Mauritius Holiday with Young Kids

If your little ones don’t know Mauritius yet, they might know Madagascar from the animated movie - and that’s usually enough to spark their curiosity. Once you arrive, though, it’s Mauritius that steals the show. The island is compact, easy to explore, and full of family-friendly adventures that feel both safe and exciting. From wildlife encounters to underwater discoveries, here’s a parent-friendly guide to the best things to do with young kids.

Casela Nature Parks

If your kids love animals, Casela is a sure win. Spread across four themed zones, it brings together zebras, antelopes, ostriches, rhinos and more - all in one place. You can also step inside the Discovery Centre’s 4D cinema for a fun, child-friendly intro to Mauritian nature.

You’ll find gentle activities like petting farm feeding, lorikeet feeding, pony rides, and camel rides, as well as more active options such as tilapia fishing and a 400m zip line. It’s one of the easiest all-in-one days out with kids.

For a look at the different options, you can browse the Wildlife & Safari Activities at Casela Nature Parks.

La Vanille Nature Park

La Vanille is a beautiful nature reserve filled with crocodiles, turtles, giant tortoises, deer, iguanas, geckos and all sorts of fascinating creatures. There’s an insectarium with one of the world’s largest private butterfly and insect collections, plus a petting farm and shaded play areas for young kids.

Parents who want a more structured visit can explore the Themed Adventure Packages at La Vanille Nature Park.

The Submarine Trip

Curious little explorers will love this - a real submarine descending 35m beneath the surface. Inside, everyone sits comfortably while watching corals, rays, lobsters and other marine life through large viewing windows. It’s calm, safe and genuinely magical for kids experiencing the underwater world for the first time.

To see the available timings, visit the Submarine Underwater Trip.

The Semi-Submarine

If your family prefers staying closer to the surface, the semi-submarine is a great alternative. The top deck stays above water, while the viewing cabin sits below, giving kids the thrill of “being underwater” without ever diving. It’s air-conditioned, comfortable and ideal for families with young children.

You can find details under the Semi-Submarine Trip (Nessee).

Dolphin or Whale Watching

Very few things beat the excitement of seeing dolphins gliding alongside the boat at sunrise. Mauritius' warm waters attract pods near Tamarin and Black River, making early-morning outings especially rewarding. Kids also get the chance to spot whales in deeper areas during certain seasons.

For family-friendly options, explore our Mauritius Swimming with Dolphins and Whales Watching experiences.

Beaches

Mauritius is full of family-friendly beaches, but a few stand out depending on what your kids enjoy. Trou aux Biches is perfect for little ones learning to swim - shallow, calm and beautifully clear. Blue Bay, on the south-east coast, is fantastic for older kids who want to try snorkelling and spot colourful marine life.

If you’re planning several beach stops during your trip, you can explore more options in A List of Beaches in Mauritius (By Region).

Sail to Ile aux Cerfs

For families, this lagoon cruise is always a hit. You sail along postcard-perfect waters, enjoy a relaxed BBQ lunch on board, and stop for snorkelling before spending time on Ile aux Cerfs’ bright sandy beach.

The island is known for kid-friendly shallows, easy swimming spots and a variety of water activities. For planning your day, see the options under Ile aux Cerfs Tours - Island of Ile aux Cerfs.

Chamarel Colored Earth & Waterfall

Chamarel is where nature puts on a show - towering waterfalls, colourful earth formations and peaceful forested surroundings. The 100m waterfall is impressive from above, and families with older kids can even hike down to the base for a refreshing dip.

The Seven Coloured Earths, just a short distance away, glow beautifully at sunrise with bands of red, violet, blue, grey and orange. It’s one of the island’s signature natural attractions.

If you want a guided outing that covers all the highlights, have a look at the Chamarel: The Ultimate Discovery Tour.

Curious Corner of Chamarel

Right across the road from the Seven Coloured Earths, Curious Corner is a playful, illusion-filled attraction where kids (and parents) get to challenge their perception of reality. Upside-down rooms, puzzling mirrors, optical illusions - it’s a guaranteed hour of pure fun. Great on cloudy or rainy days too.

You can explore available visit options here: The Curious Corner of Chamarel.

Glass-Bottom Boat Trips

If you would like your kids to see the underwater world without getting wet, a glass-bottom boat at Blue Bay Marine Park is perfect. The lagoon is famous for its transparent water and colourful reef life - think trumpetfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish and more.

Some outings also include snorkelling for families who want to try both. You can check available itineraries under Glass Bottom Boat to Blue Bay Marine Park.

Ile aux Aigrettes Island Tour

A wonderful choice for wildlife-loving kids, Ile aux Aigrettes is a small coral island off Mahébourg where rare species are protected by the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation. A guided walk introduces children to giant Aldabra tortoises, native plants and endangered birds like the pink pigeon.

More information can be found under the Ile Aux Aigrettes Island Visit & Tour.

Ebony Forest Reserve

Ebony Forest is another Chamarel highlight, offering elevated walkways, valley viewpoints and lush preserved rainforest. Families can explore on foot or hop on the safari jeeps that run at regular intervals - ideal for younger kids. Wildlife lovers can spot endemic birds and unique plant species along the way.

If you'd like a structured outing, browse the Ebony Forest Discovery Tour.

Plan Your Trip

If you would like help organising a personalised route for your family holiday - mixing beaches, wildlife and easy activities - you can create your own itinerary through the Mauritius Tour Planner.

And for quick inspiration, you can also browse Our Best-Selling Activities.