Curieuse Island Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to Curieuse Island

Curieuse Island is one of the Seychelles' most remarkable natural attractions and a must-visit destination for anyone staying on Praslin Island. Located just a few kilometres off Praslin's northeast coast, this protected marine national park is famous for its free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises, unique red-earth landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich biodiversity.

Unlike most islands in the Seychelles, Curieuse has no permanent civilian population, making it a peaceful haven for wildlife and nature lovers.

Quick Facts

Information	Details
Location	Northeast of Praslin Island
Area	Approximately 2.9 km²
Protected Since	1979 (Marine National Park)
Famous For	Giant tortoises, mangroves, beaches, hiking
Best Visit Duration	Half-day or full-day tour
Boat Ride from Praslin	Around 15–20 minutes

Why Visit Curieuse Island?

Curieuse Island offers an unforgettable combination of wildlife, nature, and adventure.

Top Highlights

• Meet hundreds of free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises

• Walk through one of Seychelles' largest mangrove forests

• Hike scenic nature trails with panoramic coastal views

• Relax on quiet white-sand beaches

• Snorkel in crystal-clear waters

• Visit the historic Doctor's House, now a museum

• Spot rare birds, reptiles, and marine life

  
  

Giant Aldabra Tortoises

Curieuse Island is one of the best places in the world to observe Aldabra giant tortoises in a natural setting.

Interesting Facts

• Lifespan: Often more than 100 years

• Weight: Up to 250 kg (550 lbs)

• Diet: Grasses, leaves, fruits, and flowers

• Conservation: Protected as a vulnerable species

Visitors can watch these gentle giants grazing, resting in the shade, and slowly wandering around the island.

Mangrove Boardwalk

One of Curieuse Island's unique features is its extensive mangrove ecosystem.

The elevated wooden boardwalk allows visitors to explore this fragile habitat without disturbing the environment.

You may spot:

• Crabs

• Mudskippers

• Shore birds

• Young fish using the mangroves as a nursery

  
  

Hiking Trail

The island's most popular trail connects Laraie Bay to Anse José.

Trail Information

• Distance: Approximately 2 km

• Walking Time: 45–60 minutes

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Along the way, you'll enjoy:

• Giant granite boulders

• Coco de Mer palms

• Coastal viewpoints

• Native wildlife

• Tropical forest

Doctor's House

The restored Doctor's House at Anse José reflects Curieuse Island's fascinating past, when it served as a leper colony in the 19th century. Today, it functions as a small museum with exhibits about the island's history, conservation efforts, and native wildlife.

Beaches

Curieuse Island features several beautiful beaches where visitors can relax after hiking.

Laraie Beach

• Arrival point for most tours

• Home to giant tortoises

• Calm waters

Anse José

• Quiet and scenic

• Ideal for swimming

• Excellent picnic spot

Snorkelling Around Curieuse

The surrounding marine park is rich in coral reefs and tropical marine life.

Common sightings include:

• Sea turtles

• Parrotfish

• Butterflyfish

• Angelfish

• Octopus

• Eagle rays

• Colourful coral gardens

Many tours also include a snorkelling stop at nearby St. Pierre Island, one of the Seychelles' top underwater destinations.

Wildlife

Besides giant tortoises, Curieuse Island is home to:

• Hawksbill sea turtles

• Green sea turtles

• Seychelles blue pigeon

• Fruit bats

• Blue lagoon skinks

• Hermit crabs

• Reef fish

Best Time to Visit

April–May ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Calm seas

• Excellent snorkelling

• Warm temperatures

• Ideal for boat trips

October–November ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

• Crystal-clear water

• Great visibility

• Pleasant weather

Year-Round

Curieuse Island can be visited throughout the year thanks to the Seychelles' tropical climate.

How to Get There

Most visitors travel by boat from Praslin Island, with departures commonly available from Côte d'Or (Anse Volbert) and nearby beaches.

Travel time is typically 15–20 minutes.

Many excursions include:

• Boat transfers

• Park entry fees

• Guided nature walk

• BBQ lunch

• Snorkelling equipment

• Stop at St. Pierre Island

What to Bring

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Hat and sunglasses

• Swimwear

• Towel

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Reusable water bottle

• Waterproof camera

• Light backpack

Visitor Tips

• Book tours in advance during peak travel seasons.

• Start your visit early to avoid the midday heat.

• Follow marked trails to protect fragile habitats.

• Never feed or climb on the giant tortoises.

• Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife.

• Take your litter back with you to help preserve the island.

Sample Full-Day Itinerary

9:00 AM – Depart Praslin by boat

9:20 AM – Arrive at Laraie Beach and meet the giant tortoises

10:00 AM – Walk the mangrove boardwalk

10:45 AM – Hike to Anse José

12:30 PM – Enjoy a beachside BBQ lunch

2:00 PM – Snorkel at St. Pierre Island

4:00 PM – Return to Praslin

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Curieuse Island worth visiting?

Absolutely. It is one of the top attractions in the Seychelles, combining wildlife, history, scenic hiking, and excellent snorkelling in a single day trip.

Can I visit without a guide?

Yes. Independent visits are possible if you arrange your own boat transport, although guided tours provide valuable insights into the island's wildlife, history, and ecosystems.

Is Curieuse Island suitable for children?

Yes. Families enjoy the giant tortoises, easy walking trails, beaches, and opportunities to see marine life. Children should always be supervised around wildlife and near the water.

Can you stay overnight?

No. Curieuse Island is a protected national park with no tourist accommodation, so visits are typically limited to day trips.

Why Curieuse Island Should Be on Your Seychelles Itinerary

Curieuse Island offers one of the most rewarding nature experiences in the Seychelles. From encountering century-old giant tortoises and walking through ancient mangrove forests to snorkelling vibrant coral reefs and learning about the island's unique history, every visit showcases the extraordinary biodiversity of the archipelago. Whether you're travelling as a couple, with family, or on a solo adventure, Curieuse Island is an unforgettable destination that perfectly complements a stay on nearby Praslin Island.