Question 1

Since when does the Gallery exist?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

How large is the Gallery?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What payment methods are accepted at World of Seashells?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Is there free WIFI at the Gallery?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Wireless internet access is free inside the gallery.

Question 5

Where is the Gallery exactly situated?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Are there other attractions to visit nearby?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Are there any restaurants in the area?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 8

Does the Gallery have a parking area?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

Are there any rules in Mauritius regarding collection of seashells on the public beach?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 10

Are we allowed to remove shells from the lagoon?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 11

How could the removal of shells from beaches damage the ecosystem and endanger organism that rely on shells for their survival?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Can we buy coral, shells and shell products as souvenirs to bring to other countries?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Can I come to your Gallery just to visit the shop? If so, do I have to pay for admission fee?

Accepted Answer

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

FAQ