Port Louis Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Port Louis tours and things to do in Mauritius’ vibrant capital and beyond: sail a catamaran to the idyllic Île aux Cerfs, marvel at the seven-coloured earth and waterfalls of Chamarel, meet giant tortoises and lions at wildlife parks, wander the colourful Caudan waterfront and central market, swim with dolphins at Tamarin, and visit the sacred lake of Grand Bassin. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Port Louis by interest
Whatever brings you to Port Louis — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Port Louis
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Île aux Cerfs
Island paradise.
Chamarel
Coloured earth.
Giant Tortoises
La Vanille.
Caudan Waterfront
City & market.
Pamplemousses
Botanical garden.
Grand Bassin
Sacred lake.
Tamarin Dolphins
Dolphin swim.
Black River Gorges
Nature park.
East awayÎle aux Cerfs
Island paradise.
South-west awayChamarel
Coloured earth.
West awayCasela Park
Walk with lions.
North awayPamplemousses
Botanical garden.
Central awayGrand Bassin
Sacred lake.
West awayTamarin
Dolphin swim.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Port Louis visitor asks before booking.
Dry (May–Nov)
Cooler, sunny and dry — the best time to visit.
Wet (Dec–Apr)
Hot and humid, with tropical showers.
For the sea
The lagoons are calm and clear year-round.
Cyclone watch
January to March carries a cyclone risk.
For dolphins
Calm mornings are best for Tamarin dolphins.
Best overall
May to November is ideal.
One day
An Île aux Cerfs catamaran tour.
Two days
Add Chamarel and the north gardens.
Three days
Add wildlife parks and dolphins.
For the sea
Île aux Cerfs and Tamarin dolphins.
For nature
Chamarel, gorges and wildlife parks.
With kids
Wildlife parks and island cruises.
Tours & transfers
Tours include hotel pickup and island transport.
By car
A car reaches Chamarel, the south and the coast.
By boat
Catamarans sail to Île aux Cerfs and the lagoons.
By metro
A light metro links Port Louis with nearby towns.
Where to stay
Stay near Port Louis, Grand Baie or the west coast.
Mauritian rupee
Mauritius uses the rupee; cards widely accepted.
Île aux Cerfs
Book a catamaran cruise with lunch and snorkeling.
Chamarel
See the coloured earth and waterfall in the south.
Wildlife parks
Walk with lions at Casela or see tortoises.
Central market
Explore the market and Caudan Waterfront.
Dolphins
Take an early Tamarin dolphin swim.
Sun protection
The tropical sun is strong — bring sunscreen.
Île aux Cerfs
Popular catamaran tours sell out — book ahead.
Chamarel tours
South tours fill up — reserve early.
Casela park
Lion walks have few slots — book ahead.
Dolphin swims
Morning tours sell out — reserve early.
North tours
Garden and Grand Baie tours fill up — book ahead.
Dry season
May to November is busiest — book ahead.
Île aux Cerfs
Around €55–90 for a catamaran cruise.
Chamarel tour
About €55–90 for a south island tour.
Wildlife park
Roughly €55–100 for a Casela or La Vanille tour.
City tour
Around €35–70 for a Port Louis city tour.
Dolphin swim
About €55–90 for a Tamarin dolphin tour.
How to save
Join group island and south tours to save.
Port Louis through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Sun & sea.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Peak.
- Best for
- Warm & festive.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
- Best for
- Lush & value.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cyclones.
- Best for
- Fresh & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Clearing.