Are you looking for the best places to visit in Rodrigues Island? This Rodrigues travel guide will help you take your pick on the best places to visit and top things to do!
Located about 600 km east of Mauritius, Rodrigues is a small volcanic island famous for its relaxed vibe and slow pace of life.
Whether you’re planning on spending a weekend in Rodrigues or even up to 2 weeks, you’ll definitely find plenty to do there!
From hiking to secluded beaches and viewpoints to exploring cave formations, road-tripping along scenic routes to shopping at the craft market, sampling authentic local dishes, exploring small islets, or relaxing on the beaches, there are so many things to do in Rodrigues.
Discover 25 best places to visit in Rodrigues Island, how to get around, the best places to stay on any budget, and tips to help you plan your trip.
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Read more about Mauritius:
- 44 amazing things to do and places to visit in Mauritius
- 29 epic hikes to do in Mauritius
- Most beautiful beaches in Mauritius Island
Top Places to visit in Rodrigues
I was about 12 years old when I first traveled to Rodrigues and never thought about going back until recently. I’ve always heard that it was too small and that there wasn’t much to do there. This is far from the truth!
After doing a bit of research, I found out that there are actually a lot of places to visit and things to do in Rodrigues Island. So, here’s a list of 25 best places to visit in Rodrigues!
Looking for a place to stay in Rodrigues Island? Here are my recommendations:
- Luxury: Tekoma Boutik Hotel
- Mid-range: Gite Patriko
- Budget: Auberge St Francois
Trou D’Argent
One of the most beautiful places to visit in Rodrigues is, without a doubt, Trou D’Argent.
This pristine white sand beach is flanked by tall jagged cliffs and is only accessible on foot by hiking from St Francois or Gravier Beach.
I started the hike at St Francois Beach. You’ll need to climb over the rocky outcrop and follow the purple, blue, and white markings on the stones and trees.
After a few minutes, you’ll reach Baie de L’Est. Although similar to Trou D’Argent, the beach is less beautiful and not swimmable due to the huge amount of stones.
From there, you’ll be walking along a path lined with tall pine trees until you reach a set of wooden stairs.
Keep walking until you reach another beach with wooden railings along the edge. This one is called Anse Philibert and is sometimes mistaken for Trou D’Argent.
After a further 5 to 10-minute walk, you’ll finally reach Trou D’Argent. This is by far the best snorkeling spot on the island so make sure to go in for a swim.
So if you’re looking for one of the best things to do in Rodrigues, you should definitely add Trou D’Argent to your itinerary.
Beaches along the Trou D’Argent Trail
If you have more energy left, you can keep hiking to Gravier Beach.
Along the way, you’ll find several other beaches like Grand Anse, Anse Bouteille, Anse Femie, and Anse Fibie.
If you want to swim at any of these beaches, I recommend wearing water shoes as some of them are quite rocky.
During my third visit to Rodrigues, I completed the entire hike from St Francois to Gravier Beach, which took about 4 hours (including regular breaks for swimming and taking photos).
Once you get to Gravier Beach, you can hike back the way you came or take a bus back to your accommodation.
Mont Limon Viewpoint
Standing at 398 meters above sea level, Mont Limon viewpoint offers a 360-degree view of the whole island and is one of the most popular places to visit in Rodrigues.
If you’re coming from St Francois, you’ll find a staircase along the main road on your left. There’s no parking lot here but you can park your car along the road.
The path is well-marked and easy to follow and it takes less than 5 minutes to reach the summit.
Most people only visit the main viewpoint but once you get to the summit, take the path on your right and you’ll find other scenic lookout points.
François Leguat Reserve
The island of Rodrigues used to have an abundance of giant tortoises but unfortunately, they were hunted down by human settlers which eventually led to their extinction in the 1700s.
The François Leguat Reserve has worked a lot to reintroduce several species of tortoises such as the Radiated, Aldabra, and Ploughshare tortoises.
They also planted over 300,000 plants to recreate the fauna and flora of Rodrigues as described by the French explorer and naturalist, François Leguat.
