Odysseo Mauritius Aquarium Tested: What Nobody Tells You About This Ocean Paradise

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Mauritius aquarium Odysseo stands as the largest oceanarium in the Mascarene Islands, showcasing an impressive 4,500 specimens across 200 different marine species. Most visitors don’t realize the true scale of this underwater paradise until they’re surrounded by its 45 stunning aquariums.

Beyond just displaying marine life, Odysseo Mauritius Aquarium serves as a place of discovery, education, and awareness. Visitors can experience thrilling shark encounters, feed majestic stingrays, and immerse themselves in virtual marine adventures through 3D projections and cutting-edge technology. Indeed, with 300 different species to discover, this Port Louis attraction offers far more than the typical aquarium experience.

The beautiful and clean facility features various activities both inside and outside, making it perfect for a family day out. With admission tickets starting from just £26, it provides excellent value considering most visitors spend around 2.5 hours exploring. Furthermore, a percentage of all ticket sales directly supports marine conservation projects, allowing visitors to contribute to ocean protection while enjoying an unforgettable experience.

What Is Odysseo Mauritius Aquarium and Why It Stands Out

Inaugurated in August 2021, Odysseo Mauritius Aquarium represents a groundbreaking marine conservation initiative in Port Louis. Spanning an impressive 5,500 square meters, this magnificent facility stands as the premier oceanarium in the Mascarene region. The aquarium’s expansive design houses 45 different aquatic habitats contained within 2,000 cubic meters of pristine water, creating an immersive underwater experience.

Odysseo distinguishes itself through its comprehensive “Learn, Love, Protect” philosophy. This approach extends beyond mere entertainment, positioning the aquarium as a vital educational hub where visitors develop genuine appreciation for marine ecosystems. The facility regularly hosts educational programs for schools, having welcomed over 63,000 students from primary and secondary institutions throughout the year.

What truly sets this mauritius aquarium apart are its conservation initiatives. The oceanarium actively participates in:

• Fighting plastic pollution through the ExPLOI project (Expédition Plastique Océan Indien)
• Protecting endangered sea turtles through specialized programs
• Coral regeneration efforts to restore damaged reef systems

Additionally, Odysseo maintains a zero single-use plastic policy throughout its premises, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility. The mauritius sea life displayed includes approximately 200 species and over 4,000 specimens native to the Indian Ocean.

Families particularly appreciate the oceanarium’s thoughtful amenities. Interactive games, ocean-themed playgrounds, and hands-on exhibits engage visitors of all ages. Nursing and baby changing rooms accommodate families with young children, moreover, specialized facilities ensure people with reduced mobility can fully experience the wonders of the ocean.

The Odysseo Mauritius Aquarium operates under the stewardship of the Eclosia Group (46.6% ownership) and Clear Reef International DMCC (11.8% ownership), combining local investment with international aquarium expertise. Clear Reef brings valuable experience from establishing over 50 aquariums worldwide during the past three decades.

Beyond its educational mission, Odysseo serves as a platform for scientific exchange, hosting conferences and seminars that address critical environmental challenges.

Inside the Experience: What to Expect During Your Visit

The journey through Odysseo Mauritius Aquarium unfolds across six distinct domains, each offering visitors a unique glimpse into the underwater world. As you begin your exploration, the Lagoon domain welcomes you with its calm waters and surprisingly rich biodiversity, showcasing the vibrant marine life native to Mauritius.

First, you’ll encounter the Lagoon’s colorful fish, seagrass beds, and coral reefs before moving to the Inland Forests zone with its diverse freshwater species, insects, and reptiles. Subsequently, the Coral Reefs domain reveals its fragile ecosystem teeming with life. The Open Sea section provides a fully immersive experience where stingrays, sharks, and eels swim alongside you as you pass through the underwater tunnel.

The aquarium offers several interactive experiences that set it apart from typical attractions:

• Instant Feeding – Grab a cup of food and watch colorful reef fish swarm before your eyes in the lagoon zone
• Encounter with Sharks – Step onto the feeding platform for an adrenaline-pumping face-to-face experience with gray reef sharks
• Feed the Rays – Mentored by marine biologists, enjoy hands-on interaction with stingrays

For those seeking deeper understanding, guided visits provide expert insights into marine life, local peculiarities, ecosystems, and conservation efforts. Meanwhile, the Virtual Nature area offers an augmented reality experience with interactive activities including Vertigo (an interactive mat) and 3D projections of marine mammals.

After exploring, visitors can relax at the Food Area, exclusively accessible to guests, featuring 80 seats and a playground for children. The on-site shop offers thoughtful souvenirs including plush toys, clothing, books, and educational games.

Notably, the aquarium operates Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with visitors advised to arrive at least 15 minutes before their scheduled session. Essentially, Odysseo is wheelchair accessible with free wheelchairs available upon 48-hour advance booking. The facility accommodates families with nursing and baby changing rooms, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.