CURIEUSE AND ST PIERRE ISLAND WITH BARBECUE
Giant Tortoise Farm As soon as you set foot on Curieuse, you will be greeted by a sight straight out of a fairy tale – Giant tortoises ambling about the Ranger’s Station at Laraie Bay. These gentle giants are the crown jewel of the island, boasting the second-largest population of their kind in the Seychelles … Leper Colony Ruins Take a step back in time and uncover the chilling history of Curieuse, which served as a leper colony from 1829 to 1965. The first inhabitants were African slaves, abandoned on isolated islands in the Indian Ocean, who were brought to the island in a desperate effort to contain the infectious Virus. Discover the island’s hidden treasures as you wander through lush mangrove swamps, bask in the sun on pristine beaches, and stumble upon the remnants of the haunting leprosarium. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of the majestic Giant Aldabra tortoises, some of which are over a century old and roam freely on the island. And if you’re planning a day trip to this paradise, use this guide to help you make the most of your visit to this island, peppered with iconic coco-de-mer trees. At the top of the list of natural wonders is the breathtaking Coco de Mer palm tree. The island is home to one of the world’s two natural forests of the iconic tree, with the other being Vallée de Mai on Praslin. This magnificent species produces the largest and heaviest seeds in the world and draws plenty of attention due to its suggestive shape. Surrounding the Coco de Mer, you’ll find Curieuse’s seemingly endless thick and rich mangroves. The awe-inspiring ecosystem is a sanctuary for six out of Seychelles’ seven native mangrove species and provides crucial habitat for a diverse array of animals. Speaking of animals, the real highlight of Curieuse is its fascinating wildlife. And no presence on the island is more striking than the 300-strong colony of Aldabra giant tortoises that roam freely around it. In addition, Curieuse’s pristine beaches are a crucial nesting ground for sea turtles that return each year to lay their eggs, providing a mesmerizing spectacle of nature in action. And for bird lovers, the island is also the exclusive habitat of the Seychelles Black Parrot, one of the rarest endemic birds in the world and the national bird of Seychelles. While it breeds on Praslin, Curieuse is the only other place in the world where you can catch a glimpse of this elusive bird in its natural habitat. Tip: In order to discover Curieuse’s rare flora and fauna, follow the island’s guided trails, visit the Giant Tortoise Farm, or opt for a snorkeling trip! The Day Charter also Includes a deep dive in crystal clear water of St-Pierre marine Park. Tip: Explore beautiful reef, beautiful marine life.