Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 92 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience worth booking?
Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience is a 8-hour experience in Port Louis, Mauritius, from $120 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 92 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 61 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (92)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $120 per person
* Note: It is forbidden to touch or interact with the turtles. * Note: This tour is private except for the snorkeling with giant turtles portion. * Note: Typically the swimming with wild turtles portion of the tour is done first, however this may change depending on the tides. See the North of Mauritius in a unique way by starting your day snorkeling with giant turtles in the Indian Ocean! Board a boat from the northwest coast of the island, and use our snorkeling gear while swimming with these magnificent creatures (masks & tubes - fins are not allowed). After the adventure, take photos at the famous Notre Dame Auxiliatrice (The Red Church), set against the backdrop of a beautiful lagoon, and the famous island of Coin de Mire. Next, visit the famous Pamplemousses Botanical Garden where you'll discover a variety of plants native to the island. Finish your day in the bustling capital of Port Louis and visit the well-known Caudan Waterfront, the popular outdoor market, and more!
What you get
About this experience
* Note: It is forbidden to touch or interact with the turtles. * Note: This tour is private except for the snorkeling with giant turtles portion. * Note: Typically the swimming with wild turtles portion of the tour is done first, however this may change depending on the tides. See the North of Mauritius in a unique way by starting your day snorkeling with giant turtles in the Indian Ocean! Board a boat from the northwest coast of the island, and use our snorkeling gear while swimming with these magnificent creatures (masks & tubes - fins are not allowed). After the adventure, take photos at the famous Notre Dame Auxiliatrice (The Red Church), set against the backdrop of a beautiful lagoon, and the famous island of Coin de Mire. Next, visit the famous Pamplemousses Botanical Garden where you'll discover a variety of plants native to the island. Finish your day in the bustling capital of Port Louis and visit the well-known Caudan Waterfront, the popular outdoor market, and more!
What's included
Included
- Snorkeling with turtles
- Air-conditioned and insured taxi, minibus or coach
- Hotel pickup, dropoff and transportation in a private vehicle
- Snorkeling gear (masks and tubes - fins ar enot allowed)
- Services of a fully licensed, qualified driver
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Lunch or snacks
What you'll see and do
Plage de Trou aux Biches
Start the day with one of the most unique experiences in Mauritius: snorkeling with wild, giant turtles! You will board a boat on the northwest coast of the island and have the opportunity to snorkel with turtles in their natural environment. These Giant Green Sea Turtles can reach up to 1.2m in length and weight up to 200kg. Apart from the turtles, you can see a variety of marine life, including different varieties of tropical fish and coral. Snorkeling gear is included (masks and tubes - fins are not allowed)! Note: Typically the swimming with wild turtles portion of the tour is done first, however this may change depending on the tides. The total time spent on the boat and snorkeling is around 45 minutes.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Notre Dame Auxiliatrice
Notre Dame Auxiliatrice, also known as "The Red Church" is a beloved landmark located in the picturesque town of Cap Malheureux, in the far northwest of the island. The church makes an excellent photo opportunity against the backdrop of the stunning Indian Ocean. Also visible from Cap Malheureux is the famous island of Coin de Mire, located almost due north of Mauritius.
30 minutes here
SSR Botanic Garden
In the historical village of Pamplemousses, you will visit the famous Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, where you will get to see the giant waterlilies and 85 varieties of palm trees from around the world. You will also discover the various spices and medicinal plants and learn about the various endemic and imported plants in the garden.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Port Louis
A tour of the North isn’t complete without a visit to Port-Louis, the capital of Mauritius. The city is a blend of the old and the new. On one side you have the hustle and bustle of the city’s historical market (bazaar), built in 1828, where you can bargain for different spices and souvenirs and sample Mauritian street food. And on the other side you have the modern Caudan Waterfront, where there visitors can shop at brand name stores and eat at various restaurants. You can visit the areas of Port-Louis that interest you such as the Aapravasi Ghat (UNESCO heritage site), and the smaller streets. For great views, your driver will take you for a stop at the Citadel and you will also get to see the Champs de Mars racecourse on the way.
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bonjour Mauritius
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The swimming with turtles portion of this outing is not recommended for pregnant women. All children under 12 years old should be accompanied.
- In most cases you will see turtles. However, if this is not the case, a second outing will be offered on the boat free of charge (transportation to and from your hotel are not included for the second outing). It’s important to note that there will be no refund once you have completed the activity.
