Curieuse Island Seychelles

Cruise Port schedule, live map, terminals, news

Region
Africa - Indian Ocean Islands

Local Time
2026-10-26 06:54

81°F
27°C

Gentle breeze
5 m/s

83 °F / 29 °C
80 °F / 27 °C

Port Map

Hotels

Port Curieuse Island Seychelles cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Curieuse Island Seychelles. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Day	Ship	Arrival	Departure
16 December, 2026 Wednesday	Emerald Kaia
23 December, 2026 Wednesday	Emerald Kaia
30 December, 2026 Wednesday	Emerald Kaia

Curieuse Island (aka Ile Rouge) is a small island in Seychelles, located near the north coast of Praslin Island. Curieuse covers a total area of just 2,9 km2 (1,13 mi2) and population under 10. The isle is most famous with its bare red soil and the coco de mer palms. These trees are Seychelles' cultural icons and grow only on two islands in the world - Praslin and Curieuse.

Curieuse Island was originally named "Ile Rouge" because of its red-colored soil. The French claimed possession in 1768. They named the isle after the schooner ship "La Curieuse" - commanded by the explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne (1724-1772). Like a number of islands in Seychelles, Curieuse had a native giant tortoise population which was quickly destroyed.

Sailors set fire to the island in 1771, with the intention to make harvesting of coco de mer nuts much easier. The fire eliminated many of the native trees. Between 1829-1965, the island was used as a leper colony. . This helped to protect its ecosystem from human influence. Nowadays, ruins of the leprosarium still remain, as well as a former physician's residence at Anse St Joseph (today a museum and educational center).

A fire destroyed much of Curieuse's vegetation in 1967, including over 150 coco de mer palm trees. After this accident, the Seychelles government took ownership of the island and introduced various conservation and restoration projects.

In 1979, the island and the surrounding waters were declared "Curieuse Marine National Park" in an effort to protect native wildlife. Between 1978-1982, a conservation project moved a giant tortoise species to Curieuse from Aldabra. Today, the island is the home of over 300 Aldabra giant tortoises.

Curieuse is a nature stop focused on giant tortoises, mangrove walks and beaches. Organized excursion recommended: getting ashore and returning to the ship depend on small boats, while the main walking route finishes at a different beach from its usual starting point. Independent walking can be practical once ashore, provided your cruise team permits it and confirms the return arrangements.

Getting Ashore

Expect an offshore anchorage and a tender or expedition-boat transfer rather than a walk-off cruise terminal. Baie Laraie is a common landing area, but your ship’s team will confirm the actual beach and boarding arrangements. Landings can involve stepping into shallow water, so protect cameras and phones and bring footwear suitable for getting wet.

There are no town-center transfers to plan here: sightseeing is on foot or by an arranged boat excursion. Before leaving the landing area, confirm whether you must return there or will be collected at Anse José. Do not assume boats serving visitors from Praslin provide a return service to your cruise ship.

Best Ways to Spend Your Time

Giant Tortoises at Baie Laraie

Allow roughly 45–60 minutes to observe the free-roaming Aldabra giant tortoises and visit the nursery area if accessible. This is the simplest option for a short landing or passengers who prefer to avoid the longer trail. Walking around the visitor area is less demanding than crossing the island, although sandy and uneven ground still requires care. Follow ranger instructions and avoid feeding or disturbing the animals.

Mangrove Walk to Anse José

The marked route links Baie Laraie with Anse José through mangroves and woodland. Combine tortoise viewing, the walk, the Doctor’s House and beach time for an approximately 2–3-hour visit ashore. A guide helps identify wildlife and plants; independent walkers should first check trail conditions and permission with the cruise team or rangers.

This is a moderate nature walk rather than a flat promenade. Expect boardwalk sections, uneven paths and some climbing; heat and humidity add to the effort. Wear shoes with good grip.

Anse José Beach and the Doctor’s House

Anse José offers beach time beside the historic Doctor’s House, a reminder of the island’s former leprosy settlement. Allow 45–90 minutes for a relaxed stop, with a look inside the house if open. Swimming depends on conditions: ask the guide or boat crew where it is suitable that day.

This option works best when your landing or confirmed pickup is at Anse José. Otherwise, include the walk back to Baie Laraie in your timing.

Boat-Based Snorkeling

If offered during your call, an arranged snorkeling trip can complement the island walk. Nearby St. Pierre is a recognized snorkeling destination, but visiting it requires a separate boat transfer. Confirm the total excursion duration, equipment provision and return to the ship before booking. Sea conditions and visibility determine whether the outing is worthwhile.

Self-Guided Nature Route

Baie Laraie to Anse José — Moderate

Distance: approximately 1.5 km (0.9 mi) one way, depending on the landing point and local detours. Walking time: around 45–60 minutes without extended stops. Recommended time: 2–3 hours including tortoises, nature viewing and the beach.

Baie Laraie landing: confirm the trail status and your return boat arrangements.
Tortoise area: observe the roaming adults and nursery if accessible.
Mangrove boardwalk: look for crabs and the exposed roots of mangrove trees.
Woodland trail: follow the marked path over uneven terrain toward Anse José.
Doctor’s House: view the historic building and enter if open.
Anse José beach: finish with a short rest or swim if conditions allow.

Use this as a one-way route only with confirmed collection at Anse José. If your return boat leaves from Baie Laraie, retrace the trail: approximately 3 km (1.9 mi) in total, with another 45–60 minutes of walking. The route can also be reversed if your ship lands at Anse José.

Practical Tips

Bring drinking water, sun protection, insect repellent and a waterproof bag. Arrange food in advance rather than relying on finding refreshments ashore.
Check whether the marine-park entry fee is included in your landing or excursion.
Passengers with limited mobility should discuss boat boarding, beach landings and trail surfaces with the cruise team before going ashore.
Stay on marked paths and follow ranger instructions around wildlife and nesting beaches.
Follow the ship’s last-boat time. Aim to reach the confirmed pickup point at least 30 minutes beforehand, or earlier if instructed; allow additional time if walking back across the island.