Mauritius Travel Tips for Families – Packing, Budgeting & Itinerary Planning

Planning a family vacation to Mauritius? Whether you’re visiting with a baby, toddler, or school-aged kids, traveling as a family brings both excitement and challenges. Between organizing documents, planning activities, and ensuring comfort for everyone, it can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share practical Mauritius travel tips for families, covering:

  • What to pack when traveling with kids

  • Budgeting for your family holiday in Mauritius

  • Sample itineraries to balance adventure and relaxation

  • Child-friendly transport and airport transfers

  • Bonus safety and travel hacks for a stress-free trip

1. Why Mauritius is Ideal for Families

Mauritius is one of the safest and most welcoming island destinations for families. With calm, shallow lagoons, clean beaches, modern infrastructure, and warm hospitality, it checks all the boxes for parents seeking a memorable holiday with children.

Here’s why Mauritius stands out:

  • Safe beaches with gentle tides for toddlers and non-swimmers

  • English- and French-speaking locals, making communication easy

  • A mix of cultural experiences, wildlife parks, and beach relaxation

  • Good healthcare, pharmacies, and access to baby supplies across the island

But to truly enjoy Mauritius with kids, you’ll want to plan carefully—starting with what goes in your suitcase.

2. What to Pack for a Family Trip to Mauritius

Packing for a family holiday isn’t just about remembering swimsuits and sunscreen. You’ll want to be prepared for beach days, day trips, and occasional weather changes—all while keeping kids happy and safe.

Essentials for Children

✅ Clothing:

  • Light cotton shirts and shorts

  • Sun hats with wide brims

  • UV swimwear or rash guards

  • Light jackets for cooler evenings

  • Water shoes or sandals

✅ Toiletries & Health:

  • Kids’ sunscreen (SPF 50+)

  • Aloe vera or after-sun lotion

  • Mosquito repellent (natural or DEET-based)

  • Diapers, wipes, and formula (available in stores but bring enough for the first 2–3 days)

  • Any prescribed medications or allergy treatments

✅ Entertainment & Comfort:

  • Coloring books, tablets, or travel games

  • Noise-cancelling headphones for flights

  • Their favorite cuddly toy or blanket

  • Reusable water bottles and snack containers

✅ Beach Gear:

  • Inflatable armbands or floats

  • Compact beach tent or sunshade

  • Baby powder (great for removing sand!)

For Parents

✅ Documents:

  • Passports with at least 6 months validity

  • Copies of birth certificates for minors (some airlines or immigration may ask)

  • Travel insurance with medical coverage

  • Hotel confirmations and return flight details

✅ Money Matters:

  • Credit/debit cards

  • Some cash in MUR or EUR/USD

  • A waterproof pouch for money and phones

✅ Electronics & Utilities:

  • Power adapter (Mauritius uses Type C and G plugs)

  • Portable chargers

  • Lightweight stroller or baby carrier (some attractions have uneven paths)

✅ Optional but Useful:

  • Swim goggles/snorkel sets

  • Thermos for keeping baby bottles warm

  • Foldable drying rack for swimsuits or baby items

3. Budgeting for a Mauritius Family Holiday

When planning a family trip to Mauritius, it’s helpful to think about the main expenses you’ll face. First, there’s the cost of flights, which can range roughly from 40,000 to 80,000 Mauritian rupees per adult for a round trip, though actual prices depend on your departure city and the time of year. For accommodations—spanning from simpler guesthouses to all-inclusive resorts—a one-week stay typically falls somewhere between 15,000 and 60,000 rupees. Dining and food purchases might come to about 10,000 to 25,000 rupees, assuming you mix casual local eateries with a few more upscale meals.

You should also factor in transport costs, including family-friendly airport transfers, which often run between 1,500 and 3,500 rupees. Day trips and excursions to popular nature parks, boat tours, or museums can total about 4,000 to 15,000 rupees, depending on how many activities you choose. Lastly, it’s wise to set aside around 2,000 to 5,000 rupees for souvenirs, snacks, and miscellaneous extras you might pick up along the way. By considering each of these budget categories in advance, you can more easily prepare for your family holiday and manage your spending without cutting into the fun.

Tip: Save by booking excursions directly and using family-friendly transport services like barefoottransfersmauritius.com, which offer free child seats, meet-and-greet airport pickups, and day tours.

4. Getting Around Mauritius with Kids

Airport Transfers with Children

Instead of relying on hotel shuttles or crowded minibuses, opt for a private family airport transfer in Mauritius. It ensures:

  • No waiting at SSR Airport

  • A clean, private vehicle

  • Free child seat on request

  • Local drivers who understand family needs

Recommended: Pre-book a transfer with a provider that offers family-friendly airport taxis with booster or baby seats. It’s safer, quicker, and far less stressful than searching for one after landing.

