Family Activities in Mauritius: The Best Things to Do with Kids

Mauritius with kids: an ideal destination for families

Mauritius is a remarkably family-friendly destination for children of all ages. The island lends itself to it naturally: lagoons protected by the coral reef offer warm, calm, shallow waters that are ideal for little swimmers, Mauritian culture is warm and welcoming toward children (who are cherished across every community on the island), and the tourism infrastructure offers a wealth of activities suited to ages 2 through 17.

Mauritius has a considerable advantage over other tropical destinations in offering safe lagoon waters — the coral reef surrounding the island creates swimming zones that are naturally protected from ocean currents and waves. Children can swim, snorkel and play there safely, while parents relax and keep an eye on them.

Whether your kids are 2 or 15, Mauritius will win them over. This guide covers the best options for every age group, with prices and practical tips for planning a successful family trip. For accommodation, our guide to family hotels in Mauritius will help you choose a property with a kids’ club and safe beach access.

At a glance

Where	Shallow lagoons in the north (Trou aux Biches, Mont Choisy) and east (Blue Bay) for toddlers; Casela and La Vanille for animal parks
Price	From 200 to 2,000 rupees per child depending on the activity (see the budget table further down)
Time needed	Half a day for a beach outing or snorkeling, a full day for Casela or a boat excursion
How to get there	A family car (SUV or minivan) rental with a child seat booked in advance
Best time to visit	May to December, avoiding the humid heat and rain risk of January-February

Activities for toddlers (2-5 years old)

Lagoon beaches

For toddlers, the beaches along the Mauritian lagoon are an absolute paradise. The water is warm (26-28°C in summer, 22-24°C in winter), shallow, and perfectly calm, sheltered from the swell by the coral reef. The best beaches for very young children:

Trou aux Biches: A very shallow lagoon (50 cm to 1 metre across a large area), fine soft sand, clear water. Kids can wade and play with the small tropical fish that come close to shore. One of the safest beaches on the island for very young children.

Blue Bay: A protected lagoon, crystal-clear water, white sand. Ideal for kids to see colourful fish in shallow water for the first time — often a revelation that sparks an interest in learning to snorkel.

Mont Choisy: A large family beach beloved by Mauritians themselves, calm water, natural free shade from century-old filao trees, plenty of room for sandcastles and play. Our guide to the best beaches in Mauritius covers all the options by region.

Animal and nature parks

Casela World of Adventures (West Coast, Cascavelle): Mauritius’s most complete park, located in Cascavelle near Flic-en-Flac. The park offers two distinct areas for toddlers: an animal park with African wildlife (lions, giraffes, rhinos, zebras — viewed from safari 4x4s or on foot through walkable enclosures), and a gentler zone with playgrounds and farm animals. The zoo/safari section is perfect for toddlers discovering African wildlife for the first time in a safe setting.

Adult price: 1,500 to 2,000 rupees. Children (3-12 years): 800 to 1,200 rupees. Under 3: free. Allow a full day if you want to see both areas of the park.

To book ahead with hotel transfer included, the Casela excursion with transfer included makes logistics simple, or go straight for the lion walk at Casela for a unique experience kids won’t forget.

La Vanille Nature Park (South Coast): A nature zoo in the south of the island, specialising in reptiles and Mauritius’s endemic wildlife. Giant Aldabra tortoises (some over 100 years old), Nile crocodiles in a secure enclosure, caimans, a variety of semi-tame lemurs, butterflies in a glass greenhouse, insects and reptiles native to Mauritius. Children can pet the giant tortoises — a hands-on, unforgettable experience for them. Restaurant and shop on site.

Adult price: 600 rupees. Child (3-12 years): 300 rupees.

Domaine de Bois Cheri (Central-South): A 4x4 safari to spot deer, hares and birds across a farming estate. Visit the island’s oldest tea plantation (1892). Kids love seeing how tea is grown, harvested and processed — and tasting different varieties.

Activities for children (6-12 years old)

Snorkeling and marine life

From age 6, children can have their first snorkeling experiences in the Mauritian lagoons. It’s often a genuine revelation: seeing parrotfish grazing on the coral for the first time, blue surgeonfish swimming in tight schools, a sea turtle drifting past nonchalantly, or a moray eel watching from its rock. A formative experience that often sparks real interest in nature and the marine environment.

