Tour of Cousin, Curieuse and St Pierre island on Catamaran

This review shines a light on a popular full-day tour around some of Seychelles’ most iconic islands—Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre—offered by Creole Travel Services. While we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, the detailed feedback and tour highlights make it clear that this experience provides a compelling mix of wildlife encounters, underwater exploration, and scenic cruising that many travelers find memorable.

What we love about this tour is how it combines marine discovery with island history, all within a manageable day. The chance to see rare endemic species, snorkel in crystal-clear waters, and explore historic ruins sounds incredibly appealing. Plus, the inclusion of a Creole lunch on board adds a tasty local touch. One thing to consider is that snorkeling time might be a little shorter than expected, but the overall value and variety seem well worth it.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a well-rounded Seychelles experience—a blend of wildlife spotting, underwater adventures, and island culture—without the hassle of arranging multiple trips. If you’re after a scenic, educational, and fun day at sea, this might be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Diverse island visits in a single day provide excellent value for exploring Seychelles’ highlights.
• Snorkeling opportunities in clear waters allow you to see abundant marine life, including baby sharks and sea turtles.
• Historical sites like the ruins of an old leper colony and the “Doctor’s house” add a cultural dimension.
• Wildlife encounters include rare endemic species, giant land tortoises, and seabirds.
• Scenic catamaran cruise offers stunning views of the islands and marine park.
• Flexible booking options include pay later and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Overview of the Seychelles Island Tour by Catamaran

This full-day excursion takes you on a carefully curated journey through Seychelles’ most famed islands, all aboard a comfortable catamaran. It strikes a balance between adventure, relaxation, and education, making it suitable for families, couples, or solo travelers eager to explore Seychelles’ natural beauty without rushing.

The journey generally starts at La Passe on Praslin Island, where tickets are collected at the Creole Travel Services office, conveniently located opposite Fish Trap restaurant. From there, you’ll board the vessel for a day packed with island hopping, snorkeling, and cultural insights. The tour typically costs around $262 per person, which reflects the inclusive nature of the trip—ferry transfers (for La Digue clients), landing fees, a BBQ lunch, water, and on-board amenities.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Cousin Island: Endemic Species and Bird Watching

While the tour emphasizes the visit to Cousin, it’s worth noting that the island is famed for its endemic bird species and conservation efforts. The island’s protected status means you’ll see a sanctuary for rare birds and lush vegetation. The landings are generally brief, but enough to appreciate the island’s serenity and ecological significance.

Curieuse Island: Tortoises, Ruins, and Mangroves

Next, your boat will anchor at Curieuse, known for its large, free-roaming giant land tortoises—some guide-led tours even include short visits to the tortoise sanctuary, giving you the chance to feed and photograph these gentle giants. You’ll also explore remnants of an old leper colony, adding a historical touch to the day. The ruins of the “Doctor’s house” and the mangrove forest leading to Baie Laraie lagoon are highlights, offering peaceful walks and excellent photo opportunities.

One review mentions that the mangrove walk is a real treat—an atmospheric trail leading to a calm, picturesque lagoon—perfect for quiet reflection and spotting birdlife.

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Snorkeling at St Pierre Island: Marine Marvels

Perhaps the most anticipated part of the trip is snorkeling at St Pierre, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. You’ll be able to observe an abundance of marine life, including rare species, baby sharks, and sea turtles. The reviews note that the snorkeling session is often around 35 to 50 minutes, which some find a little short, but the marine biodiversity makes the most of that time. You’ll find the reef teeming with fish, and the underwater visibility makes it ideal for photography.

Scenic Cruising and Optional Activities

The boat cruise itself is a visual treat, with panoramic views of the islands. The crew often offers a beverage service and equipment rental, so you can relax and focus on the scenery. Some guests mention that the boat ride is leisurely, allowing for plenty of photo stops and whale of a time observing the scenery.

Creole Lunch and Leisure Time

A major highlight is the onboard BBQ lunch, offering traditional Creole flavors—think seasoned meats, fresh salads, and local specialties. Reviewers have appreciated that the meal is hearty and flavorful, giving you energy for the rest of the day. Vegetarians and vegans should note, however, that dietary options may not be explicitly tailored, and it’s worth communicating preferences in advance.

