Odysseo – oceanarium

Odysseo wasn't conceived as a collection of species from around the world, but as a window onto the region's waters. The oceanarium itself showcases around 200 emblematic species of the Indian Ocean, many of which live in the waters surrounding Mauritius. This makes it a great introduction before a trip out to sea: the parrotfish, rays, and jellyfish you see behind the glass are the same ones you might encounter later in the lagoon.

A project born in 2017, launched in the midst of a health crisis

The project was presented in 2017 by the Mauritian group Eclosia, with an opening initially announced for 2020. Construction lasted nearly three years, and the oceanarium finally opened to the public on September 6, 2021. Eclosia remains the main shareholder, with 46.6% of the operating company. Alongside them is Clear Reef International, a specialist in the design and operation of aquariums, which boasts more than fifty marine installations worldwide over the past thirty years.

No dolphins, by choice

Odysseo does not feature any marine mammals. This is not a shortcoming, but a deliberate decision made from the outset: its developers explained in 2017 that they did not want to confine dolphins and other mammals in tanks, as these animals require large spaces. Those who wish to see dolphins will observe them at sea, within the framework established by Mauritian regulations: see our article on swimming with dolphins in Mauritius and the guide on regulations governing the observation of dolphins, turtles, and whales.

How many Animals? Figures vary depending on the source.

Odysseo advertises on its own website 3,500 specimens, 200 species, 45 aquariums, and 5,500 m² of exhibition space. These are the figures given at the time of its opening in 2021. Other sources cite different figures: the Caudan Waterfront website mentions nearly 4,500 specimens and 2 million liters of water, while some travel websites mention more than 300 species. The discrepancy does not affect the visit; we are using the figures provided by the establishment.

The tour follows a logical path: starting from the shore and gradually moving out to sea, passing through the island's interior. The descriptions published by the establishment and its retailers distinguish six main areas.

The lagoon, the mangroves and the beaches

This is the Mauritius everyone knows on the surface: calm waters, seagrass beds, mangrove roots, colorful fish. Behind the glass, you discover what lives beneath this turquoise surface, and the nursery role that seagrass beds and mangroves play for a large part of the reef's fauna.

The rivers and forests of the interior

An unexpected interlude in an oceanarium: the island's lakes, rivers, and forests, with their freshwater inhabitants, insects, and reptiles. It serves as a reminder that the water from the Mauritian mountains always ends up in the lagoon.

Coral reefs

Coral reef aquariums showcase the barrier reef that surrounds almost the entire island and the multitude of fish that depend on it. To see these reefs in real life without diving, take the boat trip... glass-bottom boat in Blue Bay is the natural extension of the visit.

Invertebrates and jellyfish

Odysseo reminds us that invertebrates represent 95% of the planet's animal species. Starfish, octopuses, crustaceans, anemones and jellyfish inhabit this space, which is among the most contemplative on the route.

The open sea and sharks

The route ends offshore, with the tunnel and the large pool, described in the following section, then an area dedicated to sharks, designed to better explain these often misunderstood predators and the fact that all the oceans communicate with each other.

A guided tour, at your own pace

Along the way, signs explain each environment. Odysseo also offers multilingual audio guides (Rs 145) and a 12-minute virtual reality experience, Sea 360 VR, to "swim" with marine animals in a 360° setting. The exit is through the souvenir shop.

The glass tunnel is the highlight of Odysseo, the one mentioned by almost every visitor. You walk through it beneath the large tank, surrounded 360° by water: rays, moray eels, schools of fish, and sharks swim overhead and to the sides, separated from the visitor by a simple transparent wall. The idea was already present in the project presented in 2017: to give the impression of being at the bottom of the sea.

Among the sharks on display, Odysseo highlights the sand tiger shark, whose feeding can be observed, as well as the zebra shark. The shark feeding takes place in the facility's largest aquarium.

In addition to the self-guided tour, Odysseo offers several paid activities, in addition to the ticket price unless otherwise stated. The prices below are those displayed by the establishment in September 2026, in Mauritian rupees (Rs).

Feeding the fish

Every day at 10 Am and 2 Pm, an aquarist presents the activity and then invites the public to participate in feeding several Species. this is the most Affordable Experience: Rs 200 per person, For 1 To 10 participants, bookable on the day at the ticket office.

