Which Indian Ocean Island Is Best for a Family Holiday? Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles

Choosing the right destination for a family holiday to the Indian Ocean can feel overwhelming. With turquoise waters, soft white sands and year-round sunshine, the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles all sound perfect, but each island suits different family travel styles and ages.

Whether you are travelling with toddlers, active children or teenagers, this guide compares the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles for families, helping UK parents choose the island that best fits their needs.

Maldives vs Mauritius vs Seychelles at a glance

• Best for toddlers and young kids: Maldives
• Best all-round family destination: Mauritius
• Best for nature and wildlife-loving kids: Seychelles
• Best for total relaxation: Maldives
• Best for variety and activities: Mauritius
• Best for adventure without crowds: Seychelles

Maldives for Families

The Maldives is ideal for families seeking barefoot luxury with minimal logistics. Resorts are self-contained, transfers are simple, and everything is designed to be easy, especially with young children.

Families love:

• Shallow lagoons perfect for little ones
• House-reef snorkelling just steps from the beach
• Excellent kids’ clubs and babysitting
• Spacious villas, often with private pools
• Calm, car-free island environments

The Maldives works particularly well for:

• Families with toddlers or young children
• First-time long-haul family travellers
• Parents who want to truly relax

Explore our Maldives family holidays for tailor-made island escapes.

Mauritius for Families

Mauritius is one of the best all-round family destinations in the Indian Ocean. It combines beautiful beaches with culture, wildlife and adventure, making it ideal for families who like variety.

Families love:

• Calm, reef-protected lagoons
• Waterfalls, forests and wildlife parks
• Excellent family resorts with kids’ clubs
• Cultural experiences and local food
• A wide range of activities for different ages

Mauritius works particularly well for:

• Families with mixed-age children
• Active families who enjoy exploring
• Parents who want beach time and adventure

Discover our Mauritius family holidays, designed for UK families.

Seychelles for Families

The Seychelles is a natural playground for families who love the outdoors. With uncrowded beaches, gentle hikes and incredible wildlife, it offers adventure without being overwhelming.

Families love:

• Meeting giant tortoises
• Calm, shallow beaches
• Jungle trails and nature walks
• Island-hopping between Mahé, Praslin and La Digue
• A slower, more peaceful pace

The Seychelles works particularly well for:

• Families with older children or teenagers
• Kids who love animals and nature
• Parents seeking beauty without crowds

Explore our Seychelles family holidays, tailor-made from the UK.

Which Indian Ocean Island Is Right for Your Family?

If you are deciding between islands, ask yourself:

• Are your children confident swimmers?
• Do you want everything in one resort, or variety?
• Do you prefer relaxation or exploration?
• Are wildlife and nature a priority?
• Is this your first long-haul family trip?

There is no single “best” island, only the best island for your family.

That is where expertise and tailor-made planning makes all the difference.

Plan Your Indian Ocean Family Holiday

We specialise in tailor-made family holidays to the Indian Ocean from the UK, helping parents choose the right island, resort and itinerary based on their children’s ages and interests.

Start with our Indian Ocean family holidays, or speak to a specialist to design your perfect trip.