19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Mauritius: Epic Island Journeys
Welcome to Mauritius, a sparkling gem in the Indian Ocean that is surprisingly perfect for long-duration family travel. This 19-day itinerary is designed with 'relaxed pacing' at its core, ensuring that both parents and children can soak in the turquoise waters, lush botanical gardens, and vibrant culture without the typical travel fatigue. We have focused on stroller-accessible paths and activities that cater to the curiosity of young minds while providing the comfort adults crave.
From the bustling waterfront of Port Louis to the serene white sands of Belle Mare and the geological wonders of Chamarel, this route spans the entire island. You'll move between regions every few days via comfortable private transfers, allowing you to settle into local life. With a budget-conscious approach that doesn't sacrifice safety or enjoyment, this is the definitive guide to an epic Mauritian family journey.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Relaxing in Grand Baie
Arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
Touch down in paradise. After clearing customs, collect your luggage and prepare for your transfer to the North. The drive takes about 75 minutes through scenic sugar cane fields.
Check-in at Grand Baie Hotel
Settle into your family suite near the coast. Grand Baie is a great starting point with plenty of pharmacies and supermarkets for baby supplies.
La Cuvette Beach Walk
Take a gentle stroll to this tucked-away cove. The water is calm and shallow, perfect for toddlers to splash around safely.
Dinner at Grand Baie Waterfront
Enjoy a relaxed seafood dinner at a restaurant with high chairs available, watching the boats bob in the harbor.
Day 2: Grand Baie - Botanical Wonders
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
Located in Pamplemousses, this world-renowned garden features wide, flat paths that are excellent for strollers. Don't miss the giant water lilies.
Lunch at Le Fangourin
Located near the gardens, this restaurant offers a spacious outdoor setting and a menu that caters well to children's palates.
L'Aventure du Sucre
A fascinating sugar museum located in an old factory. It is stroller-friendly and kids love the interactive exhibits and the train outside.
Grand Baie Bazaar
A quick walk through the local market to pick up some lightweight cotton clothes for the kids.
Day 3: Grand Baie - Coastal Bliss
Pereybere Beach
One of the most popular swimming spots for locals. The sand is soft, and the shade from the trees provides a natural sun shield for the little ones.
Picnic Lunch
Grab some fresh 'boulettes' (dumplings) or fruit from the beach vendors for an authentic and budget-friendly lunch.
Mont Choisy Beach
A long stretch of white sand perfect for a late afternoon walk. The flat terrain makes it easy to push a stroller along the shoreline.
Sunset at the Jetty
Watch the sunset from the Grand Baie public jetty, a peaceful end to the day.
Day 4: Grand Baie - North Coast Landmarks
Cap Malheureux Red Roof Church
Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux. The bright red roof against the blue sea is stunning and the area is easy to navigate.
View of Coin de Mire
Admire the massive rock formation in the ocean from the shore. It's a great spot for family photos.
Local Cafe Lunch
Stop at a local 'tabagie' for some dhal puri, the island's famous street food, which is easy for kids to eat.
Relax at Hotel Pool
Give the kids some downtime in the hotel pool to burn off energy before dinner.
Day 5: Belle Mare - Heading East
Transfer to Belle Mare
A 1-hour drive to the East Coast. This side of the island is known for its wide lagoons and quieter atmosphere.
Check-in & Lunch
Settle into your new accommodation and enjoy a meal overlooking the turquoise lagoon.
Belle Mare Public Beach
One of the longest beaches in Mauritius. The shade of the casuarina trees is perfect for a nap in the stroller.
Evening Lagoon Walk
The east coast has beautiful, calm waters in the evening, ideal for a peaceful family walk.
Day 6: Belle Mare - Island Exploration
Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
Board a large, stable catamaran. This is much more kid-friendly and stroller-safe than a speed boat. Lunch is usually served on board.
Snorkeling in the Lagoon
The crew provides life jackets for all ages. Show the kids the colorful fish from the safety of the boat or the shallow shore.