Blue Bay Marine Park: The best place to introduce children to snorkeling. Shallow water (1-2 metres in the beginner zones), excellent visibility, abundant and non-aggressive marine life. The glass-bottom boats available at Blue Bay offer an alternative for children who are too young or not confident in the water. For a guided snorkeling outing, you can book a snorkeling excursion at Blue Bay with a guide and equipment provided for the whole family.

Ile aux Cerfs: The waters around Ile aux Cerfs teem with fish. Ideal for a full day combining beach time, snorkeling and water activities. The lagoon is calm and the fish, used to human presence, come in close. You can book the catamaran excursion to Ile aux Cerfs with lunch included for the whole family online.

Equipment tip: Buy a mask and snorkel sized for your child before you leave (sporting goods stores at home or online). A properly sized kids’ mask costs between 15 and 30 euros and makes a real difference — rental gear on site is often too big for small heads, which makes the experience frustrating. Our guide to snorkeling and diving in Mauritius has all the details on the best spots for kids.

Adventure and water sports

Tube and towable rides: From around 6-8 years old depending on the operator. A fun, safe activity in the lagoon — being towed behind a boat at a good clip, bouncing over the gentle lagoon swell, gets the same shrieks of joy out of kids everywhere. Life jacket mandatory and provided.

Kayaking: From 6-7 years old in a double kayak with an adult. A gentle, active way to explore the lagoon at your own pace. Some operators have single kids’ kayaks. A great way to discover coves and small inlets you can’t reach from the beach.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): From 8-10 years old with a good sense of balance. The calm waters of the Mauritian lagoon are ideal for learning this activity, which builds balance and core strength. For more on these activities, see our guide to kayaking and paddleboarding in Mauritius.

Surf and bodyboard lessons: The east coast of Mauritius gets regular, well-shaped waves suited to beginners. Surf and bodyboard lessons are offered for kids from age 8 at Tamarin (west coast) and on certain east coast beaches. A memorable surfing experience.

Casela World of Adventures: adventure zone (6-12 years old)

Casela’s adventure zone is perfect for children aged 6-12: junior zip lines sized to their weight and height, treetop rope courses with progressive difficulty levels, and animal encounters (giraffe feeding from age 8, walking with young lions for ages 10-12 accompanied by professional keepers). A full day is needed to enjoy all the activities.

Glass-bottom boat excursion

Glass-bottom boats let you observe underwater life without getting wet — perfect for kids who don’t like putting their heads in the water or who are too young for snorkeling. The transparent panel in the boat’s hull reveals the underwater world in real time, with corals, fish and sometimes turtles moving below. Available at Blue Bay, Trou aux Biches and near Ile aux Cerfs.

Price: 300 to 600 rupees per person for about a 1-hour tour.

Visiting the Pamplemousses garden

The Pamplemousses Botanical Garden fascinates children with its giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica — with circular leaves up to 2 metres across), its giant tortoises roaming freely through the garden, and its avenues of 150-year-old royal palms. An educational, sensory stroll through one of the oldest botanical gardens in the southern hemisphere.

You can also book the Tamarind Falls hike with picnic for a family nature adventure along the national park’s trails.

Activities for teenagers (12-17 years old)

Scuba diving

The discovery dive (introductory dive) is open from age 8, but it’s generally between 12 and 16 that teenagers are truly receptive to this activity and get the most enjoyment and wonder out of it. A discovery dive takes place with a certified instructor in shallow water (3-5 metres) — no need to swim like a dolphin, just to feel comfortable in the water.

The dive clubs at Trou aux Biches, Flic-en-Flac and Grand Baie all offer discovery dives for minors, with parental consent required. Some clubs also run PADI Open Water courses (4 days) for teens from age 15 — a great gift to bring home, valid for life.

Teen discovery dive price: 1,500 to 2,000 rupees. Open Water course: 15,000 to 20,000 rupees.

