Curieuse Island
Île Curieuse
A marine national park island just across from Praslin, where hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises roam freely. There are wild coco de mer groves on red soil and a mangrove boardwalk.
Curieuse Island lies about 1 km north of Praslin. The entire island and its surrounding waters form Curieuse Marine National Park. Around 200 to 300 free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises live here. At the protection station in Baie Laraie you can see them up close, along with a nursery for young tortoises. Curieuse is also the only place besides the Vallée de Mai where coco de mer grows in the wild, and the red soil and green palms make a striking contrast. From the protection station, a trail of about 1.5 km runs along a mangrove boardwalk to Anse José on the southwest side. There you'll find the 'Doctor's House' museum, left from the 19th-century leprosy quarantine station, and a quiet beach.
To visit, take an island-hopping boat trip from Praslin (about EUR 90 to 130, including a barbecue lunch). These trips often combine a stop at Saint-Pierre, a small granite island with coconut palms and a classic Seychelles postcard view, for snorkeling. The national park fee is usually included in the boat ticket.
Please note: do not ride or feed the tortoises. There is little shade on the beaches, so bring sun protection.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:00–17:00 (by boat)
Nearby sights
- Anse Lazio
- St. Pierre Islet
- Anse Volbert (Côte d'Or)
- Anse Georgette
- Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve
- Cousin Island Special Reserve
- Fond Ferdinand Nature Reserve
- Aride Island Special Reserve