Exploring Ile aux Cerfs
Walk around the island's shallow sandbanks. The water remains ankle-deep for a long distance, making it very safe for toddlers.
Return to Belle Mare
Head back to the mainland for a quiet evening at the resort.
Day 7: Belle Mare - Nature and Culture
Bras d'Eau National Park
A much flatter and more accessible forest walk than others on the island. Perfect for a shaded morning walk with the family.
Flacq Market
Visit the largest open-air market in Mauritius. It's vibrant and busy; hold onto the kids' hands or use a carrier for easier navigation.
Post de Flacq Hindu Temple
A beautiful temple built on a small island connected by a causeway. It's very peaceful and welcoming to families.
Dinner at Hotel
Take advantage of the hotel's kid-friendly buffet options.
Day 8: Mahebourg - Southeast Heritage
Transfer to Mahebourg
Drive south along the coastal road. Mahebourg is a historic village with a very traditional Mauritian feel.
Mahebourg Waterfront
A paved promenade that is perfect for strollers. It offers great views of Lion Mountain across the bay.
National History Museum
Located in an old colonial mansion, it houses shipwrecks and dodo remains. The large gardens are great for kids to run around.
Watching the Fishermen
See the traditional wooden 'pirogues' returning with the day's catch at the local jetty.
Day 9: Mahebourg - Underwater Wonders
Blue Bay Marine Park
Take a glass-bottom boat tour. This is the best way for young children who can't swim yet to see the incredible coral reefs.
Lunch at Blue Bay Beach
There are several small cafes and food trucks offering fresh pineapple and snacks.
Pointe d'Esny Beach
A hidden gem with white sand and shallow water. It's much quieter than Blue Bay, perfect for a peaceful family afternoon.
Mahebourg Night Market (Seasonal)
If visiting on a Monday, the market is particularly lively with local snacks and crafts.
Day 10: Mahebourg - Wildlife Encounter
Ile aux Aigrettes Nature Reserve
A short boat ride to a coral island. It's a sanctuary for rare species like the giant Aldabra tortoise. The paths are manageable for sturdy strollers.
Lunch in Mahebourg Village
Try some local 'mine frit' (fried noodles) at a village eatery.
Rault Biscuit Factory
A unique factory making biscuits from cassava since 1870. Kids will enjoy seeing the traditional baking process.
Sunset Walk at Blue Bay
One last evening soak in the beauty of the southern lagoons.
Day 11: Mahebourg - Relaxed Exploration
La Vanille Nature Park
Technically a short drive away, this park is home to thousands of crocodiles and giant tortoises. It's very family-oriented with a playground.
Lunch at The Hungry Crocodile
The on-site restaurant offers a variety of dishes (including crocodile!) and is very kid-friendly.
Gris Gris Viewpoint
Watch the waves crash against the cliffs. There is no reef here, so no swimming, but the view is dramatic and the path is paved.
Evening Chill
A quiet evening to pack and prepare for the move to the West.
Day 12: Chamarel - Into the Highlands
Drive to Chamarel
Heading to the mountains. The air is cooler here and the scenery changes to lush rainforests.
Seven Colored Earth Geopark
See the famous multi-colored sand dunes. The site is very easy to walk around with a stroller and features a tortoise pen.
Chamarel Waterfall
A stunning viewpoint of the island's tallest waterfall. It's just a short walk from the parking lot.
Ebony Forest Observation Deck
Take a 4x4 jeep ride (provided by the park) to the viewpoint to see the entire coastline. Very safe for children.
Day 13: Chamarel - Adventure & Views
Curious Corner of Chamarel
A fun house of illusions located right opposite the Seven Colored Earth. It's interactive and kids of all ages love it.
Le Chamarel Restaurant
Enjoy lunch with one of the best views in Mauritius, overlooking the Le Morne Brabant mountain.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
While a distillery, the grounds are beautiful and they offer guided tours explaining the agriculture which is interesting for older kids.