Located in Anse Quitor, François Leguat Reserve offers daily guided tours.
During the visit, you’ll get to see different species of endemic plants, walk with tortoises, and even take a selfie with them!
You’ll then visit the “Grande Caverne” where your guide will point out the weirdly shaped stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is well-equipped with lights, handrails, and walkways.
Toward the end of the cave tour, you’ll also get to see the spot where the bones of the extinct Solitaire bird were dug.
As one of the best places to visit in Rodrigues, you’ll also find a museum, restaurant, and souvenir shop onsite.
Caverne Patate
With 37 cave systems scattered around Rodrigues, only two of them can be visited – Grande Caverne and Caverne Patate.
The latter is located in the village of Petite Butte and is the most popular cave in Rodrigues. You can only explore the cave if you’re accompanied by a guide.
Unfortunately, I didn’t get the chance to visit it during my recent trip but I heard that it’s quite similar to Grande Caverne at François Leguat Reserve.
The only difference is that it isn’t equipped with lights and handrails.
Montagne Malgache (Zipline with Tyrodrig)
In recent years, ziplining has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rodrigues.
One particular place in Rodrigues where you can partake in this activity is Montagne Malgache through a company called RodrigAdventure (commonly known as Tyrodrig).
Spectacular views over the southeast coast coupled with a rush of adrenaline make ziplining one of the best things to do in Rodrigues Island!
It might seem daunting at first but as soon as you cruise across the mountain, every ounce of fear will melt away as you take in the view!
You’ll first start with the longest zipline which is about 400 meters long followed by two shorter ones at 180 and 110 meters respectively.
For the adrenaline junkies out there, you can also include other activities such as walking along a suspension bridge (at Cascade Pistache), bungee jumping (at Cascade Pistache) and Via Ferrata (at Montagne Tonnerre) to your list of things to do in Rodrigues.
Ile aux Cocos
Located about 4 km west of Rodrigues, Ile aux Cocos is an islet home to several species of seabirds including the lesser noddy, noddy, sooty tern, and fairy tern.
The islet is gorgeous with soft white sand and clear water and is a haven for both bird watchers and travelers looking for a piece of paradise.
Since Ile aux Cocos was declared a nature reserve in 1986, the authorities control the number of people visiting at a time.
This means that you won’t have to fight with hundreds of tourists for a strip of sand!
Do note that it’s strictly forbidden to touch the eggs or hatchlings and you’re only allowed a maximum of 4 hours on the island to avoid disturbing the birds’ natural habitat.
Tours usually depart from Pointe du Diable and the boat trip lasts about 1 hour.
Depending on the tour company, a visit to Ile aux Cocos will cost between Rs 950 and 1,500 and includes the boat trip, lunch, and a guide.
I visited Ile aux Cocos with 360 Degrees Tours which cost Rs 1,200.
Ile aux Sables
Ile aux Sables is another islet located beside Ile aux Cocos and is also a nature reserve.
Note that tourists aren’t allowed to visit but during your tour of Ile aux Cocos, the boat will stop briefly near the islet and you can spend some time walking along the sandbar only.
Grande Montagne Nature Reserve
For those who seek a complete immersion in nature with one of the best vantage points in Rodrigues, a visit to Grande Montagne Nature Reserve shouldn’t be missed.
After years of restoration work by both the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation and local citizens, Grande Montagne Nature Reserve was finally opened to the public in 2016.
It’s no doubt one of the most beautiful places to visit in Rodrigues! Spanning 20 hectares, the nature reserve is home to several endemic plants and birds. One section also serves as a little tortoise park where you’ll get to see five tortoises roaming about freely.
You can only visit as part of a guided tour, which is absolutely worth it by the way. Tours are conducted at 9.30 a.m and 1.15 p.m from Monday to Friday and at 9.30 a.m on Saturday.
The visit lasts about two hours and your guide will teach you all about the fauna and flora of Rodrigues. I even got the chance to spot two endemic birds, the Rodrigues Fody and Warbler, several times during my visit.
But the highlight was definitely the viewpoint where you’ll get one of the best panoramic views of the southeast coast.
