Mauritius Aquarium | Pointe aux Piments

The Mauritius Aquarium is a public marine life facility located in the village of Pointe aux Piments, in the Pamplemousses District on the northwest coast. It serves as a concentrated display of the marine biodiversity found in the waters surrounding the island.

Visual Characteristics

The facility is housed in a series of interconnected stone and concrete buildings. It features multiple display tanks ranging from small tropical reef exhibits to a large centerpiece tank containing larger pelagic species. The interior lighting is dimmed to highlight the aquatic environments. The exterior includes a small garden area and outdoor pools for larger marine animals.

Location & Access Logistics

The aquarium is situated on the B38 Coastal Road in Pointe aux Piments. It is approximately 15 kilometers north of Port Louis and 10 kilometers south of Grand Baie. Access is via the main coastal road, with a dedicated asphalt parking area on-site. Public bus routes serving the coastal road between Port Louis and the north stop directly in front of the facility.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Established as one of the first major public aquariums in Mauritius, the facility focuses on local species conservation. The water for the tanks is pumped directly from the ocean and filtered to maintain natural conditions. The exhibits are organized by ecosystem, moving from shallow lagoon environments to deep-sea and predator zones.

Key Highlights & Activities

Feeding Sessions: Daily scheduled feedings of white-tipped reef sharks, giant moray eels, and sea turtles.

Touch Pool: A supervised area where visitors can interact with various invertebrates and smaller fish species.

Large Predator Tank: A walk-through viewing area showcasing sharks, rays, and large groupers.

Invertebrate Gallery: Specialized tanks for coral, anemones, and crustaceans.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site includes a reception area, a small souvenir shop, and a café. Restroom facilities are available for visitors. 5G cellular coverage is stable in the area. The facility is mostly undercover, providing an alternative activity during rainy weather. Most areas are accessible to individuals with limited mobility.

Best Time to Visit

The aquarium is open daily from 09:30 to 17:00 (16:00 on Sundays). The optimal time to visit is at 11:00 or 15:00 to coincide with the scheduled animal feeding sessions. Morning visits are generally quieter and allow for more detailed observation of the smaller species.

Facts & Legends

The aquarium houses over 200 species of fish, invertebrates, and corals, all sourced from the Mauritian lagoon. A notable feature is the presence of several rescued sea turtles that are rehabilitated on-site before being evaluated for release.

Nearby Landmarks

Pointe aux Piments Public Beach: 0.2km North

Triolet Village: 3.5km East

Trou aux Biches: 4.0km North

Port Louis: 15.0km South

Pamplemousses Botanical Garden: 9.0km Southeast