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Curieuse Marine National Park
Island Group : Inner Islands Group
Area : 2.86 sq.km
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 - Marine Parks Authority.
Once known as Ile Rouge on account of its red earth, Curieuse 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.
Aside from Praslin, Curieuse is the only other island where the Coco-der-mer grows naturally, and also boasts an endemic vine and eight different species of mangrove.
Today Curieuse is home to an exciting giant land tortoise rearing project. The island is also an important nesting site for hawksbill turtles.
No accommodation is offered on this island, but excursions can be arranged through local ground handling operators.
Attractions:
Curieuse Marine National Park
Type of Attraction : Marine National Park, Nature Reserve, Eco tourism site
Address : SCMRT-MPA Headquarters, PO Box 1240, Victoria, Mahé, , Ranger Base, Curieuse Island
Tel : +248 4 22 51 15/ Ranger Base: 2 56 03 88 / 2 51 72 21
Fax : +248 4 22 43 88
Email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Description
Hues of red and green colour Curieuse Island, the result of the bare red earth of the hillsides intermingling with the unique green flora of an island peppered with coco-de-mer trees, one of the iconic symbols of Seychelles.
Most visitors disembark at Baie Laraie to the sight of multitudes of giant hump head parrotfish and giant tortoises lazing near the rangers’ headquarters. The trail from Baie Laraie to Anse José passes through thick mangrove forest and is one of the most breathtaking sites on the island. On the way can be found the ruins of the leper colony, now well blended into the landscape.
The Doctor’s House at Anse José, a wonder of Creole colonial architecture, has since been turned into a fascinating museum on whose beach sea turtles still arrive to lay their eggs. A dive at Coral Garden or Pointe Rouge is a MUST as is a snorkelling trip to St. Pierre.