Who needs paradise when Rodrigues Island is only an hour and a half flight away? The tiny island where time stands still... The island of a thousand and one beaches, of a thousand and one smiles. Need a break? This little paradise is the perfect place.
Rodrigues is a unique tourist destination. While the views are among some of the best you will ever see, the island is especially famous for its caves. The most popular is the Caverne Patate. More than 1000 meters long, it is located under a coral plain in the southwest of the island.
The Caverne Patate is accessible to all and will be a memorable adventure. The stalactites and stalagmites, carved in stone over the years, offer a rare natural spectacle.
The François Leguat Reserve is also worth a visit. It is a place of refuge for giant tortoises and is also home to tropical birds and native trees. Three species of turtles live in the reserve - Aldabra and Radiata/star turtle and the Madagascar Angonoka turtle. The François Leguat Reserve also has 9 caves.
The Great Cave is a unique adventure. It is equipped with elevated walkways, some stairs and light and you can witness the stalagmites and stalactites.
A tour in the four galleries of the museum, which is located in the reserve, will allow you to learn more about the history and the fauna of Rodrigues.
Among the other historical sites to discover, there's also the Saint-Gabriel Cathedral. It is one of the largest in the Indian Ocean.
Beaches, islets, diving and water sports
This little corner of paradise is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon that will make you swoon. The beaches of Rodrigues are worthy postcards. The famous Trou d'Argent is a real paradise on Earth. You can reach it by a small paved road, then a quick walk under the filaos or by the coastline by following the path from Pointe Coton beach.
Although not as well known as Trou d'Argent, Fumier is an absolute must-see. It has secret coves only accessible by water, so you can find islands and islets almost deserted.
The beaches of Graviers, Mourouk, Port-Sud-Est and Pointe Coton are also worth a visit.
With so many beaches, it goes without saying that water sports activities are common in various parts of the island. If you are a fan of snorkeling, the Aquarium spot in Cotton Bay is a must. However, caution is advised as the water is relatively deep and close to the coral reef, and therefore often rough.
The Rivière Banane spot offers a spectacle with the ballet of multicolored fish and corals of all species. Children can dive in safety.
Kitesurfing is a very popular activity in the tourist culture of Rodrigues.
Thrill seekers will not be bored. The Tyrolean Adventure is one of the most popular activities on the island. Located at Montagne Malgache, three courses are offered. The first course consists of three zip lines 400 meters which is one of the longest; the second is a zip line of 200 meters; the last is a zip line of 100 meters; the third course consists of four zip lines 160m, 240m, 200m and 100m long.
Discover Rodrigues: the must-have application
All these activities can be discovered on the Discover Rodrigues application, which was launched in June this year. It is a practical tool to discover the Rodriguan destination. It is available on Apple and Android.
The application allows its users to choose and book accommodation. Visitors can choose between hotels, tourist residences, guest houses, cottages and guest rooms. You will also be able to book a car, a scooter or even a cab.
Discover Rodrigues will indicate the activities to be discovered on the island. Without forgetting, the popular sites not to be missed during your trip or the cultural events.
