Welcome to Rodrigues Island
The island that
forgot to hurry up
No traffic, no chain hotels, no agenda. Just a reef, a lagoon and an island that rewards the travellers who actually make the effort to get here.
Six things to sort before you go
Rodrigues is easy to travel independently. These guides cover everything from booking your flight to knowing which beach to visit first.
Getting Here
Flights from Mauritius, ferry options, what to book and when. The only practical ways to reach the island.
Read the guide →Where to Stay
Hotels, guesthouses, eco-lodges and area guides. From $45 to $300 per night — honestly reviewed.
Browse accommodation →Things to Do
Beaches, snorkeling, tortoise reserves, caves, kitesurfing and Creole culture. The full agenda.
Explore activities →Island Guide
Beaches, food, history, wildlife and hidden gems. The deeper context that makes the island richer.
Explore the island →Travel Deals
Flight deals, hotel discounts, tour packages and travel insurance. Curated and verified.
See current deals →About & Contact
Who we are, how we work, our editorial standards and how to get in touch. No press trips.
Meet the team →Coming from Mauritius?
Most visitors reach Rodrigues via Mauritius. If you're planning a Mascarene trip, our sister guide covers the main island — and why adding Rodrigues makes the whole trip better.
Rodrigues by traveller type
The island isn't for everyone. Here's how to know if it's for you — and what to prioritise when you get there.
Honeymoon & Couples
Quiet beaches, sunset dinners, and no crowds. The anti-resort honeymoon for people who'd rather have the island to themselves.
Families
Safe lagoon swimming, giant tortoises, gentle adventure. A family trip that doesn't involve theme parks or all-inclusive buffets.
Solo Travellers
One of the safest solo destinations in the Indian Ocean. Small enough to feel manageable, interesting enough to stay busy.
Luxury Seekers
Not five-star international, but genuine luxury: private beaches, personal service, and the rarest commodity of all — silence.
An island that earns
every minute you give it
Trou d'Argent, Île aux Cocos, Anse Ally — real beaches, not beach clubs. No loungers, no queues, just the lagoon doing its thing. The snorkeling rivals anywhere in the Indian Ocean, and the only thing you're competing with for space is the occasional giant tortoise.
Sega tambour music at dusk, fresh grilled fish from morning markets, and villages where people still wave from their doorsteps. Walk among giant tortoises at François Leguat, kitesurf the lagoon by afternoon, and watch the sun set over the cliffs with no plan for tomorrow.
Explore the Island →
The best beaches,
honestly described
No sunbeds, no beach bars, no queues. Just reef, sand and water clean enough to see the bottom from twenty metres up.
Trou d'Argent
The flagship beach. Accessible only by a 20-minute hike from the road, which is the entire reason it stays empty. The coral is in excellent condition and the cliffs are dramatic.
Best Snorkeling Hike Required
Anse Philibert
The quietest beach on the island. Protected from the trade winds, the water is reliably flat and the sunsets are the best on Rodrigues. Almost no one comes here.
Most Secluded Best Sunsets
Anse Ally
A sheltered cove where local families swim on weekends. The water is clear, the entry is easy and the volcanic boulders give the beach real character.
Family Friendly Easy AccessA ready-made 7-day plan
that doesn't rush a single morning
Covers the island properly — beaches, nature, culture and a free afternoon to do nothing. Updated June 2026.
The Quick Escape
Best of the island without rushing. Tortoises, the lagoon, a boat trip and real Creole food.
Arrive → Port Mathurin
Morning flight, check in, explore the Saturday market and the waterfront. First Creole dinner.
François Leguat + Trou d'Argent
Guided giant tortoise reserve in the morning. Afternoon hike to Trou d'Argent for snorkeling.
Île aux Cocos boat trip
Half-day boat excursion to the bird atoll, snorkel the shallows, picnic on the sand.
The Island Classic
Covers the island properly — beaches, nature, culture and a free afternoon to do nothing.
Arrive → Port Mathurin
Check in, settle, walk the waterfront and harbour. First Creole meal.
François Leguat + Grande Montagne
Morning tortoise reserve. Afternoon birdwatching at Grande Montagne.
Trou d'Argent + Caverne Patate
Hike to the best snorkeling cove. Afternoon limestone caves.
Île aux Cocos full day
Boat excursion to the atoll. Snorkel, beach, picnic. Return for sunset dinner.
Market + honey + depart
Morning swim, buy island honey and handicrafts. Afternoon flight home.
The Slow Island Week
The pace Rodrigues was designed for. Add kitesurfing, scuba, hidden beaches and one day with no plan.
Arrive → Port Mathurin
Check in, settle, walk the waterfront. First Creole meal.
François Leguat + Grande Montagne
Morning tortoise reserve. Afternoon endemic forest birdwatching.
Trou d'Argent + Caverne Patate
Hike to the best snorkeling cove. Afternoon limestone caves.
Île aux Cocos full day
Boat excursion to the atoll. Snorkel, beach, picnic.
Kitesurfing or scuba
Half-day lesson or guided dive. Afternoon at a beach bungalow.
Hidden beaches + village walks
Explore the south coast, visit a fishing village, buy honey at the market.
Last swim + depart
Final dip at Anse Philibert. Buy island crafts. Afternoon flight.
Get Your Free Rodrigues
Starter Itinerary
A practical, no-fluff PDF with a 5-day plan, packing essentials, and the beaches most travelers never find. Free, instant download.
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Everything you need to know about visiting
Quick answers to the questions travelers ask most. Ask us anything — we reply within 48 hours.
Yes — if you value authenticity over luxury. Rodrigues is worth visiting for travelers who want uncrowded beaches, genuine Creole culture, and outdoor adventure without the tourist infrastructure of Mauritius or the Maldives. The snorkeling at Trou d'Argent rivals anywhere in the Indian Ocean, and the island's human scale means you'll interact with locals rather than other tourists.
Fly from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International (MRU) to Sir Gaëtan Duval Airport (RRG). The flight takes approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. Air Mauritius operates daily flights during peak season (May–October) and 4–5 times weekly during shoulder months. Book 6–8 weeks in advance for the best fares.
May through October is the best time to visit. This is the dry season with cooler temperatures, clearer lagoon water for snorkeling, and consistent southeast trade winds ideal for kitesurfing (June–September). Shoulder months (April and November) offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
Budget: $300–400 per person for 5 days. Mid-range: $480–720 including flights from Mauritius, guesthouse accommodation, key tours, and scooter rental. Luxury: $1,200+ for resort stays at Cotton Bay with spa treatments and private tours. A good guesthouse with breakfast costs $55–95 per night.
Rodrigues follows Mauritian visa policies. Most nationalities (including EU, UK, US, Canadian, Australian, and South African citizens) receive a 30–60 day visa on arrival at no cost. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay and a return or onward ticket.
Yes — Rodrigues is one of the safest destinations in the Indian Ocean. Violent crime is extremely rare. The main safety considerations are practical: drive carefully on rural roads, use reef-safe sunscreen, stay hydrated, and respect marine life while snorkeling. Solo female travelers report feeling comfortable.