Following lunch, there’s usually time to relax on Moyenne Island, known for its free-roaming giant tortoises and small beaches. Some guests take a short guided walk, while others simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere.

Return Journey

The trip concludes with a scenic sail back to Praslin or Mahe, depending on your location, often taking a relaxed route along the islands. The peaceful cruise allows you to unwind, enjoy the sunset, and reflect on your day of island adventures.

Transport, Duration, and Group Size

The tour usually begins at La Passe, with transfers included if you’re staying on Praslin; La Digue travelers need to arrange their own transfer to the jetty. The overall duration is a full day, typically around 8 hours, including transfers, island stops, snorkeling, and lunch.

Group sizes tend to be moderate—large enough for a lively atmosphere but small enough to feel personal. The ferry transfers and the boat cruise are shared experiences, fostering camaraderie among travelers.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviews

Reviewers frequently mention how well-organized and helpful the crew are, emphasizing their professionalism and friendliness. For example, one guest highlights that the crew is “very good and helpful,” making the day smooth and enjoyable.

A note from a reviewer also points out that mooring rings are installed at St Pierre to avoid damaging coral with anchors, reflecting Seychelles’ commitment to marine conservation. Herve even notes that a guide at Curieuse could be recommended—perhaps a suggestion for enhancing the experience further.

Some guests, like Paul, mention that snorkeling times might be shorter than advertised, and vegan meal options aren’t always available unless pre-arranged. These are small considerations but worth keeping in mind to ensure your expectations align.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $262, the price includes ferry transfers, landing fees, a filling Creole lunch, and snorkeling gear, making it a comprehensive package. Given the variety of sights and activities packed into one day, it offers excellent value for travelers wanting a multi-faceted Seychelles experience without multiple bookings.

The inclusion of wildlife encounters—like giant tortoises and endemic birds—paired with underwater exploration and scenic cruising, means you’re getting a well-rounded taste of Seychelles’ natural and cultural riches.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy nature, wildlife, and scenic boat rides. It’s also ideal for those wanting a full day of activity without needing to plan each element separately. Families, couples, or solo explorers can all enjoy its relaxed pace and diverse offerings.

If you’re keen on snorkeling, spotting rare birds, exploring island history, and relaxing on a boat, this trip offers a solid balance of all these passions.

Final Thoughts

This Seychelles island-hopping day tour provides a rich combination of wildlife, underwater adventures, and cultural insights. The scenic boat cruise, coupled with visits to islands rich in conservation efforts and history, makes for an engaging, visually stunning, and educational experience.

While snorkeling times may be brief, the diversity of sights—like giant tortoises, seabirds, and coral reefs—more than compensates. The included Creole lunch also adds a tasty, authentic touch to the day, making it a good value for those wanting a comprehensive, hassle-free island adventure.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of nature, history, and marine exploration in one package, but still enjoy relaxing and soaking up Seychelles’ serene beauty. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a snorkeling lover, or simply after a scenic day at sea, this trip delivers on multiple fronts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What islands are included in this tour?
The tour visits Cousin, Curieuse, and St Pierre islands, each offering unique sights and experiences.

Is snorkeling included, and how long is it?
Yes, snorkeling is part of the tour, generally lasting around 35 to 50 minutes at St Pierre, giving you a good chance to see marine life.

What does the lunch consist of?
A traditional Creole BBQ lunch is served on board, featuring local flavors, fresh ingredients, and hearty portions. Vegans and vegetarians should check in advance for dietary needs.

Are transfers included?
For guests staying on Praslin, transfers to the departure point are included; La Digue travelers need to make their own arrangements.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent, cash, and a credit card are recommended to enjoy the day fully.

How long does the full tour last?
The entire experience runs roughly 8 hours, including transfers, island visits, snorkeling, and lunch.

Is it suitable for children?
Children under 2 years old are not permitted on these sea excursions, but older kids generally enjoy the wildlife and boat ride.

What’s the group size like?
Groups are moderate, making the experience lively but still intimate enough for personal attention from crew members.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and booking is flexible with the option to pay later.

This Seychelles island tour by catamaran offers a fantastic way to see some of the country’s most treasured islands in one day. With its combination of wildlife, snorkeling, and scenic sailing, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to pack a lot of adventure into a single trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: