Curieuse Island

Curieuse Island

Seychelles

Wade through shallow lagoons to encounter giant tortoises in their natural habitat on this pristine island sanctuary.

Currency Seychellois Rupee (SCR)
Language Seychellois Creole, English, French
Time Zone SCT (UTC+4)
Best Time to Visit Jan–Mar
Typical Duration 7-14 nights
Price Range $4,080-$5,140 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

A pristine nature reserve in the Seychelles offering exceptional opportunities to observe giant tortoises, tropical birds, and untouched coral reefs in one of the Indian Ocean's most exclusive island destinations.

Cruises that visit Curieuse Island

Build Your Day in Curieuse Island

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Cafe des Arts Absolutely the best dinner and service we had in Seychelles! Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closes soon · 10 PM
Rey & Josh Cafe Takeaway Everything is fresh, quickly prepared and perfect for a casual meal. Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM Sat
Vallée de Mai, Praslin, Seychelles Preserve for palm trees & wildlife National park · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Sat
Fond Ferdinand Palm forest with coast & valley views Nature preserve · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Sat
Natural Bar Grill & Drinks Fresh, local, grilled fish prawns, meat and more. Barbecue restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closes soon · 10 PM
Chez Jules Restaurant The homemade fish burgers were delicious and so were the fresh juices! Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Raffles Seychelles Anne to La Digue for the day and had dinner in the area of Cote d'Or. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Bikini Bottom We had a fabulous time, cocktails and enjoyed the amazing tropical views! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Pirogue Restaurant & Bar Generous portions, reasonable (European) prices, pleasant service. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closes soon · 10 PM
Karim's Fruit Bar Best bar on La Digue❤️Amazing cocktails, great ambience Bar · ★ 4.9 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Coco Rouge We had octopus salad, grilled red snapper (wow!) and fish and chips. Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Sat
Zilwa Reggae Bar - Cafeteria & Takeaway We ate here twice during our stay on Praslin and it was great both times! Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
La Goulue Cafe Creole Restaurant The service was efficient, and the food was tasty and reasonably priced. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Sat
Praslin National Park Nature preserve with many trees & trails National park · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Sat
Les Rochers Restaurant Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Dogs allowed Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
Le Nautique Luxury Waterfront Hotel, Restaurant & Bar Casual beachfront hotel with dining Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Breeze Garden The octopus curry and crunchy fish were great! Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM
The Black Bull - Cafe & Bar Best food on La Digue, and wonderful service! Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k
NATURE'S CHOICE RESTAURANT (Ex-Au Claire de lune Restaurant) We enjoyed a relaxing, tasty and reasonably priced dinner. Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Sat
Giant Tortoise Farm Animals · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Honesty Bar Relaxed environment with stunning views and reasonable prices. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Sat
Anse St. Jose A nice stop in the Seychelles, with giant tortoises roaming free. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Tortoise Sanctuary Picnics·Barbecue grill Park · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Curieuse Small island with giant tortoises Island · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Curieuse Island Excursions Wonderful trip to Curieuse Island first, with the giant turtles, and BBQ. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Sat
Petit Cabanes Outdoor seating Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM
Soley Kouse ... place is a genuine beach restaurant with lovely staff and great food. Grill · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Sun
Kokoloko Beach Bar The cocktails were top notch and the grilled food was simply delicious. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Sat
Chateau de Feuilles, Seychelles High-end hotel with a private island Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Beach House Friendly service, beautiful setting, and consistently great food. Seychelles restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM
Chill Grill Super friendly staff and best fish sandwich I’ve ever had. Bar & grill · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Sat
Snorkeling St.Pierre Great snorkelling, many colourful species of fish. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k
Le Studio Cafe Gallery ... of drinks and good waffles 😋 stunning pictures and nice shop. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM
Sea View Grill and Bar Tasty and relax ;) Perfect fish salad and grilled tuna. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Sat
CURIEUSE RESTAURANT Reservations required·Outdoor seating·Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closes soon · 10 PM
Island Best Bar Amazing service, cool bartender and great cocktails! Bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Sat
Curieuse Marine National Park Barbecue grill National park · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Sat
Cousin Island Special Reserve of Nature Seychelles The island is a wonderful place for birds and many other species. National park · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:45 AM Mon
Lazio Beach Bar Great and friendly service, perfect cocktails with an authentic island vibe. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 12 PM Sat
Cousin Island Nature preserve · ★ 4.3 · 0k
The Lazio Lounge Really fair prices, excellent service, friendly and helpful staff. Lounge bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Sat
Holy Day Cafe Exactly what you'd expect for a Seychellois vibe. Cafe · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Turtle Rock great snorkeling! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Coco de Mer Trees Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Coco Curieuse Boutique Gift shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Sat
Le café de Celiska Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Curieuse Island

About Curieuse Island

Curieuse Island stands as a captivating gem in the Indian Ocean, offering cruise passengers an intimate glimpse into one of Africa's most pristine and biodiverse destinations. This small island, part of the Seychelles archipelago, has earned its reputation as a must-visit port of call for travelers seeking authentic natural beauty and wildlife encounters that few other ports can match. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, wildlife photographer, or simply seeking an escape to paradise, Curieuse Island delivers an unforgettable experience that lingers long after your ship departs.

