Praslin: Curieuse & St-Pierre Boat Adventure with Snorkeling

Highlights

• Discover the breathtaking beauty of Curieuse Island, home to the famous giant tortoises, lush mangroves, and pristine beaches.
• Meet giant tortoises at the Ranger's Station in Laraie Bay, where Curieuse Island hosts the second largest population of these gentle giants in Seychelles.
• Explore Curieuse Island on a guided one hour nature hike through lush mangrove ecosystems, pristine beaches, and towering Coco de Mer trees.
• Dive into the crystal clear waters of St Pierre Marine Park, snorkeling amidst vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life.
• Enjoy multiple snorkeling sessions at St Pierre, where the island is only accessible by boat and offers stunning views of the turquoise Indian Ocean.
• Spot exotic birds, colorful crabs, and diverse wildlife during your nature hike, with opportunities for photography and scenic viewpoints.

Tour Overview

This full day boat adventure combines wildlife viewing, nature exploration, and marine activities, making it ideal if you want to see giant tortoises, hike through mangroves, and snorkel at pristine coral reefs in one comprehensive trip. You will be picked up from any location on Praslin Island between 10 and 45 minutes before departure, then transferred to Anse Possession for embarkation between 9:00 and 9:15 AM.

Upon arrival at Anse Possession, friendly staff will welcome you onboard with a safety briefing before departure. You then cruise to Curieuse Island at 25 knots cruising speed, arriving at 9:40 AM. Step into a world straight out of a fairy tale as you encounter the famous giant tortoises at the Ranger's Station in Laraie Bay, where Curieuse Island is home to the second largest population of these gentle giants in Seychelles. From 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, you join a guided one hour nature hike exploring lush mangrove ecosystems, pristine beaches with crystal clear waters, towering Coco de Mer trees, exotic birds, colorful crabs, diverse wildlife, and the famous giant tortoises roaming freely.

After the nature hike, you have time for an optional barbecue lunch on the beach for an additional fee, or you can bring your own snacks and refreshments. At 1:30 PM, you depart from Curieuse and cruise to St Pierre Marine Park, arriving around 2:00 PM. This is the ideal place where you can snorkel amidst vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life, bask in the warm sun on powdery white sand, and lose yourself in crystal clear turquoise waters. The island is only accessible by boat and offers stunning views of the turquoise Indian Ocean. Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, and you will snorkel for about one hour before beginning your return journey to Praslin.

Typical Itinerary

1. Hotel pickup on Praslin - Meet your driver at any location on Praslin Island between 10 and 45 minutes before departure for transfer to Anse Possession.
2. Arrival at Anse Possession - Arrive at the embarkation point between 9:00 and 9:15 AM, where friendly staff welcome you onboard.
3. Safety briefing - Receive a safety briefing from the crew before departure, covering boat procedures, snorkeling safety, and the day's itinerary.
4. Boat cruise to Curieuse Island - Depart from Anse Possession and cruise to Curieuse Island at 25 knots cruising speed, enjoying scenic views of the surrounding waters.
5. Arrival at Curieuse Island - Arrive at Curieuse Island around 9:40 AM and prepare to step into a world straight out of a fairy tale.
6. Visit to Ranger's Station and giant tortoises - Encounter the famous giant tortoises at the Ranger's Station in Laraie Bay, where Curieuse Island hosts the second largest population of these gentle giants in Seychelles.
7. Guided nature hike begins - Start your guided one hour nature hike at 10:00 AM, exploring the island's diverse ecosystems and wildlife.
8. Mangrove ecosystem exploration - Walk through lush mangrove ecosystems, learning about the unique flora and fauna that thrive in these coastal environments.
9. Beach and Coco de Mer viewing - Visit pristine beaches with crystal clear waters and observe towering Coco de Mer trees, which are unique to Seychelles.
10. Wildlife spotting and photography - Spot exotic birds, colorful crabs, and diverse wildlife during your hike, with opportunities for photography and scenic viewpoints.
11. Free time with tortoises - Spend additional time observing and photographing the giant tortoises roaming freely in their natural habitat.
12. Optional barbecue lunch - Enjoy an optional barbecue lunch on the beach from 12:15 PM to 1:30 PM for an additional fee, or bring your own snacks and refreshments.
13. Departure from Curieuse Island - Depart from Curieuse at 1:30 PM and begin your cruise to St Pierre Marine Park.
14. Arrival at St Pierre Marine Park - Arrive at St Pierre Marine Park around 2:00 PM, where the island is only accessible by boat and offers stunning views of the turquoise Indian Ocean.
15. Snorkeling session - Snorkel for about one hour amidst vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life, with snorkeling equipment provided on board.
16. Relaxation and swimming - Bask in the warm sun on powdery white sand and lose yourself in the crystal clear turquoise waters before beginning your return journey.
17. Return cruise to Praslin - Depart St Pierre and cruise back to Anse Possession, enjoying final views of the Indian Ocean.
18. Hotel drop off - Arrive back at Anse Possession and transfer back to your original pickup location on Praslin, completing your full day adventure.

