A pristine island where the warm welcome "à la Rodriguaise" will mark your stay on the island.

Five hundred and sixty kilometers north- north –east of Port Louis ( 1hr 40mins by air) lies Rodrigues (part of the territory of Mauritius) ensconsed in the turquoise lagoon twice its size, encircled by cliffs, which seem to come from a dream and golden untouched beaches.18kms long and 8kilometres wide, Rodrigues is calm, luminous peaceful, and although it boasts of an excellent road network you will find very few commercial vehicles.

The lagoon is over 200 square kilometers in size and in some parts of the island, the coral reef is as far as 7 kilometres from the shore. A diver’s paradise, but also place to dream and relax in perfect tranquility.

Rodrigues is the “Cinderella of the Mascarenes “ a total contrast from its sister island Mauritius. . No green sugar cane fields to be found here. No hilltops shrouded in clouds. No flame trees. Instead, rocky hillsides covered in coconut and casuarina trees and in pink flowered brushes called "vieilles Filles" (spinsters).

The sea temperatures are always higher than the air temperatures.

The island has remained hidden from excessive tourism, and visitors will find the people warm and friendly, happy to show you their beautiful island and share a taste of their culture.

On a map off the island, distances may seem to be at a stone throw but its mountainous and varied landscape, the expanse of the lagoon speckeled with desert islets reveal a whole new world waiting to be discovered.

Rodrigues' volcanic origins have left a steep cone indented with twisting valleys, bluffs and many scattered rocks.

East Coast

On the east coast you have a choice of around 20 beaches on which to be alone on. Walking down the hillside you are

confronted by the strong south easterly winds which have brought the waves over three thousand miles from Australia.

At Anse Bouteille and Trou D'Argent, the reef breaks the waves only a few metres out and the water spills over into sheltered pools which are perfect for snorkelling.

South Coast

In the south there is a huge expanse of protected, shallow water. There are a number of low-lying islands made up of plates of the ancient limestone found at various points around the island.

West Coast

Far out to the west are the islands of Cocos and Sable, two sand cay islands which have been designated as reserves in order to protect the bird breeding colonies of Noddies and Fairy Terns.

The lagoon is relatively shallow, mostly ranging from between one and three metres at high tide.

The Indian Ocean remains, on average, the cleanest in the world and the seas around Rodrigues still remain mercifully clear of the sort of pollution which clogs many of the world's coastlines.

Coco island : An offshore island with sun drenched beaches and a huge seabird colony.

There are thousands of noddy terns, bridled terns, and a few fairy terns too.

Idyllic beach offset by dazzling, aquamarine sea. The hotels arrange day trips by boat. These include a picnic or barbecque.

Potato Cave :

An impressive coral cave near the north coast, which can be explored in an hour ( 20 to 30 minute walk. The caves entrance is through a hole in the middle of a field. Again, hotels can arrange this excursion for you.

Cascade Pigeons River:

This is an easy walk along a wooded trail to a picturesque river and waterfalls. This is where you will see the endangered Rodrigues fruit bats, as well as the endangered Rodrigues Fody (less than 500 left) and the endangered Rodrigues brush warbler (less than 100 left).

Trou d’Argent: Silver hole)

Near Pointe Coton is considered by many as the most beautiful beach or spot on Rodrigues. It is one of the island’s postcard images. Get there by means of a short bus trip from Pointe Cotton to St Francois (great for swimming) and Fumier (also good swimming) and then a walk along a trail to Trou d’Argent viewpoint.

Accommodation in Rodrigues has an interesting choice of accommodation to offer from the hotel of international standard to the furnished studio and including the inns, boarding houses or apartments.

In the Guest Houses, the people of Rodrigues will discard their reserve, and replace it with enthusiasm to welcome the the arrival of a foreigner. Typical dwellings provide their legendary hospitality, which you will have the privilege of experiencing, should you select to become a “ house guest “.

What to Do

Nature and Ocean, Rodrigues gives you the best.A part from the range of land and sea based excursions,

Rodrigues heartland may be explored on mountain bikes, on foot or even through caves.

its undersea world is teaming with abundant fish (small or big game is equally exciting).

Sailboard enthusiasts will find their paradise and the boxed-in ravines will fascinate bird watchers and other nature lovers.

Cuisine

With the big surrounding lagoon fresh seafood are aplenty. The "ourite" (octopus) is fished at low tide in the lagoon. Dried, it is used in curries and tomato-based dishes where it absorbs the sauce for the pleasure of your taste buds.

Chicken is also the island’s speciality.

The taste of free-range Fowls will bring back memories of grandmother's cuisine. Finally don’t forget to try the Rodrigues ham which is also truly delicious.

Not to be missed

The colourful market which takes place every Saturday in the capital of Port Mathurin, where a visitor can find the famous handicrafts of Rodrigues: woven straw hats, baskets, pickled lemon preserves, the famous chilli peppers, and jars of Rodriguan honey (which has won awards as far away as England!).

Air Mauritius operates 2 or 3 three flights daily to Rodrigues from Mauritius. The flight last approximately 90 mins.

To visit the official site of Rodrigues click here

To see the latest edition of « Rodrigues News », the information bulletin edited by the Rodrigues Tourism Office download here