Mayotte

Mayotte offers a distinctive family travel experience by combining the infrastructure of a French overseas department with the tropical environment of the Indian Ocean. Located between Madagascar and Mozambique, this archipelago consists of two main islands: Petite-Terre and Grande-Terre. For families, the primary appeal lies in the accessible marine life and the unique opportunity to visit France while remaining in the southern hemisphere. 🇫🇷🌴

The island is encircled by one of the world's largest closed lagoons, protected by a double barrier reef. This creates calm, shallow waters ideal for children learning to snorkel. A highlight for many visitors is N'Gouja Beach in the south. Here, large green sea turtles graze on seagrass just a few meters from the shore, allowing even young swimmers to observe them closely in their natural habitat. The beach is also home to colonies of wild brown lemurs (makis), which frequently climb down from the baobab trees to observe picnicking families. 🐢

Beyond the beaches, families can explore the island's volcanic origins. A boat trip to Îlot de Sable Blanc reveals a pristine sandbank that emerges from the azure water at low tide, perfect for sandcastle building and swimming. For active families with older children, the hike to Mount Choungui offers a steep climb rewarded with a panoramic view of the island's lush ridges. On Petite-Terre, the walk around Lake Dziani presents a sulphurous emerald-green crater lake that contrasts sharply with the deep blue ocean visible in the distance.

Practical Considerations for Families:

Travel between the airport on Petite-Terre and the main island of Grande-Terre requires a short ferry ride on "La Barge," which is often an exciting start to the trip for kids. The official currency is the Euro, and French is the administrative language, though Shimaore is widely spoken in daily life. While the island offers French pharmacies and supermarkets (buying baby supplies is generally easy), infrastructure can be strained. Visitors should be aware of potential water rationing and stock bottled water accordingly. The climate is tropical, with a hot, rainy season from November to April and a cooler, drier season from May to October, which is generally the most comfortable time for family visits.