Rodrigues Island

A tranquil island 600 km east of Mauritius, with a vast lagoon, kitesurfing, a giant tortoise reserve and Creole fishing villages.

Rodrigues Island lies about 600 km east of mainland Mauritius and is an autonomous island of Mauritius. Though only about 108 sq km in area, it is ringed by a huge lagoon twice the size of its land. Most residents are Creole, life moves slowly, and the culture of fishing villages and markets lives on, earning it the nickname "the Mauritius of yesteryear." Main areas: on the north coast, the capital Port Mathurin and Pointe Canon; in the west, boats depart for Île aux Cocos to see seabirds; in the southwest, the François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve and Caverne Patate; on the east coast, a footpath links small coves such as Saint François, Trou d'Argent and Graviers; in the south, Mourouk Bay is a world-class kitesurfing spot with boat trips to Île aux Chats and Île Hermitage; and in the interior, Mont Limon, St Gabriel Church and the Grande Montagne Nature Reserve. September–December is dry and warm, ideal for beaches and hiking; May–November brings strong southeast trade winds, perfect for kitesurfing; January–March is cyclone season. Getting there: Air Mauritius ATR flights from mainland Mauritius take about 1.5 hours, or take the cargo-passenger ship (about 1.5 days). On the island you can rent a car or scooter, or take the bus. Plan to stay 4–6 days. ATMs are scarce, so bring enough cash; octopus curry, pickled lemons and honey are local specialties.

Top sights

• Île aux Cocos – A bird sanctuary island in the western lagoon, where white terns and noddies gather in flocks, ringed by white sand and blue-green lagoon w…
• Trou d'Argent – A hidden cove on the east coast ringed by cliffs, said to have been a pirate treasure hiding place and called the island's most beautiful b…
• Port Mathurin – The capital and only port town of Rodrigues, with Creole colonial houses, a Saturday market and a busy harbor.
• Pointe Canon – A hilltop viewpoint east of Port Mathurin, with a statue of Our Lady Queen of Rodrigues and an old fort, overlooking the harbor and lagoon.
• François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve – A reserve home to thousands of Aldabra and radiated tortoises, with limestone caves you can explore.
• Caverne Patate – Rodrigues' most famous limestone cave, with striking stalactites and stalagmites. Visits must be made with a guide.
• Saint François Beach – A long sandy beach at the northern end of the east coast trail, with calm lagoon waters and a starting point for the coastal walk to Trou d…
• Graviers Beach – A quiet fishing village beach in the shade of casuarina trees on the southeast coast, and the southern starting point of the east coast wal…
• Pointe Coton – A long white-sand beach with clear, shallow lagoon waters in the northeast corner, among the best beaches on the island for swimming.
• Anse Mourouk Kitesurfing – A wide southern lagoon with steady trade winds, known as a world-class kitesurfing destination that has hosted international competitions.
• Île aux Chats – A small island in the southern lagoon, popular for boat trips and snorkeling, often paired with Île Hermitage.
• Île Hermitage – A small rocky island in the southern lagoon, said to hold pirate treasure, with sandbars and clear shallow water that look stunning in phot…
• Grande Montagne Nature Reserve – The island's largest native forest reserve, home to Rodrigues fruit bats, endemic birds and a hilltop viewpoint.
• Mont Limon – The highest point on Rodrigues, at about 398 m, where a short climb rewards you with 360-degree views of the island and lagoon.
• Saint Gabriel Church – One of the largest Catholic churches in the Indian Ocean, located in the central highlands and built in the 1930s with coral stone carried…
• Baie aux Huîtres – A wide mangrove bay on the north coast, quiet and scenic, where local women are often seen wading to hunt octopus at low tide.

Where to eat

• L'Atelier Gourmand – TripAdvisor's top-ranked restaurant in Port Mathurin, serving French and Rodriguan fusion dishes made with produce from…
• Lakaz Kreol – An affordable Rodriguan home-style restaurant near the Central Market, serving seafood and curries made with fresh loca…
• Kafé Rose – A garden café on Fond La Digue in Port Mathurin, serving European-style cakes and light meals made with local ingredien…
• Le Marlin Bleu – A seaside restaurant at Anse aux Anglais run by owner and chef Mega, serving local dishes, Chinese food and pizza, and…

Itineraries

• Mascarene Three Islands Tour – Fly in and out of Mauritius, taking in Réunion's cirques and volcano, and Rodrigues' lagoon, with each of the three isl…
• Rodrigues Lagoon Slow Travel – Fly in from Mauritius to hike the east coast trail, visit Île aux Cocos, and enjoy the slow pace of this small island.