Swimming with dolphins

Swimming with dolphins in Tamarin Bay is a standout experience for teenagers. Accessible from age 8 (with a life jacket for less confident swimmers), it’s particularly popular with 12-16 year-olds. Contact with wild dolphins in their natural habitat is an emotionally powerful experience that leaves a lasting impression on teens. Our guide to swimming with dolphins in Mauritius covers all the responsible operators and best practices.

Price: 1,200 to 2,000 rupees per person.

Kitesurfing and windsurfing at Le Morne

Le Morne is one of the world’s best kitesurfing and windsurfing spots, with perfect conditions (steady winds, shallow and safe lagoon for learning). Beginner lessons are offered from around age 12-13. A week-long kitesurf course at Le Morne (with boarding accommodation) is a popular option for families with sporty teens. For more information, see our guide to kitesurfing and surfing in Mauritius.

Kitesurf beginner course price (3 days): 12,000 to 18,000 rupees.

Quad biking and adventure

Quad bike tours at Domaine de l’Etoile or other estates on the island are open to solo riders from age 16, or as a passenger from around 10-12. Zip lines are available from around age 8-10 depending on the operator and minimum weight requirement. Our guide to adventure activities in Mauritius covers all the options with age conditions and prices.

Catamaran outings

Teenagers particularly enjoy catamaran excursions to the northern islands (Gabriel Island, Flat Island) or to Ile aux Benitiers — a day on the water with snorkeling, a seafood lunch on a deserted islet and a festive atmosphere on board. An activity that generally appeals to every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest.

Parks and attractions for the whole family

Casela World of Adventures

Casela park, already mentioned above, is THE family park in Mauritius, where everyone can spend a full day without ever getting bored. The African safari (lions, giraffes, white rhinos, zebras, chimpanzees) impresses young and old alike. The adventure zone (zip lines, treetop courses) is for children and teenagers. The farm animal zone and encounters with tame cheetahs (with keepers) round out a very full programme.

Tips: Arrive at opening time (9:30-10am) to enjoy all the activities before the heat of the day sets in. Bring plenty of water and high-protection sunscreen.

La Vanille Nature Park

Contact with the animals (giant tortoises, semi-tame lemurs that climb onto visitors’ shoulders, butterflies in their greenhouse, crocodiles viewed safely from walkways) at this southern park is an educational and fun experience for children of all ages. The park’s human scale (no long distances to cover) makes it particularly suited to families with young children.

Domaine de l’Etoile (east coast)

This vast private estate on the east coast, near Ile aux Cerfs, combines light hiking, spotting wild animals roaming free (Java deer, hares, monkeys), quad biking (for teens) and zip-lining. Ideal for a full day out with children aged 6 and up.

The Sea Aquarium (Blue Bay)

A small aquarium located near the Blue Bay marine park. A good introduction to marine life for children before they go snorkeling in the adjacent marine park. Kids discover here the species they’ll later spot in the water — lionfish, moray eels, clownfish, rays. Entry: around 200 rupees.

Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)

For older children (10 and up) interested in other cultures, a visit to Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao), a sacred Hindu lake in the southern highlands, is an outstanding cultural and scenic experience. The colourful temples surrounding the lake, the pilgrims in prayer, and the monkeys roaming the site make for a vivid, immersive scene.

Practical tips for a family trip

Accommodation

Choose a hotel with a kids’ club (mini-club) and a children’s pool. The Beachcomber (Trou aux Biches Resort, Paradis), Constance (Belle Mare Plage), Heritage and Sun Hotels chains all offer excellent programmes for children. The mini-club frees up time for parents for a few hours each day — a real boost for family harmony.

See our guide to family accommodation in Mauritius for a detailed selection of the best family-friendly properties by budget and region.

Transport

A rental car is essential for families. An SUV or minivan lets you comfortably transport a family of 4-5 with beach gear, the cooler, toys and water equipment. Book the child/booster seat with the rental company in advance — they can run out if you arrive without a reservation. Our guides to car rental in Mauritius and airport transfers will help you plan your transport.

Food

Kids generally have no trouble finding something to eat in Mauritius: rice, pasta, grilled fish, roast chicken are available everywhere. Pizzas and burgers are common at tourist-oriented restaurants. For more adventurous kids, Mauritian cuisine is generally well received — market rotis and dholl puri are often surprise hits.

