Mauritius / Rodrigues / RodriguesRodrigues
The Quiet Sister Island, an Hour and a Half's Flight East
A small, hilly island 560 km east of Mauritius, part of the same country, with a huge lagoon, fishing villages and a slower, Creole way of life: Port Mathurin's Saturday market, the giant tortoises and caves of the François Leguat reserve, boat trips to Île aux Cocos's seabird colonies, hikes along the coast to Trou d'Argent's cove, and octopus and seafood on every menu (vegetarian food is simpler here than on the main island). Air Mauritius flies from the main airport several times a day, about 1 h 35. Stays are guesthouses and a few small hotels.
Highlights
- Boat to Île aux Cocos and its seabirds
- Coastal walk to Trou d'Argent
- Giant tortoises and caves at François Leguat
- Port Mathurin Saturday market
- Snorkelling in the vast lagoon
- Octopus curry and local honey
Things to do
- Boat trip to Île aux CocosMorning · 6h
- Coastal hike from Graviers to Trou d'ArgentMorning · 3h 30m
- François Leguat tortoise and cave reserveAfternoon · 2h 30m
- Port Mathurin Saturday marketMorning · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: September – December
Worth knowing
Cyclone Season: Watch the Class Warnings
January to March is the height of the cyclone season. Most weeks pass with heat, humidity and short downpours, but when a cyclone nears, Mauritius Meteorological Services issue warnings from Class I to IV: from Class III everyone stays indoors, buses stop, shops and sights close and flights are often cancelled for a day or two. Keep a spare day before your flight home, take travel insurance that covers weather delays, and follow your hotel's advice.
Heads up
Cyclone Season
The cyclone season runs from November to April, with most storms from January to March. Early and late in the season a cyclone is less likely, but watch the forecast in the week before you fly.