Mauritius with kids: The ultimate family holiday guide

Wild dolphin swims, rainbow-hued sands and luxe resorts that roll out the red carpet for kids – Mauritius is paradise served family-style. Whether you're towing tiny travellers or too-cool teens, here's why this Indian Ocean isle is well worth underlining on your holiday wish list.

Easy days, happy stays – that’s what family holidays in Mauritius are about. Most days will revolve around calm lagoons, soft sand and all-singing resorts, ticking off everything you need for beach holiday perfection. But swap flip flips for trainers and you’ll find there’s more to discover – explore forests where giant tortoises roam, buzzy markets piled high with sun-warmed fruit and sacred lakes where giant statues stand guard.

Practicality-wise, it’s an 11–12-hour flight from London so it’s best to fly overnight and let the kids sleep most the way. But once you arrive, it’s all sunshine and short journeys. The island is small enough to explore without backseat passengers getting restless, English is widely spoken, the weather stays warm all year round and most resorts are within an hour of the airport – so you’ll be by the pool before you know it, cocktail (or mocktail) in hand.

The best things to do

There’s more to tropical island life than lounging on a beach (though noted, the beaches here are knockout). Here are some of the best things to do in Mauritius with kids – all easy to experience on an organised trip or with a private car and driver.

Meet giant tortoises

La Vanille is one of Mauritius’s conservation success stories. The park is home to hundreds of Aldabra giant tortoises – many bred here as part of important efforts to protect these incredible creatures. Kids can meet the tortoises up close and learn how the park is helping endangered species thrive.

Local markets & cooking classes

Visit local markets full of spices and handmade trinkets. Kids will love trying street food like dholl puri (a soft flatbread stuffed with curry) and gateaux piments (crispy chilli fritters that aren’t too spicy). Port Louis market is a great place to soak up the atmosphere or you could visit Grand Baie Bazaar or Flacq Market for a more low-key vibe. Some resorts also run Creole cooking classes, so you can all get stuck in together and learn how to whip up real Mauritian dishes.

"Mauritian markets are brilliant fun with kids – lots of colours, spices and souvenirs. I recommend bringing some Mauritian rupees for buying street food, snacks or little treasures (and for tipping guides or drivers)." – Catrina Henderson, Assistant Manager, Kuoni at John Lewis Edinburgh

Gardens and sugary treats

For a family-friendly day out, visit the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. Wander past towering palms, see delicate orchids and giant water lilies and keep an eye out for cheeky monkeys trying their luck with visitors’ picnics. Or dive into Mauritius’ sweet history at the L’Aventure du Sucre sugar museum, where kids try delights like freshly-made nut brittle and tropical jams.

Visit the Seven Coloured Earths

Deep in the Chamarel countryside, the Seven Coloured Earths are a natural wonder – rippling dunes of sand that swirl with shades of red, purple, blue and gold. It’s a quick stop, but a magical one, and a great chance for kids to see one of the island’s most famous sights up close. While you’re there, tag on a visit to nearby Chamarel Waterfall – the tallest waterfall in Mauritius.

Discover Hindu culture

Grand Bassin, one of the most sacred places in Mauritius, is a peaceful lake home to stunning statues of Hindu gods, standing proud over the water. The kids’ imaginations will be sparked with tales of Ganesh, the clever elephant-headed god, and Shiva, the mighty god who danced the cosmic dance of creation. Each statue shares a piece of the island’s rich spiritual heritage – and visiting with a guide will bring it all vividly to life.

Spot wild dolphins

Hop on a morning catamaran or boat trip and head out along the west coast to spot dolphins leaping, dancing and spinning in the clear blue waters. Some tours include snorkelling stops and a BBQ lunch, making it a full family day out on the water.

Snorkelling and glass-bottom boats

Blue Bay Marine Park offers the perfect introduction to the underwater world. Snorkel right from the beach or hop on a glass-bottom boat if your little ones prefer to stay dry. Plus, many resorts offer easy access to snorkelling right from the shore, so you can enjoy the underwater beauty without venturing far.

Give back on an eco-tour

Stroll Ile Aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve’s trails with a ranger, keeping an eye out for rare species like the Pink Pigeon and unique local flora such as the Trochetia flower. After exploring, stop at the Rault Biscuit Factory, where island-style cassava biscuits have been handmade for generations (and yes, samples are a must). £10 from each excursion goes towards supporting sustainable travel projects through our parent charity, the Der Touristik Foundation.

Shangri-La Le Touessrok Mauritius

Best family beaches in Mauritius

You’re never far from a great beach in Mauritius, but these are some of the best for families:

Flic en Flac – Calm, shallow water and soft sand make this a safe choice for younger children.

Belle Mare – A long stretch of beach that’s perfect for paddling, beach games and shell-hunting.

Trou D'Eau Douce – Crystal-clear water, great for snorkelling straight off the sand.

Le Morne – More scenic and a little quieter, ideal if you’re staying in one of the nearby luxury resorts.

“My tip for families heading to Mauritius? Pack watershoes. Some of the prettiest lagoons have bits of coral underfoot, and they’ll save a lot of ‘ow!’ moments.” – Linda Taylor, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Metro Centre

Preskil Island Resort

Where to stay

Mauritius gets family-friendly luxury just right. Many four- and five-star resorts offer thoughtful extras like baby kits and kids’ menus, plus brilliant family facilities – from kids’ clubs to practical perks like interconnecting rooms. Here are three of our favourites.

Preskil Island Resort

Tucked on its own little peninsula just 15 minutes from the airport, this easy-going island-like hideaway is made for all kinds of travel crews. There’s a family-only zone with its own pool and rooms with separate bedrooms for stress-free bedtimes. It’s a great base for days out to Mahebourg market or Beau Vallon and there’s plenty to enjoy back at the resort – from breakfast served in a canoe to live shows, spa time en famille and fun and games in the baby and kids’ clubs.

Shangri-La Le Touessrok Mauritius

For families looking to go all-out, this one’s a real treat. Yes, it’s elegant and luxurious, but it’s also brilliantly family-aware. Spacious family rooms and private villas give you room to breathe. Parents can tee off at the golf course, chill at the Chi Spa or head to the private island while the kids are having the time of their lives at the T-Club and Teens Club, both which offer creative, outdoorsy activities – from treasure hunts to local cooking workshops.

“Many resorts in Mauritius offer family spa treatments – think mini-massages or kids' manicures alongside grown-up spa time. It’s a brilliant way to recharge after a busy morning exploring, and the kids feel totally pampered too.” – Bekki Turner, Personal Travel Expert, Kuoni Manchester

LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius

LUX* Belle Mare, Mauritius

Stylish but totally unpretentious, LUX* Belle Mare nails the balance of grown-up luxury and child-friendly fun. There’s a fantastic PLAY kids’ club for ages 3–11, Studio 17 for teens, babysitting on hand and baby gear available too.

The beach is shallow, ideal for little swimmers, and there’s a choice of restaurants that cater to all ages and appetites. Add in ice cream carts, family movie nights under the stars and kids yoga sessions, and you’ve got a crowd-pleaser. 

Read more about why we love LUX* hotels.

This feature was created on 8th February 2025. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication.