A day trip that ties together Praslin, Curieuse, and St Pierre with a glass bottom boat is a smart way to see a lot of Seychelles nature without rushing. I especially like the chance for direct time with giant tortoises, and I also like that snorkeling is built in with mask and fins included.

You’ll also spend a meaningful chunk on Curieuse with a guided nature trail, a BBQ lunch on the island, and time to snorkel or relax again in the afternoon. One thing to plan for, though: the price does not include the marine park entrance fee, so your total cost will be a bit higher once you arrive.

Key things that make this Curieuse and St Pierre day tour worth your time

• Glass bottom boat cruising between islands, so you can enjoy the water even if you want to snorkel later
• Two snorkeling spots (with mask and fins provided), first around St Pierre when conditions allow, then again in Curieuse waters
• Guided 1.7 km mangrove trail on Curieuse, a short walk that still feels like you actually explored
• BBQ lunch right beside giant land tortoises, with a relaxed pace and plenty to look at
• Drinks included during the day, with water, lemonade, and adult drinks on the boat
• English and French guiding that helps you understand what you’re seeing, not just where to go

Setting Off From Praslin: What the Day Feels Like

The day starts on Praslin with a morning meeting at the Beach Front Garden in front of Pirogue Restaurent Parking by 09.30. From there, you move to the boat and begin the cruise toward Curieuse, with the glass bottom boat part giving you a steady stream of sea views.

I like how this tour uses the day efficiently. You are not stuck doing one long transit and then waiting around. You are always moving to the next experience, and there are clear moments to pause, look, and take photos.

You will also feel the “100% Seychellois experience” vibe in the pacing. It is not a hard-sell, checklist kind of day. It feels guided and local, with a nature-first focus.

Glass Bottom Boat Cruise: Easy Seeing Before You Swim

One of the best “starter” parts is the glass bottom boat cruise from Praslin to Curieuse. Even if you are not ready to snorkel immediately, the view through the glass lets you watch underwater life as you travel.

This also helps when weather is a factor. If wind or chop affects snorkeling plans, the crew adjusts the first snorkeling stop location, either St Pierre or another nearby option depending on conditions. That flexibility is a big deal in the Seychelles, where the sea can change hour to hour.

If you get seasick easily, this is where you should be cautious. The tour is a boat day, and people prone to seasickness are listed as not suitable, so take that seriously.

St Pierre (or Weather-Adjusted Alternative) Snorkeling Stop

The first snorkeling stop is usually at St Pierre, and you get mask and fins included. This is where the tour really turns from “boat sightseeing” into active water time.

Because the location can shift based on weather, I recommend you treat this as a “snorkeling opportunity” rather than a guaranteed exact spot on a perfect chart. The good news is that the experience is built around snorkeling twice, so you still get a full arc of water time even if the first location changes.

Practical tip: bring sunscreen and wear swimwear you can tolerate getting sandy and sun-warmed. Reef time can get intense fast, and you do not want to spend snorkeling breaks reapplying while the group is waiting.

Arriving on Curieuse: Beach Time and a Guided Nature Walk

Curieuse is the second big highlight of the day. You land on the island, enjoy another stunning beach scene, and then cross a 1.7 km nature trail that runs through a mangrove forest.

I like that this walk is short enough to feel doable for most people who are not dealing with health issues, but long enough to be more than a quick photo stop. A guided trail means you get context for what you are walking past, not just trees and dirt.

What to expect here: a mix of beach relaxation and guided forest path time. You will want a bit of energy for it, but it is not described as a strenuous hike. Still, it is on an island, so you should expect sun and uneven ground in places.

If you have mobility constraints or back issues, this trail and the island terrain may be a poor match, since the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and for certain fitness or health situations.

Mangroves to Tortoises: The Most Memorable Part of the Day

The most talked-about moment is the giant tortoise contact on Curieuse. You get direct contact with giant land tortoises, and lunch includes the chance to sit right next to them.

This is not the kind of wildlife viewing where you feel far away behind barriers. You are close enough to notice the calm, the scale, and the fact that they are just living their day. The day feels more real because the tortoises are part of the island routine, not a staged attraction.

I also like that the guide helps you understand what you are seeing. You can ask questions about the island, flora, and fauna, and the experience turns into a conversation, not a monologue.

Photo tip: go for wide shots to show scale, then get a few portraits once you know the light angle. The tortoises are slow, but you can work around them.

BBQ Lunch on Curieuse: Simple, Tasty, and Surprisingly Special

Lunch is a BBQ on the island. It is not described as a fancy multi-course meal, but it is part of why this day works. You are eating in a nature setting that changes the whole vibe.

The biggest reason lunch feels special is location. You seat right next to a giant land tortoise, so your meal is also a wildlife moment. That makes the midday break feel connected to the rest of the tour, not like a forced stop.

A balanced view: if you have strict dietary needs, you should ask ahead of time, because the details you are given are about the BBQ lunch, not meal customization. For most people, it sounds like a straightforward island lunch that keeps you fueled for the afternoon swim.

