Seychelles: St Pierre and Curieuse Catamaran Tour with Lunch

St Pierre is the star at the start: a small, rocky island with clear water made for snorkeling and swimming. Then Curieuse brings a different kind of Seychelles magic, with free-roaming giant tortoises, a mangrove trail, and a guided walk to Anse Jose. It is a good pairing of sea time and island time.

I like the generous BBQ lunch served aboard the Oplezir, and I like the chance to see Curieuse without having to arrange separate boats, landing fees, and guides. The main drawback is scale. The catamaran can carry around 50 people, so this is not a quiet private outing, although its size gives you room to spread out, including on the forward sun net.

Key points

• St Pierre snorkeling: A roughly 45-minute stop may be offered, with equipment and water included.
• Curieuse tortoises: See giant land tortoises close to the island’s walking trails.
• One-hour nature walk: Follow a guided route through mountain scenery and mangrove swamps to Anse Jose.
• Lunch on the Oplezir: The BBQ is served aboard the catamaran, with vegetarian food available if requested.
• Anse Georgette stop: Swim, take photographs, and enjoy one of Praslin’s most attractive bays.
• North-east coast cruise: Finish with a scenic sail before returning to your accommodation or departure point.

St Pierre starts the day with water and open views

The first stop at St Pierre is built around the sea. You can swim and snorkel around the island, with the boat providing snorkeling equipment and water. On a recent schedule, the snorkeling time was about 45 minutes, which is long enough to enjoy the stop without turning the whole day into a single beach visit.

St Pierre is also a good place to settle into the rhythm of a catamaran trip. You have the water, the low rocky outline of the island, and the broad coastal views around you. If you do not want to snorkel, you can stay aboard or swim, but this stop is most rewarding for anyone who enjoys seeing the Seychelles from below the surface.

Bring your own mask if you are particular about fit, although equipment is included. A hat, sunscreen, and a camera are useful here, but keep anything valuable secure around the water. The catamaran provides the setting, but this is still an active sea excursion, not a polished resort pool outing.

Curieuse trades coral water for giant tortoises

After St Pierre, the boat heads to Curieuse Island, a protected reserve known for its giant land tortoises. This is the part of the day that gives the excursion more substance than a standard boat-and-beach trip. You are not simply stopping for a swim. You are walking through an island reserve and seeing one of the Seychelles’ best-known animals in its natural island setting.

The tortoises are a major draw, and you should allow time to watch them rather than rushing straight to photographs. Their slow pace suits Curieuse. The experience is calm and close-up, with the animals forming a sharp contrast to the lively snorkeling stop earlier in the morning.

The guided nature walk lasts about one hour. The route takes you through mountain scenery and mangrove swamps toward Anse Jose. That short walk matters because it connects the tortoise area with the island’s wider natural setting. You get a sense of the terrain, rather than seeing Curieuse only from the beach.

Wear comfortable shoes. Parts of the route are not suited to anyone who has trouble walking, and the tour is not recommended for people with mobility impairments. Comfortable clothes, insect repellent, and sunscreen will make the walk easier. The tropical heat can make one hour feel longer than it sounds, especially if you are carrying a camera and stopping often.

The Curieuse walk is short but worth taking slowly

The Curieuse route is manageable for people who are comfortable with a one-hour island walk, but you should not treat it as a quick stroll from the boat to lunch. The mangroves and mountain views are the point. Take your time, listen to the guide, and keep some water with you.

The walk ends at Anse Jose, giving you a change of scenery from the tortoise area. I like this section because it breaks up the day. St Pierre gives you the water, the tortoises give you the wildlife, and the Curieuse trail gives you a little time on foot.

There is no guide name supplied for this outing, but live guiding is offered in English and French. If you need a particular language, confirm it at booking or with the operator before departure. The live guide is especially useful on Curieuse, where the island’s plants, mangroves, and animals add more interest than a simple photo stop.

Lunch aboard the Oplezir keeps the schedule simple

The BBQ lunch is served on the Oplezir catamaran rather than at a separate restaurant. That saves time and keeps the group moving without another transfer. It also means you can eat with the boat around you, instead of losing part of the day to a formal meal stop.

The meal has been described as plentiful, and vegetarian food can be prepared if you request it. Do not leave dietary needs until the morning of the trip. Ask in advance so the crew has a clear idea of what you need.

Water is included. Other services or items are not included unless specifically listed, so carrying some cash is sensible. The supplied advice also recommends bringing a camera, hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable clothing, and shoes suitable for the walk.

The catamaran itself is large enough to handle a group of around 50 people. That size has two sides. You may not get the intimate feel of a small charter, but you are less likely to feel trapped in one cramped seating area. The forward sun net can provide extra room when conditions allow, and the boat’s size gives you different places to sit during the cruise.

Anse Georgette adds a beautiful final swim

The next major stop is Anse Georgette on Praslin. The plan is to pause for photographs and a swim, giving you another chance to get into the water after St Pierre. This stop is less about a guided activity and more about enjoying one of the island’s scenic bays.

I would use Anse Georgette as a relaxed second water stop. If you snorkeled at St Pierre, you can focus here on the beach, photographs, and a swim. If you skipped the first water stop, this is another chance to cool off.

