With its calm waters and powder-soft beaches, Mauritius makes a delightful and exotic family holiday destination. Well-known as a honeymoon hotspot, the tropical island is also gaining a reputation for its child-friendly resorts. Hemmed by 330 kilometres of gorgeous white sand, relaxation is assured on a Mauritius family holiday, but there are plenty of activities to keep the family entertained once they’ve had their fill of the beach.
What activities can be enjoyed on Mauritius family holidays?
At your beachside resort, toddlers can paddle in the warm azure waters while older kids can try some of the more adventurous activities such as banana boats and other water sports. Many Mauritius hotels host excellent kids’ clubs and offer child-friendly activities. The island is encircled by one of the world’s largest unbroken barrier reefs, so there are endless opportunities for snorkelling and scuba diving. For young ones, dolphin cruises and glass-bottomed boat trips are a great way to see the colourful sea life.
Île aux Cerfs is a privately owned island off the east coast, renowned for its immaculate beaches and turquoise lagoons. A catamaran will take your family on a day trip to the island, where you can enjoy a wide range of water sports, and golfers can tee off on one of the world’s most spectacular championship courses. Belle Mare, also on sheltered east coast, is another hub for water sports and is home to two more world-renowned courses.
Take an excursion to Black River Gorges National Park in the hilly south-western corner of the island. The park provides more than 50 kilometres of walking trails – from gentle strolls to hardcore climbs – through enchanting forests and past thundering waterfalls.
Those in search of adventure can head inland and explore the interior. Here you’ll find Hindu temples, fields of swaying sugar cane, and historic tea plantations. Enjoy scenic views from the rim of Trou aux Cerfs, a dormant volcano now filled with lush forest and a crater lake.
Another must-do activity on family holidays in Mauritius is the Solar Sea Walk in Grand Baie; cleverly designed diving helmets allow visitors to walk along the seabed and get close to the fish and coral in a tropical lagoon.
There is something for every member of the family to enjoy at the Caudan Waterfront in Port Louis, from restaurants and shops to shows and live music. Elsewhere in the capital there are bustling markets and temples to explore, as well as a wide choice of family-friendly dining options. It’s also worth visiting the nearby National Botanical Gardens, showcasing enormous waterlilies and a huge variety of tropical plant species.
Speak to one of our travel advisors about our Mauritius family holiday packages. We offer a range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to lavish, all-inclusive resorts. There are frequent flights to Mauritius from most major UK airports, and at some hotels your kids can even stay and eat for free – call us for details.