All you need to know about Rodrigues Island

Rodrigues, a bit of history

Rodrigues owes its name to Diogo Rodrigues, the Portuguese navigator who discovered it in the 16th century. The island, uninhabited at the time, later became successively a French and then a British colony. French settlers brought slaves to work in the plantations, shaping the cultural and linguistic mix that still defines Rodrigues today.

Over the centuries, Rodrigues developed its own singular identity: Creole at its core, tied to both land and sea, and steeped in an oral culture where stories, music, and traditions continue to shape daily life. Its small size and geographic isolation have helped preserve a rare authenticity.

A special status

Administratively, Rodrigues is part of the Republic of Mauritius. But since 2002, the island has enjoyed regional autonomy through the Rodrigues Regional Assembly (RAR), which handles many local decisions, especially those relating to development, tourism, and the environment.

This special status reinforces the Rodriguan sense of independence and their determination to preserve their way of life amid Mauritius’ rapid growth and modernization. The island moves at its own pace, favoring a balanced development rooted in agriculture, fishing, and sustainable tourism.

Creol soul and Rodriguan authenticity

Rodrigues is, above all, a feeling. From the moment you arrive, you sense the contrast with other islands in the Indian Ocean: few cars, no shopping malls, and a peaceful atmosphere that seems to embrace you.

Life here is simple, guided by fishing, farming, and traditional festivities. Séga tambour, the island’s emblematic music, echoes during gatherings, accompanied by hypnotic dances. Meals are often cooked over wood fires: octopus curry or vindaye, grilled fish, pork confit… flavorful, generous, and deeply Creole.

Rodriguans are renowned for their hospitality. Here, visitors are welcomed like friends. This genuine warmth, far from the tourist clichés, is perhaps the island’s greatest treasure.

To truly discover Rodrigues, you need to take the time to meet its people. It is through these encounters that the island reveals itself most fully.

Rodrigues : the little sister

While Mauritius attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, Rodrigues remains discreet. Here, there is no mass tourism but instead a more intimate journey, almost confidential, often centered on water sports and the desire to disconnect.

Nature here feels wilder: lush hills, dramatic cliffs, hidden coves. The lagoon is vast — one of the largest in the world in proportion to the size of the island (it covers nearly three times its land area). Its turquoise waters invite both contemplation and exploration.

While Mauritius has embraced luxury tourism and modernization, Rodrigues has held onto a more timeless atmosphere. People move slowly, often on foot or aboard colorful local buses. Time seems to stand still, offering travelers a true escape.

Highlights of Rodrigues

Port Mathurin

The island’s small capital is its beating heart. With lively streets, local shops, and especially its Saturday market, it brings together the best of Rodriguan life. You’ll find fruits, vegetables, spices, dried fish, and traditional handicrafts such as the famous boat models. Don’t miss the local specialty: Rodrigues’ coconut and papaya tart, a true island delicacy.

Caverne Patate

Located in the southwest, this limestone cave stretches nearly a kilometer, with striking rock formations and natural light effects that make for a fascinating visit.

Mont Limon

The highest point on the island at 398 meters, Mont Limon offers spectacular panoramic views over Rodrigues and its endless lagoon. An easy hike leads to the top, where you can also discover endemic plants, lizards, and chameleons. It’s the perfect spot to watch sunrise or sunset.

Beaches and islets

Rodrigues is fringed with wild beaches — Trou d’Argent, Anse Mourouk, Anse Bouteille… all equally stunning. Offshore, the islets of Île aux Cocos and Île aux Chats are sanctuaries for seabirds and peaceful havens for visitors. A boat trip across the turquoise lagoon lets you admire rare species and enjoy a picnic with your feet in the sand.

François Leguat reserve 

In the south of the island, the François Leguat reserve is home to hundreds of giant Aldabra and Madagascar tortoises. It also features a spectacular limestone cave tour, with stalagmites and stalactites, alongside many emblematic birds such as the white-tailed tropicbird. A visit that is both educational and awe-inspiring.

Ziplining and treetop adventures

For thrill-seekers, Rodrigues offers zipline and treetop adventure courses through its lush hills. Flying over valleys and forests reveals breathtaking panoramas and unforgettable adrenaline.

Activities and experiences

Hiking through valleys

Rodrigues is a paradise for walkers. Trails wind along rugged coasts, lush valleys, tropical forests, and traditional villages, offering breathtaking views of the lagoon at every turn.

Snorkeling and diving

The vast, shallow lagoon shelters an exceptional biodiversity: colorful corals, tropical fish, turtles, octopus… a magical world accessible with just fins, mask, and snorkel. Scuba divers will also find renowned sites, where crystal-clear waters reveal a pristine marine life.

Traditional fishing and octopus unting

The sea lies at the heart of Rodriguan life. Artisanal fishing is still widely practiced in the lagoon using colorful pirogues. Visitors can join excursions to share the daily life of fishermen at sunrise or sunset — an authentic and unforgettable experience.

Symbol of the island, octopus fishing remains essential to many families’ livelihoods. Practiced at low tide, often by women (the famous “piquer ourites”), it involves catching octopus with nothing more than a stick. This tradition is so important that it even has its own annual festival. Unsurprisingly, octopus dishes — from curries to salads and sun-dried specialties — are among the island’s culinary highlights.

Kitesurf at Anse Mourouk

With its turquoise lagoon sheltered by a coral reef, Anse Mourouk is considered one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world.

The conditions are ideal almost year-round: steady winds, shallow waters, and sandy bottoms make it perfect for both beginners and experienced riders. The wild, unspoiled setting adds to the magic: few boats, quiet beaches, and a laid-back Creole atmosphere.

Several local schools offer lessons and equipment rentals, so you can learn or perfect your skills in complete safety. Riding here means gliding across crystal-clear waters with rolling green hills and colorful houses as your backdrop — the very essence of Rodrigues’ charm.

Living the Creole rhythm

Beyond activities, Rodrigues is best enjoyed in its simplicity: wandering through a village, sharing a meal with locals, listening to séga tambour, or simply letting time stretch gently…

How to get there?

From Mauritius, daily flights to Rodrigues are operated by Air Mauritius. The journey takes around 1.5 hours and, as you approach, offers unforgettable views of the ocean and the turquoise lagoon.

To truly experience the island, plan to stay at least four or five days. Don’t make the mistake of rushing — otherwise, you might miss what makes Rodrigues so special: its people and their soothing pace of life.

This gives you enough time to visit the main sights while also soaking in the relaxed, unhurried atmosphere that defines the island.