Curieuse Island, Seychelles – A Dreamy Tropical Island

This small granitic island in Seychelles is located a few meters away from the north coast of Praslin Island. The Curieuse island is home to Seychelles endemic species such as the giant Aldabra tortoises, few Black Parrots and Coco de Mer Palms. Apart from the Valle de Mai Natural reserve, this island is the only place where Coco de Mer grows naturally.

Activities in Curieuse Island

• Guided nature trails such as trails from Baie La raie to Anse Jose and the Anse Badamier Trail.
• Bird watching (both land and sea birds).
• Snorkelling.
• Diving.

Curieuse is the fifth-largest of the Inner Seychelles islands, surrounded by waters with rich marine life. In 1979 the Curieuse Island and its surrounding waters were declared as the Curieuse Marine National Park, in order to protect the native wildlife. They conserve the corals found along the coastline and they have also introduced several coral restoration projects including a nursery where corals are grown.

The Aldabra Tortoises

Today, this island is the home to roughly 500 Aldabra Giant Tortoises. The Aldabra Tortoises is one of the world’s largest land tortoises weighing up to 550 pounds, with a life span of about 150 years. As a part of the conservation programme, these tortoises are taken care of until they turn 5 years old and then, they are left out in the wild. Though these Giant Tortoises are wild, when you approach them they are very friendly and harmless. You will be surprised to see how giant, yet friendly they are! 

The Coco de Mer

Curieuse Island is also known for the Coco de Mer (Double coconut). Apart from the Valle de Mai natural reserve, this island is the only place where Coco de Mer grows naturally. The reddish Laterite soil is also one of the notable characteristics of this island.  Tn the past, this island was used as a place to quarantine leprosy sufferers, for more than a century. Today, you can see the ruins of the leprosarium on the shores of Anse Jose.

The other notable attractions are the ‘Doctors house’ – the place where the Island’s Doctor lived and ‘The Museum’. After seeing all these, how about a walk into the Mangroves? Walk into the mangroves, on the wooden pathway built by the nature reserve. It is just a 20-minute walk and believe me, it’s worth your time.

The trail from Baie Laraie to Anse Jos indeed passes through this thick mangrove forest and is one of the most breathtaking sites on the island. You shouldn’t miss this. Make sure you take this trail when you visit the Island.

This island is only a few minutes away from Praslin Island. You can either book boat rides to and fro Curieuse island or you can also book half-day or Full-day tours from Praslin Island. 

Curieuse Island, Seychelles – a perfect illustration of a dreamy tropical desert island. In the clear waters, you just wouldn’t believe how many types of fishes you got to see here. Start Planning and make your vacation to Seychelles come true with Pickyourtrail.

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