A St Pierre and Curieuse catamaran day is interesting because you get two very different Seychelles vibes in one ride: bright, busy-looking beaches for swimming and snorkeling, then a protected island reserve where giant land tortoises steal the show. You also get a proper catamaran day, not just a quick hop between ports.

I love the snorkeling time at St Pierre, especially the way the stop is long enough to actually enjoy it and not feel rushed. I also love the Curieuse nature walk, which turns the tortoise spotting into a real on-island experience, not a photo stop.

One thing to keep in mind: this is typically a shared boat day with a crowd. One review pegged it at around 50 people onboard, and if you prefer smaller groups you might feel it, even though the catamaran layout helps.

Key points I think matter most

• St Pierre snorkeling with a properly timed swim stop (one review notes about 45 minutes)
• Curieuse giant land tortoises plus a guided island walk (about 1 hour)
• BBQ lunch onboard on the catamaran, with vegetarian options available by request
• Anse Georgette swim and photo time, a classic Praslin beach moment
• Shared-group format (one review mentions roughly 50 onboard), but space is available on the forward sun area

A full Seychelles day on the Oplezir catamaran

This is the kind of tour that makes sense when you want variety without complicated planning. You’ll start with water time, switch to an island reserve, eat onboard, and finish with one more beach stop plus a scenic cruise along Praslin’s north-east coast.

The boat is the Oplezir, and the day is built around comfort and pacing. You’re not sprinting from one spot to another. You’re mostly doing three things well: snorkeling, walking in nature, and then relaxing in the sun.

The duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours, and the itinerary can shift if weather changes. So if you’re the type who likes “perfectly timed” plans, keep your mind flexible.

St Pierre: where the snorkel plans actually work

The day begins at St Pierre Island, a favorite for swimmers and snorkelers. This is your first real chance to get in the water, and it sets the tone for the rest of the trip.

You’ll have snorkeling equipment provided, plus water onboard. In practice, that means you can show up with just the essentials (sunscreen, hat, and a good attitude) and still get a smooth start.

One review described the snorkel stop as about 45 minutes and the timing as perfect. That detail matters. Too short and you don’t settle in. Too long and it can start to feel like you’re waiting for the next activity. Here, the balance seems right.

A quick reality check: snorkeling quality depends on conditions on the day. The tour keeps the schedule flexible, but you can still plan your energy around an active swim window first thing.

Curieuse Island reserve: giant tortoises plus real walking

After St Pierre, you land at Curieuse Island reserve. This is where the “wow” factor is usually the tortoises. The reserve is also about the habitat, so you get more than just a quick look.

The tour includes a nature trail guided tour that lasts about one hour. You’ll stroll through mountain scenery and mangrove areas until you reach Anse Jose. If you care about seeing how an island reserve works, this part is the heart of the experience.

The best part is that the tortoises are not the only story. The walk gives you context for why Curieuse is protected, and it breaks the day into a fresh pace after snorkeling. You’ll get off your feet, breathe clean air, and then get back to the beach segment with a better sense of place.

This is also a stop where comfortable shoes matter. The tour notes bring comfortable shoes, and I agree. Even if the walking is manageable, you don’t want slippery footwear ruining your focus.

BBQ lunch onboard the catamaran

Between the island reserve and the final beach stop, you’ll enjoy BBQ lunch onboard. The lunch is served on the catamaran, which is a practical win. You’re not chasing a restaurant plan or waiting for a dock-side meal.

One review highlighted that the BBQ was really tasty and plentiful, and they noted that vegetarian options were available with advance request. That’s a big deal on a day like this. It means you can book without worrying that your only option will be a sad side salad.

You’ll also have water available. Still, bring a small plan for staying hydrated since the day includes sun and time in and out of the water.

Lunch timing usually matters more than people think. If you get hungry, it slows down your swim energy. This tour builds lunch in the middle so you can enjoy the later stop at Anse Georgette without feeling drained.

Anse Georgette: photo stop and a chance to swim again

After lunch, the catamaran heads toward Anse Georgette. You’ll get photo opportunities and time to swim.

This is a very classic beach moment in Praslin, and the photo time is not just a formality. It’s built in so you can take a proper look, switch camera settings, and then decide where you want your beach energy for the swim.

Keep your sunscreen handy here. The sun reflects off water, and a “quick swim” turns into a longer session if conditions feel good.

Also, remember you already snorkeled earlier. Don’t try to do everything at once. If you want to fully enjoy both water sections, treat Anse Georgette as a calmer, beach-friendly finish.

