A Taste of Rodrigues

This little known island was first visited by the Portuguese Captain Diego Rodrigues in 1528, surprisingly, much of the economy of Rodrigues is still derived from the land, subsistence farming, the excess produce of which is exported to its larger neighbour and of course fish from the waters of the Indian Ocean, octopus in particular is exported to Mauritius to satisfy a growing demand.

Each morning at low tide the ‘piqueuse ourite' fisher women of the island make their way out through the shallow waters inside the reef to fish with their unique tridents. Being one of the least accessible islands anywhere on the planet, it has suffered little impact from the ravages of the twentieth century - although satellite television has reached this remote corner!

 

The island became an integral part of theRepublic of Mauritius in 1968 and like its larger sister the main languages are Creole and French although English is the official tongue and widely spoken.

The flying time from Mauritius is one and a half hours to cover the 560 kilometres; the climate is pleasant throughout the year with a dry winter from June to October when temperatures can vary between 14 to 18 degrees. Summer extends from November through until May with temperatures a pleasant 29 to 33 degrees. The small sleepy capital of Port Mathurin is the only significant conurbation on the island and no more than a large village, although it has a number of interesting restaurants, try The Captains Table and a busy market on main street.

The island has some spectacular beaches, windsurfing is popular within the reef and the diving is reckoned by some to be the best in the Indian Ocean. It is also popular for nature lovers, there are some wonderful walks and abundant bird life - one of the most popular excursions on the island is a visit to Coco Island now declared a bird sanctuary and home to several rare species.

Unsophisticated, simple and timeless - Rodrigues is the ultimate get away from it all holiday, an ideal option for a two or three night adventure available from Mauritius.

Our 4 day/3 night Rodrigues extention features the 4 Star Cotton Bay Hotel. Situated on a beaufiful stretch of sand within the lagoon on the northeast coast of the island at Pointe Coton, this comfortable hotel enjoys a peaceful location with only the sounds of waves washing against the reef in the distance to disturb the tranquillity.

The central feature of the hotel is its large swimming pool and terrace where one can relax and enjoy the superb tropical sunshine. There is a well equipped PADI dive centre and the opportunity of taking a big game fishing boat excursion.