Port information & tips for Curieuse
Curieuse is an untouched natural paradise in the Seychelles, captivating visitors with its characteristic red earth and strictly protected flora and fauna. The island serves as a Marine National Park and welcomes visitors with paradisiacal tranquility, turquoise waters, and dense mangrove forests. Fascinating highlights include the free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises at the Turtle Sanctuary, the historic Doctor’s House, and the stunning bay of Anse St. José. As there is no commercial pier on the island, cruise ships anchor in the protected bay, and guests arrive by tender boat directly at the natural beach of Baie Laraie. From this landing point, the hiking trails and natural treasures of the car-free island can be easily explored on foot thanks to its compact size.
Curieuse is a natural island in the Seychelles and is generally visited by cruise ships as an anchorage on their itineraries, with guests being brought ashore by tender boat. The actual journey from the DACH region therefore primarily takes place to the international airport on the main island of Mahé, from where most Seychelles cruises depart.
Airplane
The Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the island of Mahé is the gateway to the archipelago and is reached from the DACH region with stopovers, for example in Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul. Lufthansa also offers nonstop flights from Frankfurt during the peak season. The flight time is usually 9 to 12 hours.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Mahé Airport (SEZ), you can reach the main cruise port, Port Victoria, the starting point for many Seychelles cruises, in about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi. The distance is approximately 10 kilometers. Numerous cruise lines also offer organized transfers directly from the airport to the respective embarkation terminals in Port Victoria.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and to avoid travel stress, it is strongly recommended to arrive on Mahé one day before the scheduled embarkation. This not only allows for a relaxed start to the holiday but also ensures smooth handling in case of potential flight delays. Numerous hotels for every requirement can be found in and around Port Victoria as well as along the coast of Mahé.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination area – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Curieuse is a natural island in the Seychelles and is generally visited by cruise ships as an anchorage on their itineraries, with guests being brought ashore by tender boat. The actual journey from the DACH region therefore primarily takes place to the international airport on the main island of Mahé, from where most Seychelles cruises depart.
Airplane
The Seychelles International Airport (SEZ) on the island of Mahé is the gateway to the archipelago and is reached from the DACH region with stopovers, for example in Dubai, Doha, or Istanbul. Lufthansa also offers nonstop flights from Frankfurt during the peak season. The flight time is usually 9 to 12 hours.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Mahé Airport (SEZ), you can reach the main cruise port, Port Victoria, the starting point for many Seychelles cruises, in about 20 to 30 minutes by taxi. The distance is approximately 10 kilometers. Numerous cruise lines also offer organized transfers directly from the airport to the respective embarkation terminals in Port Victoria.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long journey and to avoid travel stress, it is strongly recommended to arrive on Mahé one day before the scheduled embarkation. This not only allows for a relaxed start to the holiday but also ensures smooth handling in case of potential flight delays. Numerous hotels for every requirement can be found in and around Port Victoria as well as along the coast of Mahé.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time – depending on the cruise line and destination area – is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Curieuse is a protected Marine National Park and welcomes visitors directly to the natural shores of Baie Laraie or Anse St. José. Arrival is easy via tender boat or organized transfer directly from the ship.
On Foot
Exploring the island is only possible on foot thanks to a well-developed network of paths, offering dreamlike insights into the flora and fauna. The popular trail between the turtle station and the Doctor's House takes about 45 minutes and leads through fascinating mangrove forests and granite formations.
Water Taxi
Local water taxis are the most important connection to the nearby island of Praslin and run regularly between Curieuse and Anse Volbert. These small boats provide a direct crossing while offering a magnificent view of the turquoise waters of the Seychelles.
Tender Boats
Since there are no car roads on the island, transfer by the ship's own tender boats or local excursion boats is essential and brings guests safely to the landing stages. These boats function as a direct link between the cruise ships' anchorage and the start of the island's hiking trails.
To make the most of your stay on the natural island of Curieuse, we recommend focusing on the fascinating giant tortoises and the untouched nature trails within this protected national park.
Baie Laraie
The island's primary arrival point is home to the famous Aldabra giant tortoises and, thanks to its extensive open spaces, offers perfect conditions for unforgettable encounters with these impressive animals directly after landing.
Mangrove Nature Trail
This easily accessible boardwalk leads through dense, primeval-looking mangrove forests and simultaneously allows for a relaxed hike to the other side of the island, where travelers can experience the unique flora and fauna of the Seychelles up close.
Anse St. José & Doctor's House
Crystal-clear water invites you to swim at this paradisiacal beach section; additionally, the historical Doctor's House, a former leper colony and current museum, offers an exciting cultural insight into the island's history.
Baie Laraie & Giant Tortoise Station
Baie Laraie on Curieuse Island is easily accessible by the ship's own tender boat and offers visitors the fascinating opportunity to encounter Aldabra giant tortoises up close in their natural habitat. This protected bay impresses with its unique flora and fauna as well as the well-organized breeding station, which provides deep insight into nature conservation in the Seychelles. A well-maintained hiking trail also leads through dense mangrove forests directly to the historic "Doctor’s House" at Anse St. José, making this excursion a perfect combination of nature experience and culture. Ideally, use the first tender boats in the early morning to observe the animals in peace, and plan your return trip to the pier at a relaxed pace for the late afternoon.
The return journey to the ship at the port of Curieuse takes place via the island's picturesque bays and is very relaxed thanks to the manageable paths. Since Curieuse is a protected natural island, you will quickly find yourself at the central landing stages for the transfer back to the ship.
Tender Boats and Water Taxis
The return journey to the ship usually starts at the two main landing stages, Baie Laraie by the tortoise enclosure or Anse St. José by the Doctor's House. Water taxis from local providers in Praslin often wait directly on the beach and will take you quickly and safely back to your cruise ship's anchorage.
On Foot
The island can be easily explored via the well-marked nature trail that connects Baie Laraie and Anse St. José. Plan sufficient time for the approximately 45-minute walk through the mangroves to reach the agreed meeting point for departure on time.
Ranger Station and Meeting Points
At the Ranger Station in Baie Laraie, you can obtain helpful information about departures and wait safely for your boat. Simply orient yourself by the prominent beach sections and enjoy the peace of mind that excursion boats are ready for the return journey directly at the sandy shores.
