Curieuse Island & Tortoise Reserve
Home to ancient Aldabra giant tortoises and stunning mangrove trails, Curieuse Island offers a unique glimpse into Seychelles' natural wonders.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Curieuse Island & Tortoise Reserve
Best Time
Beat the crowds and heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to ancient Aldabra giant tortoises and stunning mangrove trails, Curieuse Island offers a unique glimpse into Seychelles' natural wonders.
"Visiting the Tortoise Sanctuary on Curieuse Island was an unforgettable experience. "
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular tours from Praslin to Curieuse, often including snorkeling and lunch. :ticket:
🐢 Respect the Tortoises
Observe these gentle giants from a distance; avoid overcrowding and touching them. :turtle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Aldabra Giant Tortoises
Tortoise Sanctuary
Encounter these ancient, gentle giants roaming freely in their natural habitat. A truly humbling experience.
Pristine Beaches
Anse St. Sauveur
Discover secluded, untouched beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters. Perfect for relaxation and stunning photos.
Mangrove Boardwalk
Curieuse Island Trail
Explore the unique ecosystem of mangroves via scenic wooden boardwalks, offering beautiful views and a peaceful walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Boat Tour in Advance
+1Respect the Gentle Giants
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular tours from Praslin to Curieuse, often including snorkeling and lunch.
🐢 Respect the Tortoises
Observe these gentle giants from a distance; avoid overcrowding and touching them. :turtle:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on boardwalks and potentially uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
The sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for a comfortable day. :sunny:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Book Boat Tours Early
Secure your spot on popular tours from Praslin to Curieuse, often including snorkeling and lunch.
🐢 Respect the Tortoises
Observe these gentle giants from a distance; avoid overcrowding and touching them. :turtle:
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on boardwalks and potentially uneven terrain, so sturdy footwear is recommended. :athletic_shoe:
☀️ Bring Sun Protection
The sun can be intense. Pack sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for a comfortable day. :sunny:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The island offers stunning photo opportunities, from tortoises to beaches and mangroves. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Curieuse Island is widely praised as a must-visit destination, particularly for its unique Aldabra giant tortoise sanctuary and pristine natural beauty. Visitors rave about the opportunity to see these ancient creatures up close and explore the serene mangrove boardwalks. While some note that it can get crowded with tour groups, the overall experience is described as unforgettable and a true slice of paradise.
"Fantastic place!
Worth the trip.
Can be crowded when there are many tours, bit sad when you see all the people around the animals - especially many kids who seem to think the tortoises are pets.
Respect for nature a bit missing."
Michael J.
"Visiting the Tortoise Sanctuary on Curieuse Island was an unforgettable experience. The area feels completely untouched and peaceful, surrounded by mangroves and lush nature. The walk through the wooden boardwalk is easy and scenic, with beautiful views all around.
The highlight, of course, is the giant Aldabra tortoises. They roam freely, and it’s such a special feeling to see them up close in their natural habitat, just calmly walking around or resting by the pond. It’s quiet, not crowded at all, and you really get to connect with nature here.
One of the most memorable moments was encountering the oldest resident tortoise, estimated to be over 127 years old. Witnessing such a majestic creature, who has seen over a century of history, was truly humbling."
Ihar Beliauski
"It was a beautiful experience to visit this centre. The tortoises are very friendly and always look for some food. If you know how to deal with them, they will strike poses for your pics. The guides will show you also the "nursey" where baby turtles live until they are 15 years old (yes, years!).
A must do experience if you are in Seychelles, whatever the price."
Jacopo Nisticò
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Curieuse Island is by taking a boat tour from Praslin. Many tours can be booked in advance online or through local tour operators on Praslin. These tours often include snorkeling stops and a BBQ lunch.
Public ferry services are not typically available for direct access to Curieuse Island. Boat tours are the primary mode of transport for visitors.
Booking a tour in advance via platforms like Get Your Guide or directly with local charter companies like @zibloboatcharter or @geolichartersseychelles is highly recommended to secure your spot.
The boat ride from Praslin to Curieuse Island is quite short, usually around 15-20 minutes, making it an easy day trip.
