Mauritius is one of the easiest long-haul destinations to enjoy with children. The lagoons are warm and shallow, the resorts are used to families and the island is small enough that most outings are a morning or a day. The key is to match each activity to your children’s ages, to plan around the heat and to build in plenty of beach time. Here is how to put together a family trip that works for everyone.
Choosing where to stay
Look for a sheltered beach with calm, shallow water. The north-west coast around Trou aux Biches and Grand Baie, the west around Flic en Flac and the east around Belle Mare and Trou d’Eau Douce all have gentle lagoons. Resorts with childcare are a boon: Shangri-La Le Touessrok has a kids club, babysitting and childcare, and its beach villas suit groups, Mauricia Beachcomber has a free kids club and free water sports, and Veranda Tamarin has a kids club in a relaxed, surf-town setting. Trou aux Biches Beachcomber has seven pools plus a children’s pool and offers babysitting and childcare services for a surcharge. Check what is included in your package, since childcare and meal plans vary.
Easy beach days
For toddlers and small children, the best days are often the simplest: a shallow lagoon, a bucket and spade and a shady spot. Public beaches such as Trou aux Biches, Flic en Flac and Belle Mare have calm water and facilities nearby. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, rash vests, hats and water shoes, as coral and sea urchins can be sharp underfoot. Keep children close, since some beaches shelve steeply, and use life jackets for non-swimmers on boat days.
Animals and nature
Casela Nature Parks on the west coast is the family favourite, with a large park of savannah, valley and forest, walks with animals, safaris and, for older children, adventure activities. The Pamplemousses botanical garden is a gentle outing with giant water lilies, shady paths and plenty of space to run around. On the south-east tour, the giant tortoises of Ile aux Aigrettes and La Vanille are a highlight for younger children. Dolphin trips from Black River are magical, but check the age policy and the length of the trip, as the early start and the boat time may be tiring for very young children.
Boat days and water activities
The catamaran to Ile aux Cerfs is a great family day, with snorkelling, a barbecue lunch and white sand, and children travel at a reduced rate. The Ile aux Bénitiers cruise on the west coast is a similar day with mountain scenery. For nervous swimmers, the underwater sea walk in the north lets children walk on the seabed without swimming, subject to age and height limits. Always check minimum ages and bring life jackets, hats and plenty of water on any boat day.
Rainy days and midday heat
Tropical showers are common in summer, and midday heat can be intense, so have indoor plans in reserve. The Odysseo oceanarium in Port Louis is air-conditioned and engaging, with 45 tanks and an underwater tunnel, and the L’Aventure du Sucre museum is interactive and combines well with a lunch break. Use the middle of the day for a pool or a nap, and save outdoor sightseeing for the morning and late afternoon.
For older children and teenagers
Teenagers will enjoy the zipline at Vallé Advenature Park, quad biking, snorkelling and the Chamarel waterfall and coloured earth, which is short and photogenic. The Le Morne hike and Black River Gorges walk require children to be at least ten for the guided tours, so check each operator’s limits. Kitesurfing lessons suit confident teenagers and adults, and are a great way to try something new.
Practical tips
Book transfers in advance, as the airport is an hour or more from most resorts, and ask for child seats if you hire a car or a driver. Most hotels will provide cots on request. Carry snacks and water on every outing, plan the longer drives for nap time and expect to adjust for the heat. Keep a sun-smart routine, with hats, shade and regular reapplication of sunscreen, and keep children hydrated. Mauritians are famously welcoming to families, and a little flexibility goes a long way.
