Mauritius is commonly associated with romantic strolls on the beach and honeymoons punctuated by a warm island breeze. However, a lesser-known fact is that Mauritius is also extremely family-friendly. There are plenty of adventures and trips that will thrill your children. While the island is tiny in size, there always seems to be something to do. Your kids won’t get bored halfway during your vacation. Check out family-friendly activities in Mauritius below:
1. Sunday Brunches
Islanders are notoriously fond of their lazy weekends and late Saturday and Sunday mornings. As a result, Sunday morning brunches are quite easy to find in Mauritius. Offered by hotels and privately owned restaurants alike, most brunches offer quite a varied option with Mauritian, Continental, Indian and Mediterranean options, among others.
Check out the trendy C Beach Club at Heritage Le Telfair hotel. It offers delectable Sunday brunches accompanied by soft house music. The restaurant offers a strikingly peaceful setting with bean bags, cabanas and day beds where you can simply lounge back and relax when you’re too full to take another bite. Even if it’s just a brunch, you will find a variety of delicacies such as a salad bar, assorted breads and cheese, grilled meats, rotisserie, cold cuts and carpaccio. A pancake and omelet station is also included. Kids will undoubtedly delight in the “Make your own burger” section where they can have fun creating their own food. There are also several vegetarian options. After a delicious brunch, you can also tuck into an assortment of desserts to finish off your meal.
2. Catamaran Trips
If there’s one thing Mauritius is famous for- other than its bright sunshine and lush greenery- it’s the deep blue ocean. Luckily enough, several companies offer regular catamaran trips that will help you experience this striking beauty in its finest form. Catamaran trips are always fun, with plenty of live entertainment, music and singing on board. Best of all, you can find these trips in every corner of the island. If you’re fond of dark blue ocean with the occasional rough wave, you might want to take a trip to the northern seas of Mauritius, where the catamaran will pass by the tiny islets that dot the ocean. The western seas, on the other hand, are far gentler and feature a crystalline turquoise stretch to water. This is actually ideal for families with kids because rough waves are quite rare in this side of the island.
The majority of catamarans are kids-friendly, with life-jackets and children food provided.
3. Submarine and Semi-Submarine trips
Don’t hesitate to take a submarine or a semi-submarine trip which will marvel kids and parents alike. You will discover the many wonders of the Mauritian undersea world. Entirely accessible to both elderly people and children, these trips are perfect for some quality family adventures and explorations. This service is offered by the Blue Safari Submarine company and departs daily from the northern coastal village of Grand Baie. One of the liveliest and most scenic villages of the country, Grand Baie also offers quite a lot in terms of scenery, accommodation and entertainment.
Submarines and semi-submarines normally depart from Grand Baie’s picturesque jetty, the Sunset Boulevard. If you’re claustrophobic, don’t worry, as the semi-submarine does not provide the same sensation of confinement as complete submersions. In fact, it is similar to a ship, with the upper deck protruding above the water- like any regular boat- and a submersion chamber where you can go in to admire the underwater world. There are light refreshments after the activity. These trips normally last for around two hours.
Important: check out things to know before you travel with kids in Mauritius
4. La Croisette Shopping Mall
Located in Grand Baie, on the northern coast of the island, La Croisette is more than just a regular shopping mall: with an open-plan setting designed to let you enjoy much of the generous tropical sun, this establishment harbors everything that your kids will love – restaurants, cinemas, indoor playgrounds and plenty of space for them to run about. Most restaurants at La Croisette have special kids menus that will undoubtedly provide some much-needed fuel after an energetic session in the playground. To cap off the day, you can also take them to see their favorite movie at the massive theatre located on the mall’s highest floor.
Ideal for a family holiday in Mauritius, this mall also gives you the chance to indulge in some shopping for souvenirs to take back home.
Check out the best places to go shopping in Mauritius.
5. Visit the Curious Corner of Chamarel
If your kids are curious cats with a constant stream of questions, then a visit to The Curious Corner in Chamarel is a must. Located opposite the entrance to the famous 7-coloured earth, The Curious Corner is home to a collection of illusions and fantasies sure to delight and amaze the whole family. Packed with engaging puzzles, brainteasers and photo opportunities around every corner, it’s a place to awaken your sense of curiosity and see the world from a new perspective. Explore intriguing rooms and spaces that will have you seeing upside down and inside out.
Popular areas include The Ames Room, where you’ll stand in a cubic space with a companion who appears much smaller or larger than reality. The Mirror Maze surrounds you in infinite reflections, testing your ability to discern the real from the reflections. Defy gravity in the Upside Down Room and experience what it’s like to live upside down (it’s like Stranger Things but without the demogorgons). Be sure to bring your camera along for the journey because you’ll be taking loads of snaps to share on your Instagram. Whether you’re five or one hundred and five, a fun day of exploration awaits at curious Chamarel.
6. Excursion at ‘L’Aventure du Sucre’
Credit: yannick974 on Flickr
It’s no secret that kids love sugar. So what better place to take them to than ‘L’Aventure du Sucre’ which translates to Sugar Adventures- a whole museum dedicated to how sugar is made (with free sugary samples along the way!)
Sugar is the main source of income in Mauritius, after tourism and this particular museum seamlessly combines both fun and knowledge, providing the whole family with what goes on behind the scenes. Located in the north of the island, not far from the Botanical Gardens of Pamplemousses, this museum also includes a restaurant where you can tuck into some local dishes at the end of their tour. Visitors can even download an Audio-Guide for translations, ideal for a fun-filled family holiday in Mauritius!
7. Pony Ride at Domaine de L’Etoile
Every child dreams of riding a pony — and now you can make that dream a reality at the Domaine de l’etoile Kids Village. Children aged 3-12 can enjoy a 30-minute pony ride, a wonderful opportunity for them to discover the joy of horseback riding. With close attention to safety, the Domaine allows children to ride around the nature reserve on one of the ponies, guided at all times to ensure safety.
The Pony Ride Package takes participants on a lovely pony ride, allowing them to admire the beautiful nature along the path. From ancient ebony trees, cinnamon, vetiver, orchid trees, to banana trees, children will be able to see a plethora of flora and fauna and can be a good learning opportunity for them as well. The Domaine pony ride also offers children a chance to observe animals up close, interact, pet and feed them. Pony rides are available at 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. Additional kid-friendly activities include treetop adventures, aquatic jet skis, trampolines, small car circuits and more. The on-site restaurant provides a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy local delicacies. So don’t delay – saddle up and start riding!
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