explore
The chances are that you’ve never heard about Rodrigues island before heading to Mauritius. Mauritius is slowly becoming a tourist hotspot in the Indian Ocean and the vibe is simply not what it used to be. Many travelers are looking to get away from the island in search of a more relaxed and quieter place. Rodrigues island is a perfect getaway that is located just about 650 kilometers east of Mauritius (under the territory of Mauritius).
The island is around 18 km long and just 8 km wide which covers only a bit more than 100 sq km. A stunning fact is that the surrounding lagoon is twice the size of the whole island covering a whopping 260 sq km!
If you’re looking for a quiet getaway featuring an untouched nature, biodiverse marine life, stunning coral reef, friendly local community, colorful culture and countless retreat places, then Rodrigues is the place to go.
meet and greet
Since the island is an off-the-beaten-path, it’s not a surprise that only around 38,000 locals are living on the island. The local community as a whole is very harmonious, friendly and open-minded. The island population has more women than men and the majority of people, about 90%, are ‘Creoles’ who originate from a slavery time in Africa. Once you set your feet on the island, you will instantly feel the energy of being home far away from home.
taste
Rodrigues is located in the middle of the Indian Ocean and while being influenced by Europeans and other nations, the local community have their own diverse cuisine. The cuisine focuses on freshness and diversity of ingredients that mainly originate from the ocean. The most typical plate in Rodrigues includes chicken curry, Creole roasted beef or even Chinese pork. If you’re looking for specialties, then you should definitely expect delicious seafood including octopus curry, mussel gratin, sauteed crabs, spiced with herbs and lot of lemon juice. Probably the most iconic specialty dish on the island is a fresh shellfish soup. An interesting fact is that the majority of cuisine uses a chicken that is grass feed and walking free around the island.
beautiful sights
The volcanic island features breath taking scenery including a countless number of tree species on the land and around 300 different coral species in the water. Local people are incredibly aware of the environment and they do everything in their power to preserve such a unique environment. The island is just about 100 sq km but has a beautiful surrounding lagoon that is twice the size of the island; a whopping 260 km sq. Ile aux Cocos is a tiny island located just 4 km west from Rodrigues popping up from a surrounding lagoon. The island is a home of hundreds tree and bird species, a long sandy beach and a paved path through the inhabited island. All visitors have to obtain the permit to visit and some parts of the island are closed for public.
culture
To really dip into the local culture, it’s inevitable to participate in the local dance called Creole sega. Dancing is usually performed on the beach following the fast rhythms of Latin or Carribean music. Nowadays, there are many versions of Creole dance around the island, mostly in hotels or discos, but to experience an authentic cultural dance, just head over the beach.
see and do
A history of a tiny island dates all the way to the 12th century when the island first appeared on the map. The island was uninhabited and it was named after a Portuguese navigator Dom Diogo Rodrigues in 1528. In the 17th century, Dutch explorers visited the island, but during the 18th century, French colonialized the island. Soon after, Britains and French fought over the territory and Britain gained control eradicating slavery. In 1968, Rodrigues joined Mauritius and till this day it’s an autonomous region of Mauritius.
explore
If you’re looking to do a proper exploration of the island, then you should definitely head to the northern part of the island where Port Mathurin is located. It’s such a colorful part of the island filled with locals who represent a culture to its fullest. Each Saturday there is a market where you can buy souvenirs or try local specialties. People who’re looking for an adventure should head over to Trou d’Argent Beach. The beach is a bit remote which means you’ll have to hike around the island. Luckily, there is a well-paved trail that will provide you with breathtaking views. Not enough adventure? Go diving around more than 10 diving spots or simply kitesurf on premium winds along the coast. Coco Island is a great place to spend a day since it’s just 4 kilometers off the coast featuring crystal clear waters and a long sandy beach. Another exciting thing to do is simply walk with giant tortoises and Francois Leguat. There are countless things you can do on the island and no possibility of getting bored while exploring paradise.
Once you come to Rodrigues island, don’t miss a lively Port Mathurin that serves as the capital of the island. The small town, which is also a harbor, is the home of about 6,000 local people. There are countless attractions including few churches, mosque and lively Saturday market.
discover more
If you really want to enjoy the beauty of Rodrigues, then you need to go out and explore! Meet the people and see the landscapes.
There are a lot of things to see and do, way too many things! Let us guide you towards the best things to do in Rodrigues through our blog.
