COCONUT ISLAND

Access to Cocos Island from Port Mathurin (4 hours of round trip) or Baie du Nord (2 hours). A written authorization issued by Discovery Rodrigues in Port Mathurin is required, hence the interest to go through a local receptive (almost all organize the excursion for 900 Rs to 1200 Rs on average per person, lunch included) or by the managers of hotels and pensions. The islet, the largest of those surrounding Rodrigues, is protected and controlled for its biodiversity and endemic species. The number of daily visitors is therefore limited in order to preserve this fragile ecosystem, which consists of a long strip of magnificent white sand, which shimmers like a mirage over the turquoise vastness of the lagoon. Covered with coconut palms, filaos and acacias, the islet is home to thousands of birds that give it charm and personality. These are visible even before one has landed, in clouds above the waves, but it is by walking that one can contemplate them at leisure, first under the guidance of a guide retracing the history of the islet and giving advice on the behaviour to adopt, then freely. Some birds are very unshy and nest 2 metres from the towels, while others fly away and rotate by the hundreds as the men pass by. The islet is one of the last refuges of madmen, frigates, yéyés (also called brown terns), white schooners (cygis alba), mariannes (anous tenuirostris) and macouas (anous stolidus), very rare species having almost disappeared from the sky of Rodrigues. Some of these birds are migratory, hence the interest in coming during the hot months. White schooners and yéyés, for example, travel between Saint Brandon (where they are increasingly threatened by fishermen) and Île aux Cocos or Île aux Sables, just opposite. This last strip of sand is also a nature reserve populated by birds, and access to it is prohibited. Apart from tourists, the birds of Île aux Cocos are the only companions of the two guardians who share the surveillance of the reserve. The western part of the latter is inaccessible to the walker and partially fenced so that birds are not disturbed. The island also serves as a coconut tree nursery for the reforestation of Rodrigues. We can then better understand why the excursion is essential, not to mention that the site is masterful: translucent bottoms, large sandbanks, intense turquoise water.

Pirogue of the Auberge Lagon bleu (www.aubergelagonbleu.com): the prices are slightly higher than elsewhere, but it is by far the prettiest cruise ship to sail the waters of Rodriguez. Not a boat or a motorized party, but a real beautiful canoe 100% of the year with all sails outside! Benefits to match and careful service.

Joe Cool ([email protected]). Because really, he's the coolest of all the boatmen! Joe Meunier, whose real name is Joe Meunier, knows the tour like the back of his hand and treats the travellers with his kindness and his cuisine - Rs. 1,200 per person all inclusive.

The tourist office based in Port Mathurin also provides travellers with a list of all the boatmen who organize the trip and/or crossing.