Mauritius
Mauritius Adventure
The clue is in the title! Looking beyond its ‘fly and flop’ reputation, Mauritius will suit families looking for a little more than just beach R&R – still with plenty of time for lounging under palm trees and pool/sea splashing fun of course! A Mauritius family holiday is full of wonderful water-based activities – cruise with dolphins and whales, kayak in turquoise seas and relax on a traditional pirogue sailing trip.
Get your adrenaline fix canyoning waterfalls or E-bike the famous Seven Coloured Earth of Chamarel. Hike through gorges and lush rainforest and summit Le Morne. Slow the pace down on glorious beaches, where you can snorkel in crystal clear seas or complete your PADI dive course and explore the exciting underwater world. Enjoy magical sunsets (from the cocktail bar or on a beach horse ride) and mouth-watering tropical Creole food. Mauritius is SO much more than all-inclusives – it is a fun-packed, family adventure!
Highlights
Snorkel & dive the Indian Ocean
Hike to the iconic Le Morne summit
Dolphin and whale cruise
E-bike Chamarel
Sea Kayak & pirogue sailing trip
Canyoning & horse-riding
Creole cookery & street food tour
14 days from £2,870 pp
Plus international flights from £950
A 14-day holiday in Mauritius for a family of four usually costs from £11,480 plus flights based on good mid-range accommodation.
Mauritius Adventure day-by-day itinerary
Day 1, Mauritius
Welcome to the Indian Ocean island paradise that is Mauritius! On arrival you will be transferred to your beach hotel, glamping site or eco lodge – the choice is yours! Your hire car will be delivered the next morning so you do not have to deal with driving after a long-haul flight. Mauritians drive on the left and roads are easy to navigate – or you may choose private transfers.
Day 2, Black River Gorges Guided Hike
A gentle half-day adventure to stretch your legs on the trails through the lush rainforest of Black River National Park. Discover colourful birds and hidden waterfalls as you learn about the local flora. Your guide will tailor this to your ability, pace and interests so it is enjoyable and suitable for the whole family.
Day 3, Sunrise Dolphin and Whale Watching – Sunset beach horse-ride
An early start today with the chance to (hopefully) see some dolphins in their natural habitat along the west coast, with special guidance from your expert captain. It is also possible to take a dolphin and whale-watching combination so you can enjoy a smorgasbord of marine wildlife activity!
You are then free to continue sea and pool R&R. Later you will enjoy a fabulous evening horse-ride. With the beautiful backdrop of Le Morne Brabant mountain and the lush beaches at your feet, enjoy a gentle horse ride along the shores whilst the sun sets on the horizon.
Day 4, E-Biking Chamarel
Hop on your electric bikes for your cycle through the Chamarel landscape, making stops at the Seven Coloured Earth and a waterfall viewpoint. The scenery is absolutely stunning and the terrain perfect for cycling. Adults can then enjoy some rum tastings (after the biking!) before tucking into a delicious Mauritian lunch.
The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beaches or your hotel pool.
Day 5, Pirogue Sailing Trip
Time to head back out to sea on an exciting sailing adventure on a wooden pirogue (a traditional small boat made from a single tree trunk). Depending on location you may explore secluded islets, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters, see lighthouse ruins or sail around the iconic ‘Crystal Rock’.
For lunch, indulge in a seafood barbeque cooked by your captain before sailing back to the mainland where you can return to that exhausting activity of sun and pool fun.
Read More Day 6, Le Morne Guided Hike Once at the peak, you’ll see the most stunning perspective of the island – from the green and lush forests, to the myriad of different shades of blue of the sea. Drink it all in before descending back to the hotel for a well-earned rest. Or a swim. Day 7, Free day or Canyoning in Les Septs Cascades Enjoy this cooling dip whilst it lasts as you then hike back at the end of your activity. The rest of the day is free for you to …..relax. Day 8, North Coast Day 9, Free day at beach Day 10, Street Food Tour of Port Louis or a cookery class Alternatively enjoy an immersive experience at a locally-run cookery class. Start by touring the market to pick your ingredients with the help of your host chef before heading back to their home to cook up a delicious feast. There you’ll prepare your lunch surrounded by the aromas and atmosphere typical of a Mauritian Creole home. Delicious! Days 11 and 12, Free days at the beach Day 13, Sea-Kayaking to Amber Island Day 14, Departure
Head inland today and take on the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Le Morne. Known for its incredible vistas across the south coast, your guide will pace your hike so it’s suitable to your abilities. Spotting colourful birds along the way and native flora, you’ll ascend slowly but surely until you reach the top – with plenty of stops along the way where necessary.
Time to take a breather? For those just wanting to chill out, today is a perfect break in activity. For those looking for further excitement then why not embrace some canyoning in the beautiful Sept Cascades. This adrenaline-fuelled activity involves abseiling alongside waterfalls with your instructor’s helpful guidance. The waterfalls, or ‘cascades’ vary in height so you can challenge yourself whilst heading for your final jump from six metres into a refreshing plunge pool.
Head north to experience a different part of the island. This is slightly more built up in terms of beach resorts and all-inclusives. There are a variety of different hotels to choose from so we will work together to offer you the right accommodation to suit your family. Enjoy your first afternoon of pure R&R!
Enough said! Depending on your resort you can embark on a huge array of watersports to choose from, check out the kids club, tan by the pool and get some sand between your toes on the walk between the bar and the sun lounger.
Mauritian cuisine is simply delicious with a variety of influences from India, France, China, Africa and Creole. What an amazing fusion of flavours! For those who prefer a more relaxed foodie experience, take a walking street food tour through the colourful capital of Mauritius, Port Louis. Wind through market stalls, sampling dholl puri, gateaux piments and fresh tropical juices. Indulge in the sweeter offerings of the Mauritian Creole cuisine whilst getting a taste of life on the island.
Further free time to relax. Perfect your snorkelling technique or complete your PADI scuba diving course and enjoy exploring the fabulous reefs and tropical sea-life of the Indian Ocean.
What better finale to your Mauritian adventure than a fabulous sea kayaking trip along the stunning Mauritius coastline to Amber Island. You will paddle through sheltered mangrove forests and clear lagoons before approaching Amber Island, not just a tropical gem but also home to ancient island history with its old French fortifications. Stop for a picnic along its peaceful shoreline and then, armed with snorkelling gear, explore the sea life beneath the surface or simply sit back and drink in one last idyllic Indian Ocean scene.
Time to wash that sand out from your toes, pack the suncream away and head to the airport for your flight home. You’ll be back…
Mauritius in pictures
Why choose us?
- Unparalleled family travel experience
- Specialist knowledge across six continents
- Hand-picked local partners
- Every holiday is tailor-made for you
- 100% financial protection
- 24hr emergency contact number
100% Financial
Protection
We are members of the Travel Trust Association, a trade association of Travel Agents, Tour Operators and Travel Organisers that operate trust accounts in order to provide financial protection for the consumer. Membership number Q0176.