The exact timing at each stop, snorkeling conditions, and optional activities can vary based on weather, sea conditions, and group preferences. The tour includes multiple snorkeling opportunities at St Pierre Marine Park, and guests can choose between the optional barbecue lunch or bringing their own snacks. The guide will adjust the schedule as needed to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

What's Included

• Full day boat adventure from Praslin to Curieuse Island and St Pierre Marine Park, returning to Praslin.
• Hotel transfers from any location on Praslin Island, with pickup and drop off included.
• Boat cruise to Curieuse Island and St Pierre Marine Park at 25 knots cruising speed, with scenic views throughout.
• Visit to Curieuse Island and the Ranger's Station in Laraie Bay, where giant tortoises can be observed.
• Guided one hour nature hike exploring lush mangrove ecosystems, pristine beaches, towering Coco de Mer trees, and diverse wildlife.
• English and French speaking tour guide who provides information and assistance throughout the day.
• Water and soft drinks provided on board throughout the tour.
• One beer per adult included with the tour.
• Snorkeling gear provided on board for use during snorkeling sessions at St Pierre Marine Park.
• Multiple snorkeling opportunities at St Pierre Marine Park, where you can explore vibrant coral reefs and exotic marine life.
• Lunch included as part of the tour package.
• Island taxes of 20 EUR per person aged 12 years and above, which are included in the tour price.

Not Included

• Optional barbecue lunch on the beach, which is available for an additional fee of 20 EUR per person if you prefer this option over the included lunch.
• Personal snacks and refreshments, though you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer a self catering option.
• Alcoholic beverages beyond the one beer per adult included with the tour, which are available for purchase if desired.
• Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional drinks, or shopping during the tour.
• Tips for the guide and crew, which are optional and based on your satisfaction with the tour.
• Personal items such as towels, swimwear, sunglasses, sun hats, sandals, cameras, sunscreen, beachwear, insect repellent, and waterproof equipment.
• Any additional activities, optional experiences, or equipment rentals not mentioned in the included items.

Accessibility & Practical Info

• This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to getting on and off boats, walking on nature trails, and snorkeling activities.
• You should be comfortable walking for extended periods on nature trails through mangroves and beaches, swimming, using snorkeling equipment, and getting on and off boats.
• Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sandals, a camera, food and drinks or snacks if you prefer self catering, sunscreen, waterproof camera, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, insect repellent, sports shoes, sportswear, binoculars, waterproof bag, and waterproof shoes.
• Hotel pickup is included from any location on Praslin Island, and you will be picked up between 10 and 45 minutes before departure. Embarkation is between 9:00 and 9:15 AM at Anse Possession.
• The tour includes island taxes of 20 EUR per person aged 12 years and above, which are already included in the tour price, so no additional payment is required on site.
• An optional barbecue lunch is available on the beach for an additional fee of 20 EUR per person, or you can bring your own snacks and refreshments for a personalized experience.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided on board, and you will have multiple snorkeling opportunities at St Pierre Marine Park, where the island is only accessible by boat.
• Weapons or sharp objects and electric wheelchairs are not allowed on the tour for safety reasons.
• The nature hike covers various terrains including mangroves, beaches, and forested areas, so wear comfortable sports shoes and sportswear suitable for hiking.