Mauritius works well for families. The flight is the hardest part. Once you arrive, most beach areas are within an hour of the airport, many beaches face reef-protected lagoons, and several resorts run free kids' clubs. This guide covers family-friendly hotels, days out for children and a few practical tips.
Family hotels on each coast
Most big resorts welcome families, but the details differ: the ages the kids' club takes, whether family rooms have a separate space for children, and whether meals are included. Check these when you compare hotels.
North
The Ravenala Attitude sits between the sea, a river and the mountains at Pointe aux Piments. It has suites with a separate sleeping nook for children, a free kids' club, a children's pool, and kayaks and pedalos. There is also an adults-only wing if you are travelling with grandparents or friends. Where: Pointe aux Piments, north.
Coin de Mire Attitude faces Bain Boeuf beach, across the road, with two pools, kayaking and pedal boats. Its free kids' club takes children aged three to twelve. Where: Cap Malheureux, north.
Zilwa Attitude has rooms with separate sleeping areas for parents and children, four pools, a kids' club, an open-air cinema and babysitting on request. Where: Calodyne, north.
East
Long Beach is a resort on the beach at Belle Mare with four pools, kayaks and other water sports, and separate kids' and teens' clubs. Where: Belle Mare, east.
West
La Pirogue, A Sunlife Resort has 248 thatched cottages that give families more space than a hotel room, plus two kids' clubs. Where: Flic en Flac, west.
Hotel Riu Turquoise is an all-inclusive beachfront resort at Le Morne with family rooms, a children's entertainment programme and pools. Where: Le Morne, west.
South
Shandrani Beachcomber Resort & Spa sits on a peninsula next to the Blue Bay Marine Park, with three beaches and a kids' club for ages three to eleven. It is about 10 minutes' drive from the airport, which is handy after a long flight. Where: Blue Bay, south.
Browse all family hotels with kids' clubs.
Days out children enjoy
Animals and nature parks. La Vanille Nature Park in the south has animal habitats, museums and walking areas, with a map so you can plan a route. Allow a few hours. Where: Rivière des Anguilles, south.
Casela Nature Parks on the west coast combines wildlife with activities such as safari-style tours, zip-lining and quad biking. Some activities have age limits, so check before you book. Where: Cascavelle, west.
An island nature reserve. Île aux Aigrettes is a small island reserve off the south-east coast, reached by a short boat ride. The guided eco-tour takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, and the island is a good place to see rare native species. Where: Blue Bay, south.
A rainy-day option. Odysseo Oceanarium in Port Louis has aquariums of Indian Ocean marine life, with activities for families. It is indoors, so it is a good choice on a hot or wet day. Where: Port Louis, centre.
Gardens. The Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanic Garden at Pamplemousses has broad paths and ponds, which make for a relaxed walk rather than a hike. Where: Pamplemousses, north.
Boat trips. The Blue Bay Marine Park protects coral reefs that you visit by snorkelling or by boat, with authorised operators. Where: Blue Bay, south. On the east coast, Johaness Cruises runs boat days to Île aux Cerfs with swimming and lunch. Where: Trou d'Eau Douce, east.
Beaches for families
Many beaches face lagoons protected by the reef. In the north, Trou aux Biches is a long sandy public beach behind a reef-protected lagoon, and Mont Choisy is close by. Where: north coast. On the east coast, Belle Mare Public Beach is another long public stretch. Where: Belle Mare, east. Swim where your hotel or locals suggest, and avoid the open sea beyond the reef, where the surf can be dangerous. Best beaches in Mauritius covers more beaches, coast by coast.
Practical tips for families
- Car seats: Babies and toddlers must travel in child seats. Ask your car hire firm or taxi company to provide them, and book them in advance.
- Drive times: Most beach areas are 45 to 60 minutes from the airport. With young children, a hotel in the south-east near the airport, or a pre-booked transfer, makes arrival easier. See Getting around Mauritius.
- Water: Drink sealed bottled water rather than tap water.
- Mosquitoes: Dengue and chikungunya occur in Mauritius. Use a repellent that is suitable for children.
- Season: January to March is the hottest and most humid time, and the main cyclone period. June to September is the cooler, drier winter. See Best time to visit Mauritius.