The itinerary can change with weather and sea conditions. That matters in the Seychelles, where the order or length of stops may shift on the day. Treat Anse Georgette as an intended highlight rather than an absolute guarantee of a fixed timetable.

The north-east coast cruise closes the loop

The final cruise follows Praslin’s north-east coast. After a day of swimming and walking, this is a pleasant way to finish. You can sit back, watch the shoreline pass, and take in the views without needing to do anything else.

This last stretch also makes the trip feel like a full island excursion rather than a simple transfer between two snorkeling sites. You see Curieuse from the water, return toward Praslin, and get a final run of coastal scenery before transport back to your hotel or departure point.

The entire outing takes about seven to eight hours. That is a substantial part of your day, but the program has enough variety to justify the length: St Pierre, Curieuse, the tortoises, a nature walk, lunch, Anse Georgette, and a coastal cruise.

Transfers depend on where you are staying

Pickup and drop-off are available in Praslin when you select that option. Pickup applies to hotels accessible from the main road, and the transfer length depends on traffic. Confirm your pickup time and location 48 hours before departure using the number on your voucher.

That confirmation is worth doing. The boat schedule is only one part of the morning, and a small problem with the meeting point can create unnecessary stress before a full day at sea. Keep your phone available and make sure the provider has the correct hotel details.

If you stay on La Digue, meet at the Creole Travel Services office at La Passe, a short walk from the jetty. You must arrange your own transfer between your hotel and the La Digue ferry harbor. Ferry tickets for La Digue clients are included only when that option is selected, so check the exact booking choice rather than assuming every fare includes the same transport.

The excursion can also be arranged from Mahé, Praslin, or La Digue, but the transport arrangements differ. Read the selected departure option carefully before paying.

Is $166 a fair price?

At $166 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. The value comes from combining several costs and activities in one day: the catamaran cruise, St Pierre snorkeling, Curieuse landing fees, a guided island walk, giant tortoises, an onboard BBQ lunch, water, snorkeling equipment, and some hotel transport options.

It is good value if you want to see both islands and would otherwise book separate boat transport, a Curieuse visit, lunch, and a snorkeling trip. The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet beach day or already have access to a private boat.

The group size is the key value question. A group of around 50 can make the outing feel busy, particularly when everyone is moving on or off the boat. On the other hand, the Oplezir is large enough to offer more space than a small open boat, and you can often find room on the sun net or in another seating area.

I would pay this price for a first Seychelles visit when my time is limited. You cover several signature experiences in one day without having to organize the details yourself. I would choose a smaller charter instead if privacy, flexible timing, or quiet snorkeling mattered more to me than the broad itinerary.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

This tour suits you if you want a full day with several different activities. It is especially practical for people staying on Praslin who want to combine Curieuse and St Pierre without making separate arrangements.

You should be comfortable with:

• Getting on and off a catamaran
• Swimming or spending time around the water
• Walking for about one hour on Curieuse
• Being part of a larger group
• Adjusting the schedule if weather changes

The trip is not suitable for pregnant women, people with mobility impairments, or children under two years old. Babies under one are also specifically excluded. If you are unsure about the walk or boat movement, ask the operator before booking.

Families with older children may appreciate the mix of tortoises, swimming, and scenery, but the long day and sea conditions still matter. Couples may like the variety, while solo visitors can benefit from having transport, lunch, and guiding arranged in one booking.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Confirm your pickup or meeting point 48 hours ahead, especially if you are staying on Praslin. If you are on La Digue, plan the hotel-to-jetty transfer yourself and allow enough time to reach the Creole Travel Services office at La Passe.

Request a vegetarian lunch in advance if needed. Bring cash for extras, comfortable shoes for Curieuse, a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and clothing that works for both the boat and the walking trail.

Use a waterproof bag or case for your phone and camera. You will move between swimming, walking, and eating on a boat, so packing light and keeping your belongings organized will help.

Names on the booking must match the names on your passports. The operator allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and a reserve-now, pay-later option is available. Those terms make it easier to hold a place while your island plans are still taking shape.

Should you book the St Pierre and Curieuse catamaran tour?

Book it if you want an efficient, activity-filled day that covers snorkeling, giant tortoises, a Curieuse nature walk, lunch, and Anse Georgette in one outing. The strongest parts are the St Pierre water stop, the close look at Curieuse’s tortoises, and the well-organized mix of boat and land time.

Think twice if you want a small-group or private experience. Around 50 people may be aboard, and pickup arrangements need attention. Still, for $166, the tour offers solid value when you want to see several of Praslin’s best-known sights without planning each piece yourself.

FAQ

How long does the St Pierre and Curieuse catamaran tour last?

The excursion lasts about 7 to 8 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What is included in the tour price?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available in Praslin for selected hotels accessible from the main road. Confirm your pickup time and location 48 hours before departure. La Digue visitors must arrange their own transfer to and from the ferry harbor jetty.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English and French.

Are children allowed on the excursion?

Children under two years old are not allowed on these sea excursions. The trip is also not suitable for babies under one year old.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.