Curieuse: Mangroves, Giant Tortoises and Island History

A natural environment with distinctive species

Curieuse brings together distinctive plant life, mangroves and tortoises. The Coco de Mer palm grows naturally only on Praslin and Curieuse. At the edge of Baie Laraie, a mangrove swamp is home to six of the seven mangrove species known in the Seychelles. These natural features show Curieuse from different perspectives: the Coco de Mer represents a very limited natural distribution, while the number of mangrove species illustrates the diversity of a single habitat in comparison with the species known in the Seychelles.

Curieuse Island was designated a national park under the Nature Reserves and Conservancy Act of 2022. The corresponding cabinet meeting took place on 22 January. The designation was officially announced in January 2025. The island’s natural features and its national park status are both part of its character.

Tortoises can also be viewed from several perspectives. Sea turtles return to Curieuse’s beaches every year to nest and lay their eggs. The island also has a tortoise breeding station, where the animals are raised until the age of five and then released into the wild. Hundreds of giant tortoises live on Curieuse; they were introduced between 1978 and 1982. Together, these facts represent recurring nesting, rearing followed by release, and a population of giant tortoises with its own history of introduction.

Nature Trails, Mangroves and the Sea

Curieuse’s nature trails include the route from Baie Laraie to Anse Jose and the Anse Badamier Trail. A boardwalk built on stilts also crosses the mangrove swamp. It provides access to the mangrove habitat even at high tide. The island therefore combines named nature trails with a more specifically described route through the swamp; visitors interested in mangroves will find a subject in its own right alongside the routes mentioned.

The Nesting Sea Turtle Trail offers a distinct seasonal opportunity. This seasonal, controlled trail is available from October to early March. Sea turtles return every year to nest and lay their eggs, while the trail itself is offered within a specific time window. If you plan to include this route in your trip, confirm its operating conditions in advance.

Diving is also among the experiences described: at Coral Gardens and Pointe Rouge off Curieuse, divers can encounter a variety of marine species. These two named dive sites add an underwater focus to trip planning, distinct from the nature trails and mangrove habitat. For travellers who particularly want to explore the sea during their stay, diving offers a separate point of interest.

Island History and Trip Planning

In the Seychelles, Curieuse was used as a quarantine site for people with leprosy for almost a hundred years. The ruins of the former leprosarium stand on the shore of Anse Jose. Doctor’s House is also located there; it was built by Dr William MacGregor in 1873. It is closed for renovation work. Before visiting, check with the relevant authority for current access information.

When looking for a holiday rental in Curieuse, the kind of trip you want can be a useful starting point. Would you like to focus more on nature trails and mangroves, plan some diving, or explore the history of Anse Jose? The experiences mentioned offer different points of focus. If you would also like to visit the seasonal Nesting Sea Turtle Trail or Doctor’s House, check the relevant visitor conditions in advance.

Discover more destinations: Au Cap, Baie Ste Anne, Anse La Blague

For the main travel overview: Baie Sainte Anne.