Conquer Curieuse Island: Giant Tortoises and Mangrove Boardwalks Await

Curieuse Island sits just a short boat ride from Praslin, yet it feels like a different world. The red earth paths lead past giant tortoises that move with the slow certainty of animals that have been doing this for over a century. Around 300 Aldabra giant tortoises now roam freely here, a population that represents a significant conservation success story after a translocation program helped establish a secure group outside their original habitat, reducing risks from disease and climate events.

This guide covers what you’ll actually find on Curieuse — the boardwalk through the mangrove forest, the tortoise encounters, and the practical realities of a day trip from Praslin. I’ll also point out where the experience falls short, because not everything on the island lives up to the photos.

Getting Your Bearings on Curieuse Island

Curieuse is small — roughly 2.9 square kilometres — and most of it is protected as part of the Curieuse Marine National Park.

The island sits off the north coast of Praslin, about a 15-minute boat ride from Anse Volbert or Baie Ste Anne. There are no hotels, no restaurants, and no permanent residents. The only structures are the ranger station, a few picnic shelters, and the old Doctor’s House, which now serves as a small museum.

The island’s main draw is the free-roaming tortoise population, but the mangrove boardwalk and the trail to Anse José are worth the walk. The limitation is real: there’s no shade on the beach, the snorkelling is average compared to other Seychelles spots, and the boat schedule can feel rushed if you’re on an organised tour.

What to Do on Curieuse: Tortoises, Trails, and the Mangrove Boardwalk

Meeting the Aldabra Giant Tortoises

The tortoises are the main event, and they’re everywhere. You’ll find them grazing near the ranger station, resting under trees, and crossing the paths with no regard for human schedules. These are Aldabra giant tortoises, among the longest-living animals on Earth, with some believed to survive for well over a century and, in certain cases, approach two hundred years of age.

Rangers monitor the animals closely and manage visitor numbers to ensure tourism doesn’t negatively impact the tortoises. You can walk among them, but touching is discouraged — they’re wild animals, not a petting zoo. The best time to see them active is early morning before the heat sets in.

The Mangrove Boardwalk Trail

A raised wooden boardwalk cuts through the mangrove forest, connecting the ranger station area to Anse José beach on the other side of the island. The walk takes about 20–30 minutes at a slow pace. Mangroves here serve as nursery grounds for fish and crabs, and you’ll spot mudskippers and small reef fish in the channels below.

The boardwalk is the best way to see the island’s interior without disturbing the vegetation. It’s flat and easy, suitable for most fitness levels. The downside: the boardwalk ends at Anse José, which has strong currents and is not ideal for swimming. The beach is beautiful to look at, but getting in the water requires caution.

Anse José and the Coastal Trail

Anse José is the island’s main beach, a stretch of white sand with granite boulders at either end. The water here is clear near the shore but gets murky quickly. Snorkelling is possible but not exceptional — you’ll see a few parrotfish and sergeant majors, but the coral is sparse compared to sites around Praslin or La Digue.

A coastal trail continues past Anse José toward the eastern tip of the island. It’s less maintained than the boardwalk and involves some scrambling over rocks. Allow an hour for the full loop back to the jetty. Bring water — there’s no fresh water source on the island.

Practical Planning for Your Curieuse Day Trip

Getting to Curieuse is straightforward, but the details matter more than you’d expect.

Getting There

Most visitors arrive on an organised tour from Praslin. Boats depart from Anse Volbert and Baie Ste Anne, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes. Tours typically include a stop at the tortoise enclosure, the boardwalk walk, and time at Anse José. The catch: you’re on someone else’s schedule, and the beach time often feels short.

Private charters give you more flexibility. You can arrive early, avoid the tour groups, and spend as much time as you want on the trails. The cost is higher, but for families with kids — Michael and I found this option worth it — the ability to adjust the pace makes a real difference.

