Curieuse Island: Discover the History, Amazing Facts and Things to Do
Located just off the coast of Praslin, in the Seychelles, lies the idyllic island of Curieuse. This lush tropical paradise is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including the iconic Coco de Mer palm trees, and is a popular destination for visitors from around the world. But there is much more to Curieuse Island than its natural beauty. The island is full of fascinating history, amazing facts and plenty of things to do. Let’s take a closer look.
History of Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island has a long and interesting history. The first recorded sighting of the island was in 1768 by the French explorer, Jean-Baptiste Quoy. He named the island after the French frigate ‘Curieuse’, which was part of the expedition at the time.
In the late 18th century, the island was used as a leper colony, and in the 19th century, it was used as a coconut plantation. In the early 20th century, it became a major turtle-fishing centre, and in the late 20th century, it was declared a protected national park.
Today, the island is a popular tourist destination, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its fascinating history and enjoy its stunning natural beauty.
Amazing Facts about Curieuse Island
Curieuse Island is home to some of the world’s largest and oldest Coco de Mer palm trees, which can grow up to 30 metres tall and live up to 400 years.
The island is home to the rare Aldabra giant tortoise, which can weigh up to 250kg and live up to 200 years.
Curieuse Island is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the rare Seychelles warbler, which is found only on the island.
Things to Do at Curieuse Island
There are plenty of things to do at Curieuse Island, from exploring the island’s fascinating history to enjoying its stunning natural beauty. Here are some of the top activities:
Take a guided tour of the island and learn about its history, flora and fauna.
Go snorkelling and explore the colourful coral reefs and marine life.
Visit the turtle sanctuary and learn about the conservation efforts to protect the Aldabra giant tortoises.
Go birdwatching and spot some of the rare bird species that call the island home.
Take a hike through the lush tropical forest and admire the Coco de Mer palm trees.
Relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
Curieuse Island is a truly special place, and one that should be on everyone’s bucket list. With its fascinating history, amazing facts and plenty of things to do, it is the perfect destination for a truly unforgettable experience.