Rodrigues
City

Rodrigues

Mauritius' untouched sister island of pristine lagoons

Forget everything you think you know about tropical islands. Rodrigues isn't trying to impress anyone — and that's exactly why it's perfect. This tiny speck in the Indian Ocean, 560 kilometers northeast of Mauritius, moves at its own pace. The lagoon stretches endlessly in shades of turquoise you didn't know existed. Local fishermen still use traditional pirogues. And the whole island has fewer people than a mid-sized shopping mall.

But here's what makes Rodrigues special: it hasn't been discovered yet. No mega-resorts. No cruise ship crowds. Just 18 pristine beaches, some of the world's best kitesurfing, and Creole culture that hasn't been packaged for tourists. The island runs on island time, where lunch might stretch to 3pm and nobody minds.

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Port Mathurin is your base camp. The island's tiny capital has the main port, a handful of guesthouses, and Saturday's legendary market where vendors sell everything from octopus curry to handwoven baskets. Stay at Auberge de la Montagne for mountain views and home-cooked meals, or book Villa Marron near the lagoon. For beach lovers, head to Anse aux Anglais on the east coast. Cotton Bay Hotel sits right on the sand, and you can walk to Trou d'Argent — arguably the island's most stunning beach — in 20 minutes. The west coast around Graviers offers calmer waters and incredible sunsets, though accommodation options are limited to a few family-run guesthouses. Avoid the south during windy season(June to September) unless you're here for kitesurfing. The trade winds can make beach days miserable, but they create perfect conditions at Mourouk.

Money-Saving Tips

  • 1.Bring euros or US dollars to exchange - ATMs are unreliable and often empty
  • 2.Saturday market prices are negotiable, especially for handicrafts and souvenirs
  • 3.Local guesthouses cost half the price of hotels and include better home-cooked meals
  • 4.Rent snorkeling gear in Port Mathurin for 150 rupees/day instead of hotel rates
  • 5.Buy groceries at Winner's supermarket - restaurant meals add up quickly on a small island
  • 6.Book boat trips directly with fishermen at the port, not through tour operators

Travel Tips

  • •Download offline maps - GPS and cell service are spotty outside Port Mathurin
  • •Pack reef-safe sunscreen - the sun reflects off white sand and clear water intensely
  • •Learn basic French or Creole phrases - English isn't widely spoken outside hotels
  • •Bring a waterproof phone case for lagoon activities and boat trips
  • •Stock up on supplies in Port Mathurin - other areas have limited shops
  • •Respect local customs - cover up when visiting villages and churches

Frequently Asked Questions

Fly via Mauritius on Air Mauritius - it's the only airline serving Rodrigues. The flight takes 90 minutes and runs 2-3 times daily. You can also take the cargo ship Mauritius Pride, but it takes 36 hours and only runs twice monthly.

Explore Rodrigues

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