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 are not able to dock here you will be tendered ashore.
Curieuse Island is a small granitic island (1.78 sq mi) in the Seychelles off the north coast of Praslin. The island is notable for being one of only two islands native to the coco de mer.
As part of the Marine Park the island is strictly protected and only a few families live there. Like Praslin, Curieuse is home to the Coco-de-mer palm. The island has a wild population of about 250 Giant Tortoises, brought over from Aldabra in the 1980s and a breeding scheme has been in place there for several years. Curieuse was once a leper colony, and the ruins of the houses can still be seen. There is also a large, restored colonial villa, know as the Doctor's House, where the island doctor lived in the 1870s. Nature trails wind their way across the island, notably through the extensive swamps, home to eight different species of mangrove.
Getting around
The walk around the island takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Food and shopping
There are no actual commercial buildings on the island. The only buildings belong to the National Marine Parks Board, and you should also know there are no refreshments sold.
Money
The islands' currency is the Seychelles rupee (SCR). ATM machines usually have the best conversion rates, however, airports and banks also conveniently exchange money. 1 Euro= 8 rupees.
Staying connected
Languages spoken in the Seychelles are Creole (the official language), English and French.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours Mon-Fri 0800-1700, Sat 0800-1200. Some shops close weekdays 1200-1300.