Day Trips and Taxis

For local transport, avoid public buses (slow, not toddler-friendly) and consider:

  • Renting a car with a child seat (check seat availability before booking)

  • Booking private tours with driver-guide services

  • Pre-arranged return taxis for specific attractions

5. Sample 5-Day Family Itinerary in Mauritius

Day 1 – Arrival & Beach Time

  • Land at SSR Airport and enjoy a smooth family-friendly airport transfer

  • Check-in to your hotel or villa

  • Spend a relaxing afternoon at a nearby beach

  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant with kid-friendly options

Day 2 – Nature & Animals

  • Visit Casela Nature Park for animal feeding, kid-friendly safaris, and play zones

  • Stop by a viewpoint (e.g., Chamarel or Black River Gorges)

  • Early evening return for a quiet family meal

Day 3 – Cultural Discovery

  • Explore the L’Aventure du Sucre Museum or Eureka House

  • Enjoy Mauritian street food like dholl puri or gateau piment

  • Visit a market in Port Louis (go early to avoid heat)

  • Return with fresh fruit, local crafts, and happy kids

Day 4 – Island Excursion

  • Take a glass-bottom boat ride or Catamaran tour

  • Choose a beach like Blue Bay for calm waters

  • Have lunch at a beach café

  • Return mid-afternoon for nap time or pool play

Day 5 – Leisure & Departure

  • Slow breakfast, beach stroll, and packing

  • Option for a mini spa treatment while kids play at hotel club

  • Pre-booked airport taxi picks you up on time

  • Safe journey home with great memories!

6. Top Family-Friendly Activities in Mauritius

  • Casela Nature Park – animals, playgrounds, zip lines (older kids)

  • La Vanille Nature Park – tortoises, crocodiles, butterfly house

  • Blue Bay Marine Park – snorkeling and shallow boat tours

  • Mauritius Aquarium – perfect for toddlers on rainy days

  • Sugar Museum (L’Aventure du Sucre) – child-friendly exhibits

  • Beaches: Mont Choisy, Belle Mare, Flic en Flac – calm waters

Pro Tip: Always bring hats, snacks, and water—some spots can be hot or lack food stands.

7. Choosing Family-Friendly Accommodation

Look for hotels or villas that offer:

  • Kids’ clubs or babysitting

  • Family suites with kitchenettes

  • Pool with shallow ends or splash zones

  • On-site medical support or 24/7 reception

  • Beach access with shaded areas

Some popular family-friendly resorts in Mauritius include:

  • Beachcomber Resorts (Kids Clubs, baby amenities)

  • LUX* Belle Mare (kids activities + beach access)

  • Veranda Palmar (budget-friendly, all-inclusive)

8. Travel Safety & Health Tips

  • Tap water is generally safe in major hotels but better to use bottled water for toddlers

  • Pharmacies are widely available and carry most child meds

  • Insect bites: use mosquito repellent and avoid stagnant water areas

  • Sunscreen: Apply every 2–3 hours, especially on beach days

  • Food safety: Stick to reputable vendors; introduce new foods slowly

  • Emergency numbers: Save ambulance, nearest hospital, and your embassy contact

9. Bonus Tips for a Smooth Family Holiday

  • Book excursions early in the trip—kids tire more as the days pass

  • Travel with a backpack-style diaper bag for flexibility

  • Let kids nap in the car on longer journeys

  • Use waterproof phone pouches for beach + toddler emergencies

  • Always have wet wipes on hand!

10. Recap: Mauritius Travel Tips for Families

Traveling to Mauritius with children can be the family trip of a lifetime—if planned well. From choosing the right clothes and snacks to pre-booking a safe, family-friendly airport transfer in Mauritius, your choices can dramatically improve the entire travel experience.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

✅ Pack light but smart: bring what your toddler needs for the first 48 hours
✅ Plan a mix of beach, nature, and culture-based activities
✅ Choose child-friendly resorts and request early check-in when possible
✅ Pre-book transport and make sure child seats are included
✅ Balance your schedule—allow time to rest, nap, or just play in the sand

With friendly locals, incredible scenery, and modern family conveniences, Mauritius is more than just a honeymoon destination—it’s a paradise for families, too.

Book Your Family-Friendly Airport Transfer Today

Before your plane even touches down, you can set the tone for a stress-free holiday by booking a Family-Friendly Airport Transfer in Mauritius. Services like barefoottransfersmauritius.com offer:

  • Free child seats on request

  • Meet-and-greet service at the airport

  • Spacious, air-conditioned vehicles

  • Friendly local drivers who understand family needs

Skip the long taxi lines or confusing shuttle systems. Start your holiday smoothly, knowing your little one is safe and comfortable from the very first ride.