Mauritius with Family: 7-10 Day Itinerary with Kids

Mauritius with kids: a paradise for children (and parents)

Mauritius is one of the most family-friendly destinations around. Its coral-protected lagoons offer calm, shallow water ideal for the youngest travelers, its people have a warm welcoming culture that extends especially to children, and the range of family activities guarantees that everyone — from toddlers to jaded teenagers — will find something they love.

What makes Mauritius exceptional for families is the rare combination of high beach safety (lagoons ringed by reefs cut the swell and limit currents), logistical ease (decent roads, well-equipped accommodation, accessible medical services), and a rich variety of experiences for every age.

This itinerary is designed for children aged 4 to 14. It adjusts pacing, distances and activities so kids genuinely take part in the trip rather than just endure it. For an overview of planning, our first trip to Mauritius preparation guide answers all your practical questions.

At a glance

Where	North (Trou aux Biches, Grand Baie), with side trips to the east coast (Belle Mare, Île aux Cerfs) and west (Chamarel, Casela)
Recommended duration	7 to 10 days, with at least 2 “no-plan” afternoons
Estimated budget	Roughly 1,800 to 2,900 euros for a family of 4 traveling comfortably, excluding flights (see detailed budget)
How to get around	Rental car with child seat(s) strongly recommended
Best time to go	May to December, avoiding January-February (cyclone season) — see our best time to visit guide

Choosing the right accommodation for a family

Before talking itinerary, accommodation is crucial. Our where to stay with family in Mauritius guide details everything to check for and offers a selection of the best places for families.

Family rooms: Check that your accommodation offers family rooms (a large room with a double bed and single beds) or standalone bungalows. Some hotels offer interconnecting rooms (two rooms linked by a door) — ideal for keeping an eye on the kids while keeping some privacy.

A safe pool: A pool with shallow areas for little ones is a must if you’re traveling with children under 6. Guardrails and supervision are things to check carefully.

Kids’ club: The big resorts (Veranda, Outrigger, Sunlife, Constance Belle Mare) offer supervised kids’ clubs run by activity leaders, giving parents some precious time as a couple. For upscale stays, see our where to stay in luxury guide.

Beach access: Check that the beach is directly accessible from the hotel and that it’s safe (calm lagoon, no motorboats). The beaches at Trou aux Biches and Belle Mare are particularly well regarded for family safety.

Recommended for families: The north coast (Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy), the east coast (Belle Mare, Palmar) and the west coast (Flic en Flac).

Before you leave: preparing for a family trip

Health: See your family doctor 6-8 weeks before departure for recommended vaccinations. For children, the standard vaccines (DTP, hepatitis A) are advised. Mosquito protection matters, especially for young children.

Sunscreen: SPF 50+ is essential — apply before heading to the beach and reapply every 2 hours. The tropical sun is merciless, even under cloud cover. Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults’ — be especially careful during the first few days.

Travel pharmacy: Anti-diarrheal medication, antihistamines, anti-itch cream, thermometer, pediatric paracetamol — bring your children’s usual medications from home. Pharmacies in Mauritius are well stocked, but finding specific brands can be tricky.

Getting around: Renting a car is particularly recommended for families — it lets you keep to your kids’ rhythm without relying on excursion schedules. For families who prefer not to drive, our no car guide offers alternatives.

Stroller or baby carrier: A stroller is handy on the promenades of Port-Louis and along coastal walks. In natural settings (hikes, soft-sand beaches), a baby carrier is more practical.

The itinerary at a glance

Day	Stage	Pace
1	Arrival, settling in, first swim	Very light
2	Family snorkeling + rest in the afternoon	Moderate
3	Pamplemousses Garden + Chamarel tortoises	Moderate
4	Île aux Cerfs, full beach day	Light
5	Casela Park, animals and adventure	Active
6	East coast: beaches, Flacq market, Île aux Aigrettes	Moderate
7	Blue Bay then a recovery afternoon	Light
8-10	Optional activities (catamaran, hiking, whale watching)	Variable

Traveling with a baby or toddler (0-3 years)

Mauritius works well for a first trip with a baby, as long as you adapt the pace. The overnight flight (around 11 hours from Paris) is easier for an infant than for a restless 2-3 year old — take advantage of that if you can choose your dates. Once there, favor accommodation with a kitchen or kitchenette (breakfast and evening meals at fixed times are simpler to manage), and check that a crib is available on request.

Diapers and infant formula are found in supermarkets (Winner’s, Intermart), but specific French brands may be missing — bring a backup stock. For toddlers, stick to one activity a day and favor shallow-lagoon beaches like Trou aux Biches or Mont Choisy rather than boat days, which are more tiring with a baby.

Day 1: arrival and first swim

Settling in gently

Arriving with children takes patience. After a long overnight flight (around 11 hours from Paris), kids are tired and disoriented. Arrange your airport transfer ahead of time — a car with a booked child seat is essential. You can book a private airport-to-hotel transfer in Mauritius, with the option to request a child seat when booking.

