Making the most of Curieuse Island
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As cruise ships cannot dock here, passengers are tendered ashore.
Curieuse Island is a small granitic Seychelles island of 1.78 sq mi, off Praslin's north coast. It is one of only two islands native to the coco de mer.
Strictly protected as part of the Marine Park, the island has only a few resident families. Like Praslin, Curieuse supports the Coco-de-mer palm, around 250 wild Giant Tortoises brought from Aldabra in the 1980s, and a breeding scheme operating for several years. Once a leper colony, it retains house ruins and the restored colonial Doctor's House, where the island doctor lived in the 1870s. Nature trails cross the island, particularly its extensive swamps, which support eight mangrove species.
Getting around
Walking around the island takes about 45 minutes.
Food and shopping
The island has no commercial buildings. Its only buildings belong to the National Marine Parks Board, and no refreshments are sold.
Money
The Seychelles rupee (SCR) is the islands' currency. ATMs usually offer the best conversion rates, while airports and banks also exchange money conveniently. 1 Euro= 8 rupees.
Staying connected
Seychelles languages are Creole, the official language, English and French.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are Mon-Fri 0800-1700 and Sat 0800-1200; some shops close on weekdays from 1200-1300.