At the end of your visit, you can spend some time at the education center to view a display of the Solitaire bird and giant tortoise skeletons.
Cost: Rs 300 for tourists; Rs 150 for Mauritians; Rs 50 for locals (children pay half price)
Petite Butte
Petite Butte is a small beach located in the southwest of Rodrigues Island, not too far from Caverne Patate. If you’re looking for a beach without any crowd at all, this is the place for you.
There isn’t a whole lot to do here apart from walking along the beach to explore the surroundings.
Tip: It’s best to wear closed-toe shoes when walking on the beach due to the sharp corals.
Port Mathurin Market
Port Mathurin Market is definitely one of the most popular places to visit in Rodrigues Island.
The market is most lively on Saturdays and attracts locals and tourists looking for deals on a wide selection of fresh produce, souvenirs, local handicrafts, and food.
If you want to buy fruits and vegetables, it’s best to go early as almost everything will be gone by 10 a.m.
The tourist/craft market, on the other hand, stays open until 1-2 p.m.
This is the most visited part of the market where you can buy all sorts of local products including dried octopus and fish, pickles, chili sauce, “tourtes” (a Rodriguan pie filled with papaya, pineapple, and coconut), rattan baskets, handbags, etc.
The market is located beside the bus terminal and can be accessed directly through a pedestrian bridge.
If you’re coming by car, you’ll find a big parking lot behind the market.
Explore Port Mathurin
After doing some shopping at Port Mathurin Market, I also recommend exploring the town itself.
If you arrive early in the morning, you can take a stroll along the waterfront area and observe the fishermen.
Alternatively, you can walk around town and pop into the little shops and cafes or visit religious sites like Saint Coeur de Marie or Noor Ud Deen mosque.
Pointe Canon Viewpoint (Mary, Queen of Rodrigues Monument)
Pointe Canon is located in Port Mathurin and was used as a watch area during British ruling. Nowadays, it serves as both a panoramic viewpoint and a religious site.
In the early 1950s, money was raised to buy a statue of the Virgin Mary from England to create a monument similar to Marie Reine de la Paix in Mauritius. The statue was then inaugurated in 1954.
In addition to being a place of worship for Catholics, it’s one of the best viewpoints in Port Mathurin.
It offers a panoramic view of the whole capital – the market, bus terminal, harbor and neighboring villages.
You can get there by walking from the bus terminal but this would require walking over hundreds of steps.
If you’re coming by car, you can stop at the little parking area next to the hairpin bend beside Pointe Canon Meteorological Station.
St Francois Beach
Arguably one of the best beaches in Rodrigues, and also the longest, St Francois Beach is located off the east coast of Rodrigues Island.
Stretching over 700 meters of soft white sand and peaceful waters, the beach is empty most of the time.
St Francois beach is also one of the main starting points for hiking to Trou D’Argent.
With a couple of restaurants serving delicious local dishes, a few budget guesthouses, and a 4-star resort close by, St Francois is the ultimate beach destination in Rodrigues.
Pointe Cotton Beach
By far the most popular beach in Rodrigues, Pointe Cotton is also located on the east coast.
There are a few restaurants along the main road and the left side of the beach is home to Cotton Bay Resort & Spa.
While it’s one of the most visited beaches, it’s not my favorite due to the amount of sharp corals in the water. So, I recommend wearing water shoes for a more enjoyable swim.
You can also take a walk along the right side of the beach to explore the large coral outcrop.
The landscape here is completely different with strong wind and huge waves crashing against the cliffs. It’s definitely a must-see when visiting Rodrigues Island!
Rodrigues 52 Contours
If you’re looking for the best viewpoints in Rodrigues, driving along the “52 contours” route will reward you with some of the most scenic views.
This road is made up of 52 adrenaline-inducing hairpin bends that connect Mont Lubin to Port Sud-Est.
Luckily the road is well-paved and deserted most of the time, so driving along should be somewhat easy.
