18-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Mauritius
Mauritius is far more than just a honeymoon destination; it is a sprawling playground for families seeking both adventure and relaxation. This 18-day itinerary takes you across the island's diverse regions, from the sandy shores of the north to the rugged volcanic landscapes of the south, all while maintaining a pace that respects the needs of younger travelers.
We have focused on wide, accessible paths for strollers, engaging wildlife parks, and comfortable private transfers to ensure your journey is as stress-free as possible. With an average daily cost that balances local charm with comfort, your family will experience the true 'Island of Smiles' in luxury and ease.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Grand Baie, Mauritius - Arrival & Seaside Charm
Arrival at SSR International Airport
Touch down at Mauritius' main hub. Collect your bags and meet your pre-arranged private driver for a comfortable 1-hour transfer to the northern coast.
Check-in at Grand Baie Hotel
Settle into your family suite near the coastal village of Grand Baie, known for its calm waters and vibrant shops.
Sunset Stroll at Grand Baie Public Beach
Take a gentle walk along the bay. The path is flat and easy for strollers, offering great views of the moored catamarans.
Welcome Dinner at Sunset Boulevard
Enjoy a relaxed seafood dinner at a restaurant overlooking the harbor, many of which offer high chairs and kid menus.
Day 2: Grand Baie, Mauritius - Sun, Sand, and Sea
La Cuvette Beach Relaxation
Spend the morning at this hidden gem. The water is shallow and exceptionally calm, making it the safest spot for toddlers to splash around.
Lunch at a Local 'Tabagie'
Try some authentic Mauritian street food like 'dholl puri' from a clean, reputable stall near the beach area.
Grand Baie Bazaar Exploration
Browse local handicrafts and colorful textiles. The main aisles are wide enough for a compact stroller.
Quiet Evening at Resort
Take advantage of the hotel's kids' club while parents enjoy a quiet cocktail by the pool.
Day 3: Trou aux Biches, Mauritius - Undersea Wonders
Mauritius Aquarium
Located in Pointe aux Piments, this aquarium is small but perfect for young children to see sharks, turtles, and colorful reef fish up close.
Trou aux Biches Beach
Often cited as one of the best family beaches, it offers plenty of shade under the casuarina trees for a mid-day nap.
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
See the coral reefs without getting wet! Perfect for kids who are too young for snorkeling.
Family Beach Picnic
Grab fresh fruit and snacks from a local supermarket for a sunset picnic on the sand.
Day 4: Pamplemousses, Mauritius - Botanical Bliss
SSR Botanical Garden
Famous for its giant water lilies. The paths are mostly paved and very stroller-friendly, with plenty of space for kids to run.
Lunch at Le Château de Bel Ombre
Enjoy a refined lunch in a restored colonial mansion with beautiful gardens that kids will love exploring.
L'Aventure du Sucre
A sugar museum built in an old factory. It features interactive displays that are surprisingly engaging for older children.
Return to Grand Baie
A short 20-minute drive back to your base for a relaxed evening.
Day 5: Port Louis, Mauritius - Capital Culture
Caudan Waterfront
Start your city visit here. It’s a modern, pedestrianized area with shops, a craft market, and a dedicated kids' playground.
Blue Penny Museum
A small, air-conditioned museum at the waterfront that houses world-famous stamps and Mauritian history.
Waterfront Lunch
Choose from dozens of international and local cuisines with ample outdoor seating.
Fort Adelaide (The Citadel)
Drive up to the fort for panoramic views of the city and the harbor. It’s a great spot for family photos.
Day 6: Port Louis, Mauritius - History & Markets
Port Louis Central Market
Experience the bustle of the local market. It’s loud and colorful—best navigated with a baby carrier rather than a large stroller.
Aapravasi Ghat
A UNESCO World Heritage site detailing the history of indentured laborers. It’s a quiet, reflective spot with easy walking paths.
China Town Exploration
Walk through the historic gates and grab some authentic 'boulettes' (dumplings) for a quick lunch.
Champ de Mars Racecourse
Even if it’s not race day, the area is an interesting historical landmark to visit briefly.
Day 7: Flic-en-Flac, Mauritius - Moving West
Transfer to the West Coast
A scenic 1-hour drive takes you from the capital to the popular beach town of Flic-en-Flac.
Beachfront Check-in
Settle into your new accommodation. The west coast is known for its beautiful sunsets and calm lagoons.
Flic-en-Flac Public Beach
One of the longest beaches on the island. The white sand is perfect for building sandcastles.
Sunset Dinner on the Sand
Many local restaurants set up tables right on the edge of the beach for a magical family dinner.
Day 8: Cascavelle, Mauritius - Wildlife Adventure
Casela Nature Parks
A must-visit for families. Take the safari bus to see zebras, rhinos, and ostriches. There is also a petting farm for younger kids.
Lunch at Casela Restaurant
Enjoy a meal with a view over the park. High chairs and kid-friendly portions are readily available.
Pangia Kids Park
Located inside Casela, this section is dedicated to younger children with mini-rides and play areas.
Relaxing Evening
Head back to Flic-en-Flac for a quiet evening by the hotel pool.
Day 9: Tamarin, Mauritius - Marine Life
Dolphin Watching in Tamarin Bay
Take a boat trip to see wild dolphins. Many operators offer family-friendly boats with safety gear for children.
Tamarin Salt Pans
A quick, educational stop to see how salt is traditionally harvested in Mauritius. Great for photos.
Le Morne Lunch
Drive slightly south to Le Morne for a lunch at a quiet beach cafe under the shadow of the mountain.
Martello Tower Museum
A small historic tower in Black River that is easy to explore with kids and offers a bit of local history.
