Curieuse and the Giant Tortoises

Curieuse, a small island a short boat ride from Praslin, is a protected nature reserve famous above all as a sanctuary for the Aldabra giant tortoise, one of the largest tortoise species on earth. Here, hundreds of these gentle, ancient giants roam freely, and visitors can walk among them and meet them at close quarters. The island's distinctive red-earth soil, its mangrove boardwalk, its coco de mer palms and the beautiful beaches and warm shallows for snorkelling make it a wonderful and popular day trip from Praslin.

The landscape

• The giant tortoises - the hundreds of free-roaming Aldabra giants.
• The mangrove boardwalk - the walk through the coastal mangroves.
• The red-earth beaches - the distinctive shores and snorkelling.
• The old leper colony - the historic Doctor's House ruins.

When to go

April to May and October to November, the calm months, for the smoothest boat crossings and best snorkelling; the island is a popular half-day or full-day boat trip from Praslin, often combined with snorkelling stops and a barbecue lunch. The tortoises are active and easily seen year-round.

Practical notes

It is a popular organised day trip rather than a wild, solitary experience, so expect other visitors and boats, and the giant tortoises, while free-roaming, are habituated to people; it is nonetheless a genuine reserve, not a zoo. The truly remote tortoise haven of Aldabra itself is far away and virtually inaccessible. For an easy, delightful close encounter with giant tortoises amid beautiful scenery, though, Curieuse is ideal.

Nearby

Praslin, its Vallée de Mai and the beaches of the inner islands are close.