This tiny volcanic speck in the Indian Ocean makes Mauritius look touristy. Rodrigues is wilder, quieter, and almost entirely untouched — a place where fishermen still mend nets by hand and the lagoon glitters without a hotel tower in sight.
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Arriving by Ship
Port Mathurin is a small but functional port, and most cruise ships dock directly at the quay rather than tendering — a welcome convenience. The town centre is essentially on your doorstep, with the main street just a two-minute walk from the gangway.
The port itself is modest, with minimal facilities dockside, so don’t expect a glossy cruise terminal. What you get instead is an authentic working harbour where local fishing boats jostle for space alongside your vessel.
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Things to Do
Rodrigues rewards the curious. There’s no beach club playlist here — just rugged hiking trails, a vast protected lagoon, and cultural encounters that feel entirely genuine.
Nature & Adventure
- Kayak the lagoon at Gravier Beach — rent a kayak for around MUR 400 (approx. USD 9) per hour and paddle through crystal-clear shallows where the seabed is visible at 4 metres depth.
- Hike to Piton Mara (396m) — the island’s highest point offers panoramic views across the lagoon; the trail starts near Petite Butte and takes around 90 minutes return.
- Snorkel at Passe St François — one of the Indian Ocean’s most pristine snorkelling spots, with sea turtles and reef fish in abundance; local boat operators charge roughly MUR 1,500 (USD 33) for a half-day trip.
- Explore the François Leguat Giant Tortoise Reserve — over 1,500 giant tortoises roam freely across this 25-hectare reserve; entry costs USD 12 and includes a guided walk. Open daily 9am–5pm.
History & Culture
- Walk Port Mathurin’s colonial streets — the Saturday market is the town’s heartbeat, packed with local farmers, craftspeople, and unmistakable chilli smells.
- Visit the Church of Saint Gabriel in Port Mathurin — a striking 19th-century Catholic church that doubles as the island’s spiritual centrepiece; free to enter.
- Explore the Caverne Patate caves — an extraordinary network of underground stalactite formations near Plaine Corail; guided tours cost around MUR 600 (USD 13). Book ahead on busy days.
Beaches
- Trou d’Argent beach — arguably the most beautiful beach in the entire Indian Ocean, accessible only on foot via a 20-minute trail from Saint François village; completely unspoilt and usually quiet.
- St François Lagoon boat trip — a 7-hour excursion combining snorkelling, a small island picnic, and BBQ lunch is a brilliant full-day option 🎟 Book: Mauritius : 5 islands Speed Boat Trip with BBQ and drinks.
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What to Eat
Rodrigues has its own distinct Creole food identity, shaped by African, French, and Indian influences — and the octopus here is legendary. Eat wherever locals eat, especially around the market.
- Octopus curry (curri zourite) — the island’s signature dish, slow-cooked with turmeric and chillies; try it at Resto La Belle Rodrigaise in Port Mathurin for around MUR 350 (USD 8).
- Smoked sailfish — a local delicacy sold vacuum-packed at the market or served sliced with lemon at beachside shacks; expect MUR 200–400 (USD 4–9) depending on portion.
- Dholl puri — Rodrigues’ street-food staple, a soft flatbread stuffed with split peas; grab one from market vendors for MUR 25 (USD 0.50).
- Fresh grilled fish at Anse Aux Anglais — any of the small restaurants along this beach will grill your choice of catch; budget MUR 500–700 (USD 11–15) for a full plate with rice and salad.
- Bringelle (aubergine) chutney — a homemade condiment sold at the Saturday market that makes an excellent and easy-to-pack edible souvenir; jars sell for MUR 100–150 (USD 2–3).
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Shopping
The Saturday market in Port Mathurin is the best — and most honest — shopping experience on the island. Arrive early for the widest selection of handmade basketwork, woven pandanus hats, local honey, and dried chillies.
Look for handcrafted jewellery made from lemon wood and coconut shell — pieces that are genuinely made on Rodrigues and impossible to find elsewhere. Avoid generic “Mauritius” souvenirs sold near the port entrance; they’re not local.
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Practical Tips
- Currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR); euros and USD are sometimes accepted but you’ll get better value exchanging cash at Port Mathurin’s local bank or using an ATM near the market.
- Tipping is appreciated but not expected — MUR 100–200 is generous at restaurants.
- Hire a local guide or minibus driver for island touring; negotiate directly at the port for around MUR 1,500–2,000 (USD 33–44) for a half day.
- Go ashore early — the Saturday market winds down by noon and Trou d’Argent beach is best visited before midday heat peaks.
- You need at least 5–6 hours to scratch the surface; a full day is ideal.
- Dress modestly when visiting churches or the town centre — shoulders and knees covered is respectful.
- Mobile data is limited — download offline maps before leaving the ship.
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Pack light, stay curious, and let Rodrigues surprise you — this is the Indian Ocean before the world found it.
🎟️ Things to Book in Advance
These highly-rated experiences fill up fast — book before you arrive to avoid missing out.
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📍 Getting to Rodrigues Island, Port Mathurin, Mauritius
Use the interactive map below to explore the port area and plan your route from the terminal.
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