5-Day Mauritius Itinerary: Bucket List Family Trip
- rachnamone
- Jul 22, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Mar 20
Why Mauritius is Perfect for a Family Holiday
Mauritius, a stunning island nation in the Indian Ocean, may be small, but it’s packed with beauty, culture, and incredible food! For Indian travellers, it’s an especially convenient destination—there’s no visa cost or advance visa hassle, and it’s just a short flight from South India. With plenty of family-friendly activities and a wide variety of cuisine to suit every palate, Mauritius comes very close to being the perfect holiday destination for Indians.
This 5-day Mauritius itinerary is ideal for families and slow travellers, allowing you to experience the top things to do in Mauritius without feeling rushed. From pristine beaches to exciting adventures, we’ve covered the highlights while still leaving enough time to relax and soak it all in.
How to get to Mauritius ?
Airlines like Air India, Air Mauritius, and Indigo operate direct flights to Mauritius from India, with a flight time of around 6 hours from Mumbai. Interestingly, the airport is NOT located in the capital city of Port Louis—which actually works in your favor. As soon as you step out, you’re welcomed by lush landscapes and scenic beauty, without the chaos of city crowds or traffic. It’s the perfect, calm start to your Mauritius holiday!
5-Day Mauritius Itinerary at a Glance
Here’s a quick overview of our 5-day Mauritius itinerary before we dive into the details:
This itinerary focuses mainly on the western coast of the island where we did some really fun and adventure filled activities with kids! To follow this itinerary, you will need a rental car!
We chose to base ourselves in Tamarin ( on west coast of Mauritius) which was a short car ride away from most of the activities we intended to do . You can also choose to move along the coastline of Mauritius and experience both the eat and west coast of this island country. Our evenings were mostly spent chilling by the beach! Mauritian sunsets are epic.
Detailed 5-Day Mauritius Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Mauritius & head to Tamarin
Arrive in Mauritius and head straight to your accommodation on the west coast. Tamarin is an excellent base for families, as it is centrally located and close to many top attractions in Mauritius.
We stayed at Esplanade by Horizon in Tamarin (approximately a 1-hour drive from the airport), and it’s a stay we would highly recommend. These beachside serviced apartments are spacious, comfortable, and conveniently located near grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants—perfect when traveling with kids.
Keep the first day light and relaxed. Spend some time settling in, unwind by the pool, or take a leisurely walk along the beach. You can also stock up on essentials or explore nearby cafes and restaurants for an easy meal.
🌅 Tip: End your day by the beach—sunsets on the west coast of Mauritius are absolutely stunning and the perfect start to your trip.
Day 2: Le Morne, Baie du Cap & Gris Gris Beach
Day 2 of this 5-day Mauritius itinerary is all about driving along exploring the scenic south-west coast, with dramatic landscapes, iconic viewpoints, and some of the most unique beaches in Mauritius.
Stop 1: Le Morne Brabant & Underwater Waterfall
Start your day with a drive towards Le Morne Brabant, a stunning peninsula known for its historical significance and breathtaking views. If you’re up for something special, you can even opt for a lagoon or helicopter flight here to witness the famous “underwater waterfall” illusion—a fascinating natural phenomenon created by sand and sediment shifting under strong ocean currents.
Even if you skip the flight, the surrounding beaches are beautiful and perfect for a short stop to soak in the views.
Stop 2: Baie du Cap Maconde Viewpoint
Next, make a quick stop at the Maconde Viewpoint for panoramic views of the rugged coastline.This is one of the most scenic viewpoints in Mauritius, with winding roads, dramatic cliffs, and endless ocean views—perfect for photos and a quick break.
Stop 3: Gris Gris Beach, Souillac
Continue your drive to Gris Gris Beach, located about an hour from Tamarin.
The journey itself is beautiful, with roads lined by lush sugarcane plantations on both sides. Unlike the calm lagoons of the west coast, Gris Gris is known for its wild and rugged beauty, where waves crash dramatically against the cliffs.
Stop here for a relaxed stroll and enjoy the raw, untamed side of Mauritius. You can also grab lunch in Souillac before heading back.
Optional Stop: Pont Naturel
If you have extra time and energy, you can continue further east to Pont Naturel, a striking natural rock bridge formed along the rugged coastline.
⚠️ Safety Tip: The sea here can be rough, and while the crashing waves look spectacular, it’s important to stay cautious and maintain a safe distance.
End the Day: Sunset in Tamarin
Mauritian sunsets are gorgious to say the least! We chose to return early to enjoy a peaceful evening by the pool and catch the sunset—and honestly, it was the perfect way to end the day.
🌅 Tip: West coast sunsets in Mauritius are absolutely magical—don’t miss them!
Day 3: Casela Nature Park & Adventure Activities
Day 3 of your 5-day Mauritius itinerary is all about wildlife, adventure, and fun—making it one of the most exciting days for families traveling with kids.
Explore Casela Nature Park
This place was definitely a highlight of our trip and an absolute hit with our kids! Spend the day at Casela Nature Park, located just a short drive from Tamarin. Spread across 350 hectares, this expansive park offers a wide variety of experiences that cater to both kids and adults.
You can easily spend an entire day here exploring:
The bird park with a variety of native and exotic species
An African safari experience with zebras and antelopes
Feeding giraffes up close (a big hit with kids!)
Seeing giant tortoises
Interacting with big cats like lions (guided experiences)
For those looking to add some adrenaline to the day, head to Thrill Mountain, a part of Casela. You can try Ziplining and Canyon swing across scenic landscapes.
There’s also a dedicated outdoor play area for kids, along with restaurants and cafes inside the park—making it easy to take breaks and refuel during the day.
Tips for Visiting Casela Nature Park
⏰ Start early: Casela is a large park, and reaching early helps you beat the crowds and enjoy more activities without rushing.
🎟️ Plan ahead: This is very important! Decide which experiences you want in advance and book tickets accordingly, as many activities are priced separately.
☀️ Come prepared: Mauritius can get hot and humid, so come prepared:
Carry sunscreen, hats, and plenty of water
Keep snacks handy, especially when traveling with kids
Plan Your Casela Budget here (Interactive Tool)👇
Use this live converter to check Mauritius prices in INR instantly 👇
(Important to note - Prices and currency conversions are approximate and may vary based on real-time exchange rates and selected experiences.)
Day 4: Swimming with Dolphins & Snorkeling in Tamarin
Day 4 of your 5-day Mauritius itinerary is all about ticking off a true bucket-list experience—swimming with dolphins in their natural habitat!
🐬 Dolphin Watching & Swimming Experience
Start your morning with a short 10-minute drive from Tamarin to the dolphin activity center. From here, you’ll board a speedboat and head out into the open ocean to observe—and if you’re comfortable—even swim alongside dolphins in the wild.
Watching these intelligent and graceful creatures up close in their natural environment is truly a magical experience. While I chose to stay on the boat, my husband jumped in and absolutely loved swimming with the dolphins. Even from the boat, it was an unforgettable experience!
💡 Tips for a fun and safe Dolphin Experience
Start early for higher chances of spotting dolphins
Only swim if you’re confident in the water
Follow safety instructions given by guides
Waterproof camera recommended!
🤿 Snorkeling in Tamarin
After the dolphin experience, we spent some time snorkeling in the clear waters off the coast of Tamarin. The marine life here is vibrant, and it’s a great way to extend your time in the ocean. The entire outing lasts around 2–3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.
We chose to keep the rest of the day slow, spending the evening unwinding by the beach. After a morning full of adventure, this felt just right.
👉 Here are some popular operators you can book your dolphin experience with 👇
(Prices and currency conversions are approximate and may vary based on real-time exchange rates and selected experiences. We recommend checking recent reviews before booking to ensure the experience meets your expectations.)
🌈 Optional: Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth
If you still have energy and time, consider visiting Chamarel Seven Coloured Earth.
This unique natural attraction features sand dunes in seven distinct colours, formed over thousands of years due to volcanic activity and erosion. It’s a fascinating geological phenomenon and definitely worth adding to your itinerary if time permits. We couldnt visit this as we wanted to take it easy after the morning excursion, but i am sure it is a fantastic place to visit as a family.
Day 5: Undersea Walk at Belle Mare
Day 5 of your 5-day Mauritius itinerary brings you a truly unique experience—walking on the ocean floor and exploring marine life up close!
🌊 Undersea Walk Experience in Belle Mare
For this activity, we headed to Belle Mare on the east coast, which was about a 2-hour drive from Tamarin—our longest drive during the trip, but absolutely worth it. We chose to do the undersea walk with Aquaventure, a well-known operator for this experience. 💰 Expect to pay around MUR 1,200–3,000 per person (₹2,500–6,000 approx) for an undersea walk in Mauritius, depending on the operator and inclusions.
Once you arrive, you’re taken by speedboat to an offshore platform where the activity begins. The team provides a detailed briefing, explaining the process, safety instructions, and what to expect underwater.
🤿 What to Expect
You’ll be equipped with special sea-walking gear including:
Weighted shoes
A helmet that allows you to breathe normally underwater
With the help of trained guides, you descend slowly to the seabed
Spend around 15–20 minutes walking underwater, surrounded by fish and marine life
No swimming skills are required, making it suitable even for non-swimmers
It’s a surreal experience—almost like walking inside an aquarium!
Avoid if you have ear/sinus issues
Carry a change of clothes
📸 Capture the Experience
Professional photos and videos are available for purchase after the activity—and we would highly recommend getting them. It’s truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and having those memories captured is absolutely worth it.
Here are some popular operators offering undersea walk experiences in Mauritius along with approximate pricing:
(Prices and currency conversions are approximate and may vary based on real-time exchange rates and selected experiences. We recommend checking recent reviews before booking to ensure the experience meets your expectations.)
Day 6: Relax, Unwind & Departure
After a fun-filled and activity-packed trip, Day 6 is all about slowing down.
We spent our final morning in Mauritius relaxing by the beach, soaking in the views one last time, and enjoying the pool before heading to the airport for our flight back home. It’s the perfect way to end your Mauritius holiday—calm, unhurried, and full of gratitude.
Final Thoughts: Is Mauritius Worth It for Families?
This 5-day Mauritius itinerary gave us the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. From ticking off bucket-list experiences like undersea walking and swimming with dolphins to enjoying simple beach sunsets, Mauritius truly offers something for every kind of traveller.
Some of our favourite highlights:
🌊 Undersea walk experience
🐬 Swimming with dolphins
🦁 Close encounters at Casela Nature Park
🦒 Feeding giraffes
🐢 Seeing giant tortoises
Whether you’re looking for adventure, nature, or just a relaxing beach holiday, Mauritius is a fantastic destination for families.
🌴 Plan Your Mauritius Trip
If you’re planning your own trip, don’t miss our detailed guides to help you plan better:
👉 Mauritius Travel Budget for Families
👉 What to pack for a trip to Mauritius
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Mauritius
1. Is 5 days enough for Mauritius?
Yes, a 5-day Mauritius itinerary is perfect to cover major highlights like beaches, dolphin tours, Casela Nature Park, and the south coast, especially if you focus on one region like the west coast.
2. What is the best area to stay in Mauritius for families?
The west coast (Tamarin, Flic en Flac) is ideal for families due to calm beaches, easy access to activities, and shorter travel distances to major attractions.
3. Do you need a car to explore Mauritius?
Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility and convenience. However, taxis and guided tours are also easily available if you prefer not to drive.
4. Is Mauritius expensive for Indian travellers?
Mauritius can be moderately priced. Activities like dolphin tours and undersea walks cost around ₹2,500–₹6,000 per person, while self-driving and local food can help keep costs in check.
5. Is Mauritius good for kids and family travel?
Absolutely! Mauritius is very family-friendly with a mix of beaches, wildlife parks like Casela, and safe adventure activities suitable for kids of different age groups.
6. What is the best time to visit Mauritius?
The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to November when the weather is pleasant, less humid, and ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
7. Is swimming with dolphins in Mauritius safe?
Yes, dolphin tours are generally safe when done with licensed operators. Always follow safety instructions and choose responsible providers with good reviews.
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