Ilot Cocos is an island sanctuary and breeding ground, barely 1km in length, for huge populations of sea birds: common noddies and lesser noddies are present in their thousands. Bridled tern and fairy tern, are also present. Part of Ilot Cocos is fenced off to protect ground-nesting sites of bridled terns. The excursion to Ilot Cocos is unquestionably the most popular day trip available: it is a one hour boat trip and the island has good birdwatching and snorkeling, an unspoilt beach and most trips include a picnic lunch under the swaying filao trees. The walk around ÎIe Cocos takes about 45 minutes, and there are two guards who can provide directions or information about the fauna and flora. The hotels collaborate in organising these day trips, which involve parties of up to 14 people.
A tiny island renowned for its beauty, is accessible by boat from Port Sud-Est (about 25 minutes) or Petite Butte (about 90minutes). No permits are required to visit ÎIe aux Crabes and IIe Hermitage
Since the island's colonization in the 17th century, its thick forest cover has been destroyed by felling and intensive grazing. The secondary growth with which this has been replaced consists mostly
Ile Aux Sables is a recognised nature reserve islet for a few pairs of fairy terns and setting foot on the island is forbidden. The permits required to visit ÎIe Cocos and its even smaller neighbour
Pointe Coton, on the east coast, has the best beach on the island. There are other nice beaches at St François, Trou d'Argent and Petit Gravier.
Rodrigues is a volcanic island rising from a ridge
Blue Bay is the official public beach closest to Mahebourg. This attractive beach can get quite busy on weekends. Good private beaches stretch back to Mahebourg, past Pointe des Deux Cocos to Pointe
Descriptions
Snorkeling is an incredible experience since so many fish can be seen close to the beach without even having to go by boat to the reef. Full shoe fins should be worn.
Snorkeling is
There are several good scuba-diving locations around Rodrigues, but there is no diving school or public-use compressor on the island, and you need a boat. The best dives are off Pointe Colon and