- This tour lasts up to eight hours, and you will be able to choose how long you spend at each attraction (except for the turtles portion). Depending on your group’s speed you may not have time to see all the listed attractions. You will be able to stop for lunch but the price of the lunch is not included
- Bring swimwear and a towel for the swimming with turtles portion, and a change of clothes and comfortable walking shoes for the rest of the tour
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 92 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
92 verified traveler reviews for Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Taxi driver not tour guide - very disappointed in many elements of the trip!
This was not a tour guide, he was a taxi driver looking to be as quick as possible!! Car smelt of cigarettes! Insisted on driving with window wide open despite asking to close as blowing a gale in back. Radio crackled for majority of journey, no attempt to retune despite asking. Did not point any attraction out on the way other than tram station and phoenix beer! Tried to tell us the gardens were not included as part of trip, when I said we pay ourselves but itinary says we can go, then said we could go but you be very quick! We didn’t want to go to market in Port Louis and asked to be taken into town to see the sights - he drove us along main road, pointed at market and said that’s it and off we drove! Couldn’t tell you what the capital has to offer but we certainly weren’t offered what was on the itinary for there!! The red church and the surrounding beach is lovely. The glass bottomed boat was good, we only seen one turtle but didn’t swim as it was nervous. Ethically I understand this but please don’t expect this to be a turtle swim when you book. My husband and son enjoyed the snorkelling and the crew were great! We went to the botanical garden and paid for the guide (would absolutely recommend this!) he was incredibly knowledgable and fun, he made the hour tour fly by. The amount we initially allocated for driver tip was split between the boat crew and the gardens guide, the driver had the remaining 200 rupees (£3) He was essentially a taxi driver and not a tour guide!! This was my worst Viator experience having used them for over 20 years all over the world.
Response from the operator: Hi, thanks for your review and feedback, and we apologize for the experience you had. We will follow up with your driver regarding your feedback, as this is not the type of service we wish to offer.
via Viator
A beautiful with a Very good driver SAN
Good turtle swimming, nice church, a short turnaround in Port Louis and a great botanical garden in Pampelmouse.
Response from the operator: Hi, thanks for your review! We're happy you enjoyed the excursion and we hope to see you again soon!
via Viator
Lovely day
Excellent Trip would highly recommend and definitely to it again. Trip was amazing, seeing Turtles not too far from shore, deep enough to swim. Only thing put me off, was too many people in swimming at same time too see Turtles.
Response from the operator: Hi, thanks so much for your review! We're glad you had a great trip and we hope to see you again soon!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing, a must do!
This private tour experience was amazing, our driver was extremely accommodating. Would highly recommend this experience especially when dealing with tour companies on the island want to charge you £900 for this exact experience
Response from the operator: Hi Kate, thanks so much for your wonderful review! We're happy you enjoyed the trip and we hope you're having a great stay in Mauritius!
via Tripadvisor
Disappointed you do not swim with turtles
Avoid this you do not swim with turtles you are ferried 150metres to an anchored speedboat that has an anchor with bait attached and a turtle is feeding from it - it’s chaotic as people enter the water to see the turtle - the water is murky and it’s just a waste of money. The changing facilities are beyond basic. The trip was also to Port Louis the red church and pamplemousse gardens all of which are worth visiting and our car and driver were excellent but swimming with turtles is just a set up and shouldn’t be allowed you dont swim with them and the whole management of this part of the day was shambolic and should be avoided .
Response from the operator: Hi Deborah, thanks for your review and feedback. We're sorry you didn't like the turtles portion of the excursion. Please note that the turtles are wild, and some days there may be more than others. We're glad you liked the rest of the tour.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Price range
- $120 to $285
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 32
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bonjour Mauritius, who run 12 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.6.
See everything Bonjour Mauritius runsWhy this scores 61
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Port Louis.
How much does Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience cost?
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Prices start at $120 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Port Louis usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience take?
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Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Port Louis is not rushed.
Is Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 92 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Port Louis, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience?
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Around 32 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Port Louis can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Port Louis and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Port Louis within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Port Louis?
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On Outty we rank every Port Louis experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Mesmerizing south west guided tour of mauritius. (Vallé optional), Private taxi : North guided tour of mauritius., Port-Louis Street Food Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Port Louis?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Port Louis?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience?
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Included: Snorkeling with turtles; Air-conditioned and insured taxi, minibus or coach; Hotel pickup, dropoff and transportation in a private vehicle; Snorkeling gear (masks and tubes - fins ar enot allowed); and Services of a fully licensed, qualified driver. Not included: Entrance fees; and Lunch or snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 214 listed pickup locations in and around Port Louis. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience offered in?
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It is offered in English and French. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and The swimming with turtles portion of this outing is not recommended for pregnant women. Al. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Turtle Snorkelling & Scenic North Island Full-Day Experience?
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Across 92 reviews averaging 3.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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