Rodrigues is Mauritius' smaller, quieter sister island, far out in the Indian Ocean to the east. It has no direct long-haul flights, so almost every visitor arrives through Mauritius. For what to do once you are there, see Things to do in Rodrigues.

By air

Air Mauritius flies from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, on the main island, to Plaine Corail Airport in the south-west of Rodrigues. The flight takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. There are also flights from Réunion with Air Austral. The Rodrigues Tourism Office advises booking early in the high season and around big events such as trail races and the kitesurf festival.

Entry rules are the same as for Mauritius. If you arrive in Mauritius from abroad and fly on to Rodrigues, you clear immigration in Mauritius (see Getting to Mauritius). Leave a generous gap between your international flight and the Rodrigues connection.

At Plaine Corail Airport there are taxis, car hire and shuttles, and many guest houses and hotels will collect you if you ask.

By sea

The Mauritius Shipping Corporation runs passenger and cargo ships between Port Louis and Port Mathurin, the main town on Rodrigues. The MV Mauritius Trochetia carries up to 108 passengers in cabins of several classes. Sailings are much less frequent than flights (the company's schedule showed five departures to Port Mathurin between mid-October and mid-November 2026), and the Rodrigues Tourism Office says the crossing takes around 36 to 48 hours, depending on the weather. It suits slow travellers and people with time to spare rather than a short holiday. The sailing schedule and bookings are on the shipping company's site.

How long to stay

The Rodrigues Tourism Office suggests a week as a minimum. Many visitors who stayed only three days wished they had stayed longer. A good plan is a few days on Mauritius, then at least a week on Rodrigues, especially if you want to walk, go out on the lagoon or simply slow down.

Getting around Rodrigues

Rodrigues is small and the traffic is light, so you can stay in one place and explore the whole island from there.

  • Bus: The local buses are a cheap way to get around and meet people. Services stop at about 18:30, and on Sundays you may have a long wait at the roadside.
  • Car hire: A car gives you the most freedom, and there are no traffic jams. Driving is on the left, as on Mauritius. Book your car ahead.
  • Scooters and bikes: You can hire scooters and e-bikes. Take water and sun protection, as the heat can be tiring.
  • Taxis: Taxis can be hired for a trip or for the day, and the drivers often double as guides.

Weather

Rodrigues is generally warmer and drier than Mauritius, with steady south-easterly winds. These winds make the lagoon at Anse Mourouk a well-known kitesurfing spot, with clubs such as Osmosis Kitesurf Rodrigues. Where: Anse Mourouk, Rodrigues. The sea is about 25 to 28 °C in summer and 22 to 24 °C in winter. Cyclone season is the same as on Mauritius, from November to May.

Where to stay

Rodrigues has a few hotels, holiday villas and many guest houses and rooms in family homes. Port Mathurin and the north coast are handy for the town and the boats. The east coast near Saint François and Pointe Coton is quieter and closer to the beaches and the coastal walk.

Auberge St François is a family-run guest house by Saint François beach, with rooms, studios and houses. Where: Saint François, Rodrigues.

Cotton Bay Resort & Spa is a beach resort at Pointe Coton with sea-view rooms, family villas and a pool. Where: Pointe Coton, Rodrigues.

Eden Bay is a beachfront stay at Jean Tac, near Port Mathurin, with sea-view rooms and shared pools. Where: Jean Tac, Rodrigues.

Browse every place to stay in Rodrigues.

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