Rodrigues Island is a tiny little jewel of 108km2 off the northeast coast of Mauritius, with a population of around 38,000 people. Of volcanic origin, it owes its name to the Portuguese ships’ boat, Diego Rodrigues, who discovered it in February 1528. The island prides itself in its silky beaches, its gorgeous uneven topography, the natural politeness of its inhabitants, its scrumptious gastronomy and its landmarks, as well as its sea activities.
Enjoy a full day of relaxation and amazing discoveries on Ile aux Cocos!
Being the most visited islet of Rodrigues, the Ile aux Cocos is obviously our most valuable treasure. Undeniably with its rare seabirds and magnificent beaches, many people have remained astonished in contemplating the sight.
The day starts at 08.30 a.m. and ends at 04.00 p.m.
An authentic lunch will be provide on the island.
Full day duration: 6hr30mins
Boat trip duration: 1hr30
Ile Aux Cocos ("Cocos Island") is a small island, located 4 km to the west of Rodrigues mainland, emerges from the lagoon, creating a strip of sand where thousands of sea birds have sought shelter. It is a nature reserve known for its seabird colonies, including the noddy, lesser noddy and fairy tern.
From there you will start the sea trip to Ile Aux Cocos on-board a 26 feet sailing boat.
Apart from admiring the seabirds you can relax on the unspoilt beach and swim and snorkel in the shallow lagoon. Certain areas of the island are bird nesting sites and so are off-limits to visitors.
People and Culture: Rodrigues Island is also renowned for its authenticity – which makes the uniqueness of its anti-stress island. Authentically Creole the Rodriguan culture is vibrant through the music, dances and cuisine of its people. The music is a sweet blend of European melodies and African rythms; the ‘sega tambour’ is the folk dance of Rodrigues. The population mainly lives off fishing, farm produce handicraft and more recently, tourism. Women play an active part in the economic life of the island
Gastronomy: The Rodriguan gastronomy (enriched by Chinese, Indian and European influence) is made up of local produce that is naturally available in abundance. Dishes made with fish, octopus, pork and chicken are of incomparable flavor. The cuisine consists of simple but tasty dishes that bring out the natural good taste of the produce. A typical Rodriguan meal is served with rice or maize and red beans, and is accented with chili or chutneys.
Fauna & Flora:Rodrigues used to be home to a number of unique birds of which the solitaire (Pezophaps solitaria), now extinct, is most famous. The Rodrigues Fody (Foudia flavicans), the Rodrigues Warbler (Acrocephalus rodericanus) and seabirds such as terns are protected species living peacefully in natural reserves and on the islets in the lagoon. A sanctuary for reptiles suach as the Giant Tortoise and the Gecko, Rodrigues also has an endemic mammal, the Golden Fruit Bat (pteropus rodericencis) The protection of the flora has become a priority. Huge effort is being invested in the conservation, restoration and recreation of the pristine natural ecosystem of the island. Critically, rare and endangered plants like the ‘café marron’ (Rasmonia rodriguesii), are receiving special attention and monitoring.
Sports & Leisure:The topology of the island lends itself to a number of nature discovery opportunities, namely through trekking excursions, mountain-bike hikes, nautical activities and cave exploration. The undersea world uncovers its secrets to divers and fishermen. Surf, kite surf and windsurf enthusiasts will find there an unparalleled haven whilst the steep-sided ravines attract ornithologists as well as nature lovers.
Minimum participant: 4
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