortoises involved moving through mangrove cover and then up over stones, which was a strain for two older participants. If you are fit but unaccustomed to uneven ground, you might still be fine, just pace yourself and plan on slow steps.

The mangrove nature trail and the Anse José swim break

After the Doctor’s House area, you follow the guided trail that takes you through mangroves and across granite-type scenery. This portion is where the day earns its “nature adventure” label, because you are moving through different textures and views, not just standing still.

The trail ends at Anse José Beach, where you get time to relax and swim. That swim stop is a smart reset before lunch, and it often feels like the moment you shift from “tour mode” into “vacation mode.”

If you hate sand on your feet or prefer flat walking, this is where you should think ahead. Shoes that give grip help more than sandals alone, especially if the ground feels slick near mangroves.

Creole beach BBQ at Anse José: what you actually get

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to pick this day trip. You get a Creole-style BBQ lunch at Anse José Beach, served in a beach setting with time to eat and cool down.

The menu includes grilled fish, chicken, and sausages, plus Creole rice, chutneys, coconut lentils, salads, fresh bread, and a tropical fruit platter. Vegetarian options are available if you request them ahead of time. Drinks are also part of the deal: soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite) and bottled water, plus one beer per adult for travelers aged 18 and older.

A small note that matters: towels are not provided, so if you want something to sit on or dry off with after swimming, bring your own. Also, if you are sensitive to sun, this is the hour you might want sunscreen most. The meal is outdoors, and that Seychelles light can be intense.

St. Pierre Island snorkeling: reefs, fish, and sea conditions

After lunch, you sail to St. Pierre (often called St. Pierre Islet). This is where the day flips from land wildlife to marine wildlife.

You get snorkeling for about 1.5 hours, with gear included and assistance available for beginners. St. Pierre is known for granite boulders and clear, turquoise-feeling water, which usually means good visibility when conditions cooperate. The day plan also mentions seeing coral reefs and tropical fish, and you might even spot rays or sea turtles depending on what is passing by.

Here is the reality check, and it is important. Between June and September, the southeast monsoon can bring rougher seas around St. Pierre. For your safety and comfort, snorkeling may shift to Anse Petite Cours, a more sheltered bay that is better for marine viewing when St. Pierre feels too choppy. That plan B is a big plus because it keeps the experience from turning into a seasickness festival.

If you get motion sick easily, consider bringing a remedy your doctor has approved and pack an extra layer. Even if you are not prone to seasickness, rougher water can surprise you.

Price and value: the $89 ticket plus the Curieuse fee

The headline price is $89 per person, which covers the core costs: van transfers on Praslin, boat transfer between islands, a guided tour on Curieuse, snorkeling equipment, and your Creole BBQ lunch with soft drinks and one beer per adult.

The one extra you must budget for is the Curieuse Island entrance fee, paid on site to the Seychelles Parks Authority. The day info lists it as SCR 300 per adult and also as about €20 per person for visitors aged 12 and above, payable with a Visa card. Because these figures are close but not identical, assume you will be charged the local on-site amount for your category, and plan to have a Visa card or currency ready.

Is it good value? In my opinion, yes, if you want one organized day that hits three priorities: tortoises, a proper beach BBQ, and snorkeling. If you only care about one of those, you could save money by mixing separate activities. But if you want the full arc, this pricing is pretty fair for the inclusions.

What to pack (and what to skip) for comfort

This day is outdoors from start to finish. Bring the basics that matter on islands: sunscreen, a sun hat, swimwear, sandals, camera, and insect repellent. Even if you plan to wear sandals, consider packing hiking shoes or footwear with grip for Curieuse’s uneven footing.

You might also want a waterproof bag for your phone or a waterproof camera, since you will be on boats and then snorkeling. A towel is not included, so pack one. If you are snorkeling, it helps to wear something that dries fast and won’t feel awkward when you hop back on the boat.

On the rules side, pets are not allowed, and there are restrictions around luggage and certain items. If you are traveling with anything bulky or complicated, keep it simple and follow the standard day-trip approach.

Who this tour is best for (and who should reconsider)

This outing is built for people who can handle a guided walk on Curieuse. It is generally a good match if you want wildlife plus water time, and you are comfortable getting in and out of a boat without fuss.

It is also not for everyone. The tour info says it is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back problems, heart problems, respiratory issues, mobility impairments, wheelchair users, and anyone over 75 or under 15 kg (33 lbs). So if any of those apply, skip it or choose a gentler alternative.

If you are an active traveler but not a marathon hiker, you can still enjoy it. Just pace yourself on the Curieuse walk and be realistic about the heat and uneven ground.

The little details that make or break the day

One detail I appreciate is that snorkeling equipment is included, and there is assistance for beginners. That removes a common stress point, because you are not trying to rent gear last minute or figure out how it all works while your boat is leaving.

Another good touch is the planned shift for sea conditions between June and September. That shows the operator is thinking about comfort and safety, not just pushing through.

Finally, the guide language includes English and French, which helps if your group is mixed. You also get a focused itinerary with stops that feel tied together, not random hopping.

Should you book Curieuse and St. Pierre with Creole BBQ?

Book it if you want a single organized day that balances land wildlife (giant tortoises at Curieuse) with a real meal (Creole BBQ on the beach) and then snorkeling (St. Pierre reefs). This is especially appealing if you do not want to plan separate transport and timing across islands.

Skip or rethink it if walking on uneven ground is a struggle for you, if you have significant mobility or medical limitations, or if you know you are highly sensitive to choppy water. The Curieuse trail can be demanding, and St. Pierre snorkeling can depend on sea conditions, even with the backup plan.

If you fit in the middle, this day trip is a strong use of your time on Praslin. Bring good grip shoes, a towel, and sun protection, then enjoy how the day swings from tortoise sanctuary to beach BBQ to reef snorkeling without you having to do the logistics yourself.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Round-trip hotel transfers from Praslin are included, using a comfortable van. You’ll be picked up before the activity starts, and you should send the exact hotel name and location for pickup.

What extra fee do I need to pay on Curieuse Island?

Curieuse Island entrance is not included. The fee is listed as SCR 300 per adult and also as about €20 for visitors aged 12 and above. Payment is made on site to the Seychelles Parks Authority, and Visa is required.

What does the lunch include, and are drinks included?

Lunch is a Creole BBQ on the beach with grilled fish, chicken, and sausages, plus Creole rice, chutneys, coconut lentils, salads, fresh bread, and tropical fruit. Soft drinks and bottled water are included, plus one beer per adult aged 18 and older. Vegetarian options are available upon request.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and assistance is available for beginners.

What if the sea is rough around St. Pierre?

Between June and September, rough seas can happen due to the southeast monsoon. For safety and comfort, snorkeling may be shifted to a more sheltered bay called Anse Petite Cours.

How long is the tour?

The activity duration is listed as 390 minutes, and the schedule runs through morning and afternoon, including Curieuse, lunch, and snorkeling, followed by the return cruise and hotel drop-off.