Curieuse Island and Marine National Park

Curieuse is a small, rust-coloured island north of Praslin, protected as a marine national park and best known for its giant Aldabra tortoises. The animals were introduced to the island decades ago and now roam freely, so you can meet them on the sandy path behind Anse José, where they plod past picnickers with remarkable calm. The island's name comes from an old sailing ship, and its landscape is unlike the pale granite boulders of nearby Praslin: the soil is a deep red, the hills are covered in scrub and coco de mer palms, and the shoreline is fringed with mangroves. The surrounding waters form part of the protected marine park, with clear shallows, coral outcrops and plenty of reef fish, so most visits combine a land walk with time in the sea.

Most visitors reach Curieuse by boat from Praslin, either on a shared day excursion that also stops at nearby islands or on a charter arranged through a hotel or local operator. The crossing from the Anse Volbert and Côte d'Or side is short, and the boat usually lands you at Anse José, where a ranger station collects the park fee and hands out basic information.

From there a boardwalk crosses the mangrove at Baie Laraie, and a marked trail climbs over the headland to the old doctor's house, a restored colonial building that recalls the years when the island served as a leprosy colony. Allow at least two hours on land to walk the boardwalk, see the tortoises and enjoy a beach lunch, and extra time if you want to swim.

The tortoises are the main draw, but keep your distance and follow ranger guidance: do not feed, touch or ride the animals, and stay on the marked paths so that the mangrove and the nesting areas are not damaged. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, water and a mask and snorkel if your tour does not supply them, because the shallow reef off Anse José is a gentle first snorkel for children and nervous swimmers. Sturdy sandals or trainers are better than flip-flops on the headland trail, and the red earth can be slippery after rain.

Plan the trip for a calm day, because sea conditions between Praslin and the smaller islands can change quickly, particularly in the windier months. Many operators combine Curieuse with St Pierre islet for a snorkelling stop and sometimes with Cocos or Félicité for a longer circuit, so check what each excursion includes before you book.

It suits families, wildlife lovers and anyone staying on Praslin who wants a half-day away from the beach. Combine it with the Vallée de Mai on a separate day, and you will have seen two of the Seychelles' most distinctive natural sights without leaving one island group.

Costs and logistics vary between operators, so compare what is included before choosing. Some excursions bundle the park fee, a barbecue lunch and snorkelling equipment, while others charge for each separately, and shared boats can be crowded in peak months. A smaller group or a private charter gives you more time with the tortoises and a quieter beach, which is often worth the difference if you are travelling as a family.

Whatever you choose, aim to leave the island before the afternoon winds pick up, and carry a dry bag for cameras and phones during the wet landing.