North Mauritius tour: Citadel Fort, Red Church, Odysseo and lunch

Walk the ramparts of a 19th-century fort, then descend into an underwater tunnel full of sharks and rays.

A guided tour of northern Mauritius covering eight stops (forts, churches, markets, a UNESCO site and an oceanarium) with a 3-course Mauritian lunch in Pamplemousses and all entry tickets included. The route takes 6 to 8 hours and moves by air-conditioned vehicle with a certified driver-guide. Pickup is included, and the guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian and five other languages.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore northern Mauritius highlights

• Visit Citadel Fort for panoramic views
• Stop at Marie Reine de la Paix church
• See the Red Church of Cap Malheureux
• Explore Aapravasi Ghat historic site
• Walk through Caudan Waterfront and Craft Market
• Shop at Central Market in Port Louis
• Discover marine life at Odysseo Oceanarium
• Enjoy 3-course Mauritian lunch in Pamplemousses

The experience

The day opens at Citadel Fort, a 19th-century stone fortress perched above Port Louis where you walk the ramparts and take in panoramic views of the racecourse, mountains, harbour and the city below. From there the route moves through Marie Reine de la Paix, a hillside church with gardens and city views, then to Cap Malheureux to photograph the Red Church against its turquoise lagoon backdrop. These three stops anchor the scenic half of the morning.

The cultural and historic stops follow: Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where indentured labourers from India first landed, tells the story of the island's multicultural roots through preserved stone structures. Caudan Waterfront, one of Mauritius' most iconic seaside attractions, lets you stroll through Umbrella Square for photos and browse the Craft Market for handmade souvenirs and local products. Central Market in Port Louis buzzes with vendors, fresh fruits, spices, herbal teas and textiles: a genuine glimpse into everyday Mauritian life. Lunch arrives in Pamplemousses village: a 3-course authentic Mauritian meal (vegetarian or halal options available) in a cozy local restaurant.

Odysseo Oceanarium, the largest in the Indian Ocean, closes the day. You walk through beautifully designed galleries of hundreds of marine species (tropical fish, rays, sharks, coral reefs and deep-sea creatures), then through an underwater tunnel for a close-up view of life beneath the waves. The tour includes all entrance fees, bottled water, air-conditioned transport and a certified guide. Gratuities are optional.

What’s included

• Certified driver-guide.
• air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your hotel.
• bottled water throughout the day.
• all entrance tickets to Citadel Fort, Marie Reine de la Paix, Red Church, Aapravasi Ghat, Caudan Waterfront, Central Market and Odysseo Oceanarium.
• 3-course authentic Mauritian lunch (vegetarian or halal) in Pamplemousses.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (6 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 5 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Polish and Turkish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Paradise In Your Palm Tours

Is this one for you?The tour covers eight stops across 6 to 8 hours, so the pace is steady with time to walk and explore at each site (ramparts at the fort, market stalls, the oceanarium tunnel) rather than a quick photo stop at each one. If you want to see northern Mauritius' mix of history, culture and marine life in a single day without arranging your own transport, this itinerary fits that need.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Polish and Turkish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (6 to 17 years); Child (3 to 5 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is Citadel Fort like when you get there?

Citadel Fort is a 19th-century stone fortress perched above Port Louis with ramparts you can walk and old watchtowers to explore. The main draw is the panoramic view of the capital (the racecourse, mountains, harbour and colourful streets spread below) making it a favourite stop for photography and a peaceful break above the busy city.

Can I walk around Caudan Waterfront and the Central Market, or is it just a drive-through?

Both stops are built for walking and exploring. At Caudan Waterfront you stroll through Umbrella Square, browse the Craft Market for handmade souvenirs, and enjoy the marina views along the promenade. At Central Market you wander through colourful stalls of fresh fruits, spices, textiles and local products, and can taste local snacks while you shop.

What does the 3-course lunch include, and are there dietary options?

The lunch is an authentic Mauritian meal served in a cozy local restaurant in Pamplemousses village, with vegetarian or halal options available depending on your preference. It gives you a true taste of island cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

What will I see at Odysseo Oceanarium?

Odysseo is the largest oceanarium in the Indian Ocean, with beautifully designed galleries featuring hundreds of marine species: colourful tropical fish, graceful rays, sharks, coral reefs and unique deep-sea creatures. The highlight is an underwater tunnel where you walk close to the life beneath the waves and learn about marine conservation through interactive displays.

How long does the whole tour take, and what's included in the price?

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours and includes all entrance fees to every stop, a certified driver-guide, air-conditioned transport, bottled water and the 3-course lunch. Pickup from your hotel is included. Gratuities are optional.