Curieuse lies just off the north-western coast of its close neighbour Praslin and is now a reserve managed by the Seychelles Centre for Marine Technology. Once known as Ile Rouge on account of its red earth, Curieuse Island was eventually named after one of explorer Marion Dufresne's vessels which explored the islands of the Praslin group in 1768.
This rugged island was once home to a leper colony situated at Anse St. Joseph, and whose resident doctor's house dating back to the 1870's has recently been converted into an eco-museum and visitors centre.
There are many unique things to see on Curieuse including the Coco de Mer, mangrove forests, Aldabra tortoises, takamaka trees, hawksbill and green sea turtle breeding ground and the Seychelles Black Parrot as well as much more indigenous flora and fauna.
The park rangers offer 2 kilometer complimentary, guided hiking tours around the island that are available twice a day.
The Doctor’s House is a large restored colonial villa, which is an example of Creole colonial architecture and is a museum on the ecology and history of Curieuse Island.
The beach in front of the Doctor’s House is the place where green and hawksbill turtles make their nests. Visitors who arrive in November to December may see the baby sea turtles.
Take a walk through dense mangrove forests, which are considered one of the most magnificent sights on the island and past giant granite cliffs.
Day excursions can be arranged through local ground handling operators.