Day 10: Chamarel, Mauritius - Geologic Wonders
Chamarel Seven Coloured Earths
Marvel at the natural dunes of multi-colored sand. The viewing platforms are accessible and stroller-friendly.
Chamarel Waterfall
Just a short drive from the sands, see the island's tallest waterfall from an easy-to-reach viewpoint.
Curious Corner of Chamarel
A fun, interactive house of illusions that children (and adults) will find hilarious and engaging.
Ebony Forest Reserve
Take a jeep ride to the 'Sublime Point' for incredible views. It’s less walking for little legs but high on views.
Day 11: Bel Ombre, Mauritius - Heading South
Scenic Drive to Bel Ombre
Travel along the wild southern coast, where the mountains meet the sea. The views are breathtaking.
La Vanille Nature Park
Known as the 'Crocodile Park,' it features giant tortoises that kids can feed, which is often the highlight of the trip.
Check-in at Southern Resort
The South is quieter and more rugged. Enjoy the lush surroundings of your new eco-friendly resort.
Dinner at the Resort
Most southern resorts offer farm-to-table dining experiences that are healthy and delicious.
Day 12: Bel Ombre, Mauritius - Nature Trails
Heritage Nature Reserve
Opt for a family buggy tour through the reserve. It’s a thrilling but safe way to see the local flora and fauna.
Picnic at Frederica Waterfalls
Many reserve tours include a stop for a catered picnic near the waterfall, providing a perfect rest spot.
Bel Ombre Sugar Museum
A small, intimate museum that tells the story of the region’s sugar heritage in a beautiful setting.
Pool Time
Let the kids burn off some energy in the resort pool while watching the sun dip below the horizon.
Day 13: Mahebourg, Mauritius - Colonial History
Mahebourg Waterfront
Walk along the historic pier of this former capital. It’s a peaceful area with a refreshing sea breeze.
National History Museum
Housed in a grand colonial mansion, this museum features shipwrecks and the story of the Dodo. Entry is free.
Lunch in Mahebourg
Try the famous 'biscuits manioc' (cassava biscuits) at the Harel Mallac factory nearby.
Pointe d'Esny Beach
A quiet, residential beach with some of the clearest water on the island. Great for a calm afternoon swim.
Day 14: Blue Bay, Mauritius - Marine Park Magic
Blue Bay Marine Park
Board a glass-bottom boat to see the incredibly preserved brain corals and schools of tropical fish.
Seafood Lunch at Blue Bay
Enjoy grilled fish caught that morning at one of the simple, family-run cafes near the beach.
Ile des Deux Cocos (Day Visit)
A short boat ride takes you to this private island for an afternoon of luxury snorkeling and relaxation.
Return to Resort
A final evening in the South before heading to the East tomorrow.
Day 15: Belle Mare, Mauritius - Moving East
Transfer to the East Coast
Enjoy the drive through the lush green interior of the island as you head to the sunrise coast.
Check-in at Belle Mare
Belle Mare is home to some of the island's most expansive and beautiful white-sand beaches.
Belle Mare Beach Walk
The beach here is miles long and very flat, making it ideal for a long stroll with a rugged-wheeled stroller.
Dinner at the Hotel
The East coast resorts are famous for their high-quality buffet dinners featuring world cuisines.
Day 16: Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius - Island Paradise
Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
A full-day excursion. The catamaran provides a stable and safe platform for families to enjoy the sea.
BBQ Lunch on the Beach
Enjoy a freshly grilled lunch served on the white sands of the island, often accompanied by local Sega music.
Shallow Water Swimming
The lagoon at Ile aux Cerfs is very shallow for a long distance, perfect for children to play safely.
Sail Back to Mainland
Watch for flying fish as you sail back to the Trou d'Eau Douce jetty.
Day 17: Bras d'Eau, Mauritius - Final Nature Escape
Bras d'Eau National Park
A quieter alternative to Black River Gorges. The 'Coq de Bois' trail is flat and well-shaded, suitable for strollers.
Picnic by the Lake
The park has several designated picnic spots by the Mare Sarcelle, a peaceful lake filled with water lilies.
Sagar Shiv Mandir
Visit this stunning Hindu temple located on a small island connected by a bridge at Goyave de Chine.
Farewell Family Dinner
Celebrate your final night with a special dinner, perhaps trying a traditional Mauritian 'Table d'Hôte'.
Day 18: Belle Mare, Mauritius - Souvenirs & Departure
Final Beach Morning
Savor one last dip in the Indian Ocean and let the kids collect some final seashells.
Flacq Shopping Center
Stop here on the way to the airport for last-minute souvenirs like local vanilla tea and rum for the adults.
Lunch in Flacq
Enjoy a quick and tasty final meal at a local eatery before the final leg of the journey.
Transfer to SSR International Airport
Arrive 3 hours early to navigate the airport comfortably with the kids.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to December, during the cool, dry winter season. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, and the humidity is low, making it ideal for outdoor activities with children. The summer months (January to April) can be very hot and are the peak season for cyclones, which may disrupt travel plans.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). While major hotels and large shops in malls like Caudan Waterfront or La Croisette accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry cash for smaller markets, street food stalls, and tips. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; roughly 5-10% in restaurants is standard for good service.
Getting Around Mauritius
For families, the most comfortable way to get around is by hiring a private car with a driver or renting a car. The bus system is extensive and very affordable but can be crowded and difficult to navigate with a stroller. Taxis are available in all major tourist areas, but it is always recommended to agree on a fare before starting the journey or ensure the meter is running. For inter-region travel, private transfers provide the most flexibility and comfort.
