Tour of Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre island on Catamaran

The best thing about this 8-hour catamaran trip is the range. In one day, you can move from Cousin’s protected bird habitat to Curieuse’s giant tortoises and old leper-colony buildings, then swim over coral at St Pierre. It packs several of Praslin’s most memorable nearby islands into one outing.

I like the wildlife focus, especially the chance to see endemic species and young sharks or sea turtles in the surrounding waters. I also like the practical setup: hotel transfer is available for Praslin clients, lunch and water are included, and the crew handles landing fees at Cousin and Curieuse.

The main trade-off is time. Three islands in eight hours means some stops are brief. The St Pierre snorkeling stop has been about 35 minutes in practice, and the Curieuse visit may not leave enough time for the full mangrove walk. The route description also mentions Moyenne Island and a return toward Mahe, so confirm the exact day’s itinerary before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Three islands in one day: Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre provide a good mix of birds, tortoises, history, beaches, and snorkeling.
• Cousin is the strongest wildlife stop: Expect a guided visit to a protected bird sanctuary and rare native species.
• Curieuse combines nature and history: See giant land tortoises, the old leper colony, the Doctor’s House, and a mangrove route toward Baie Laraie.
• St Pierre is mainly for water time: The island offers clear water for swimming and snorkeling, but the stop may be shorter than expected.
• Creole barbecue is included: Lunch is served on the catamaran, with water included and extra drinks available to buy.
• Plan for a full, active day: Wear secure shoes, bring sun protection and cash, and confirm pickup details 48 hours ahead.

A full day among Praslin’s famous islands

This is the sort of excursion that works well when you want to see more than one island but do not want to arrange separate boat trips, park fees, and lunches. The catamaran links Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre in one day, with time on land and in the sea.

At $263 per person, it is not a cheap boat ride. But the price includes an eight-hour outing, transfers for Praslin clients, landing fees at Cousin and Curieuse, a barbecue lunch, and water. For you, the value depends on how much you want to cover in one day. If wildlife, island history, and snorkeling all matter, the bundled price makes more sense than paying separately for several short activities.

You should also understand the pace. This is not a slow beach day with hours in one place. It is a varied island circuit, and the schedule can feel tight when boat travel, landing, guided walks, lunch, and water time all compete for the same hours.

Cousin Island: the day’s best wildlife encounter

Cousin is the first major stop and usually the most rewarding part for anyone interested in birds and conservation. The island was once connected with French settlement, but its importance today comes from the endemic species protected there.

You can expect a guided walk through the bird sanctuary rather than a simple beach landing. The visit gives you a chance to see native Seychelles species in their island habitat and learn why these small islands matter to conservation. The guide-led format is useful here because the value is not only in spotting birds. You also get context about the island’s protected status and the work needed to preserve species found nowhere else.

Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip. You will be walking on an island rather than stepping straight from the boat into a restaurant or lounge chair. Sunscreen, sunglasses, insect repellent, and a hat are sensible additions, although hats are not listed as required equipment.

Cousin is also where the excursion feels most distinct from a standard snorkeling cruise. The protected wildlife visit gives the morning a clear purpose, and the guided walk adds an educational layer without taking up the entire day.

Curieuse and the route toward Baie Laraie

Curieuse offers a different kind of island experience. Here, giant land tortoises take center stage, and you can spend time around the tortoise sanctuary before continuing through the island’s natural setting.

The route toward Baie Laraie leads through mangrove forest. This is one of the most interesting details of the trip because it changes the pace from open beach and boat travel to a shaded walk through wetland habitat. Mangroves help explain the coastal environment in a way that a quick swim cannot.

Allow enough time for this section, but do not assume the full walk will always fit. On a recent outing, the Curieuse stop was shorter than expected, leaving no time for the longer mangrove route. If the mangrove walk matters to you, ask the crew at the start of the day how much time is planned on Curieuse.

The island also carries a strong historical note. You can see ruins connected with an old leper colony and visit the Doctor’s House, a building linked to the medical care once provided there. These places are modest rather than grand, but that is part of their appeal. The buildings and ruins show how isolated island communities once dealt with illness and distance from the main population centers.

The combination of tortoises, mangroves, and the former leper colony gives Curieuse more variety than a simple animal encounter. Still, the visit is best approached as a highlights stop. You may see only part of the island before returning to the boat.

St Pierre: clear water and a short snorkeling stop

St Pierre is the water-focused part of the day. The island is known for clear sea conditions and a setting suited to swimming and snorkeling around the coral.

The stop may last about 35 minutes, even though a longer period of around 50 minutes can be suggested during the outing. That difference matters. Thirty-five minutes is enough to get your mask on, enter the water, look around, and return to the boat, but it is not generous if you need help with equipment or prefer a relaxed swim.

Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have equipment you trust. Equipment can also be purchased or rented separately, according to the arrangements available on the day. The crew provides access to the snorkeling opportunity, but not every extra item is included in the base price.

The water is the main attraction here, with opportunities to see coral and marine life such as young sharks and sea turtles. Sightings are never guaranteed, so treat those animals as a possible bonus rather than the reason to book the entire trip.

