Curieuse

It is the only island apart from Praslin where the Seychelles nut palm (coco de mer) grows wild. A breeding station for giant land tortoises has been set up in the nature reserve on the island. In addition, several dozen hawksbill turtles come ashore to lay their eggs here every year.

The house of the doctor who once looked after the leper colony here dates from the 19th century. It has been renovated and now houses a small museum. It was built in 1873 for Dr William MacGregor, while the leprosy station itself existed from 1829 to 1965. For the current state of the museum, see the section on Anse St. José below.

The park was established in 1979 and is now managed by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA, formerly SNPA). The area is small and easy to explore on foot, which makes Curieuse a classic half-day or full-day trip from Praslin. There are no roads, no shops and no accommodation on the island. You can read more about the protected area under Curieuse Marine National Park.

Curieuse lies about 2 km off the north coast of Praslin. There is no public ferry, so if you want to go independently you will have to rent or charter a boat. Most visitors book a tour, and the crossing from Anse Volbert takes 15 to 20 minutes. It is usually combined with snorkelling at St. Pierre, often also with Cousin or a beach stop on the Praslin coast. You can find operators and tours under Boat tours in the Seychelles. From Mahé the excursion only makes sense with an overnight stay on Praslin, see Praslin and Cat Cocos ferry.

The prices are "from" prices taken from booking portals (half day from USD 53, day trip from USD 84, private from USD 525 for up to two people) and vary depending on the operator and the season. When booking, ask specifically whether the park entrance fee is included. Some visitors report that the fee was charged on top once they arrived.

Sailors use the anchorage off Baie Laraie. The park entrance fee applies in this case too. Tickets are available at the ranger station on Curieuse daily from 8 am to 5 pm. You can find more on the subject under Sailing in the Seychelles.

On Curieuse you can only get around on foot. Most boats land on the north side at Baie Laraie, and the tours end on the south side at Anse St. José, where the boat picks you up again. Check with the skipper in advance where and when you will be collected.

Most visitors come ashore here. Large parrotfish swim in the shallows, and giant tortoises rest in the shade near the ranger station. The animals were brought over from Aldabra and roam freely across the island. They are the first thing you notice as you land, and you will keep meeting them along the way. For more on the wildlife, see Flora and fauna of the Seychelles.

The marked path from Baie Laraie to Anse St. José is about 1.5 km long and leads through dense mangrove forest. Part of it is a boardwalk, at 433 metres the longest in the Seychelles. Depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos, allow 30 to 50 minutes. The soil on the slopes is red, which is how the island once came to be called Île Rouge. Coco de mer palms grow along the edges. You will find more walks on the islands under Hiking in the Seychelles.

Anse St. José lies on the south side, is quieter than Baie Laraie and has a jetty. This is where you will find the ruins of the leper station and the Doctor's House. Hawksbill turtles also lay their eggs here. Both bays have barbecue areas, where the tour operators prepare lunch, and improved toilets.

Plan carefully if you want to see the museum: the SPGA currently lists the Doctor's House as closed for renovation. You can look at the building from the outside. Ask the rangers or your tour operator whether the exhibition has reopened.

Besides the main trail, the SPGA lists the Anse Badamier path. However, travellers report that the north coast, including Anse Badamier, is currently only partly accessible. Ask on the spot before you set off. The turtle nesting trail is seasonal and controlled, running from October to early March. Snorkelling is possible at the island's beaches and at St. Pierre, see Diving & Snorkelling. In strong winds the water is often cloudy, and the boats then move to other spots.

There is no accommodation on Curieuse, and no shops or restaurants either. Lunch is usually a barbecue as part of the tour. If you are travelling independently, bring your own water and food. You will find places to stay on Praslin and restaurants under Praslin. Bring cash in rupees, as it is not certain that cards are accepted at the ranger station. Medical care is available on Praslin but not on Curieuse, see Hospitals, clinics & emergency numbers and Money & banks.

Curieuse is strictly a day trip. Three to four hours are enough for the island and the mangrove trail, and with swimming and lunch it becomes a half or full day. Set off early, because most boats arrive around midday. Between October and early March you can add the turtle nesting trail. Calm water is more likely in the transitional months, more on this under Best time to travel and Climate & weather. Pack sun protection, sturdy shoes and swimwear. Similar trips go to Cousin and Aride.