Rodrigues
Walking trails, lagoon swimming and limestone caves make Rodrigues a slow island trip, much quieter than the resort coasts of Mauritius.
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Rodrigues is a small volcanic island in the Indian Ocean, about 560 kilometers east of Mauritius, and it is part of the Republic of Mauritius. Most of the island is rural, with fishing villages, limestone hills and a lagoon along its coast. Its walking trails, caves and Creole culture set it apart from the main island, and life moves more slowly here.
People come to Rodrigues for hiking, swimming and snorkeling in the lagoon, and caving. Nature lovers also come for the island's giant tortoises and Rodrigues fruit bats. It suits travelers who want quiet beaches and time outdoors more than nightlife. Getting there takes a short flight from Mauritius or a slower ship. June to September is the cooler, drier stretch and suits most visitors. Plan at least three to four nights to cover the main sights at an easy pace.
Rodrigues in five
- Book the Air Mauritius seat earlyAir Mauritius flies the short hop from Mauritius to Rodrigues, about 1.5 hours, on a limited number of seats. Book the flight before the stay so your dates are fixed.Getting around
- Hire a car or scooter before you arrivePort Mathurin is the only town of size, and the roads outside it are narrow and steep. Reserve a vehicle before you land, since hire options are limited.
- Carry rupees for small costsCard payment is limited outside Port Mathurin, and small guesthouses and bus fares are often cash only. Bring Mauritian rupees for these costs.Money and costs
- Check cyclone warnings before you flyCyclone season runs from about November to April and can close flights and boats. Check the Mauritius Meteorological Services warnings before you travel and during the trip.
- Check the Mauritius entry rules before you flyRodrigues is part of the Republic of Mauritius, so Mauritius entry rules apply to you. Confirm your passport and entry status before you book.Visas and entry
Things to do in Rodrigues
See all attractions in RodriguesNeed to know
- Currency
- Mauritian rupee (MUR)
- Entry
- Mauritius entry rules apply
- Emergency
- 999 police, 114 ambulance, 115 fire
- Tipping
- Not expected; rounding up is welcome
- Time
- UTC+4, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCyclone season
- FebruaryWet, humid
- MarchStorm risk
- AprilShowers easing
- MayDrier, windy
- JuneCool, dry
- JulyCool, trade winds
- AugustCool, quiet
- SeptemberDry, calm days
- OctoberWarming, dry
- NovemberCyclone season starts
- DecemberHolidays, showers
Right now in Rodrigues
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
24
- Feels like
- 24°
- Humidity
- 80%
- Wind
- 19 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 29%
Rodrigues
02:38 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today28°22°29%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 29%.
- Wed28°23°18%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 18%.
- Thu28°23°49%Thursday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 49%.
- Fri29°22°46%Friday: Drizzle. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 46%.
- Sat29°23°22%Saturday: Cloudy. High 29°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 22%.
- Sun28°23°41%Sunday: Drizzle. High 28°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 41%.
Updated 02:36 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 47.55 MUR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Ile aux Cocosby boat, depends on sea and windA nature reserve island off the lagoon, reached by boat when the sea allows.
- Caverne Patateby car from Port MathurinLimestone caves with formations, a short stop on the inland walks.
- Grande Montagneby car on the island roadsA hill nature reserve; check access and rules before you go.
Before you go to Rodrigues
Rules for Rodrigues, checked
- Rodrigues is part of the Republic of Mauritius, so Mauritius entry rules apply. Check passport validity and entry status before you fly.
- Drive on the left. Roads outside Port Mathurin are narrow and steep, so take care on the bends and slopes.
- Follow official cyclone warnings from Mauritius Meteorological Services during the season, and do not travel into a warning.
Plan around Rodrigues
Port Mathurin, the lagoon coast and inland bases compared
Read the guideGetting aroundFlights, hire cars and island buses
Read the guideMoney and costsRupees, card limits and typical prices
Read the guideVisas and entryMauritius entry rules that apply to Rodrigues
Read the guideAll of MauritiusThe main island and how Rodrigues fits in
Read the guidePhones and eSIMSignal and data on the island
Read the guideRodrigues FAQ
Is Rodrigues worth visiting?
Yes, if you want slow days, lagoons, walks and few crowds. It is a poor choice for nightlife or for a stop of only a day or two.
How do you get to Rodrigues?
Air Mauritius flies from Mauritius in about 1.5 hours, with limited seats. A cargo and passenger ship also sails between the islands, but it takes much longer.
Can you visit Rodrigues as a day trip from Mauritius?
It is possible but tight: flights take about 1.5 hours each way, so a day leaves little time for the roads and the lagoons.
Do you need a car on Rodrigues?
Not strictly, but buses do not reach every walk or beach. A car or scooter lets you set your own pace, so book the hire before you arrive.
What is the best time to visit Rodrigues?
June to September is the cooler, drier stretch and suits most visitors. Avoid the peak of cyclone season, from about January to March.
What language is spoken on Rodrigues?
Kreol Rodriguais is the everyday language. French and English are used in shops, offices and tourism.
Is there mobile coverage on Rodrigues?
Signal is strongest in Port Mathurin and weaker in the hills and along the coast. Download maps and bookings before you leave town.