Feeding the sharks

From Monday to Friday at 11:00 AM, a maximum of two people per session. After a safety briefing, participants tour the backstage areas (life support systems room and aquarium kitchen) before observing or participating in shark feeding, using specialized equipment and under supervision. Rs 1,500 per person, including a welcome drink.

Behind the scenes at the aquarium

A guided tour of areas usually closed to the Public: animal care, filtration, and the daily operations of The oceanarium. monday to friday, Between 9 a.m. And 4 p.m., maximum two people per session, Rs 520 per person.

School of the Sea and Biologist for a Day

Two one-day programs for enthusiasts, Monday to Friday, for one or two people. The Sea School (Rs 1,500, 10 am to 3 pm) combines a guided tour, mini-lessons, and feedings of sharks, rays, jellyfish, starfish, and octopuses. The Biologist for a Day (Rs 3,000, 9 am to 3 pm) places participants alongside an aquarist in their daily tasks; admission, lunch, and a certificate are included.

Sleeping with sharks

On Friday evenings only, Odysseo offers an overnight stay opposite the shark aquarium: a guided nighttime tour, behind-the-scenes access, presentations, dinner, breakfast, bedding provided, and a souvenir t-shirt. Rs 3,900 per person. A minimum of 10 participants and a maximum of 14 are required; families can group together to reach this minimum, or book a private session.

Sea 360 VR

The 12-minute virtual reality immersion experience is offered daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Rs 250 per person. It is not open to children under 4 years old.

Common conditions

Odysseo's booking pages indicate that, for supervised activities, reservations must be made at least one week in advance, minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and arrival should be 15 minutes before the start time. The minimum age displayed varies depending on the page (4 or 5 years old): please check this when booking. Fish feeding is an exception and can be booked on-site, on the day itself.

School holiday shows

Odysseo occasionally organizes special events. For its fifth anniversary, from July 18 to August 16, 2026, the oceanarium presented "Legend of the Ocean," a show featuring pirates and a mermaid about pollution and coral bleaching, performed twice daily and included with admission. These programs change regularly: check the events section of the official website before your visit.

Established in 2024, the Odysseo Foundation extends the oceanarium's mission through field projects in Mauritius. Three programs are highlighted: the restoration of coral reefs through sexual reproduction, conducted with Secore International, the University of Mauritius, and the NGO Eco Sud; the preservation of mangroves and seagrass beds, which store "blue carbon"; and the protection of the Saint Brandon archipelago, one of the country's most remote and pristine environments, threatened by pollution, shipwrecks, and illegal fishing, in partnership with the St. Brandon Conservation Trust. The foundation also welcomes volunteers.

In terms of operation, the establishment indicates that it produces part of its energy using solar panels installed in its parking lot and offers waste sorting throughout the entire route.

Where is Odysseo located?

Odysseo is located in Les Salines, on the Harbour Waterfront in Port Louis, right next to the Caudan WaterfrontIt can easily be combined with a day in the capital: see our port louis Guide and, for cruise passengers, the article on thestopover in Port LouisThe Location is listed on our tourist map.

• By car From the M1 and M2 motorways, follow the signs for Port Louis Waterfront / Caudan Waterfront. Free covered parking is available for visitors.
• By bus or subway : get off at Victoria station, in Port Louis, then allow about 5 minutes on foot using the Caudan pedestrian bridge.

Schedules

Odysseo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:15 p.m. It is closed on January 1st. Longer opening hours (until 6 p.m., or even 9 p.m. on weekends) are still circulating on older websites: these no longer correspond to those displayed by the establishment in September 2026.

Entrance fees

Odysseo applies separate rates for residents and non-residents. for a foreign Visitor, the online ticketing system displays the following prices as of September 2026:

• Non-resident adult (18 years and over): Rs 1,280
• Non-resident child aged 4 to 12: Rs 960
• Children under 4 years old: free

The non-resident tariff does not include any fares for 13-17 year olds: for a teenager, check at the ticket office or with Odysseo which ticket to take before buying.

For residents, the admission price is Rs 650 for adults, Rs 325 for teenagers aged 13 to 17, Rs 285 for children aged 4 to 12, Rs 400 for seniors over 60, and free for children under 4. This rate is only granted upon presentation of a valid ID card (Mauritian identity card, passport, residence permit, or work permit) upon arrival; otherwise, the non-resident rate will apply.

