20-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guide Route in Mauritius
Mauritius is far more than just a honeymoon destination; it is a tropical playground perfectly suited for families seeking a mix of adventure and relaxation. Over twenty days, you will traverse the island's diverse coastlines, from the bustling northern beaches to the wild, scenic south, all while maintaining a pace that respects nap times and little legs.
This itinerary focuses on 'Epic Journeys' tailored for families, meaning we prioritize comfort, accessibility, and engaging activities that won't overwhelm children. With gentle intercity travel and a focus on high-quality experiences, you'll discover why this Indian Ocean gem is a premier choice for multi-generational travel.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Grand Baie, Mauritius - Arrival & Island Settling
Arrival at SSR International Airport
Touch down at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Collect your luggage and meet your pre-arranged family transfer service which provides child seats for a comfortable 75-minute drive to the north.
Check-in at Family Resort
Arrive at your resort in Grand Baie. Choose a property with a dedicated kids' club and shallow pool areas to let the little ones splash around after the flight.
Sunset Walk on Grand Baie Public Beach
Take a gentle stroll along the bay. The promenade is paved and stroller-friendly, offering beautiful views of the colorful local fishing boats.
Dinner at Sunset Boulevard
Enjoy an easy dinner at one of the many family-friendly restaurants overlooking the water. Mauritian cuisine offers mild options like 'dholl puri' that kids often love.
Day 2: Grand Baie, Mauritius - Coastal Exploration
Shopping at La Croisette
Visit this modern, outdoor mall. It features wide walkways perfect for strollers, a large play area for children, and various international food outlets.
Lunch at a Local Crêperie
Grab a quick and kid-approved lunch of sweet or savory crêpes at one of the local cafes near the waterfront.
Beach Time at Pereybere
Head to Pereybere Beach, known for its crystal-clear, shallow water which is incredibly safe for small children to paddle in.
Relaxed Evening at Resort
Take advantage of the resort's evening kids' entertainment while parents enjoy a quiet cocktail by the ocean.
Day 3: Trou aux Biches, Mauritius - Marine Wonders
Mauritius Aquarium
Located in Pointe aux Piments, this small but charming aquarium allows children to see local reef fish, sharks, and turtles up close without getting wet.
Picnic at Trou aux Biches Beach
This beach is wide and lined with casuarina trees, providing plenty of natural shade for a family picnic and naps in the stroller.
Afternoon Swim
The water here is exceptionally calm, making it the best spot on the island for toddlers to get used to the ocean.
Dinner in Trou aux Biches
Try some local 'boulettes' (dumplings) at a beachside stall or a seated seafood restaurant nearby.
Day 4: Cap Malheureux, Mauritius - Iconic Views
Notre-Dame Auxiliatrice de Cap Malheureux
Visit the famous red-roofed church. The surrounding grounds are flat and grassy, perfect for kids to run around while you take photos of the northern islands.
Lunch at Cap Malheureux
Enjoy fresh fish and local sides at a quiet restaurant overlooking Coin de Mire island.
Bain Boeuf Beach
A quieter beach nearby with stunning turquoise water. It’s a great spot for shell collecting with the children.
Return to Grand Baie
A short 15-minute drive back to your base for a relaxed evening.
Day 5: Pamplemousses, Mauritius - Giant Lilies & History
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden
Stroll through one of the oldest botanical gardens in the Southern Hemisphere. The paths are wide and stroller-friendly. Don't miss the giant Victoria amazonica water lilies.
Lunch at Le Fangourin
Located within the L’Aventure du Sucre estate, this restaurant offers a sophisticated but kid-friendly menu with high chairs available.
L’Aventure du Sucre (Sugar Museum)
A highly interactive museum set in an old sugar mill. The exhibits are engaging for children, explaining the island's history through its sweetest export.
Sugar Tasting
While adults sample local rums, kids can enjoy tasting various types of unrefined sugars and local jams.
Day 6: Port Louis, Mauritius - Capital Culture
Caudan Waterfront
A pedestrianized area in the capital. It’s completely stroller-accessible and features the famous colorful umbrella street, which is always a hit with kids.
Blue Penny Museum
A small, air-conditioned museum at Caudan. It’s a great place to escape the midday heat and see the world's rarest stamps.
Lunch at Caudan Food Court
A wide variety of options from pizza to local curries, making it easy to find something for even the pickiest eaters.
Odysseo Oceanarium
The largest oceanarium in the Mascarene Archipelago, located right next to the port. It’s fully accessible and features an impressive walk-through shark tunnel.