Keep the first day’s program light. Settle into your accommodation, have a relaxed lunch, and let the kids enjoy the pool or the beach in the afternoon. Don’t plan any outings for this first day — just rest.

The beach at Trou aux Biches is ideal for these first swims: shallow water for 50-100 meters from shore, safe white sand, and shade available under the filao trees. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and one of the safest for children.

Day 2: discovering the underwater world

Morning — snorkeling for everyone

One of the best gifts you can give your children in Mauritius is introducing them to the underwater world. In the northern lagoon, just a few meters from shore, hundreds of species of colorful tropical fish move among the coral.

Rent masks and snorkels (very cheap, under 200 rupees per person for the day). Children from around age 5-6 pick up snorkeling easily in the calm lagoon. Hold their hand the first few times. Our snorkeling and diving guide recommends the best spots for families with children.

For younger kids, or anyone who’d rather not put their head underwater: glass-bottom boats let you watch the fish without getting wet. Many operators in Grand Baie offer these trips (30 minutes, 500-800 rupees/adult, half price for children).

Afternoon — rest and beach games

The afternoon heat (2pm-5pm) is at its most intense. This is the ideal time for younger kids’ naps, shaded beach games, or a game of petanque or badminton, which some hotels provide.

Day 3: the botanical garden and giant tortoises

Morning — Pamplemousses: a garden of wonders

The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is a fantastic attraction for children. The Victoria amazonica water lilies — whose circular leaves reach 2 meters across and could theoretically hold a child — fascinate visitors of all ages. The local guide will have plenty of captivating stories about tropical botany. For an organized visit with transport, you can book an excursion to the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden with a guide included.

The centuries-old palm trees, breadfruit trees, rare banana species and the land tortoises roaming the garden round out the visit. Allow 2 hours and bring water — the tropical heat is intense even under the greenery.

Afternoon — giant tortoises at Chamarel

The park at Chamarel, in addition to the Seven Coloured Earths, is home to an enclosure of giant Aldabra tortoises. These 150kg-plus giants, some of them over 100 years old, fascinate children. Depending on the park’s rules, it’s usually possible to get close and gently touch their shell. Our Chamarel guide gives all the practical information for visiting with children.

The Chamarel waterfall (a 100-meter drop through the forest) is an impressive natural sight. For children who like a bit of thrill, the path leads down to the foot of the falls — bring sturdy shoes.

Day 4: Île aux Cerfs — the perfect beach day

Full day — the island paradise

Île aux Cerfs is the ultimate beach experience in Mauritius. The boat crossing from Trou d’Eau Douce gets kids excited from the start. On arrival, the turquoise lagoon and pristine white sand draw cries of delight even from teenagers. You can book a catamaran excursion to Île aux Cerfs with lunch included for a hassle-free family day out, complete with barbecue on the island.

Children can swim safely in the shallow lagoon. Age-appropriate activities are available on site: towable tubes, beginner water-skiing for older kids, family kayaking. The youngest ones will be happy building sandcastles or chasing little crabs along the beach.

Have lunch on the island at one of the restaurants (expect a higher budget than on the mainland) or bring a picnic in a cooler. The creole bakeries of Trou d’Eau Douce sell excellent sandwiches and buttered rolls at very reasonable prices.

Day 5: nature and adventure — Casela Park

Full day — Casela nature parks

Casela Park, on the west coast near Flic en Flac, is the most complete nature attraction in Mauritius for families. Its various zones offer activities for all ages:

Zoo and exotic animals: Lions, cheetahs, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, hippos. The lion walk (adults only), quad or buggy safaris through an African-style park. For children, interactions with tortoises, parrots and small animals are included with admission.

Adventure activities: Zip-lining for ages 7 and up (supervised), family quad biking, hiking with mountain goats. All set in a landscape of green valleys and mountains — a real change of pace from the beaches.

Budget: Expect 3,000-5,000 rupees for a family of 4 for a half-day, depending on the activities chosen. Book activities online before you arrive to save time.

Day 6: the east coast — wild beaches and a market

Morning — Belle Mare and Palmar

The east coast is home to some of the island’s least crowded beaches. Belle Mare and Palmar offer long stretches of white sand with good swimming conditions and generally calm lagoon waters. The water on the east coast is slightly less protected than in the north but remains generally safe. Our most beautiful beaches guide ranks Belle Mare among the island’s top five.

The central Flacq market (open Wednesdays and Sundays) is a fun experience for kids: the colors of tropical fruit, the smell of spices, the buzz of the vendors. It’s a great chance for children to try local fruits: lychee, longan, mango, jackfruit, papaya.

