Looking for a destination for your next family holiday? With its white-sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, spectacular natural scenery and rich multicultural heritage, Mauritius has everything to delight both children and adults.
So, what can you do in Mauritius as a family? Here are 5 great reasons to choose the island for your next holiday!
1. Paradise beaches and a lagoon to play in
No trip to Mauritius would be complete without enjoying its beautiful beaches!
On the north-west coast, Trou-aux-Biches is particularly popular with families thanks to its calm lagoon, which is ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Just a few kilometres away, Mont Choisy boasts one of the longest public beaches on the island. Its wide open space makes it the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea, with swimming, games and a family picnic.
Further north, Pereybère offers a livelier atmosphere and crystal-clear waters. On the east coast, Belle Mare stretches along a vast white-sand beach overlooking a lagoon in countless shades of blue.
And for a truly spectacular setting, head to the south-west and Le Morne, instantly recognisable by its iconic mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lagoon itself becomes a real playground for the whole family. Snorkelling, kayaking, paddleboarding and boat trips offer different ways to discover the underwater world and admire Mauritius from the sea.
Our tip: Make the most of your stay by exploring several beaches. From the north to the east and the south-west, the scenery and atmosphere can be completely different!
2. Spectacular nature to discover
Leave the coastline behind and you’ll discover another side of Mauritius.
Just a few kilometres from the beaches, the scenery becomes wilder, with mountains, forests, waterfalls and sugar cane plantations.
In the south-west, Black River Gorges National Park offers the opportunity to explore tropical forest and discover some of Mauritius’ remarkable biodiversity. A little further away, Chamarel is famous for its Seven Coloured Earth and impressive waterfalls.
In the north, the Pamplemousses Botanical Garden is another lovely outing to enjoy with children. Here, you can discover a wide variety of tropical plants, including the famous giant water lilies.
In Mauritius, nature becomes a true adventure: you walk, explore, observe and marvel at the surroundings — and, above all, discover the island from a different perspective.
3. A rich history and culture to discover as a family
Behind the island’s idyllic landscapes lies a particularly rich history.
Mauritius has been shaped by different peoples and cultures over the centuries. This heritage can be discovered in Port Louis, where a stroll through the city takes you from the Central Market to Chinatown, while passing mosques, churches and temples along the way.
The Aapravasi Ghat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers a fascinating insight into the history of indentured labour in Mauritius. In the south-west, Le Morne Brabant, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, bears witness to another important chapter in the island’s history, linked to slavery and the maroons who escaped enslavement.
To understand the importance of sugar cane in the development of Mauritius, head to L’Aventure du Sucre in Beau Plan.
Located in a former sugar factory, the museum offers an immersive experience covering more than 5,000 m², dedicated to the history of Mauritius and the sugar cane industry. Children can take part in the experience too, thanks to a specially designed activity trail, while younger visitors can enjoy a programme adapted to their age.
A fun and engaging way to discover Mauritius’ heritage as a family.
4. A cuisine to discover and share
In Mauritius, discovery also — and above all — happens through food!
Mauritian cuisine reflects the island itself: multicultural, generous and bursting with flavour. At local markets and small street-food stalls, families can sample some of the island’s must-try specialities, including chilli cakes, fried noodles, dholl puri, farata and dumplings.
At L’Aventure du Sucre, food is also an important part of the experience. After discovering the history of sugar cane, you can enjoy a tasting of 12 varieties of unrefined Mauritian sugar, each with its own distinctive aromas and flavours — an experience that is sure to delight both children and adults.
The Village Boutik is another great way to discover local products such as vanilla paste, exotic honeys and tropical jams. You can also enjoy a tasting of 17 award-winning rums from New Grove Distillery, the oldest distillery still operating on the island.
And you simply can’t leave without trying the delicious dishes at Le Fangourin restaurant. Enjoy 100% homemade cuisine, with local favourites such as rougaille sausage, authentic dry venison curry and a generous Mauritian tasting platter. Affordable children’s menus are also available.
5. Experiences to share together
And what if the best reason to choose Mauritius was simply the opportunity to experience new things together as a family?
A visit to the Mahébourg market, a day trip to Île aux Cerfs, a hike through the landscapes of the south-west, or a morning kayaking around Île d’Ambre — there are countless experiences to enjoy.
That’s what a family holiday is all about: finding activities that everyone can enjoy and creating memories together that you’ll still be talking about long after you return home.
Ready to discover Mauritius as a family?
Beaches, nature, culture, gastronomy and experiences to share: Mauritius is a destination that can be enjoyed at any age.
Here, a holiday is about much more than simply putting your towel down on the sand. It’s an opportunity to discover a new culture, taste new flavours and explore landscapes unlike any other.
Welcome to Mauritius!