The options (audio guide at Rs 145, Sea 360 VR at Rs 250) are in addition to the entrance ticket and require having one.

Buy your ticket: dated, linked to a time slot and non-refundable

An Odysseo ticket is valid for a specific date and time slot. Purchased online, it arrives by email as an e-ticket with a QR code, which can be presented on your phone or printed out. It cannot be used before the chosen time slot and becomes invalid once that time has passed. Buying online avoids waiting at the entrance, but it's best to book once you've finalized your plans for the day.

No tickets are refundable, whether purchased at the box office or online, including in the event of a program change. The only exception provided for in Odysseo's terms and conditions is the cancellation of an activity or event by the establishment itself, which entitles the holder to a refund.

You may be asked to provide proof of residence at the entrance to verify the type of ticket purchased: resident or non-resident status (passport, identity card, residence permit) and the age of any children. Please bring proof of age for any child admitted at the reduced or free rate.

The annual pass

Odysseo sells an annual pass offering unlimited access for 12 months, at Rs 1,800 per adult (13 years and older) and Rs 1,600 per child (4-12 years old). It also includes discounts (15% off admission for accompanying persons, 10% in the shop). It is primarily aimed at residents, but may also be of interest to a family on a long-term stay who plans to return.

On site

• Accessibility The route is wheelchair and stroller accessible, with changing facilities for toddlers. To plan a stay with a young child, see our article holidays in mauritius With a child in a stroller.
• Restoration Food and drinks brought from outside are not permitted; a food service area is available on site.
• Visit duration The establishment does not publish an indicative duration. Allow more time if you book an activity or wish to attend a feeding.
• Contact : +230 659 8000, oceanarium@odysseomauritius.com, official website odysseomauritius.com.

An idea for an outing in rainy weather

Fully covered, Odysseo is one of the few activities on the island that is not weather dependent. In Port Louis, it is combined with the natural history museum and his dodo, for a day dedicated to Mauritian wildlife, yesterday and today.

What is Odysseo?

Odysseo is the first oceanarium in mauritius And the largest in the mascarene Islands. Opened on September 6, 2021 in Port louis, it presents Approximately 3,500 animals of some 200 species from the Indian ocean In 45 aquariums, Over 5,500 m².

Where is Odysseo located?

In Les Salines, on the Harbour Waterfront in Port Louis, next to the Caudan Waterfront. Free covered parking is available, and Victoria Station is about a 5-minute walk away.

How much does it cost for a tourist to enter Odysseo?

As of September 2026, non-resident tickets cost Rs 1,280 for adults aged 18 and over and Rs 960 for children aged 4 to 12. Entry is free for children under 4. There is no price listed for non-residents aged 13-17; please contact Odysseo for details. The audio guide (Rs 145) and activities (animal feeding, behind-the-scenes tours, virtual reality) are extra.

What are Odysseo's opening hours?

Open daily from 9am to 5pm, last entry at 4:15pm. Closed on January 1st.

Can you see dolphins at Odysseo?

No. Odysseo intentionally does not feature any marine mammals. It does, however, feature fish, invertebrates, jellyfish, rays, and sharks.

Is it possible to feed the sharks at Odysseo?

Yes, on weekdays at 11 am, by reservation only, maximum two people per session, for Rs 1,500 per person. Fish feeding takes place daily at 10 am and 2 pm and can be booked on site for Rs 200.

Is it possible to sleep at Odysseo?

Yes, on Friday evening, with the "Sleep with Sharks" experience: Rs 3,900 per person, dinner and breakfast included, for a group of 10 to 14 people.

Can I get a refund for an Odysseo ticket?

No. Tickets are non-refundable, whether purchased online or at the ticket office. They are valid for a specific date and time slot and become invalid once that time has passed. Only cancellations made by Odysseo entitle the ticket holder to a refund.

Is Odysseo suitable for children and strollers?

Yes. The course is accessible by stroller and wheelchair, changing facilities are available, and entry is free for children under 4. Some activities require a minimum age of 4 or 5 years old.

Can we bring our own picnic?

No. Outside food and drinks are not permitted; a food service area is available on site.

Is Odysseo a good activity in case of rain?

Yes: the visit takes place entirely indoors, and the establishment presents itself as an outing for rainy days or hot afternoons.