FAQ
Rodrigues Island: your questions answered
12 questions on getting there, the weather, politics, budget, activities, food, and why a Reunion Island site covers it.
Where is Rodrigues Island located?+
600 kilometres east of Mauritius, in the Indian Ocean, part of the Mascarene archipelago (with Mauritius and Reunion Island). Its remote position far out at sea largely explains why it's so unspoilt and so far removed from mass tourism in Mauritius. It's the easternmost of the Mascarene Islands.
How do you get to Rodrigues Island?+
By Air Mauritius domestic flight from SSR airport in Mauritius: about 1h30 in the air, with several flights a day and return fares of €200-350 depending on the season and how far ahead you book. You have to go via Mauritius (there are no direct flights from Reunion Island or mainland France), and there's no regular passenger ferry for tourists.
What's the best season to visit Rodrigues?+
The dry season from May to November offers the best conditions: air temperatures of 20-25°C, sea at 24-26°C, clear skies, moderate wind. July-August are the coolest months, perfect for hiking. December to March is cyclone season, with frequent tropical rain, so avoid it for a short trip. The climate is slightly milder than in Mauritius itself, with stronger trade winds.
What language is spoken in Rodrigues?+
Three languages. English is the official language (government, courts, signs), so English speakers will get by. Rodriguan Creole is what everyone speaks day to day, and French is widely understood and used in tourism and business.
What's Rodrigues's political status?+
An autonomous region of the Republic of Mauritius since 12 October 2002. Rodrigues has an 18-member Regional Assembly elected by direct universal suffrage, and a Chief Commissioner who heads the local executive. Sovereign matters (defence, foreign affairs, currency, police) remain managed by Port Louis. It's a unique arrangement in the Indian Ocean.
How much does a trip to Rodrigues cost?+
It's much cheaper than Mauritius itself: around €60-100 per person per day for a guesthouse, family restaurants and local outings. Budget €200-350 for the return flight from Mauritius, €35-60 a night at a guesthouse, €10-20 a meal at a family restaurant, €6 entry to the François-Leguat Reserve, €25 for the Île aux Cocos trip. For a week, budget around €600-900 per person, excluding flights.
What activities can you do in Rodrigues?+
Quiet beaches (Trou d'Argent, Saint-François, Pointe Coton, Anse Ally), hiking (Mont Limon, south-east coastal trails), lagoon outings (Île aux Cocos, Île aux Sables, snorkelling), a visit to the François-Leguat Reserve, scuba diving with the island's few local centres, plus markets and family restaurants. Life is slow here: 7 to 10 days is enough to see it all.
Should you rent a car in Rodrigues?+
Yes, if you want to explore beyond Port Mathurin. Local hire companies offer small cars for €25-40 a day, and a standard licence is enough. Driving is on the left (a legacy of British rule), and the roads are good but narrow, with a 60km/h limit. On a tighter budget, local buses link the main villages for €0.50-1 a ride: slow but authentic.
Is Rodrigues suited to families with children?+
Yes, especially with children from about 6-8: calm beaches in a sheltered lagoon, few dangerous currents, welcoming restaurants with kids' menus and a relaxed atmosphere with no crowds. Younger children may find the tropical climate and slow pace harder to adjust to. Several family guesthouses happily welcome children.
What local specialities should you try in Rodrigues?+
Ourite (octopus) as a curry, salad or achard is the signature dish, worth trying at any family restaurant. Grilled capitaine fish, red snapper, Rodriguan lobster and limon (a local oyster) complete the seafood line-up. Also try rougail brèdes mouroum (moringa leaves), local samosas and Mont Limon eucalyptus honey. Expect €10-20 for a full meal.
What should you bring back from Rodrigues?+
Vacoa (pandanus) weaving is the classic souvenir: baskets, bags, hats and placemats hand-woven by artisans from the Anse Quitor cooperative. Budget €15-50 depending on size and finish. Mont Limon honey, candied chillies, Rodriguan vanilla and papaya or tamarind jam are the edible ones. The Port Mathurin central market on Saturday morning has the best prices.
Why is there a Rodrigues guide on a Reunion Island site?+
My main focus is Reunion Island, but people planning a trip there are often curious about the neighbouring Mascarene islands. Rodrigues, the third Mascarene after Mauritius and Reunion, shares a lot with Reunion Island (Creole heritage, endemic wildlife, food) while keeping a strong identity of its own (its size, its self-government and its huge lagoon). This page is a factual guide for anyone looking beyond the classic Mauritius and Reunion pairing.