Mountain Sunset
Relax on your balcony and enjoy the unique mountain atmosphere of the southwest.
Day 14: Flic-en-Flac - Wildlife Adventure
Casela Nature Parks
A massive park with a petting farm, safari bus, and bird aviaries. It is highly stroller-friendly and a highlight for families.
Lunch at Casela
The park has a large restaurant with a great view of the west coast and plenty of space for strollers.
Check-in at Flic-en-Flac
Move to your final base on the sunny West Coast. Flic-en-Flac has a very long, calm beach.
Beachside Dinner
Many restaurants line the main road, offering everything from pizza to traditional Creole cuisine.
Day 15: Flic-en-Flac - Beach Days
Flic-en-Flac Beach
Spend the day relaxing. The lagoon is protected by the reef, making the water very still—ideal for young children to swim.
Street Food Lunch
Try the famous 'Gato Piment' (chili cakes) from the vendors under the trees—they can be made mild for kids.
Stroller Walk to Wolmar
Walk south along the coast towards the Wolmar area for a quieter beach experience.
Sunset Photos
The west coast offers the best sunsets in Mauritius; have your camera ready!
Day 16: Port Louis - The Capital City
Caudan Waterfront
A modern, paved waterfront area with shops, restaurants, and a craft market. Extremely stroller-friendly and safe.
Blue Penny Museum
Located at the waterfront, it’s small, air-conditioned, and houses the world's rarest stamps—a nice quiet break from the heat.
Lunch at the Food Court
The Caudan food court offers a huge variety of international and local foods, perfect for picky eaters.
Aapravasi Ghat
A UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an important historic site but also has a well-curated visitor center that is easy to navigate.
Day 17: Port Louis - Culture & Gardens
Port Louis Central Market
Experience the bustle of the fruit and vegetable market. It’s tight for strollers, so a carrier is recommended here.
Fort Adelaide (The Citadel)
Drive up for a panoramic view of the city and the harbor. The stone paths are a bit bumpy but manageable.
Odysseo Oceanarium
The largest oceanarium in the Mascarene Islands. It is fully accessible and a huge hit with children.
Return to Flic-en-Flac
A 45-minute drive back to the beach for a relaxing evening.
Day 18: Moka - The Heart of the Island
Eureka House (Maison Eureka)
A colonial mansion with beautiful gardens and a nearby waterfall. The house has a large veranda where kids can play safely.
Lunch at Eureka
The restaurant on-site serves traditional Creole meals in a stunning garden setting.
Bagatelle Mall
If you need some modern comforts or kids' clothes, this is the best mall on the island. It has great nursing rooms and play areas.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final Mauritian feast at one of the highly-rated restaurants in the Moka or Flic-en-Flac area.
Day 19: Departure from Paradise
Last Morning Swim
Take one final dip in the warm Indian Ocean at Flic-en-Flac.
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some local tea or sugar at the local supermarket to take a piece of Mauritius home with you.
Transfer to Airport
Allow at least 3 hours before your flight for a stress-free check-in process.
Departure
Safe travels home after your epic 19-day family adventure!
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
The best time to visit Mauritius is during the dry season from May to December, when the weather is cool, dry, and sunny. For families, the months of October and November are particularly ideal as the temperatures are warm but not excessively hot, and the cyclone risk is minimal. If you prefer a tropical summer, January to March is warm but can be rainy and humid.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). While major hotels, large supermarkets, and restaurants in tourist areas accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry cash for local markets, small shops, and beach vendors. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 5-10% in restaurants is a kind gesture for good service.
Getting Around Mauritius
For a 19-day family trip, renting a private car is the most comfortable and flexible option. While there is a public bus system, it can be crowded and difficult to navigate with a stroller. Taxis are widely available but can be expensive if used for long distances daily. A new light rail system connects Port Louis to some central towns, which is a fun and modern way to see the interior of the island.