Here you’ll find colorful houses clinging to the hills, little islets dotting the turquoise ocean, and cattles and sheeps roaming about freely and occasionally crossing the road. The landscape is truly beautiful!
About halfway through, you’ll find a big stone monument on your left. You can pull over here to take some photos and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Anse Mourouk, Hermitage Island, Ile aux Chats (Pierrot Island), and Ile Gombrani.
Cathedral St Gabriel
Another great place to visit in Rodrigues is Cathedral St Gabriel. The stone church was built in the 1930s by a group of volunteers and is the biggest Catholic church on the island.
Roche Bon Dieu Viewpoint
Although this attraction in Rodrigues is unknown to most tourists, this doesn’t mean that it isn’t worth visiting.
Located in the village of Roche Bon Dieu, the viewpoint offers a panoramic view of small colorful houses dotting the hills with a beautiful ocean backdrop.
But what makes this spot particularly famous are the two huge boulders. While local legend says that the boulders were dropped here by God, others argue that they come from a meteorite.
If you’re coming from St Francois, drive toward the village of Roche Bon Dieu until you see a bus station.
The viewpoint is located down a little track road on your left, beside the bus station (click here for the approximate GPS pin location).
Anse Ally
Flanked by a pine forest and calm shallow waters, Anse Ally is located at the foot of Tekoma Boutique Hotel, on the east coast of Rodrigues.
The remote feeling is emphasized by the vast expanse of white sand that stretches all the way to Fumier Beach.
It’s a great place to visit in Rodrigues for a peaceful morning stroll. There are no restaurants nearby apart from a local vendor selling some drinks and snacks at the entrance.
Settle on the benches to enjoy the scenery, take a stroll along the beach or go in for a swim.
The snorkeling here is amazing with crystal-clear water and an abundance of fish. Just make sure to go in the morning for the best visibility. I also swam there in the afternoon but the water wasn’t as clear.
Fumier Beach
Right next to Anse Ally is another gorgeous beach I highly recommend visiting. Fumier Beach features crystal-clear water perfect for snorkeling.
The beach is a bit rocky though so water shoes are recommended.
Anse Mourouk
Another place to visit in Rodrigues is the white sand beach of Anse Mourouk, located in Mourouk village.
The ocean is mostly shallow and flat making it one of the best kitesurfing spots on the island. This is also where the Rodrigues International Kite Surf Festival is held annually.
Baldirou Beach
Located in the north, Baladirou is one of the lesser-known beaches in Rodrigues Island.
This beach is only accessible by climbing down 100 steps or so. Luckily the steps aren’t too steep so it takes less than 5 minutes to get there.
The beach is quite spacious and the trees provide enough shade to escape from the sun.
The only downside is that the water isn’t as crystal-clear as the ones on the east coast so it’s not the best for snorkeling.
Still, Baladirou Beach is a great place to visit if you just want to hang out by the water. There’s also a nice viewpoint at the top which is great for taking photos.
Grand Baie Beach
Located less than a 5-minute drive from Baladirou Beach is Grand Baie Beach.
It’s not the best for swimming but I still think it’s worth a quick stop if you’re already in the area.
The drive from Baladirou to Grand Baie is particularly scenic with the turquoise ocean on one side and a mangrove swamp with a mountain backdrop on the other.
You’ll also find a little church opposite the mangrove swamp.
Jardins des Cinq Sens
Jardins des Cinq Sens is a small botanical garden that provides interactive tours using all five senses. During your visit, you’ll discover several endemic plants, flowers, aromatic and medicinal plants by using all your senses and then finish off with a free tasting.
Anse aux Anglais
Anse aux Anglais is a small beach located about a 15-minute walk from Port Mathurin.
Despite not being one of the best beaches in Rodrigues for swimming, it’s the perfect place to visit during sunset. You can also find a few restaurants in the area.
Where to Stay in Rodrigues Island?
Tekoma Boutik Hotel – Luxury
Tekoma Boutik Hotel is set on top of a cliff overlooking a beautiful white-sand beach on the east coast of Rodrigues Island.
Each bungalow is equipped with a mix of modern and rustic furniture, a spacious bathroom, and an outdoor bathtub.
