10 things to do in Mauritius with kids

We have had a rather fabulous collection of articles on everything that there is to do in Mauritius for you; so we are rounding up with the final set. Here are some activities that it’d be worth doing in Mauritius with the family. If you are looking for things to do in Mauritius with kids – then look no further!

1. Snorkel in Blue Bay marine park

This is a fantastic place to snorkel and wonderful if you’re in Mauritius with kids. You can get boats out from Point d’Ensy or possibly the resort you are staying at, such as the Shandrani.

We were lucky enough to snorkel within the marine park, and saw everything from rays to turtles.

We KNOW how lucky we are to have seen a turtle, but it really is SO easy to get everything ready to go that you could see one as well.

2. Visit the Dalblair shipwreck at Point d’Ensy

Again, somewhere you can visit through the Isle aux Cerf half day trip from the Shandrani, but it is also possible to either dive here, or take a trip on a boat from Point d’Ensy. This Scottish ship hit the rocks off the coast of Mauritius in 1902, having been built in 1895

The boat’s bow still protrudes from the ocean today.

An amazing sight – as I am sure you’ll agree, and if you do manage to dive here; likely even MORE amazing. Perfect for Mauritius with kids.

3. Visit the National Botanic Gardens

You might think it’s difficult to beat Kew in London, but the Mauritius Botanic gardens and gorgeous and fascinating and must be seen if you’re in Mauritius with kids.

We can’t recommend the OFFICIAL guides enough – only 200 MAR per person and incredibly knowledgeable about the plants and the park. The hour long tour took in the palms, and spices within the park and brought it to life. Make sure you give this a go, particularly with slightly older kids, as it really does add to the trip.

There is a free car park here too, so don’t be directed to another one, or give money to those suggesting you have to pay as well.

Take time to explore the park; from the flowers, and trees to the Chateau de Mon Plaisir; which is a stunning colonial looking building within the gardens.

There is plenty to offer here, and it is easy to spend a couple of hours looking around and learning.

4. Visit La Vanille Nature Park

This is a park well known for its crocodiles, but there are plenty of monkeys, reptiles and tortoises to excite the kids here. The entry costs are reasonable too at 500 Rs for adults and 270 for kids (up to age 12).

We were a little dubious before we came, because of some of the older reviews on Tripadvisor for the attraction.

However, they seem to have got their act together, with the crocs given more room, and the overall cleanliness of the park much improved. There seems to be more of an emphasis on conservation within the location than previously too.

The highlight for our children was the enclosure with the tortoises; where it is possible to really get up close to them. This is a once in a lifetime for many, including my son who adored it here.

It is, of course, important to be very gentle with the tortoises and respect them. Younger children will adore being able to touch, and see them like this, but will need to be supervised hard.

It is worth noting that is is pretty tough finding this attraction, so do allow plenty of time, and keep a watch out for the signs for it too. They are really easy to miss!

5. Learn about Mauritian Wildlife on the Ile aux Aigrette

This is a beautiful green island off the coast of Mauritius that the Wildlife Authority are repopulating and offer tours on. Take a look at our info on the Ile aux Aigrette tours.

The Ile is well worth a visit to educate your kids and entertain too. It is also excellent value for the information given and the time the visit takes too, so worth spending the time both looking into it, and then actually doing the tour.

6. Take a catamaran to Crystal Rock

Crystal Rock is an iconic image from Mauritius and a catamaran day trip is a glorious way to take it in. We have written about this on the site too, and it was an excellent way to spend the day on Mauritius; experiencing some of the island life the location has to offer. to our holiday

The Ile aux Benitiers trip allows you to not only experience the beautiful Crystal rock, but also to explore one of the more picturesque isles around Mauritius. The island has a small craft market, and traditional fishermen too; which is worth spending to time to watch and explore as well.

7. Dolphin watching in Tamarind bay

There is a pod of spinner dolphins that regularly visits Tamarind Bay in the mornings, and as a result a considerable industry has grown enabling watching the pod and swimming with them.

Dolphin watching or swimming can be part of an excursion to Ile aux Benitiers.

Do think about whether this is for you and chose your operator wisely though.

8. Paddle at Ile aux Cerfs and visit the waterfalls

This is a lovely little island off the coast of Mauritius, though it can get busy on the beach here.

It’s great for swimming on parts of the Island, which is small enough to walk across. Do bear in mind some parts have purple sea urchins, so sea shoes may be necessary, and take care you don’t buy any of the water sports here.

If you do purchase a water sports activity here, you are more than likely to get stung – and that’s not just by the Jellyfish?!? 😂

You can stay on the island as well, and there are a couple of restaurants too. Overall, plenty of white sand to enjoy and chill on with the kids for an hour or two.

In order to get to Ile aux Cerfs, the visit was arranged on a speedboat, which took a little detour around the edge of the island on the way to visit a waterfall up a river. This was a little crowded at times, but was still an excellent experience within the day and the waterfall itself, called Grand River South-East Waterfalls, was stunning.

It is definitely worth checking with whomever is organising your tour to see if you can also add this to your itinerary.

9. Take a trip to Pereybere Beach

This is an idyllic beach, not too far from the Botanic gardens and the red roof church, so worth visiting in the same day if you can.

There are a few crowds on the main beach, BUT travel a little further down to Ban Boeuf Public Beach which is a really short way along the coast and it is just as beautiful and much less touristy.

There is a little area where you can either sit on the wall, or wander down to the short stretch of sand, and look out to the boats in the bay; simply idyllic.

10. Bring colour to your life with the red roof church

This is a quick stop along the coast just up from Pereybere beach.

You won’t need to spend too long here, but it’s well worth the stop.

Simply stunning.

It isn’t easy parking here though, and there can be a few visitors here at the same time as Cap Malheureux is a popular spot for tourists.

However, don’t let this put you off – it IS worth the time and effort of visiting; we promise.

11. See the big cats at Casela World of Adventures

This is a safari park with a reputation for letting visitors walk with the Tigers.

We’d be wary of this, as they are wild animals, and therefore unpredictable, but as with anything, this is your choice. Maybe not the best option if you’re in Mauritius with kids.

There is plenty to see here though if this doesn’t float your boat anyway though! Including the gorgeous views from the Casela bird park out to the mountains….

12. Explore the 7 or 23 coloured earths

If you want to visit these while you’re in Mauritius with kids, they are worth a stop along the way – but perhaps not as a day themselves. Worth it for the colours, but not in the rain. Seven coloured earths is in Charmarel, and more impressive 23 coloured, or La Vallee des Couleurs is also worth a look.

Make sure you have something else to aim for though – perhaps a trip to Casela or around the coast road at the same time.

Mauritius is a beautiful island, with plenty of other places to visit, from Mahebourg to Flic en Flac, depending on what you are looking for. Why not check these articles out too?

Let us know if you find anything else worth a visit as well. And thanks for stopping by as always.

Do subscribe to us for more info on travel, free resources and advice weekly.

I agree to receive email updates and promotions.

Yes, I want to get inspiration for kids to my inbox

Helen

Sharing is caring!