Family Indian Ocean holidays

Our Indian Ocean experts visit these various island idylls on a regular basis, and are on hand to tailor-make the perfect Indian Ocean family holidays for you, whether the family are looking for pure beachfront R&R, or watersports galore, or a trip with an element of cultural immersion as well as ocean immersion. In addition, all our holidays include an exclusive range of additional services, from fast-track check-in and security at the airport, and lounge access even if you're flying economy. In addition, all children aged between three and ten received a fun pack designed by much-loved children's party people Sharky & George containing games, challenges and destination-specific quizzes to keep them interested on the flights.

So, to that most delicious dilemma. Which island(s) to choose? All three of the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles would make for a superb Indian Ocean family holiday, but we can point you in the right direction depending on your specific family requirements.

Looking for pure beachfront R&R with shallow swimming beaches ideal for children? Then look no further than the Maldives. Each individual island in the Maldives is made of coral, with their surrounding reefs tending to create shallow protected lagoons where little ones can swim and snorkel to their hearts' content. In addition, many of the luxury island resorts have superb kids' clubs, while others have admirable conservation programmes where children can learn about reef preservation and help with injured turtle rehabilitation.

While the Maldives offers unadulterated R&R on low-level coral atolls, as a long since extinct volcano that soars skywards the island of Mauritius adds another dimension - quite literally. There are still dreamy beaches surrounding the island, but the addition of gradient and scale means Mauritius offers a host of alternative activities above and beyond the wonderful watersports also available in the Maldives. We can arrange family-friendly hikes through the hinterland rainforest to beautiful waterfalls while keeping an eye out for giant fruit bats, and there's a lovely cultural angle to Mauritius, too, with the chance for families to explore local markets and enjoy cooking classes to make delicious creole dishes. Needless to say, the watersports are also excellent.

Last but by no means least are the dramatic islands of the Seychelles, home to yet more stunning beaches, this time dotted with colossal granite boulders. The watersports and beachfront R&R possibilities are as attractive here as elsewhere in the Indian Ocean, but the trump card is probably the island's indigenous population of giant tortoises. (Although, to be fair, you can see them on Mauritius as well.)