Curieuse Island is a small granitic island with rocky coastline, and beautiful sandy beach in the Seychelles archipelago which is only about (2.9 sq km) and is just few miles away from the north coast of Praslin island. This island is home and breeding ground of more than 300 giant Aldabra tortoises which you can hardly find anywhere else in the world which is definitely a must-see for any visitor. Apart from Curieuse Island tortoise the island is also known for coco de mer palms and takamaka trees. Here is our Complete Guide To Curieuse Island Day Trip In Seychelles to plan your Curieuse Island Tour. Also find how to reach Curieuse Island from Praslin.
How To Reach Curieuse Island from Praslin
We booked our day trip to Curieuse island from Praslin which only took 10-15 min to reach. Curieuse island is open from Sunday-Monday from 8am to 5pm and the entry charges are 200SCR per person (non-residents). Kids below 12 years of age are allowed free of charge. However, if you are booking through any tour company these charges are included in the package. You can also plan this island from Mahe and La Digue, however the travel distance would be more, so it’s best to plan from Praslin.
Budget/Cost : Curieuse Island Day Trip
We made our bookings through MC Seychelles(Michel Chetty – Call/WhatsApp: +248 2535389 / 2535336 / 2524039) who gave us very good deals and would definitely recommend(they are authorized company by Govt to be booked under the COVID norms). We hired a private boat for ourselves and with all inclusive entry fess it costed us 140 EURO for 2 pax(Also including St. Pierre Island).
What To Do In Curieuse Island Day Trip
So once we reached we had only spent a few hours which was ample time for us to explore, as the island is only spread across 2.9 sq km. As this island is a breeding ground and a conservation project for the giant Aldabra tortoises you won’t find any accommodations and eateries here, to keep the ecosystem safe. We have visited the island only for a day trip and it is relatively less-travelled islands in the Seychelles.
Curieuse Island Tortoise : Aldabra Tortoise
A visit to Curieuse island is all about getting an opportunity to get close to the extinct Aldabra tortoises, feeling their skin and gazing at those huge structures. There are many species of birds, colorful crabs and lizards jumping everywhere your eyes would reach here! We wont suggest going for snorkeling here in this island as the water is not suitable because of sea-weeds, and also there are speed boats coming and going at all times (considering safety).
This island has lush green mangroves and forests on the southern part, where you can take a small hike, passing through the longest board walk in Seychelles.
Since this place is an essential breeding ground for flora and fauna, the Nature Seychelles Conservationists are very careful to keep the wildlife safe in restoration and conservation of local fishes, corals, Aldabra tortoises and coco de mer palms.
Tip: Make sure you bring enough water, and sun block as there is no shops available to buy on the island. Also there always remains a probability of rain here so carry rain poncho or umbrella.
Planning a trip to Seychelles, check out our detailed Seychelles itinerary to plan yours.