3 Amazing Facts about Curieuse
Island – Seychelles

Curieuse Island is a small granitic island 1.13 sq mi (2.9 km2) in the Seychelles close to the north coast of the island of Praslin. Curieuse Island is notable for its bare red earth intermingled with the unique coco de mer palms, one of the cultural icons of the Seychelles, only growing on the two neighboring islands.
Originally named “Ile Rouge” due to its red coloured soil.

In 1768 the French claimed possession of the island, naming it after the schooner “La Curieuse”, a ship that was under the command of explorer Marc-Joseph Marion du Fresne. Like a number of islands in the Seychelles, there was a native giant tortoise population that was quickly extirpated.

In 1829, Curieuse Island in Seychelles was first used as a leper colony, and it functioned in this capacity until 1965. This helped protect the ecosystem from human influence. Today, ruins of the leprosarium remain, as well as the former physician’s residence at Anse St. Joseph (now an educational center and museum).

In 1967 a fire destroyed much of the vegetation on the island, including more than 150 coco de mer palms. Following this event, the government took ownership of the island and introduced various restoration and conservation projects.

In 1979, Curieuse Island and surrounding waters were declared the Curieuse Marine National Park in order to protect the native wildlife. Between 1978 and 1982, a conservation project relocated Aldabra giant tortoise from Aldabra to Curieuse. Today, it is the home of more than 300 Aldabra giant tortoise, some staying around the Ranger’s Station and the rest roaming around elsewhere on the island.

1. Interesting nature trails and hikes

There are several trails and hikes for visitors to enjoy on Curieuse Island. One such trail goes from BaieLaraie to Anse St. José on the other side of the island, passing over the boardwalk through a thick and rich mangrove forest. The forest is home to seven different species of mangroves. There is also a rocky trail to the summit of the island.

2. Beautiful rock formations

The island offers magnificent sights of giant granite cliffs. Some of these rocks formations are so defined that one would have the impression that it has been sculptured. One such formation is the lizard rock, where one can see a lizard climbing the boulder. Another amazing formation is shaped like a tortoise, poised to take a plunge in the sea.

3. One of the most magnificent views of Seychelles

Curieuse Islands Trip offers several points with outstanding views. One such view is Mont Caiman, where one can have a 360-degree view of Silhouette, Ile du Nord, Ile au Foux, Ile Aride, Denis, Grande Soeur, Petite Soeur, Ile Round, St Pierre and up to Pointe Chevalier of Praslin. Curieuse & St Pierre Day Trip is one of the most popular trips you can choose when you are on a Praslin Island tour. You can even visit Curieuse Islands and St Pierre Island on a private boat trip.

To book a private boat trip for a day to Curieuse and St Pierre from Praslin, Seychelles, contact Angel Tours.

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