PORT LOUIS - MAURITIUS
PORT INFORMATION
Port Louis is the capital and the main port on Mauritius – an island located in the south-west Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa.
Well known to every school child as the one time home of the now extinct Dodo, Mauritius has plenty to offer the increasing number of tourists flocking to this deserted destination.
From mountain landscapes to some of the finest beaches on the Indian Ocean, and a rich heritage of cultures so harmoniously showcased in the five Hindu, Islamic, Christian, Chinese and Creole districts of Port Louis, there is much more to Port Louis and Mauritius than a simple claim to being the perfect paradise!
Brief History of Port Louis - Mauritius
Named in honor of King Louis XV, Port Louis was founded by the French in the early 1700s and built as a way station for the French ships travelling around Africa.
The British captured the island in 1910 and encouraged it to flourish until 1968 when Mauritius adopted a new constitution and achieved independence.
Today, an emerging cruise hub, Port Louis Harbour welcomes more than 25 cruise vessels each year, carrying over 21,000 passengers.
Costa Cruises is the first operator world-wide to offer Indian Ocean cruises departing from Mauritius. The Costa Marine of the Costa fleet brings a more than 11,000 passengers to Mauritius, mainly Europeans in particular from Italy, France, Germany, Spain and the UK.
Cruise Terminal in Port Louis - Mauritius
The brand new, recently opened Christian Decotter Cruise Terminal can accommodate the largest ships in the world – a first in the Indian Ocean.
There are two access bridges for passengers and vehicles and plans are underway for a walkway between the jetty and the heart of town.
Security is arranged with a closed circuit camera surveillance system, three (3) metres high perimeter fencing and access control at the gate post.
The new cruise terminal also offers more than adequate parking slots for coaches, taxis and private vehicles
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport is about two hours from Port Louis near Mahébourg in south-eastern Mauritius. The country’s premier airport offers flights to Europe, North America, and Africa with major airlines such as British Airways, Emirates Airlines, and Lufthansa Airlines.
Must See Attractions in Port Louis - Mauritius
Beaches: The pristine beaches and stunning coral reefs of Mauritius are the main reason for the popularity of the island. Must see beaches include Pereybere Cove about 12 km north of Port Louis and near there, Grand Bay popular for water sports.
About 12 km south of the port, the white sands of Flic en Flac attract sunbathers.
Place d'Armes: Located in the capital, and not far from the cruise terminal, the Place d'Armes off the main square is noted for its original government houses, museums, churches and the statue of Mahé de Labourdonnais.
Fort Adelaide: In the heart of the city centre, Fort Adelaide was built in the mid 1800s and is now one of only four forts built by British which is not in ruins now. The citadel overs amazing views of the city.
Museums: The Natural History Museum near Port Louis Market showcases a replica of extinct dodo and the Mauritius Postal Museum features rare, exquisite stamps and assorted philately.
Black River George: For those with time on their hands, and transport, the Black Georges National Park covering an area of 6,574 hectares in the south of the island is one of the most important attractions on Mauritius. Established to preserve the natural vegetation of the island, the park offers access to the highest point of the island, Black River Peak as well.
