World of Seashells opened in December 2019 with Africa’s largest seashells collection consisting of more than 8000 shells and 1500 species.

Our surface area is about 420 m2 comprising 5 visiting zones (Myths & Legends, The Shell Theorem, Coming Out of Your Shell, Eco-Shells and The Shells Collection) and a retail corner.

Only Mauritian Rupees (MUR) in cash, debit/credit cards (excluding Diners Club), or mobile payment methods (available in Mauritius) such as Juice by MCB, Pop, and Blink are accepted for payments at World of Seashells. No foreign currencies in cash are accepted.

No split payment is accepted for entry ticket sales. Payment must be made in a single transaction, either in cash or by card.

Yes. Wireless internet access is free inside the gallery.

We are situated in the vestige of Bel Ombre Sugar Factory at Place du Moulin. Our ‘Hours, Admissions and Directions’ page will direct you to our Gallery.

• We are situated in the old Bel Ombre Sugar factory (dated 1870) and you are able to visit ‘Bel Ombre d’Antan’ and learn about the history of sugar industry in Mauritius and particularly in Bel Ombre.

• You can explore the south through various activities at Bel Ombre Nature Reserve https://www.belombrenaturereserve.com/

• You can lean more on glass recycling at Plankton Recycling Co-operative Society Ltd at 5 mins drive from World of Seashells.

Yes. We highly recommend ‘Lakaz Mama Restaurant’ at Kaz’Alala hosted B&B for tasty Mauritian flavours

Yes. Indications will guide you to the parking area of Place du Moulin.

Yes. To protect our coastal ecosystem, regulations have been put in place since 2006 regarding removal of coral and seashells in Mauritius:

• No one is allowed to remove seashells in the maritime zone of MRU unless holding a permit.

• No one is allowed to have seashells in possession for sale unless holding a permit.

• A person is not allowed to collect more than 10 seashells (dead ones) from a public beach.

World of Seashells however does not recommend to remove shells from the beach.

More information here

Yes. Some seashells may be removed from the marine zone of Mauritius mostly for consumption. These are:

• Betay

• Bigorneau

• Bouche d’argent

• Gono gono

• Hache d’Arme

• Mangouak

• Tek Tek

• Seashells are an important part of the coastal ecosystem as they help to stabilise beaches.

• They provide materials for some shorebird’s nest.

• Seashells are used as a home or attachment surface for algae, seagrass, sponges, and a host of other microorganisms.

• Fish use them to hide from predators.

• Hermit crabs use them as a temporary shelter.

• Most shells are made of calcium carbonate and in many coastal habitats they dissolve slowly and recycle back into the ocean.

If you have legally bought a shell, it should be declared at the airport together with the permit given to you by the seller. It cannot be guaranteed whether you will be granted permission or not to bring it to your country as it is recommended that you know the laws of your country before buying the shell. Otherwise, it could be confiscated, or you may have to pay a fine at the customs in your country.

Yes. Our retail corner is accessible to the public without any entrance fee.