Mauritius makes for a knockout family beach holiday: south of the equator in the balmy Indian Ocean, protected by coral reefs and ringed with over 150km of pure white sands.
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Mauritius – Family holiday guide
It’s also a natural adventure playground covered in mountains and forests, where even the shortest road trips are dotted with historic sights and tall tales – though sometimes as true as they are fantastic. Dozens of towns and villages, from the north to the south, mix up traditional Creole culture with resort-style fun. And the multicultural island also cooks with a passion and has a reputation for hospitality that’s as warm and welcoming as the weather.
Why holiday in Mauritius?
- Direct flights
There are direct flights year-round from London Gatwick to Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport in Mauritius.
- Warm Climate
December to February is summer season in Mauritius, with temperatures up to 33°C and fantastic conditions for snorkelling and diving. March to April and October to November have temperatures between 18°C and 25°C, but are considered off-season, so costs are lower for flights and accommodation.
- Fantastic Sealife
A biodiverse marine environment rewards visitors with regular sightings of whales and dolphins off the coast, and the coral reefs are home to a huge number of colourful, strange and wonderful tropical fish. There are several excellent dive schools on the island, and even snorkelling in shallower waters brings kids into close contact with fascinating sea creatures.
- Authentic Island Atmosphere
Mauritius balances authentic island atmosphere with beachy fun, mixes holiday resorts with traditional towns and villages, protects a stunning natural environment and has a wide choice of accommodation, from cute guesthouses to luxurious Indian Ocean hotels.
- Rare Animals
Mauritius was the only known habitat of the Dodo before it was driven to extinction in the 17th century. Today’s island makes up for past eco-errors by nurturing several rare species of birds, including the Mauritius Kestrel.
- Island of Activities
A biodiverse marine environment rewards visitors with regular sightings of whales and dolphins off the coast, and the coral reefs are home to a huge number of colourful, strange and wonderful tropical fish. There are several excellent dive schools on the island, and even snorkelling in shallower waters brings kids into close contact with fascinating sea creatures.
North-West
Good for: sheltered, safe beaches and water and lively resorts.
From Port Louis to Grand Baie, the island’s north-west is the Mauritian holiday coast. Sheltered from trade winds and sunny year-round, it’s the place for calm and safe waters, big beaches and lively resort towns.
- Family-friendly resort hotels, good-value guesthouses, self-catering apartments and villas.
- Coast for watersports, sailing, island-hopping boat trips, deep-sea-fishing charters, dive schools and underwater adventure.
South-West
Good for: Black River Gorge, nature parks, luxurious beach resorts and spas.
Defined by the huge bulk of Le Morne Brabant and famous for its waves, surfing beaches and dramatic interior, the south-west of Mauritius is generally thought to be the loveliest area on the island. It’s also home to Flic-en-Flac – the island’s longest and best-loved stretch of sand.
- Beautifully designed boutique hotels, luxurious beach resorts, spas and spacious holiday villas.
- The magnificent Black River Gorge National Park, Casela nature park and Le Morne Brabant are all in this area.
North-East
Good for: Golfing resorts, watersports, luxury beachfront properties and beach BBQs.
Strong winds and pretty offshore islands are the north-east coast’s attraction for sailors during Mauritian winter months. But it’s also the area for some of the island’s most prized beaches, the powdery white sands of Belle Mare and cute little fishing villages like Grand Gaube.
- Several golfing resorts, smaller guesthouses and hotels and luxury beachfront accommodation at Belle Mare and Trou aux Biches.
- Good area for watersports, sailing, island-hopping, beach barbecues, sunbathing and swimming.
South-East
Good for: Best-value accommodation, lively and local, close to the airport.
The dramatic south-east coast is the place to find geological marvels like Lion Mountain. But it’s also popular for tranquil bays, gorgeous sands and calm, clear waters. Wildlife-spotting doesn’t get any better on the island than here, and pretty towns like Mahébourg have fabulous markets, local street food and intriguing customs.
- Best on the island for good-value guesthouses, family-run B&Bs and international brand-name hotels.
- Lively and local, close to the airport with easy access by road to the rest of the island.
Educational value for kids
With its rich history, Creole heritage and unique natural environment, Mauritius is an effortless learning experience for kids.
Port Louis
- From kite-surfing to diving, there are watersports all along the coast.
- Most family resorts have kids’ clubs and teach everything from traditional Sega dancing to local arts and crafts.
- There are hikes and walks all over the island to discover wildlife, rare plants and birds.
- Marine adventures include everything from dolphin- and whale-spotting to island hopping and fishing trips.
- Mauritius has several good museums, a wide range of living-history experiences, heritage towns and villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- Most islanders speak English, but picking up Creole words and phrases comes naturally to curious kids here.
Getting around with kids in Mauritus
Apart from the most rugged parts of the island interior, Mauritius is easy to explore by road, and self-drive is the option most families choose. Bike hire is inexpensive and widely available, and there are many safe, quiet and well-signposted cycle routes.
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