As a primarily port-of-call destination, Curieuse Island features prominently on expedition-style itineraries offered by specialty cruise lines including Emerald Cruises and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. Most voyages featuring this destination are seven-night journeys that weave together the Seychelles' most spectacular islands, including nearby Mahé, Praslin Island, and La Digue, creating a comprehensive island-hopping experience. Some extended itineraries even venture further afield to unique destinations like the Masai Mara.

Visitors can expect to encounter giant Aldabra tortoises roaming freely, pristine beaches fringed with coconut palms, and lush mangrove forests teeming with birdlife. The island's marine reserve offers exceptional snorkeling opportunities, while guided nature walks reveal the remarkable flora and fauna that make the Seychelles a world-renowned conservation success story. Peak visiting season runs from December through March, when weather conditions are ideal for exploration and water activities.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Pristine Giant Tortoise Reserve

Curieuse Island is home to a thriving population of Aldabran giant tortoises in their natural habitat. Walk among these magnificent creatures at the former prison settlement, now a protected sanctuary where tortoises roam freely across the island's lush terrain. This unforgettable encounter with ancient wildlife is one of the Seychelles' most iconic experiences.

2

Mangrove Forest Kayaking Adventure

Paddle through Curieuse's stunning mangrove ecosystems by kayak, spotting endemic bird species and tropical fish in crystal-clear waters. The mangrove channels offer a serene, immersive way to explore the island's unique coastal environment while enjoying the warm Indian Ocean breeze and pristine natural beauty.

3

Historic Prison Settlement Exploration

Discover Curieuse's fascinating colonial past at the restored 19th-century prison buildings and museum. Learn the island's intriguing history as a former penal colony through informative displays and guided tours that reveal stories of the Seychelles' complex heritage and transformation into a conservation success story.

4

Snorkeling in Turquoise Waters

Plunge into Curieuse's vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful marine life. The shallow, protected waters surrounding the island offer exceptional snorkeling opportunities with visibility that showcases the incredible biodiversity of the Indian Ocean's underwater world.

5

Local Creole Seafood Lunch

Savor authentic Seychellois cuisine featuring fresh-caught fish, octopus, and tropical fruits prepared in traditional Creole style. Beach restaurants and local vendors serve delicious grilled fish and coconut-infused dishes that capture the authentic flavors of island life while you dine with ocean views.

Cruise Lines at Curieuse Island

Cruises Departing From Curieuse Island

Cruises Visiting Curieuse Island

Ship Schedule at Curieuse Island

Curieuse Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in Seychelles

Frequently Asked Questions

What cruise lines sail to Curieuse Island, Seychelles?

Two cruise lines operate cruises to Curieuse Island: Emerald Cruises and PONANT EXPLORATIONS. Both offer ocean cruise experiences to this pristine Seychellois destination, with 34 upcoming cruises available across their combined schedules.

When is the best time to cruise to Curieuse Island?

The peak months for cruising to Curieuse Island are January, December, February, and March. These months offer the best weather conditions and are ideal for exploring the island's marine life and pristine beaches during your port of call.

How much do cruises to Curieuse Island cost?

Cruise prices to Curieuse Island range from $4,080 to $5,140 per person. The final cost depends on your chosen cruise line, cabin type, and specific itinerary, but this price range covers the available ocean cruise options.

What can I see and do during a day at Curieuse Island?

Curieuse Island offers exceptional wildlife viewing, including giant Aldabra tortoises and endemic bird species. You can explore pristine beaches, enjoy snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and visit the island's nature reserve. The island is also known for its mangrove forests and provides excellent opportunities for photography and nature walks.

Is Curieuse Island a tender port or dock port?

Curieuse Island is typically accessed by tender boats from your cruise ship, as the island has limited docking facilities. Most cruise passengers are ferried ashore in small boats, and the island is managed as a protected marine national park with controlled visitor access to preserve its natural environment.

What other destinations can I visit on cruises that stop at Curieuse Island?

Cruises visiting Curieuse Island typically include stops at other top Seychellois destinations such as Mahé, Praslin Island, La Digue, and Aride Island. Some itineraries also feature excursions to the Masai Mara, offering diverse experiences across the Indian Ocean region and East Africa.

Do I need a guide to explore Curieuse Island?

Yes, guided tours are typically required or highly recommended when visiting Curieuse Island, as it is a protected national park. Your cruise line will usually arrange guided excursions that include knowledgeable naturalists who explain the island's unique ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation efforts.