There is also an environmental issue worth noting. Anchoring can damage coral and the seabed, and a request has been made for permanent mooring rings at St Pierre. If you care about marine protection, ask how the boat handles mooring and anchoring on the day. It is a small practical question with real importance in a fragile reef area.

The barbecue lunch and what to expect on board

Lunch is a barbecue served on the catamaran, with water included. It is a useful arrangement because you do not lose more sightseeing time searching for food on an island.

The meal is built around local Creole flavors and fresh ingredients. If you eat a special diet, contact the local partner before the trip and get clear confirmation. A vegan request was not answered before one recent outing, although lentils, rice, salad, pumpkin, and bread were available at lunch. That was workable, but it was not the same as having a confirmed vegan menu.

You can purchase additional beverages on board. Bring a credit card and some cash, since the included package covers water but not every drink or service. This is also why the supplied packing advice includes both payment options.

The boat itself gives you a good place to rest between stops. You can enjoy views of the islands while the crew moves the group from one landing point to the next. The trip is active, but the catamaran portions provide breathing room between walks and water time.

The itinerary needs a quick confirmation

The main description centers on Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre, but the wider activity information also refers to Moyenne Island, the Ste. Anne Marine Park islands, and a return toward Mahe. Moyenne is described as a short guided visit with free-roaming giant land tortoises and time on a small beach.

That creates a point you should clarify before paying. Ask the local partner which islands are included in your departure from Praslin and how the route changes by season or sea conditions. The title and main highlights identify Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre, while the additional route description includes Moyenne and a Mahe return. You do not want to assume you will see all of them in one eight-hour program.

This kind of change may be caused by different departure points or versions of the excursion, but the supplied details do not explain it. A short message to Creole Travel Services can prevent confusion.

Transfers, meeting points, and timing

Praslin clients receive a transfer to the departure point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available where the property is accessible from the main road. Transfer time depends on traffic, so the advertised eight hours refers to the activity rather than a guaranteed door-to-door period.

Confirm your pickup time and location 48 hours before departure using the local partner’s emergency number. This is especially important if you are staying away from the main road or have a tight connection later in the day.

If you are staying on La Digue, ferry transfer is included, but you must arrange your own land transfer between your hotel and the La Digue jetty. Tickets are collected at the Creole Travel Services office in La Passe, opposite Fish Trap restaurant.

The tour is guided in English and French. The crew has been described as helpful and attentive, which matters on a day involving boat boarding, island landings, snorkeling equipment, and several time checks.

What to pack for a comfortable day

Keep your packing simple and practical:

• Comfortable shoes for Cousin and Curieuse
• Swimsuit and comfortable clothes
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Insect repellent for shaded and mangrove areas
• Cash and a credit card for extras
• Any personal snorkeling equipment you prefer
• A small bag for wet clothing

Use reef-friendly sun protection if available, and apply it well before entering the water. Bring enough personal medication and water for the day, even though water is included.

Children under two are not allowed on these sea excursions. Names on the booking must match passport names, so check the reservation carefully before departure.

Who will enjoy this excursion most

I would choose this trip if you want a broad sample of the Seychelles in one day and are happy with a brisk schedule. It suits you particularly well if you want wildlife, tortoises, some island history, a Creole meal, and snorkeling without planning each piece yourself.

It is also a good choice for first-time visitors based on Praslin who want to see several famous nearby islands. The combination of a guided sanctuary visit and time in the water gives the day more substance than a simple scenic cruise.

I would think twice if your priority is long, relaxed snorkeling. St Pierre may offer only about 35 minutes in the water, and the route includes several other stops. I would also hesitate if you need a guaranteed special-diet meal unless you receive written confirmation beforehand.

The excursion is less suitable for anyone who dislikes boat transfers, walking on uneven island paths, or changing plans caused by sea and traffic conditions. It is an active day, though not an extreme one.

Should you book the Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre trip?

Book it if you want the widest mix of experiences from a single Praslin excursion. Cousin provides the strongest wildlife encounter, Curieuse adds tortoises, mangroves, and the Doctor’s House, and St Pierre supplies the clear water and snorkeling. The included lunch, water, landing fees, and Praslin transfer make the $263 price easier to justify.

Before booking, confirm the exact island order, ask how long the St Pierre water stop will be, and request a clear answer about dietary needs. If you accept a full day with short stops, this is a useful and well-rounded way to see the islands. If you want unhurried snorkeling or a long beach stay, choose a simpler boat trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the excursion last?

The activity lasts eight hours. Hotel transfer time can vary depending on traffic and is separate from the time spent on the island and catamaran program.

Which islands are named in the main tour?

The main tour focuses on Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre. Additional information also mentions Moyenne Island and a route toward Mahe, so confirm the exact itinerary before departure.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A barbecue lunch on the catamaran and water are included.

Are landing fees included?

Landing fees for Cousin and Curieuse are included.

What languages are available?

Live guiding is available in English and French.

Can children under two join?

No. Children under two years old are not allowed on these sea excursions.

What is the meeting point for clients staying on La Digue?

Collect your tickets at the Creole Travel Services office in La Passe, opposite Fish Trap restaurant. You must arrange your own land transfer between your hotel and the La Digue jetty.