Mauritius: Swim with Turtles & Port Louis Street Food Tour

Summary

Swim with sea turtles then snack your way through Port Louis

You’ll swim alongside wild turtles in crystal-clear waters at Trou aux Biches before tasting real Mauritian street food in Port Louis’ lively market and Chinatown—with plenty of laughs from your local guide along the way. Finish up at Fort Adelaide for sweeping views over the city that might just stick in your memory long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous about the turtles. Not scared exactly—just that weird flutter you get when you’re about to do something new. The boat ride out from Trou aux Biches was bumpy enough to make me laugh out loud (and clutch my bag), but the water was so clear it almost didn’t look real. Our guide, Ashvin, handed me a mask and said, “Don’t worry, they’re gentle.” He wasn’t kidding. Floating there, watching these big old turtles glide by—sometimes so close I could see the little scratches on their shells—I forgot about everything else for a while. There was this moment when one looked right at me; I swear it felt like he knew all my secrets.

Back on land, salt still drying on my arms, we headed into Port Louis for the street food tour. The market was chaos in the best way—vendors calling out in Creole and French, the smell of frying dough and spices everywhere. Ashvin insisted we try dholl puri first (I tried to say it right—he just grinned), then some fried noodles from a stall run by a woman who’s apparently been there longer than anyone can remember. Chinatown was next; I’d never tasted gato pima before and now I crave them every time I think of Mauritius. There’s something about eating with your hands under that noisy tin roof that makes everything taste better.

The last stop was Fort Adelaide up on the hill. It’s not fancy or anything—just old stone walls and cannons—but you can see all of Port Louis from up there. Ashvin told us stories about pirates and colonial times while the wind whipped around us. My hair was a mess by then but honestly, who cares? That view sticks with you. We stood there for a while without saying much, just looking out over the city and the sea beyond.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swim with turtles and food tour

• Boat ride to natural aquarium
• Snorkel and swim with turtles
• Local food tour at Port Louis market
• Visit Port Louis Chinatown for snacks
• Tour Fort Adelaide and learn history

Top questions

How long does the swim with turtles last?

The snorkeling and swimming with turtles takes around 30-45 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, private transportation with pickup is included in your day trip.

What kind of food will I try on this tour?

You’ll taste Mauritian snacks like dholl puri, fried noodles, drinks, and Chinese snacks in Port Louis market and Chinatown.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the tour provides prams or strollers and specialized infant seats if needed.

Do I need to be an experienced swimmer to join?

No special swimming skills are required; it’s suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health.

How much time is spent driving between locations?

Total driving time varies depending on where you’re staying around Mauritius; it’s included in the overall tour duration.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, drinks are included along with snacks during your food tour stops.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere around Mauritius, all snorkeling gear for swimming with turtles at Trou aux Biches, Mauritian snacks and drinks throughout the Port Louis street food tour (including Chinatown), plus entry to Fort Adelaide—always guided by a local who knows every shortcut and story along the way.