Rodrigues Island

Rodrigues Island is a dependency of Mauritius located about 500 km east of the main island. It is a volcanic island surrounded by a near-pristine lagoon, with a distinct Creole culture and a far more relaxed pace of life than mainland Mauritius. The capital, Port Mathurin, is the only real town; the rest of the island is covered in rolling green hills, limestone caves, and small fishing villages. Rodrigues is a destination for eco-tourists, divers, and those seeking genuine isolation.

May to November offers the best weather, with warm days and cool nights. The cyclone season runs from December to April. The island is popular during the Mauritius school holidays (December–January and July–August).

Air Mauritius operates daily flights from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) to Sir Gaëtan Duval Airport (RRG) in Rodrigues. The island is small — about 18 km long and 8 km wide — and can be explored by taxi, rental car, or bus. Buses are infrequent; hiring a taxi for the day is recommended.

• Port Mathurin — the capital and only town, with government buildings, a small harbour, market and shops.
• Mont Lubin — a hill village with a small church and panoramic views.
• La Ferme — a rural area with a nature reserve and giant tortoise park.
• Baie aux Huitres — a beautiful horseshoe-shaped beach and the starting point for boat trips to the offshore islands.
• Anse aux Anglais — a popular swimming beach near Port Mathurin.
• Grande Montagne — the highest point on the island (398 m), with a nature reserve and hiking trails.
• Riviere Cocos — a coastal area with mangroves and birdlife.
• Port Sud-Est — a small fishing village on the south coast.
• Petit Gabriel — a quiet beach area.
• Mourouk — a popular beach on the southern coast with a reef break for surfing.
• Saint Gabriel — a coastal area near the southern tip.

Rodriguan cuisine features fresh seafood, octopus, curries, and the distinctive Rodrigues sausage (merged with local spices). The local honey and chilli jam are prized. Port Mathurin has a few restaurants; otherwise, meals are available through guesthouses.

Rodrigues has a strong Franco-Mauritian Creole heritage. The Fête de l'Indépendance (March) and the annual Rodrigues Jazz Festival (October) are highlights. The Sega dance is an important cultural expression.

• Snorkel in the lagoon — the coral reef encircling the island is largely untouched, with abundant marine life.
• Visit the Giant Tortoise Park at La Ferme — a conservation area holding Aldabra giant tortoises.
• Hike to Grande Montagne — the highest point offers sweeping views over the entire island.
• Explore Caverne Patate — a limestone cave system with impressive stalactite formations.
• Boat trip to Île aux Cocos — a protected nature reserve with seabird colonies and pristine beaches.