Curieuse Island

A red-soiled island with mangroves and giant tortoises.

Overview

Curieuse Island is a beautiful and unique island located in the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Once a leper colony, the island now serves as a nature reserve that is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The island boasts a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tropical paradise. Visitors can expect to see a wide variety of plant and wildlife species during their visit, including the rare coco de mer palm, giant tortoises, and the red-fleshed Coco plum. The island is also home to mangrove forests, which provide shelter for a range of marine creatures such as sea turtles and nurse sharks. With its stunning beaches and unique ecological features, a visit to Curieuse Island promises to be a breathtaking experience that visitors will never forget.

Things to Do

Visit the Giant Tortoise Sanctuary: Curieuse Island is home to a large population of giant tortoises, and the sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with these ancient creatures. You can learn about their habitat, breeding habits, and conservation efforts.

Take a hike to Anse St. Jose: The island has several hiking trails, but the hike to Anse St. Jose is one of the most popular. The trail winds through the lush forest, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the ocean and the island’s rugged coastline.

Snorkel or dive in the Marine Park: The Marine Park surrounding Curieuse Island is a protected area teeming with marine life. You can rent snorkeling or diving gear and explore the coral reefs, spotting colorful fish, rays, and even small sharks.

Visit the Doctor’s House: The Doctor’s House is a historic building on the island that has been converted into a museum. You can learn about the island’s fascinating history, including its use as a leper colony in the 19th century.

Relax on the beaches: Curieuse Island has several beautiful beaches, including Anse Georgette and Anse San Jose. These beaches offer crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and plenty of shade under the palm trees. No matter what your interests are, Curieuse Island has something for everyone.

What to See

Aldabra giant tortoises: Curieuse Island is home to a large population of Aldabra giant tortoises, one of the largest species of tortoise in the world. These gentle giants can weigh up to 550 pounds and are known for their longevity, with some living for over 150 years.

Coco de Mer palms: The island is also home to the iconic Coco de Mer palm tree, which produces the largest seeds of any plant in the world. These seeds can weigh up to 30 pounds and are highly prized by collectors.

Red mangroves: Curieuse Island is covered in dense forests of red mangroves, which provide important habitat for a variety of marine and bird species. The mangroves are also an important source of food and medicine for the island’s inhabitants.

Marine life: The waters surrounding Curieuse Island are home to a diverse array of marine life, including colorful fish, rays, and even small sharks. You can spot these creatures while snorkeling, diving, or taking a boat tour around the island.

Historic landmarks: Curieuse Island has a rich history, and there are several historic landmarks to explore. The Doctor’s House, a former leper colony, has been converted into a museum, and you can also visit the ruins of the old coconut plantation and the colonial-era cemetery. Curieuse Island is a unique and beautiful destination that offers something for everyone.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is during the dry season which runs from May to September. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, with clear blue skies and low humidity. This makes it the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and beachcombing. The sea conditions are also ideal for diving, with excellent visibility and calm waters. Keep in mind that the peak tourist season falls between December and January, so if you prefer to avoid crowds,

It’s also best to visit Curieuse Island during the shoulder season which runs from October to November and February to April.

Getting there

By Air: The closest international airport to Curieuse Island is the Seychelles International Airport, located on the island of Mahé. From there, you can take a domestic flight or a helicopter to Praslin Island, which is just a short boat ride away from Curieuse Island. There are daily flights from several major airlines, including Air Seychelles, Emirates, and Etihad Airways.

By Road: Once you arrive on Praslin Island, you can take a taxi or a rental car to Baie St. Anne, which is the main departure point for boats to Curieuse Island. The journey takes around 15 minutes by car.

By Boat: The most common way to reach Curieuse Island is by boat. There are several tour operators that offer day trips and excursions to the island, departing from Baie St. Anne on Praslin Island. The journey takes around 20 minutes by boat, and you’ll be able to enjoy stunning views of the surrounding islands and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean. You can also hire a private boat or join a group tour to explore the nearby islands and snorkel in the Marine Park.

Where to Stay

Mid-Range Accommodation:

Curieuse Island Lodge

Offering comfortable and affordable accommodations, Curieuse Island Lodge provides guests with cozy rooms and basic amenities. The lodge is conveniently located near the island’s attractions and offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.

Chalets on Curieuse Island

These charming chalets provide a mid-range option for visitors to Curieuse Island. With simple yet comfortable accommodations, guests can enjoy a relaxing stay close to the island’s pristine beaches and hiking trails.

Luxury Accommodation:

Luxury Eco-Resort on Curieuse Island

This eco-resort offers luxurious accommodations in an environmentally sustainable manner. Guests can enjoy high-end amenities, gourmet dining, and stunning views of the island’s natural beauty.

Private Beach Villas on Curieuse Island

For a truly luxurious experience, private beach villas on Curieuse Island offer exclusive accommodations with personalized services. Guests can relax in style and privacy while enjoying the island’s serene surroundings.