Afternoon on Curieuse: Second Snorkeling or Beach Relaxation

After lunch, you still have time on Curieuse. The tour includes an afternoon schedule where you either snorkel and enjoy the beach on Curieuse Island.

This is where the day feels generous. Many island tours do one water stop and call it done. Here, you get a second snorkeling window and also time to slow down on the beach.

If you are a confident swimmer, the snorkeling time is the obvious payoff. If you prefer gentler pacing, use the beach time to rest, watch small birds and shoreline activity, and recover from sun exposure.

Don’t ignore the simple stuff: drink water, reapply sunscreen during breaks, and keep an eye on how your body is feeling. The tour is listed at 390 minutes, so it is a full half-day plus a bit more, not a quick morning excursion.

Drinks and Snorkeling Gear: Included Comforts That Add Up

Included with the tour are drinks during the cruise and day. You get water and lemonade, plus adult drinks on board such as one beer per 18+ adult and a rhum cocktail.

I like tours that handle refreshments for you. It reduces decision fatigue and keeps the day feeling easy. If you do plan to drink alcohol, pace yourself with water too.

On the snorkeling side, mask and fins are included. That matters because you do not have to rent gear separately or worry about fit at the last minute. If you have your own mask and prefer your own fit, you can bring it, but the tour provides what most people need to get in the water comfortably.

Guide Style and the English-French Factor

A local guide speaks English and French. That bilingual setup helps you follow explanations about Curieuse, mangroves, and the island’s wildlife.

I also like the way this kind of guiding changes the day. Instead of just being transported from point A to B, you are learning why certain spots matter and what you might notice in the water or on land.

If you enjoy asking questions, this tour supports that. You are not pushed through like a conveyor belt. The whole day is built around nature and observation, which naturally leads to curiosity.

Price, Marine Park Fee, and Real Value on a Full-Day Day Trip

The tour price is $105 per person, with a duration of 390 minutes (about 6.5 hours). That sounds like a normal day trip cost until you factor in what is included.

What you get for that base price is a lot: boat and crew, drinks, snorkeling mask and fins, a local English-French guide, and BBQ lunch. Plus you get the core sightseeing and guided trail on Curieuse.

The main added cost is the marine park entrance fee: SR300 per person from age 12 and above. It is payable by card, online, or cash with the supplier, and you can skip the ticket line.

So what is the real value? You are paying for an organized day across multiple islands with snorkeling equipment provided and a guided wildlife experience built into the schedule. If you would otherwise pay for boat transport, snorkel gear, and guided access separately, the bundled nature makes sense.

If you are traveling as a family, the age rule matters. Kids under 12 avoid the marine park fee, but the tour is not suitable for children under 4. Also, because the tortoise-and-trail portions are part of the experience, you should consider whether your child can handle a full boat day in sun.

What to Bring (and What to Leave at Home)

For this tour, bring sunscreen and swimwear. That is the list you can plan around, and it is the right kind of simple.

Also think about comfort. Wear footwear that handles island terrain if you are doing the mangrove trail, and keep a lightweight cover-up for when you are off the beach.

Leave at home or avoid these: baby strollers are not allowed, and smoking is not allowed. If you are bringing a camera, expect plenty of wildlife and beach scenery moments.

Health and Safety Checks You Should Not Ignore

This tour is not suitable for:

• Children under 4
• Pregnant women
• People with back problems
• People with mobility impairments, wheelchair users
• People with heart problems
• People over 65, and also people over 70
• People prone to seasickness
• People with recent surgeries
• People with low level of fitness
• People with insect allergies

I’m glad these limits are stated clearly. A boat day, plus snorkeling, plus a mangrove walk, plus sun exposure, is not the safest combo for everyone. If any of those items apply to you, it is worth choosing a different style of Seychelles day trip.

If you are unsure, treat the list as a guide for risk, not just a rule. Your comfort and safety come first.

Who This Curieuse and St Pierre Tour Is Best For

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A guided nature day on Curieuse with tortoise time
• Two chances to snorkel with gear provided
• A mix of boat cruising, beaches, and short walking
• A full Seychelles day experience that stays local in feel

You will especially enjoy it if you like wildlife that does not feel staged and you prefer learning as you go. The guide’s English and French support also helps if your group is mixed.

If you want a low-sun, zero-swim day, this may feel like too much. Snorkeling is part of the structure, and the tour includes a mangrove trail on island terrain.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want a full, well-rounded Seychelles day focused on nature, with glass bottom boat viewing, two snorkeling stops, and giant tortoise time built into the day. The inclusion of mask and fins, drinks, and BBQ lunch adds real value, especially if you do not want to juggle extra rentals or planning.

Skip or reconsider if you fall into the listed health and mobility limits, or if you know you react badly to boats. And factor the marine park entrance fee into your budget so there are no surprises.

If you are the type of traveler who likes close-to-nature experiences and a guide who helps you understand what you are seeing, this one is a solid choice for Praslin.