Black River with Kids

Travel advisory, 31 October 2026: Mauritius is at US Level 2 (exercise increased caution) for crime, and the UK advises avoiding demonstrations and large gatherings after unrest in October 2026. Curfews ended on 19 October. Check your government’s current advice before you book.

Black River with children

The southwest of Mauritius suits families because the sea is shallow and calm inside the reef, the main attractions are a short drive apart and several of them are gentle enough for small children. Prices are in Mauritian rupees (Rs) and are for non-resident visitors.

Calm lagoon days at Flic-en-Flac

Flic-en-Flac has a wide lagoon behind an offshore barrier reef, so the water stays shallow and sheltered close to shore. Filao trees give natural shade, and the public beach has toilets, showers and licensed vendors selling fruit, chips and roti. Children should wear neoprene water shoes, because sharp coral and sea urchins live in the shallows and stonefish are well camouflaged on the sand. UK advice warns of bag theft in Flic-en-Flac, so one adult should stay with your belongings.

Giant tortoises at Chamarel

The Chamarel 7 Coloured Earth Geopark ticket costs Rs 800 for adults and Rs 400 for children aged 5 to 11, and under-5s are free. It includes the tortoise park, where Aldabra giant tortoises graze in an outdoor enclosure and can be watched from close by. The same ticket covers the coloured dunes and both waterfall viewpoints. Children must stay on the boardwalks. Walking on the dunes is banned, and nobody may hike to the waterfall or swim at its base.

Rainy day and short walk options

Curious Corner of Chamarel, across the road from the geopark gate, has over 40 optical illusions, a mirror maze and an upside-down house, so it works well when rain arrives on the plateau. The Ebony Forest jeep tour lasts two hours and costs Rs 1,080 for ages 5 to 17 (adults Rs 1,600, under-5s free). It includes a 0.5 km walk on raised walkways in native forest.

Casela Nature Parks

Casela at Cascavelle is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00 and closes on 25 December and 1 January. Families usually head for the African Safari, the walk-through aviary, the farm animals and the Tulawaka toboggan, a 760 m ride. Ask at booking about height and age limits for each ride. Non-resident tickets start from roughly Rs 1,300 to 1,600 for adults, and booking.caselaparks.com shows current prices. The park also sells contact with big cats. Skip those, because welfare groups advise against it.

Snorkelling for older children

Crystal Rock sits in a shallow lagoon, roughly 1.5 to 2.5 m deep, where the water is clear and currents are weak. Licensed pirogues carry life vests, and the trip usually ends with a beach lunch on Ile aux Benitiers. Choose a boat that gives children vests and stays inside the lagoon.

Family rules of thumb

  • Never feed the macaques along the roadside viewpoints, because it makes them bold and they bite.
  • Keep children out of rivers and streams in the gorges after rain, since water levels rise quickly.
  • Cyclone season runs from November to May and peaks from January to March, and everyone must stay in their accommodation during a cyclone.
  • Carry water, hats and sunscreen, and plan outdoor time for the morning.

Read more: Animal activities in Black River and Day trips from Black River .

Family tickets can be compared on GetYourGuide . Official details are on the Chamarel geopark FAQ and Casela Nature Parks .