Port Louis Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Thierry (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; Alby Set, NIKOS DRITSAKIS, JBL, Paul McArthur, Laurent Collot · via Google Maps
- Country:
- Mauritius
- Region:
- Indian Ocean & Africa
- Coordinates:
- 20.1619° S, 57.4989° E
About Port Louis
Port Louis is the capital and most populous city of Mauritius, serving as the country's financial and political centre. As a cruise port in the Indian Ocean & Africa region, it sits among notable neighbouring ports including Cape Town, Durban, Mombasa and Le Port.
The port area is compact and highly walkable, with attractions concentrated in Port Louis itself. Umbrella Square is just 0.1 km from the cruise terminal, whilst the Blue Penny Museum and Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site are within 0.6 km. The Odysseo oceanarium and Citadelle fortress are equally accessible at 0.5 km and 1.2 km respectively.
Things to do in Port Louis
Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture through several key attractions. The Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site (rated 4.4 from 1,095 reviews) offers insight into the port's historical significance. The Blue Penny Museum (4.2 rating, 1,073 reviews) and Marie Reine de la Paix church (4.6 rating, 915 reviews) provide further cultural experiences. For family visits, the Odysseo oceanarium (4.2 rating, 1,308 reviews) is a popular choice, whilst the Citadelle fortress (4.2 rating, 3,088 reviews) delivers panoramic views and historical context.
Port Louis is the capital and most populous city of Mauritius, mainly located in the Port Louis District, with a small western part in the Black River District. Port Louis is the country's financial and political centre. It is administered by the Municipal City Council of Port Louis. According to the 2018 census conducted by Statistics Mauritius, the population was 147,066.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Port Louis on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Василий Лоханкин · via Google Maps Fortress
Citadelle (Fort Adelaide)
4.2 (3,088) 1.2 km from port
This 19th-century military fortress features a walled courtyard & panoramic city views.
Near: Cannon Stand (64 m) · Panorama Citadel (79 m)
- Good for children
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Citadel Fort Adelaide is a 19th-century hilltop fortress overlooking Port Louis, Mauritius. Built by the British to secure the capital…” — Udayan Chattopadhyay
- 5 · “A great place to visit in St Louis, I don't know what some of the other reviews are complaining about.…” — Martin Rapier
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Photo: Sundesh Ramchurn · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Umbrella Square
4.3 (1,710) 0.1 km from port
Near: Caudan Waterfront (27 m) · Bookcourt Caudan (29 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
- 5 · “Loved this place. We went right at sunset and it turned out to be the perfect timing, you get to…” — Akshay Hegde
- 5 · “Very cool and beautiful place with loads of shopping and gift shops. I had a great time.” — Arnaud James
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Photo: Michael Burton · via Google Maps Tourist attraction
Odysseo- oceanarium (Mauritius) LTD
4.2 (1,308) 0.5 km from port
Near: Swing Bridge (115 m) · Marina Quay Parking (187 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- 5 · “⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was our third visit to Odysseo, and the underwater world continues to amaze us every single time! We…” — Urshita Bhowany Gungaram
- 5 · “I had a lovely experience visiting with my 1-year-old baby. The staff were polite, welcoming, and very attentive. What impressed…” — vaneesa bissoon
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Photo: Aleksandr · via Google Maps Museum
Aapravasi Ghat World Heritage Site
4.4 (1,095) 0.6 km from port
Former immigration depot for indentured labour from India, now home to an Interpretation Centre.
Near: Sen & Ken Restaurant (127 m) · Mauritius Postal Museum (181 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Aapravasi Ghat is a historic immigration depot on the Port Louis waterfront in Mauritius. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site…” — Udayan Chattopadhyay
- 5 · “This is a quick and must-see stop from the Caudan Waterfront area - I recommend parking there and walking through…” — Emily Barksdale
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History Museum
Blue Penny Museum
4.2 (1,073) 0.2 km from port
Charming museum with stamp, coin & art exhibits devoted to the cultural heritage of Mauritius.
Near: Bookcourt Caudan (59 m) · Caudan Waterfront (61 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Friday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “Must see if you are in Port Louis. Small but very nice museum about history of Mauritius. There is also…” — Radka Nováková
- 5 · “Great museum to visit even if you are not a stamps guy. Beside the world famous blue and red Mauritius…” — Felix B.
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Church
Marie Reine de la Paix
4.6 (915) 1.0 km from port
- 5 · “Such a stunning peaceful holy place. Well worth a visit. Statue of our blessed mother is so beautiful.” — Diane Smit
- 5 · “very calm, peaceful place. beautiful view of the city. Here you can spend time in peace and quiet. We really…” — Ксения Л.
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Tourist attraction
Cruise Pier Port Louis Quay 2
4.0 (71) 1.1 km from port
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Mauritius best best Port Louis” — yogesh ghogale
- 5 · “Feel very safe, great police visibility. They even ask tourists if they are happy and ok. Keep it up.” — Willie W
Map of Port Louis and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Port Louis
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