Why Mauritius is Made for Kids

Mauritius might be better known as a romantic island getaway, but this Indian Ocean paradise is also a fantastic family destination. With its stunning beaches, safe waters, and endless activities, Mauritius offers something special for kids and parents alike, making it a perfect destination for active families. 

Top Kid-Friendly Activities on Mauritius 

Water Adventures for All Ages 

Mauritius is an outdoor playground for families who love the water. Kids will be thrilled to spot colorful tropical fish right at the shore as they paddle in the warm, clear sea. Evening walks along the beach reveal playful crabs scuttling about, adding a bit of natural magic before bedtime. 

Many resorts include daily glass-bottom boat tours, giving families a chance to see vibrant coral reefs teeming with clownfish, parrotfish, lionfish and other marine life — all without getting wet. For older kids and confident swimmers, supervised snorkeling experiences allow them to explore the underwater world up close. 

For a truly unforgettable outing, book a dolphin-watching and swimming excursion. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins are known to gather around the island, and early mornings offer the best chance to swim alongside these graceful creatures in the wild. JPH Charters offer daily dolphin swimming excursions year-round, as well as fishing trips and day or overnight catamaran cruises to the outlying islands. 

Watersports abound, with many hotels offering waterskiing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, pedalos, catamarans, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and snorkeling as part of their activity packages. For families with adventurous teens, scuba diving lessons are widely available (usually at an extra cost), a fantastic way to delve deeper into Mauritius’ underwater wonders. 

Explore Mauritius Inland: Nature and Adventure 

Mauritius is more than just beaches. Inland, the island is filled with lush sugarcane fields, towering mountains, dramatic waterfalls, and tropical forests — perfect for a family adventure beyond the shore. 

Older kids and teens will love zip-lining through Casela Nature and Leisure Park, home to one of the longest zip-lines in the Indian Ocean. Older kids can also explore Frédérica Nature Reserve in the south by quad bike. Younger children will enjoy bumbling around in the back of a guide-driven 4×4, offering a comfortable way to spot native wildlife and take in spectacular views. 

Botanical Wonders: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens 

The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Gardens in Pamplemousses are a must-see for families who enjoy nature and learning together. These gardens are world-renowned, often compared to London’s Kew Gardens, but with plants growing in natural outdoor settings rather than inside greenhouses. 

A vetted kid-friendly guide can enchant kids with playful storytelling: pointing out the tree that helps cure flatulence; showing you the palm whose leaves can bend around to form a heart-shaped frame for a great photo; explaining how the water lilies that emerge white amongst the vast Amazonica lily pads close red a day later. 

When to Visit Mauritius with Kids 

Mauritius enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, making it a flexible destination for families. Because the weather is so agreeable throughout the year, Mauritius is an excellent choice in any season — pick the one that suits your preferred balance of sun, rain, activities and, of course, school schedules. 

• Warm season: November to April brings hot, humid weather, with temperatures often in the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit (around 30°C). Rainfall is most common in February and March but tends to come as short, refreshing showers rather than all-day rain. 
• Cooler season: May to October offers mild, pleasant weather with daytime temps in the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius). Make sure your hotel has a heated pool — whilst the daytime temperature is perfect for shorts and sundresses, it drops to sweater weather at night. Those unheated pools don’t retain the heat from the sun and will feel icy. 

Mauritius Family Travel Tips 

• Many resorts offer kids’ clubs, babysitting and family-friendly amenities, so be sure to ask about these when booking. 
• Public beaches tend to be very safe and clean, with gentle waters ideal for children. 
• Renting a car is an easy way to explore the island at your own pace, including inland adventures and remote beaches. 
• Try local Mauritian cuisine at family-friendly restaurants — there are plenty of dishes that kids tend to enjoy, like fresh seafood, tropical fruits and tasty snacks. 

Relevant Links:

Browse all family-friendly accommodations and activities in Africa with kids

Best family hotels and things to do on Mauritius with kids

13 reasons a Maldives family holiday is worth the journey

Tropical paradise found at COMO Maalifushi in the Maldives

Editor’s note: This post was accurate when published. We advise checking independently for the latest information and updates. Ciao Bambino does not accept responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in, or for any actions taken based on, the information presented.