Located 560 kilometers northeast of Mauritius, Rodrigues is a small island named after Portuguese sailor Don Diego Rodriguez. Measuring just 17.5 km by 8 km, it is surrounded by 80 km of coastline and peaceful beaches. Known for its rustic simplicity and Creole charm, Rodrigues, often called the “Cinderella of the Mascareignes,” offers a relaxed pace with plenty to do. While you can spend a week here, the island’s main attractions can be explored in three days.

Rodrigues is home to the second-highest number of endemic species in the world, making it a prime destination for ecotourism. The island features bike paths and eco-trails, with offshore trips to small islands like Île aux Cocos, where birds such as terns and noddies nest. The island’s main town, Port Mathurin, has just seven streets. For deep-sea fishing, diving, and snorkeling, the island’s stunning east coast offers an experience superior to Mauritius.