Water: Tap water isn’t recommended for young children under 5. Buy bottled water at supermarkets (much cheaper than at hotels or beachside restaurants).

Medicine and health

Essentials to pack:

• SPF 50+ sunscreen formulated for children (mineral formulas are gentler on sensitive skin and on coral)
• Child-friendly mosquito repellent (mosquitoes are present in the evening, especially during the hot season from November to April)
• Motion sickness medication (useful for boat excursions, especially for kids not used to being on the water)
• Paediatric paracetamol and an antihistamine
• Disinfectant (spray or gel) for the inevitable small scrapes

See our health guide to Mauritius for complete information on medical precautions to take as a family.

Sea safety

Never leave young children alone in the water, even in the lagoon. Always make sure an attentive adult is watching. Life jackets are mandatory for children on all boats — reputable operators provide them, but check that they fit your child’s size and weight (adult life jackets on a child are dangerous).

Our safety guide to Mauritius covers all the precautions to take as a family to enjoy the island with total peace of mind.

Watch out for the heat

Very young children (under 3) are especially vulnerable to heat exhaustion and sunburn. Avoid direct sun exposure between 11am and 2pm — that’s nap time or time for shaded activities (a meal at an air-conditioned restaurant, a nap at the hotel). Keep your children hydrated frequently, even if they don’t ask for a drink.

Sample family budget

Activity	Adult	Child (3-12 years)
Casela (zoo + safari)	1,800 rupees	1,000 rupees
La Vanille Nature Park	600 rupees	300 rupees
Full-day catamaran excursion	3,500 rupees	1,500 rupees
Snorkeling Blue Bay (equipment)	400 rupees	200 rupees
Discovery dive	1,800 rupees	1,500 rupees
Swimming with dolphins	1,500 rupees	800 rupees
Day trip to Ile aux Cerfs	2,600 rupees	1,200 rupees
Glass-bottom boat	500 rupees	300 rupees

For a family of 4 (2 adults + 2 children), budget 50,000 to 80,000 rupees for activities over a week (roughly 1,000 to 1,600 euros), on top of accommodation, meals and transport. Our budget guide to Mauritius will help you fine-tune your overall budget.

Suggested family itineraries

A typical week with children aged 6-10

Day 1: Arrival, check in at the hotel, beach and pool Day 2: Blue Bay snorkeling + glass-bottom boat + Ile aux Cerfs Day 3: Casela World of Adventures (full day) Day 4: La Vanille Nature Park + south coast Day 5: Catamaran excursion to Ile aux Benitiers Day 6: Beach, water sports (tube, kayak) + local market Day 7: Relax, pool, souvenir shopping, departure

Our guide to a family itinerary in Mauritius offers a detailed day-by-day programme geared to children, with alternatives depending on age and interests.

Activities by age group: summary table

Age	Recommended activities	Precautions
2-5 years	Lagoon beaches (Trou aux Biches, Blue Bay, Mont Choisy), Casela zoo, La Vanille Nature Park	Avoid direct sun exposure between 11am and 2pm, constant supervision in the water
6-12 years	Guided snorkeling, glass-bottom boat, double kayak, towable tube, Casela adventure zone	Properly sized mask and snorkel, life jacket mandatory on boats
12-17 years	Discovery dives, swimming with dolphins, kitesurfing/windsurfing at Le Morne, quad biking, catamaran to the northern islands	Parental consent required for diving, check operators’ minimum weight/height requirements

Rainy-day outings

Even during the rainy season, a family day out is never wasted. Animal parks like Casela or La Vanille Nature Park remain enjoyable in light rain thanks to covered areas and on-site restaurants. An aquarium, a movie session at one of the big shopping centres (Bagatelle, Cascavelle), an indoor Mauritian cooking class, or an afternoon at the hotel’s family spa are all good alternatives. Our guide to rainy day excursions in Mauritius lists all the island’s covered options, well worth keeping in mind during the hot season from November to April.

Mauritius is a destination that grows with your children. The youngest ones marvel at giant tortoises and colourful tropical fish in the shallow lagoon, older kids get their first taste of snorkeling and water sports, and teenagers find plenty to love in adventure activities and diving. The whole family goes home with unforgettable memories of this extraordinary island — and often with an irresistible urge to come back.