Rodrigues is a small island 18 km in length and 6 km in width, situated amongst the Mascerene islands near Mauritius. It offers a peaceful and serene environment amidst unsurpassed natural beauty - mountains, beaches, sea and lagoons. The small size of the island enables tourists to easily tour Rodrigues island from end to end, soaking in the fresh air and breathtaking visuals. Fishing and agriculture are the main occupations on the island.
Rodrigues especially makes for a good active holiday, with a variety of walks and hiking opportunities.
Our Rodrigues transportation guide below will tell you all you need to know about getting to and getting around Rodrigues. To help you see the this island paradise, we have many Rodrigues tours and activities on offer.
Rodrigues Transportation Guide
By Air
The best and the easiest way get to Rodrigues is by air. Although there are no international flights that directly land at Rodrigues at present, you can find a comfortable connection that suits you via Mauritius . Two 48 seater flights run daily between Mauritius and the Plaine Corail Airport in Rodrigues. The choice you have for the one and a half hour flight is between Air Mauritius (ATR 42 and ATR 72) and Catovair (Beachcraft).
Once you reach Plaine Corail, it is just a half an hour drive to the capital Port Mathurin. The planes embark on their return journey to Mauritius about forty five minutes after landing. The other flight option you have is from Reunion Island, which takes two hours and run only twice a week, whereas from Mauritius one has an advantage of daily flights. Public transport is not well organised, and it's best to ask your hotel to provide conveyance to and from the airport.
Visit our partner Air Valid for Airline Reviews and Information about Rodrigues.
By Water
If you have enough time and the desire to be a little adventurous, consider travelling to Rodrigues by water. You can board a ship from Mauritius, which would take about 48 hours to reach your destination, Port Mathurin. Some of the popular ships that traverse this route are the Mauritius Trochetia and the MV Mauritius Pride. These were launched in the years 2001 and 1991 respectively and have continued to give satisfactory service. Other ships are available, but are reserved for cargo and government officials.
Coraline is one of the main shipping companies in the region and their ship sails from Port Louis Harbour in Mauritius once a week for Rodrigues Island, Madagascar and Reunion Island.
Getting Around
The small size of the island makes moving around in Rodrigues a breeze. Some of the options include buses, 4x4 taxi jeeps and SUVs. Local buses ply on convenient routes and the weather is salubrious enough for you to enjoy long rides, soaking in the scenic beauty of the island. If you like a certain amount of privacy, you can opt for taxis which will take you across the length and breadth of the island in a jiffy. Cars are also available for hire, if you would like to drive around Rodrigues on your own, There is, however, only one gas station on the island, so make sure you fill up your tank! There is also only one drugstore or pharmacy in Port Mathurin.
On Foot
If you are fond of walking, Rodrigues is just the place to take your walking shoes along. The size of the island makes it possible to cover different locations on foot easily. The locals too spend a lot of time walking from one place to the other. The roads are meandering and full of interesting features owing to the slight hilly landscape. You are likely to find foot tracks everywhere, formed over many years of constant use.
You can buy a straw hat which is readily available locally to protect yourself from the sun. The walking paths are quite interesting, with many of them having been formed by quarry workers carrying constructions slabs from the quarries on the hillside. The lush flora and fauna also adds its charm to the walk, and is interesting to observe.
The locals often use these paths themselves, and walking here presents an opportunity for you to meet them as well. Though shy, Rodriguans are warm and welcoming.