The location is very peaceful and quiet and the large bay windows and private balcony offer a breathtaking view of the turquoise lagoon.
CHECK LATEST PRICE AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Gite Patriko – Mid-Range
Gite Patriko is located within walking distance of the beach. The sea view villa can accommodate up to 13 people while the studio can accommodate up to 3 people.
Both are very spacious and have a full kitchen and balcony overlooking the sea.
CHECK LATEST PRICE AND AVAILABILITY HERE
Auberge St Francois – Budget
Auberge St Francois is a budget guesthouse located right across St Francois Beach. Some rooms can accommodate up to 6 people and are equipped with a private bathroom, kettle, and mini-fridge, and air-conditioning.
The location is ideal if you’re planning on hiking to Trou D’Argent (about a 40-minute walk) plus you can walk to the beach in less than 1 minute! There are only two restaurants nearby but you can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the guesthouse.
CHECK LATEST PRICE AND AVAILABILITY HERE
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN RODRIGUES
How to get to Rodrigues Island?
By Sea
If you’re on a budget, you can travel to Rodrigues by sea. The journey is quite long though, taking between 36 and 48 hours.
By Air
Traveling by air is slightly more expensive but it takes only about 1.5 hours to get from Mauritius to Rodrigues. Air Mauritius is the only airline that offers flights from Mauritius to Rodrigues Island about 3-4 times per day.
You can also travel to Rodrigues from Reunion Island with Air Austral.
How to get around Rodrigues Island?
By Bus
The cheapest way to get around Rodrigues is by taking the bus. Bus tickets cost less than US$ 1.
Unfortunately, they are notorious for being slow (during my recent visit, I got into a bus that was driving at 10 km/h!) and unreliable, especially on Sundays.
If you’re only traveling short distances, I highly recommend walking instead.
By Car
If you’re traveling to Rodrigues for the first time and want the freedom to explore at your own pace, renting a car is the way to go.
Car rental prices in Rodrigues start at Rs 1,200 per day (not including pick up and drop off fees which usually cost an additional Rs 400-500 each).
Best time to visit Rodrigues Island
The weather in Rodrigues is similar to that of Mauritius with only two seasons – summer (November to April) and winter (May to October). The average temperature is about 27-31 degrees Celsius in summer and 18-25 degrees Celsius in winter.
You can visit Rodrigues at any time of the year although you might want to steer clear of the cyclone season which is mainly between December and March. So, make sure to check the weather forecast before visiting.
When I visited Rodrigues in October 2020, I found it to be slightly hotter than Mauritius. The weather was great for the most part of my trip and it only rained once for less than an hour.
During my third visit in February 2025, the weather was even hotter (around 35 degrees Celsius) and it rained only for a few hours (mostly along the central region and Port Mathurin).
Find the best time to visit Mauritius here.
I hope you found this guide to the best places to visit in Rodrigues helpful. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below.
Read more about Mauritius:
- Travel guide to Port Louis Mauritius
- The best street food in Mauritius
- My top tips for visiting Mauritius Island
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6 comments
Hi, thanks for the invaluable tips for visiting Rodrigues .My wife and myself will depart Mauritius on 05.10.22 at 7.45 a.m by Air Mauritius. I am a member of CEB Pensioners Association.
You’re welcome Balram! I’m glad you found my blog post helpful :)
hii!
thank you so much for this detailed and interesting list
wanted to know if the port mathurin market is opened everyday?
thx
You’re welcome :) It’s only open on Saturdays.
Hi Steph,
I’ll be visiting Rodrigues later this year and I’ve found your guide really helpful – thank you! I don’t suppose you came across any info about diving on the island? I’m a keen SCUBA diver but details about dive centres seem really hard to find online. I’m really looking forward to visiting and thank you again!
Anne.
Hi Anne! Thank you, I’m really glad you found the guide helpful :) I’m not a diver myself so I don’t have any personal recommendations. I think there’s only a couple of diving centers in Rodrigues though. You can read their Google reviews to get an idea of which one is the best.