Day 7: Port Louis, Mauritius - History & Heights
Port Louis Central Market
A sensory experience! Visit the fruit and vegetable section for vibrant colors. It can be busy, so a baby carrier might be easier than a stroller here.
Aapravasi Ghat
A UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an important historical landmark, and the visitor center is educational for older children.
Lunch in Port Louis
Try some authentic Chinese-Mauritian food in the nearby Chinatown area.
Fort Adelaide (The Citadel)
Drive up to this fort for panoramic views of the city and the Champ de Mars racecourse. The stone paths are a bit bumpy, but the views are worth it.
Day 8: Belle Mare, Mauritius - Eastern Serenity
Transfer to the East Coast
Enjoy a scenic 1-hour drive from the North to the East. The landscape changes to lush sugarcane fields and quiet coastal villages.
Check-in and Beach Lunch
Enjoy a relaxed lunch with your toes in the sand at your new resort.
Family Spa Session
Many resorts in the East offer 'Mini-Spa' treatments for children, such as coconut oil massages or fun manicures.
Stargazing
The East coast has less light pollution. Spend the evening looking at the Southern Cross constellation from the beach.
Day 9: Ile aux Cerfs, Mauritius - Island Paradise
Catamaran Cruise to Ile aux Cerfs
Board a large, stable catamaran from Trou d'Eau Douce. Catamarans are much more comfortable for families with kids than small speedboats.
Island Exploration
Ile aux Cerfs has shallow sandbanks that go out for meters, creating a safe, giant 'swimming pool' for kids.
BBQ Lunch on Board
Enjoy a freshly grilled lunch on the boat, often accompanied by local Sega music.
Return to Mainland
Relax as the boat sails back during the golden hour.
Day 10: Bras d'Eau, Mauritius - Nature Trails
Bras d'Eau National Park
Unlike the hilly Black River Gorges, this park is relatively flat. The 'Coq du Bois' trail is an easy walk that can be done with a sturdy all-terrain stroller.
Lunch in Post Poste de Flacq
Visit a local eatery for some 'mine frire' (fried noodles), a staple favorite for children.
Sagar Shiv Mandir
Visit this beautiful Hindu temple located on the small island of Goyave de Chine, connected by a bridge. It’s peaceful and visually stunning.
Afternoon Tea by the Sea
Enjoy the cooling sea breeze at a quiet cafe along the coastal road.
Day 11: Mahebourg, Mauritius - Southern Heritage
Transfer to Mahebourg
A 45-minute drive south. Mahebourg is a historic village that retains an old-world Mauritian charm.
Lunch at the Waterfront
Eat at one of the stalls or restaurants along the Mahebourg Waterfront, looking out over the bay where the 1810 naval battle took place.
National History Museum
Housed in a colonial mansion, this museum is free and features interesting artifacts like shipwreck treasures and dodo bones.
Biscuiterie Rault
Take a tour of this unique cassava biscuit factory. It hasn't changed much since the 1800s, and kids love watching the biscuits being made and then tasting them.
Day 12: Blue Bay, Mauritius - Snorkeling & Sands
Blue Bay Marine Park
Take a glass-bottom boat into the heart of the marine park. The water is so clear you can see giant brain corals and hundreds of fish without leaving the boat.
Seafood Lunch
Enjoy fresh catch-of-the-day at a local restaurant in Blue Bay village.
Beach Time
Blue Bay has some of the softest sand on the island, perfect for building sandcastles.
Dinner at the Resort
Enjoy a themed buffet night, which usually includes plenty of kid-friendly options.
Day 13: Rivière des Anguilles, Mauritius - Giant Tortoises
La Vanille Nature Park
A must-visit for families. Children can interact with hundreds of giant Aldabra tortoises and see the impressive crocodile feeding shows.
Lunch at Le Crocodile Affamé
The park's restaurant offers a unique menu (including crocodile meat for the brave!) in a beautiful rainforest setting. High chairs are available.
Insectarium & Fossil Museum
Also located within La Vanille, this is one of the world's largest private collections of butterflies and insects—truly fascinating for kids.
Gris Gris Viewpoint
Drive to the southern cliffs. It’s windy and the sea is rough (no swimming here!), but the dramatic views of 'The Weeping Rock' are spectacular.
Day 14: Bois Cheri, Mauritius - High Altitude Tea
Bois Cheri Tea Factory & Museum
Head into the cooler highlands. Take a tour of the factory to see how tea is processed. The museum is small and manageable for young children.
Lunch with a View
The Bois Cheri restaurant overlooks a volcanic crater lake and offers some of the best views on the island.
Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao)
Visit the sacred lake and the massive statues of Lord Shiva and Lord Durga. It’s a peaceful place, but watch out for the resident monkeys—keep your snacks hidden!
Check-in at West Coast Resort
Drive 45 minutes to Flic en Flac for the final leg of your journey.
Day 15: Cascavelle, Mauritius - Safari Fun
Casela Nature Parks
A massive park offering safari bus tours to see zebras, rhinos, and ostriches. There is also a great petting farm and a large playground.
Lunch at Casela Restaurant
The restaurant is situated on a hill with a view over the west coast, offering a great spot to rest while the kids play nearby.
Tulawaka Gold Coaster
An alpine coaster that is exciting for older kids and adults (children can ride with a parent). It’s a great thrill with a view.
Return to Flic en Flac
A short 10-minute drive back to the beach for a late afternoon dip.
Day 16: Flic en Flac, Mauritius - Sunset & Sands
Beach Day at Flic en Flac
This is one of the longest beaches on the island. The reef protects the lagoon, making the water very still and safe for children.
Local Food Truck Lunch
Flic en Flac is famous for its food trucks. Try some 'Gato Arouille' (taro fritters) or a fresh pineapple with chili salt.
Stroller Walk to Wolmar
The coastal road and the beach path toward Wolmar are beautiful for an afternoon walk with the stroller.
Sundowner and Sega Show
Most resorts on the west coast host a Sega dance performance once a week—a vibrant cultural experience for the whole family.
Day 17: Chamarel, Mauritius - Earthly Colors
Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth
See the unique geological formation of multi-colored sand dunes. There is a playground and a giant tortoise pen right next to the dunes.
Lunch at Le Chamarel Restaurant
Perched high above the coastline, this restaurant offers incredible views of Le Morne and the lagoon.
Curious Corner of Chamarel
Located right opposite the Seven Coloured Earth, this is a house of illusions and puzzles that is incredibly fun for kids of all ages.
Maconde Viewpoint
On the drive back, stop at this famous hairpin bend for a quick climb up the stairs for a stunning ocean view.
Day 18: Chamarel, Mauritius - Ebony Forest
Ebony Forest Reserve
Take a safari jeep to the top of the mountain (saving little legs the hike). Walk along the raised wooden boardwalks through the native forest.
Lunch at the Visitor Center
A simple and quiet spot for a light lunch before heading back down the mountain.
Rhumerie de Chamarel
While a rum distillery sounds adult-centric, the grounds are beautiful and the guided tour is interesting. Kids enjoy the garden and the large machinery.
Rest and Nap Time
Head back to the resort for some downtime after the morning's mountain air.
Day 19: Le Morne, Mauritius - Lagoon Life
Le Morne Brabant Peninsula
Visit the beach at the foot of the majestic Le Morne mountain. The water here is shallow and crystal clear for hundreds of meters.
Beachside Picnic
Pick up some fresh fruit and pastries from a local bakery for a final beach picnic.
Relaxed Swimming
Enjoy the calmest part of the lagoon, perfect for snorkeling with older kids or just floating with younger ones.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your final night with a special dinner at a restaurant overlooking the kite surfers in the lagoon.
Day 20: Flic en Flac, Mauritius - Final Memories
Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some local vanilla tea, sugar, or a small hand-woven basket as a memory of your trip.
Final Beach Dip
One last splash in the warm Indian Ocean before getting ready for the flight.
Late Checkout and Transfer
Most resorts offer a departure lounge where you can shower before your transfer to the airport.
Departure to Airport
Head back to SSR International Airport for your flight home, concluding your 20-day family odyssey.
Best Time to Visit Mauritius
The best time to visit Mauritius with a family is during the cooler, drier months from May to December. During this period, the weather is pleasantly warm (20°C to 26°C), and humidity is low, making it comfortable for kids to spend all day outdoors. Avoid the cyclone season from January to March, as heavy rain can disrupt outdoor activities and beach time.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). While major hotels, large supermarkets, and restaurants accept international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard), it is essential to carry cash for local markets, street food stalls, and small tipping. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; around 5-10% in restaurants is common if a service charge isn't already included.
Getting Around Mauritius
For a 20-day family trip, renting a car is the most practical and comfortable option, allowing for flexible schedules and storage for strollers. Roads are generally well-maintained, and they drive on the left side. For inter-region transfers, pre-booked private taxis or hotel shuttles are reliable. While there is a public bus system and a new Metro Express connecting major towns like Port Louis and Curepipe, they may be less convenient for those traveling with significant baby gear.