Afternoon — Île aux Aigrettes (nature reserve)

Île aux Aigrettes, off Pointe d’Esny beach (near Mahebourg), is a nature reserve managed by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. Guided tours (2 hours) let you observe reintroduced species: giant Aldabra tortoises, endemic day geckos, the Mauritius parakeet, the pink pigeon. An educational program perfect for nature-curious kids — they’ll come away with a lasting sense of conservation.

Day 7: Blue Bay and the seabed

Morning — Blue Bay Marine Park

Blue Bay Marine Park is ranked among the most remarkable snorkeling sites in the Indian Ocean. The coral is intact, the water exceptionally clear, and marine life abundant. For children who’ve been learning to snorkel over the previous days, it’s an unforgettable experience — visibility here surpasses every other spot in the north. You can book a snorkeling trip at Blue Bay with masks and equipment provided, suited to families with children.

Glass-bottom boat trips let younger kids — or anyone who’d rather not get wet — watch the coral and fish from the comfort of the boat.

Afternoon — well-deserved rest

With children, it’s important to build in recovery afternoons. Head back to your accommodation’s beach for a nap, some games and a free-form swim with no agenda. Kids need unstructured time to really enjoy the holiday.

Days 8-10 (if staying 10 days): extra activities

If your stay runs 10 days, the 3 extra days let you dig deeper into your kids’ favorite experiences or add new activities.

Catamaran outing: A day at sea toward the northern islands (Île Plate, Île Gabriel) is a memorable adventure for kids. A barbecue on a deserted beach, snorkeling with turtles, possible dolphin sightings in Tamarin bay — a day that will stick in everyone’s memory.

Visit a sugar mill: L’Aventure du Sucre in Pamplemousses turns a former sugar mill into a beautifully designed interactive museum. The history of Mauritian sugar and colonization is explained in a way that’s accessible to children aged 8 and up. Flavored sugar and rum tastings for the parents.

Surfing and kitesurfing lessons: For teenagers, Le Morne is the ideal playground, with schools offering courses for beginners (surfing from age 10-12, kitesurfing from age 14-16 depending on the school). Instructors are used to teenagers and know how to make progress fun.

Whale watching (seasonal): From July to November, humpback whales pass off the coast near Tamarin. Whale-watching trips are an unforgettable experience for children — an encounter with the giants of the sea in their natural environment.

Family hike to Le Pouce: For sporty families, the hike to the summit of Le Pouce (812 meters) from the village of Saint-Pierre takes 3-4 hours and is achievable with children aged 10 and up. Panoramic views over Port-Louis and the coast. Our hiking guide details all the trails suited to families.

What to do if a child falls ill on holiday

A minor cold, an ear infection or a bout of gastroenteritis can happen even on holiday. Take out travel insurance that includes health cover and repatriation suited to children before you leave — it’s the single most important precaution. If needed, Mauritius’s private clinics (Apollo Bramwell, Wellkin, Fortis Clinique Darné) treat children and have French-speaking staff; upmarket hotels generally have a partner doctor who can come to your room.

Keep a digital copy of each child’s health record and note your insurance number in your phone as soon as you arrive. For everyday minor issues (bites, sunburn, mild heatstroke), Mauritian pharmacies stock plenty of over-the-counter medication and staff are happy to advise parents.

Health tips for families

Mosquitoes: Apply mosquito repellent (DEET or picaridin) to children from sunset onward. Favor long clothing in the evening. Mosquitoes are present year-round but more active during the rainy season (November-April).

Heat: Avoid direct sun exposure between 11am and 3pm. Nap, pool or shaded activities during these hours. Dehydration sets in faster in children than in adults.

Water: Tap water is safe to drink in Mauritius, but many families prefer bottled water for young children. 1.5-liter bottles are cheap in supermarkets.

Doctors and pharmacies: Pharmacies are well stocked in Mauritius. General practitioners are easy to see and speak French. For a pediatric emergency, Darné Private Hospital in Floreal and Clinique Ferriere in Rose Hill are the most recommended facilities.

Food: Mauritian cuisine is varied and often spicy. For less adventurous eaters, rice and vegetable dishes, fried noodles and chicken skewers are universally popular and available everywhere. Don’t hesitate to ask for a “no chili” version at local restaurants.

Estimated budget for a family

For a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 children) over 7 days, “comfort” category:

• Accommodation (4-star hotel or family villa): 120-200 euros/night, or 840-1,400 euros
• Car rental with child seats: 40-50 euros/day, or 280-350 euros
• Meals: 50-80 euros/day for 4, or 350-560 euros
• Activities (Île aux Cerfs, Casela, Pamplemousses, snorkeling): 300-500 euros
• Fuel: 50-80 euros
• Estimated total: 1,820 to 2,890 euros for 4, excluding flights

Our budget guide details all the tricks for cutting costs without sacrificing quality.

Want an even fuller program? Check out our 10-day itinerary to add extra days to your stay, or our classic 7-day itinerary if you’d like to see the island without the specific constraints of family travel.