This island is around two miles long and lies approximately one mile to the north-east of Praslin. The island used to be a leper colony and the ruins of the old houses can still be seen, as can the old Doctor's House, a restored colonial villa that was home to the island doctor in the 1870's. A few families still live here but it is now strictly protected as part of the Marine Park. Nature trails wind their way through the extensive mangrove swamps and further inland. Curieuse is home to around 250 Giant Tortoises that were brought over from Aldebra in the 1980's and the Coco-de-Mer palm can also be found here. A visit to Curieuse from Praslin can be combined with the nearby island of Cousin followed by snorkelling at St. Pierre.