What to expect
The Curieuse Marine National Park stretches from the granite island of St. Pierre to Curieuse, the fifth largest granite island in the Seychelles. Curieuse is home to around 200 free-roaming giant tortoises and a tortoise breeding station. The tortoises originally came from Aldabra. The park was placed under protection in 1979 and takes in the whole island as well as the channel between Curieuse and Praslin, including St. Pierre.
Curieuse is painted in shades of red and green: the red earth on the slopes meets the green vegetation of the island, and on top of that there are coco de mer palms, the symbol of the Seychelles. Apart from Praslin, this is the only place where the coco de mer grows wild.
Most visitors come ashore at Baie Laraie, beside the rangers' headquarters, watched by numerous humpback parrotfish and giant tortoises. The shallow water of the bay is home to some remarkably large bumphead parrotfish.
Curieuse also has a sombre history. From 1829 it housed people suffering from leprosy, for more than a hundred years (until 1965). The ruins of the leper colony now stand on the shore at Anse José, slowly blending into the landscape.
Getting there and trails on the island
Boat trip from Praslin
Boat trips to Curieuse and St. Pierre run daily. Boats leaving from Côte d'Or on Praslin usually head to Curieuse first. Depending on the operator, boats also set off from other places, for example the jetty at Baie Sainte Anne. On Curieuse a tasty barbecue is prepared on the beach, and you have time to look around the island before moving on to St. Pierre for snorkelling. The crossing to Curieuse takes about 15 minutes, and to St. Pierre 5 to 10 minutes.
Prices vary widely. One Praslin operator quotes €90 per adult for the full day with BBQ, and €75 without lunch (as of November 2026). The park fee for Curieuse is not included there, so ask when booking whether it is covered. Some tours also combine Curieuse with the bird island of Cousin, which has its own entry fee. You will find more under boat tours.
On your own
There is no ferry to Curieuse. If you want to go independently of a tour, you need to charter a boat with a skipper, which is mainly worthwhile for groups. You will need the park ticket in any case.
Trails and sights
The trail from Baie Laraie to Anse José runs along boardwalks through dense mangrove forest and is one of the most impressive walks on the island. It is about 1.7 km long, and you should allow 45 to 60 minutes depending on your pace. Along the way you can see the ruins of the leper colony.
The Doctor's House at Anse José, an example of Creole colonial architecture dating from 1873, has been turned into a museum that explains the island's history and nature. The park authority currently lists it as closed for renovation on its own website, while tour operators continue to include it in their programmes, so it is worth asking beforehand. Sea turtles still lay their eggs on the beach there.
There is also the Anse Badamier trail. The north coast of Curieuse with Anse Badamier is designated a restricted zone, so follow the rangers' instructions there. From October to early March a guided, controlled trail to the sea turtle nesting sites is also offered.
A dive in the Coral Garden or at Pointe Rouge is just as rewarding as a snorkelling trip to St. Pierre. You can read more about the sites under dive spots.
Opening hours and entry fee
Opening hours: All the marine national parks are open daily, including public holidays. According to the tourism authority, the ranger station on Curieuse sells tickets every day from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. The park is managed by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA), formerly known as the Seychelles National Parks Authority (SNPA).
| Item | Price (as of November 2026) |
|---|---|
| Park fee, adults and children aged 12 and over, non-residents | SCR 300 per person (as of November 2026) |
| Children under 12 | free |
| Trail to the sea turtle nesting sites, October to early March | additional SCR 150 (as of November 2026) |
| Barbecue areas on the beach | for a fee, ask on site for the amount |
Yachts: The marine parks have designated mooring zones. The park administration can tell you what the anchoring and mooring fees are. Filming: Commercial filming and professional photography require prior written permission from the park administration. You will find more advice on taking pictures under Photos, films, pictures.
Duration, best time and tips
Tours only run in suitable weather. If the sea is rough they are postponed or cancelled, so allow for a spare day and do not book for your last day of holiday. Travel reports name midday as the busiest time, and if you go early or in the afternoon you are more likely to have the boardwalks and beaches to yourself.
Wear sturdy shoes and bring water, sun protection and swimming things. There is no accommodation on the island, so you return the same day. The trip is not suitable everywhere for guests with limited mobility, so ask the operator beforehand. The tortoises roam freely, so keep your distance and follow the rangers' instructions. For background on wildlife conservation, see Flora and fauna and Nature and environmental protection.