Cruising along Praslin’s north-east coast

To close out the day, you cruise along Praslin’s north-east coast. This isn’t a “look at monuments” type of coast drive. It’s more about moving slowly through the scenery and letting the day land in your brain.

This segment matters because it gives you time to decompress. After swimming, walking, and eating, you might not want another hard stop. The cruise gives you that easy wind-down.

If you’re the type who enjoys watching coastlines change as light shifts, this portion is a nice end cap. It also makes the return feel less abrupt.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price listed is $166 per person for a 7 to 8 hour outing. That’s not a bargain-bin price, but it’s also not “tour-only” money with nothing included.

What you get for the cost:

• BBQ lunch onboard
• snorkeling equipment
• landing fees on Curieuse
• water
• hotel pickup and drop-off in Praslin if you choose an eligible pickup option
• ferry tickets for La Digue clients if that option applies

When a tour bundles snorkeling gear, landing fees, and a full onboard meal, you’re paying for logistics and time. You’re also paying for less hassle, which is the real currency on vacation.

One more value note: the itinerary includes both St Pierre and Curieuse, plus Anse Georgette. That combination is the reason this price can make sense. You’re not just paying to sit on a boat. You’re paying to visit multiple distinct environments in one day.

Logistics you should plan around (so you don’t lose time)

The tour offers hotel pickup in Praslin only if your accommodation is accessible via the main road. The pickup transfer time depends on traffic, and you’re asked to confirm your pickup time and location 48 hours prior using the contact number on your voucher.

If you’re staying on La Digue, your meeting point is Creole Travel Services Office at La Passe, a few minutes walk to the jetty. The tour data also says La Digue guests must arrange their own transfers between their hotel and the ferry harbour jetty.

One review pointed out that pickup instructions via app can be a pain if the local operator does not access booking details correctly. Their practical fix was simple: go to the office and clarify in person, right before the day starts. You can avoid that stress by confirming your pickup details early.

Who this tour is best for

This is a great match if you want:

• Two snorkeling-adjacent experiences in one day (St Pierre snorkeling, then a swim at Anse Georgette)
• A guided nature component with a clear destination (Curieuse reserve with a walk)
• A day that includes a real onboard meal instead of spending vacation time hunting food

It might not be for you if you strongly prefer quiet, private experiences. One review noted about 50 people on board, and while the catamaran setup allowed space on the forward sun area, it’s still a group day.

It is also not suitable for people with mobility impairments and for pregnant women. Children under 2 years are not allowed on these sea excursions, and babies under 1 are not suitable.

What to bring so the day feels easy

The tour lists the basics, and they’re the right ones:

• Comfortable shoes
• Hat
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable clothes
• Insect repellent
• Cash

I’d treat repellent as non-negotiable for Curieuse walking time near mangrove areas. Sun and water make you feel safe, and then you get itchy ankles. Bring it anyway.

Should you book this St Pierre and Curieuse catamaran tour?

If you’re trying to pack in Seychelles icons without juggling schedules, I think this is a strong booking. The pairing of St Pierre snorkeling, Curieuse tortoises, and Anse Georgette gives you variety that feels worth the full day.

Book it especially if you care about the combination of:

• Onboard BBQ lunch (including vegetarian options by request)
• A guided island walk with an actual trail structure and a clear endpoint at Anse Jose
• Provided snorkeling gear that makes the morning painless

Skip it if you need a small-group atmosphere or if mobility limitations affect your ability to walk on Curieuse and move around on a sea excursion. Also, if your vacation has a tight weather-sensitive schedule, keep one eye on conditions since the route can change.

If you want one practical move before you go, do this: confirm pickup time and meeting details 48 hours ahead. It’s the difference between a smooth start and a rushed one.

FAQ

Which islands and beaches does this tour include?

This tour visits St Pierre Island for swimming and snorkeling, Curieuse Island reserve for a guided nature trail walk, and Anse Georgette for photo time and swimming. It also includes a scenic cruise along Praslin’s north-east coast.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours. Starting times vary by availability.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment.

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is included and is served onboard the catamaran. Water is also included.

Do I get hotel pickup?

Pickup in Praslin is optional, but it is only available for hotels accessible via the main road. If you are staying on La Digue, you arrange your own transfer between your hotel and the ferry harbour jetty.

Where should La Digue guests meet?

Guests staying on La Digue should meet at the Creole Travel Services Office at La Passe, which is a few minutes walk to the jetty.

What should I bring with me?

Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, insect repellent, and cash.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and pregnant women. Children under 2 years are not allowed on these sea excursions, and babies under 1 year are not suitable.

Should the names on my booking match my passport?

Yes. The tour data asks you to ensure the names provided match the names on your passport.