While it's possible to arrange private boat charters, most visitors opt for organized tours that handle transportation and often include activities like snorkeling and guided walks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a small entrance fee for Curieuse Island, typically around 150 Seychelles Rupees (approximately 10 EUR) per person. This fee is often included in the price of organized tours.
Curieuse Island is generally accessible during daylight hours as part of organized boat tours. Specific park hours are not usually advertised as it's an open natural reserve.
The tortoise sanctuary is part of the island's natural reserve, and access is typically managed through tour bookings or the island's entrance fee. Booking a tour in advance is advised.
Information on special passes or discounts is not widely available. The standard entrance fee applies, and it's usually bundled into tour packages.
The entrance fee grants access to the island's natural reserve, including the tortoise sanctuary and the mangrove boardwalk trails.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see and interact with Aldabra giant tortoises, walk through mangrove forests on boardwalks, relax on beautiful beaches, and enjoy snorkeling in the surrounding waters.
Yes, snorkeling is a popular activity, with many tours including stops at nearby St. Pierre islet for excellent underwater viewing. The waters around Curieuse are also suitable for swimming.
While not always formal guided tours, the boat tour operators often provide information about the island's flora, fauna, and history. Rangers are also present to assist visitors.
The island features sandy beaches, relatively flat areas around the sanctuary, and wooden boardwalks through the mangrove forests. It's generally easy to navigate.
Yes, families can enjoy Curieuse Island. The boardwalks are safe, and seeing the giant tortoises is a memorable experience for kids. However, supervision is essential around the animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many boat tours to Curieuse Island include a BBQ lunch prepared with fresh ingredients, often featuring Creole cuisine. +1
Bringing your own snacks and water is a good idea, especially if your tour doesn't include a meal or if you have specific dietary needs.
Expect freshly grilled fish, chicken, salads, and local Creole dishes. The BBQ lunch is often highlighted as a delicious part of the experience.
There are no formal restaurants or cafes on Curieuse Island itself. Food is provided as part of organized tours.
Staying hydrated is crucial. Tours usually provide water, but bringing extra bottled water is advisable.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Aldabra giant tortoises, the turquoise waters and pristine beaches, the unique mangrove ecosystem, and the lush tropical scenery. +1
The tortoises are quite accustomed to people and often pose, especially if you know how to interact with them. Getting close-up shots is usually possible.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light, ideal for landscape and wildlife photography, and can also help avoid peak crowds.
Drone usage regulations can vary, and it's best to check with local authorities or your tour operator. Generally, flying drones over wildlife or protected areas may be restricted.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm equivalent) is great for landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive beaches and mangroves. Waterproof protection is also wise for boat trips. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for tours that offer good value, including snorkeling gear and lunch. +1 The entrance fee is relatively small, and the experience of seeing the tortoises and exploring the island is considered well worth the cost by many. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Encountering the Aldabra Giant Tortoises
It's a truly humbling experience to witness these gentle giants in their natural habitat, munching on vegetation or basking in the sun. Remember to maintain a respectful distance and avoid feeding them, as they are wild animals, even though they appear very docile. Many visitors describe the tortoises as very friendly and even willing to 'pose' for photos, especially if you understand how to interact with them gently.
Exploring the Mangrove Ecosystem
The boardwalk offers a peaceful and scenic walk, providing excellent opportunities for birdwatching and observing the unique flora and fauna adapted to this brackish water environment.The mangrove boardwalk is not just a scenic route; it's an educational journey into a crucial habitat. You'll learn about the importance of mangroves in protecting coastlines and serving as nurseries for various marine species.
Boat Tours and Snorkeling Adventures
+1 These tours often combine a visit to Curieuse with snorkeling at nearby St. Pierre islet, renowned for its vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life. +1 Expect to see a variety of colorful fish and possibly even sea turtles while exploring the underwater world. Many tours also include a delicious BBQ lunch served on the beach, featuring fresh local seafood and Creole specialties, adding a culinary delight to the adventure. Booking these tours in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and often to get the best value.
+1 Companies like @zibloboatcharter and @geolichartersseychelles are frequently mentioned for providing excellent experiences. +1 The boat journey itself offers stunning views of the surrounding islands and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, setting the stage for a memorable day of exploration and relaxation. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit