Mauritius, a drop in the Indian Ocean, with its lush panoramic landscapes, pristine beaches, and a luxury resorts has been typecast as a honeymoon destination but it offers the perfect family-friendly atmosphere. From exotic wildlife to endless water sports, Mauritius offers something for every taste and age. Here are 5 reasons to visit Mauritius with kids.

1. Experience the exotic wildlife first hand

Whether you choose to witness the feeding of the crocodiles at La Vanille Nature Park or walk with lions at the Casela Nature & Leisure Park, there are plenty of opportunities to get up close and personal with exotic wildlife in Mauritius. Mauritius is also home to the Mauritius Aquarium with over 200 species of fish and 100-year-old tortoises. On the island of Ile aux Aigrettes, which is located off the southeast coast of Mauritius, you’ll find a wild fauna haven which has thousands of endangered species like kestrels, pink pigeons, and giant Aldabra tortoises. La Vanille Nature Park is also home to over 1,000 giant Aldabra tortoises in addition to over 2,000 Nile crocodiles.

2. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and submarines

Kids of 8 and above can take an introduction to scuba diving course at resorts like Constance Le Prince Maurice and Constance Belle Mare Plage. For younger children, or those not tempted by diving, there are other great ways to explore the depths of the Indian Ocean in Mauritius. You can explore beautiful reefs and wrecks in a submarine or simply snorkel with exotic fish and marine life.

3. Endless watersports

There is so much to experience on the water with kids in Mauritius. Water babies can enjoy everything from water skiing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, kitesurfing, and kayaking to game fishing, pirate ship cruises, and catamaran sailing.

4. Experience different cultures and meet friendly locals

Mauritian people are extremely friendly and hospitable. The local children welcome tourists with smiling faces. A trip to a local fishing village, beaches, or to the capital of Port Louis will introduce children to the laid back, friendly way of life in Mauritius.

5. Family-friendly accommodations with kids clubs and activities

Mauritian hotels are renowned for their excellence in service and hospitality, and most offer activities for children. Four Seasons Mauritius has a kids’ club and its own Hobbit Village, which teaches everything from Sega dancing, cooking, and baking, to a slew of kid-friendly activities like kite-making, games, and fishing. There are also do-it-yourself pizza and breakfast stations in the restaurants and babysitting services as well. Or you can let the kids enjoy the space of a private villa with its own pool within Constance Belle Mare Plage resort, with all of its family-friendly facilities close at hand. All Constance hotels and resorts have a complementary Constance Kids Club where children can make friends, play games, swim, put on shows, and get creative under the supervision of our friendly, fully-trained staff. Sugar Beach Resort, located on the west coast of Mauritius, is a Sun Resort set in 20 acres of tropical gardens with half a kilometre of white sand beach to explore. Its kids’ club is simply irresistible – a Hansel and Gretel gingerbread cottage with giant liquorice allsorts guarding the entrance. Inside is a fully equipped child-sized kitchen with its own pizza oven so the children can get involved in preparing their own lunch. Other family-friendly activities include dolphin watch cruises, windsurfing, and water sports and Sega lessons.

Mauritius offers the whole family a wealth of memorable experiences as well as every luxury. I definitely spent lots of time on those beautiful sandy beaches, but these are just a few of the reasons to visit Mauritius with kids.