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.
With no large resorts, the charm of this island lies in visiting giant tortoises, hiking coastal trails, and taking boat trips to bird sanctuaries. Stay in Port Mathurin for the first three nights to easily arrange boat trips, then move to a southeastern coastal village for the final night. Perfect for travelers who have already been to Mauritius and want a slower, more rustic experience. Local guides recommend staying a full week; this 5-day itinerary skips diving and kitesurfing lessons.
There is a risk of cyclones from December to March. Boat trips to Île aux Cocos are highly weather-dependent.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Port Mathurin
Rodrigues Island（Port Mathurin、Pointe Canon）
Fly from Mauritius (approx. 1.5 hours), then take a taxi or rental car from the airport to Port Mathurin (approx. 45 minutes).
Buses stop running around 18:30, and services are limited on Sundays. Booking a transfer in advance is highly recommended.
Stay: Port Mathurin Area
Day 2 · Tortoise Reserve, Caves, and Central Highlands
Rodrigues Island（François Leguat Giant Tortoise and Cave Reserve、Caverne Patate、Saint Gabriel Church、Grande Montagne Nature Reserve）
Drive to the southwestern reserve (approx. 30 minutes). In the afternoon, return to the center via the ridge road. A half-day taxi hire is also a good option.
Caverne Patate is damp and slippery. Wear non-slip shoes and enter only with a guide.
Stay: Port Mathurin Area
Day 3 · Île aux Cocos Lagoon Day Trip
Rodrigues Island（Île aux Cocos）
Join a local boatman to cross the lagoon to Île aux Cocos (approx. 1 hour each way). The trip includes a guided tour, lunch, and snorkeling.
Boat schedules depend on tides and weather. Confirm with your boatman the day before.
Stay: Port Mathurin Area
Day 4 · East Coast Trail Hike
Rodrigues Island（Pointe Coton、Saint François Beach、Trou d'Argent、Graviers Beach）
Drive to Saint François and hike south along the coastal trail to Gravier (approx. 2–3 hours at a leisurely pace).
Trou d'Argent can only be reached on foot. There are no shops along the trail, so bring your own water.
Stay: Graviers
Day 5 · Mourouk Bay and Departure
Rodrigues Island（Anse Mourouk Kitesurfing）
Drive from Gravier to Mourouk Bay (approx. 15 minutes). In the afternoon, drive to the airport (approx. 30 minutes) for your flight back.