Best Time to Visit

The dry season from May to October offers the most reliable weather. The southeast trade winds keep temperatures comfortable, and the sea is generally calm in the morning. The wet season from November to April brings higher humidity and afternoon showers, but the island is greener and the tortoises are more active after rain.

Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Tour groups from Praslin and Mahé tend to arrive between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., so an early start or a late afternoon visit means fewer people on the trails.

Costs and Entry Fees

Entry to the Curieuse Marine National Park costs around SCR 150 (roughly €10) per person. This covers the park fee and access to the trails and beach. Organised tours include this in the price. Private boat operators may charge it separately, so confirm before you book.

There are no shops or restaurants on the island. Bring cash for the entry fee — card payments are not accepted at the ranger station. Also bring your own food and water. The picnic shelters near the jetty have tables but no running water.

On the Ground: What to Pack and What to Expect

What to Bring

The island has no facilities beyond basic toilets at the ranger station. Pack everything you’ll need for the day. A reef-safe mineral sunscreen is essential — the sun is intense, and the marine park regulations encourage protection of the coral. A hat and sunglasses are non-negotiable; there’s almost no shade on the beach.

Bring at least one litre of water per person. The walk from the jetty to Anse José and back is about 3 kilometres, and the humidity drains you faster than you expect. A lightweight quick-dry towel is useful if you plan to swim, and a waterproof phone pouch protects your phone from sand and splashes.

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Local Etiquette and Conservation

The tortoises are the island’s priority. Stay on designated trails, don’t feed the animals, and keep your distance from nesting females. The rangers are knowledgeable and happy to answer questions — they’re also the ones who monitor animal health and behaviour to ensure tourism doesn’t negatively impact the tortoises.

Curieuse is part of a broader conservation network in Seychelles. The country has become a global leader in marine conservation through large marine protected areas and coral reef restoration projects. Visitors can join conservation activities through organisations such as the Seychelles Islands Foundation and the Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles, including beach patrols during nesting season and habitat restoration projects.

Curieuse Island: Your Questions Answered

How long should I spend on Curieuse Island?

A half-day is enough to see the tortoises, walk the boardwalk, and spend time at Anse José. Most organised tours run 4–5 hours. If you want to hike the coastal trail and take photos without rushing, a full day gives you more breathing room.

Is the snorkelling good at Curieuse?

Not really. The water near Anse José is often murky, and the coral is sparse compared to sites around Praslin or La Digue. You’ll see some fish near the rocks, but this isn’t a snorkelling destination. Bring a mask if you have one, but don’t expect the clear water you see in photos.

Can I stay overnight on Curieuse?

No. There are no accommodations on the island. The marine park closes to visitors at sunset, and overnight stays are not permitted. The nearest lodging is on Praslin, a 15-minute boat ride away.

Are the tortoises safe to approach?

Generally yes, but they are wild animals. Keep a respectful distance, especially during mating season (January–March) when males can be territorial. Don’t touch their heads or legs. The rangers will warn you if any individual tortoise is showing aggressive behaviour.

What’s the biggest disappointment visitors mention?

The beach at Anse José looks stunning from a distance, but the strong currents and murky water make swimming less enjoyable than expected. Many visitors also find the organised tours too rushed — you get 45 minutes on the beach and then it’s back on the boat. A private charter solves both problems.

One Last Thing About Curieuse

The tortoises don’t care about your schedule. They’ll cross the path when they’re ready, and you’ll wait. That’s the real value of this island — it forces you to slow down to a pace that matches the animals that live there. The mangrove boardwalk, the red earth, the silence between the waves — those are the details that stay with you after the photos fade.

For more Seychelles trip planning, have a look at our guide to sailing between the islands — it pairs naturally with a Curieuse day trip.

Sources and further reading

Seychelles’ remarkable tortoise conservation story. Deccan Chronicle, 2024.

Aldabra giant tortoise census on Curieuse Island. AllAfrica, 2023.