Home | Travellers Information | Islands in Mauritius

Ilot Cocos

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.

You may also be interested in . . .
  • Île Hermitage

    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. It's also possible to hire local boats at Rivière Cocos for trips to Île Gombrani or Île Paille-en-Queue.

  • Flora and Fauna

    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 of introduced plant species. Of the 38 or so remaining species of plants native to Rodrigues, all but two are considered endangered, vulnerable, or rare.

  • Ile Aux Sables

    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, Île aux Sables, can be obtained from the Administration Office (Tel 8311504) on Rue Jenner, Port Mathurin.

  • Attractions Beaches

    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.

  • Blue Bay

    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 D' Esny.

  • Snorkeling

    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 excellent with over-the-side boat trips running from most major hotels and from Grand Baie beach. The best swimming beaches are all at the northern end of the island.

    Equipments

  • Diving - Rodrigues Island

    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 Pointe Roche Noire, on the east coast, and off Pointe Palmiste, on the west. Baladirou, at Pointe aux Comes, is also a good spot. Cotton Bay Hotel has a diving centre which is also open to nonresidents. Henri Tours can also organise diving trips.

Directory

About Us | Terms & Conditions | FAQ | Feedback
Copyright © 2009 LODD Inc. All Rights Reserved.