Snorkeling with Giant Turtles, The Red Church, Pamplemousses Garden & Port Louis
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Snorkeling with Giant Turtles, The Red Church, Pamplemousses Garden & Port Louis

Active
(91 reviews)
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience

* Note: It is forbidden to touch or interact with the turtles.
* Note: This tour is private except for the snorkeling with giant turtles portion.
* Note: Typically the swimming with wild turtles portion of the tour is done first, however this may change depending on the tides.

See the North of Mauritius in a unique way by starting your day snorkeling with giant turtles in the Indian Ocean! Board a boat from the northwest coast of the island, and use our snorkeling gear while swimming with these magnificent creatures (masks & tubes - fins are not allowed).

After the adventure, take photos at the famous Notre Dame Auxiliatrice (The Red Church), set against the backdrop of a beautiful lagoon, and the famous island of Coin de Mire.

Next, visit the famous Pamplemousses Botanical Garden where you'll discover a variety of plants native to the island. Finish your day in the bustling capital of Port Louis and visit the well-known Caudan Waterfront, the popular outdoor market, and more!

Available options

Snorkeling with Giant Turtles, The Red Church, Pamplemousses Garden & Port Louis

Pickup included

What's included

Snorkeling with turtles
Air-conditioned and insured taxi, minibus or coach
Hotel pickup, dropoff and transportation in a private vehicle
Snorkeling gear (masks and tubes - fins ar enot allowed)
Services of a fully licensed, qualified driver

Detailed itinerary

1

Start the day with one of the most unique experiences in Mauritius: snorkeling with wild, giant turtles! You will board a boat on the northwest coast of the island and have the opportunity to snorkel with turtles in their natural environment. These Giant Green Sea Turtles can reach up to 1.2m in length and weight up to 200kg. Apart from the turtles, you can see a variety of marine life, including different varieties of tropical fish and coral. Snorkeling gear is included (masks and tubes - fins are not allowed)!

Note: Typically the swimming with wild turtles portion of the tour is done first, however this may change depending on the tides. The total time spent on the boat and snorkeling is around 45 minutes.

2

Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, also known as "The Red Church" is a beloved landmark located in the picturesque town of Cap Malheureux, in the far northwest of the island. The church makes an excellent photo opportunity against the backdrop of the stunning Indian Ocean. Also visible from Cap Malheureux is the famous island of Coin de Mire, located almost due north of Mauritius.

3

In the historical village of Pamplemousses, you will visit the famous Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, where you will get to see the giant waterlilies and 85 varieties of palm trees from around the world. You will also discover the various spices and medicinal plants and learn about the various endemic and imported plants in the garden.

4

A tour of the North isn’t complete without a visit to Port-Louis, the capital of Mauritius. The city is a blend of the old and the new. On one side you have the hustle and bustle of the city’s historical market (bazaar), built in 1828, where you can bargain for different spices and souvenirs and sample Mauritian street food. And on the other side you have the modern Caudan Waterfront, where there visitors can shop at brand name stores and eat at various restaurants. You can visit the areas of Port-Louis that interest you such as the Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO heritage site), and the smaller streets. For great views, your driver will take you for a stop at the Citadel and you will also get to see the Champs de Mars racecourse on the way.

What's not included

Pamplemousses Garden
Lunch or snacks

Available languages

Guide guide
EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 3.8
37 reviews
5★
14
4★
7
3★
11
2★
4
1★
1
Tripadvisor 3.9
54 reviews
5★
28
4★
10
3★
6
2★
5
1★
5

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The swimming with turtles portion of this outing is not recommended for pregnant women. All children under 12 years old should be accompanied.
In most cases you will see turtles. However, if this is not the case, a second outing will be offered on the boat free of charge (transportation to and from your hotel are not included for the second outing). It’s important to note that there will be no refund once you have completed the activity.
This tour lasts up to eight hours, and you will be able to choose how long you spend at each attraction (except for the turtles portion). Depending on your group’s speed you may not have time to see all the listed attractions. You will be able to stop for lunch but the price of the lunch is not included
Bring swimwear and a towel for the swimming with turtles portion, and a change of clothes and comfortable walking shoes for the rest of the tour

Important notes

• Please make sure you have provided us with your correct hotel information
• Bring swimwear and a towel for the snorkeling with turtles portion, and a change of clothes and comfortable walking shoes for the rest of the tour.

About Port Louis

Port Louis is the vibrant capital of Mauritius, blending colonial history with modern urban life. The city offers a mix of bustling markets, historic sites, and scenic coastal views, making it a unique destination in the Indian Ocean.

Top Attractions

Aapravasi Ghat

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Aapravasi Ghat is a historic immigration depot that served as the arrival point for indentured laborers from India and other countries.

Historical 1-2 hours Free

Chamarel Seven Colored Earth

A unique natural phenomenon featuring sand dunes in seven distinct colors.

Nature Half day Moderate (entry fee around 100 MUR or $2.50 USD)

Fort Adelaide (La Citadelle)

A historic fort offering panoramic views of Port Louis and the surrounding area.

Historical 1-2 hours Low (entry fee around 50 MUR or $1.25 USD)

Jumaa Masjid

A beautiful mosque with stunning architecture and intricate designs.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dholl Puri

A traditional Mauritian flatbread filled with split pigeon peas and served with various curries and chutneys.

Lunch Vegetarian

Gateau Piment

Spicy chili fritters made from flour, chili peppers, and other spices.

Snack Vegetarian

Boulet Banane

Banana fritters, a popular street food snack.

Snack Vegetarian

Rougaille

A tomato-based sauce with meat or fish, often served with rice.

Main Course Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in Black River Gorges National Park Water sports at Île aux Cerfs Beach lounging at Flic-en-Flac Spa treatments at luxury resorts Visiting Aapravasi Ghat Exploring Port Louis Market Snorkeling at Blue Bay Scuba diving at Gunner's Coy

Best Time to Visit

April to December

This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and less rainfall, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

20-28°C 68-82°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, French
  • Widely spoken: Creole
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

Mauritian Rupee (MUR)

Time Zone

GMT+4

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Port Louis is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:
  • • Use official taxis or ride-hailing apps
  • • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air
  • Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport • 48 km (30 miles) from Port Louis
By train

Available

By bus

Port Louis Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Port Louis. They are affordable but can be crowded.

Taxis

Available • Apps: MyTango

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Caudan Port Louis Market Curepipe

Day trips

Île aux Cerfs
15 km (9.3 miles) from Port Louis • Full day

A beautiful island known for its pristine beaches, clear waters, and water sports.

Black River Gorges National Park
30 km (18.6 miles) from Port Louis • Full day

A national park with lush forests, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails.

Flic-en-Flac
20 km (12.4 miles) from Port Louis • Half day to Full day

A popular beach destination with golden sand and clear waters.

Festivals

Festival Kreol • November Mauritius Festival • April Diwali • October/November (varies by lunar calendar)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Central Market early in the morning for the best selection and atmosphere
  • Use the local bus system to get a sense of daily life and save money
  • Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience
  • Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and street art
  • Visit the Caudan Waterfront for shopping, dining, and entertainment
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
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Free cancellation available
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