From Seashells to the Lagoon: A Marine Learning Experience in Bel Ombre
In Bel Ombre, a marine learning experience begins with seashells and continues all the way to the lagoon. Through World of Seashells and the Heritage Marine Education Centre, visitors can discover two complementary ways to better understand the ocean, its richness and the importance of protecting it.
This journey connects wonder with knowledge: observing the shapes and colours of seashells, then exploring the living ecosystems that form the lagoon.
World of Seashells, a Gateway to the Marine World
Located at Place du Moulin, World of Seashells invites both children and adults to discover a unique collection in Mauritius. The museum showcases more than 8,000 seashells from around the world. Each piece reveals a shape, texture, pattern or colour created by nature.
This first step offers a simple and visual introduction to the ocean, while helping visitors learn more about molluscs, their unique features and their connection to marine environments.
Understanding Nature Through Seashells
Beyond their beauty, seashells tell a story of protection, adaptation and underwater life. Their shapes, defence mechanisms and natural details help visitors learn more about certain species and the way they interact with their environment.
This discovery encourages visitors to see the ocean differently: not only as a beautiful landscape, but as a living ecosystem made of species, habitats and fragile natural balances.
From the Museum to the Bel Ombre Lagoon
After observing the seashells, attention naturally turns towards the habitats where marine life develops. The Bel Ombre lagoon includes several dozen hectares of reef habitats and seagrass beds. These spaces play an essential role in the balance of species and the health of the marine environment.
This is where the Heritage Marine Education Centre extends the experience, moving from the observation of marine treasures to a deeper understanding of the ecosystems around them.
Heritage Marine Education Centre, Learning to Better Protect
Located at C Beach Club in Bel Ombre, the Heritage Marine Education Centre is an interactive centre dedicated to marine environmental education and protection.
Created at the initiative of ER Hospitality, it is part of a sustainable development approach led by the Now for Tomorrow programme. Focused on the Bel Ombre lagoon, it helps the public better understand the region’s ecosystems. Operated by marine biologists from Reef Conservation, the centre also serves as a research centre, housing a laboratory for biologists.
Coast & Marine at the Heart of Discovery
At the Heritage Marine Education Centre, the public can learn about the different environments that form the lagoon, from wetlands to seagrass beds, coral reefs and the ocean floor.
Coastal forests and wetlands, including mangroves, are home to a diversity of species that contribute to the maintenance of marine life.
Underwater, seagrass beds and coral reefs provide habitats and food for several species, such as crabs, shrimps, birds and marine mammals.
The centre also highlights the ocean floor and the fauna found in Bel Ombre, including pelagic fish, molluscs and other lagoon species. By studying their habitats and needs, it helps raise public awareness of their long-term preservation.
Learning Differently Through Interactive Experiences
The Heritage Marine Education Centre makes learning more engaging through a practical, interactive and accessible approach.
Upon reservation, visitors can explore the centre and take part in different activities, such as an immersive visit, an educational walk along Bel Ombre beach, a glass-bottom boat trip, a laboratory experience or a citizen science experience.
Please note that boat trips are generally available for in-house guests only.
Some activities are available free of charge upon reservation. Other experiences, including boat activities or guided visits of the mangrove area, may be subject to additional fees.
Two Complementary Experiences in Bel Ombre
World of Seashells and the Heritage Marine Education Centre allow visitors to discover the marine world on two different scales.
At the museum, attention is drawn to seashells, their shapes and the stories they tell. At the centre, the experience expands to habitats, species and the actions taken to better understand and protect the lagoon.
Together, these two places create a coherent educational journey: starting with wonder, then moving towards a deeper understanding of the ocean.
A Sustainable Vision Led by Now for Tomorrow
The Heritage Marine Education Centre also reflects a ridge-to-reef approach, highlighting the importance of terrestrial ecosystems and their connection to the marine environment.
This approach is part of the Now for Tomorrow sustainable development programme, which supports actions designed to protect and conserve the dynamic ecosystems of Bel Ombre, from ridge to reef.
These efforts are guided by key performance indicators, helping to track progress over time and support this preservation mission.
For the public, this approach makes sustainability more tangible. It reminds us that protecting the ocean often begins with knowing it better.
Knowing the Ocean Better to Protect It Better
From the world of seashells to the lagoon, Bel Ombre offers a marine learning experience that connects discovery, science and sustainability.
World of Seashells awakens curiosity through the beauty of seashells, while the Heritage Marine Education Centre helps visitors better understand the living ecosystems of the lagoon. Together, these two places remind us that the ocean is a precious world to discover, understand and protect.
FAQ
What is World of Seashells in Bel Ombre?
World of Seashells is a museum located at Place du Moulin in Bel Ombre. It presents more than 8,000 seashells from around the world and offers an educational discovery of their shapes, colours, patterns and unique features.
What is the Heritage Marine Education Centre?
The Heritage Marine Education Centre is an interactive centre for marine environmental education and protection, located at C Beach Club in Bel Ombre. Focused on the lagoon, it helps the public better understand the region’s ecosystems and also serves as a research centre, with a laboratory for biologists.
What can visitors do at the Heritage Marine Education Centre?
Upon reservation, visitors can explore the centre and take part in different activities, such as an immersive visit, an educational walk along Bel Ombre beach, a glass-bottom boat trip, a laboratory experience or a citizen science experience.
Can visitors access the Heritage Marine Education Centre for free?
Yes, visitors can explore the Heritage Marine Education Centre and take part in some educational activities free of charge upon reservation. The centre is also supported by voluntary contributions, which help support its education, awareness and marine
protection initiatives. Some experiences, such as boat activities or guided visits of the mangrove area, may be subject to additional fees.
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