Rodrigues Island has a slow pace of life and a traditional vibe that feels relatively untouched by tourism. You will inevitably fall under the charm of this sleepy sister island, which is perfect for disconnecting and relaxing.

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You can follow the Roches Noires Cave Trail to the network of volcanic underground caves and discover the main cavern, Princess Margaret Cave, with its wide staircase that leads you down to a subterranean entrance where interconnecting chambers, freshwater pools and fascinating rock formations await. No visit is complete without stopping by the museum to learn about how and why these intriguing lava tubes were formed.

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There are strict guidelines in place to keep you and the dolphins safe, which have been set by the Tourism Authority (Dolphin and Whale Watching) Regulations 2012. These guidelines include:

• You cannot feed a dolphin, or throw food or any other object, substance or matter near or around a dolphin
• You must travel with a licenced dolphin watching provider
• Pleasure crafts can only approach dolphins from the side, must follow a parallel course to the dolphin, and operate the pleasure craft at a no-wake speed
• You cannot touch, or attempt to touch, a dolphin
• You cannot make noise to attract their attention or circle around them
• If swimming with dolphins, you must be briefed on sound techniques related to calm and silent swimming. No more than three swimmers (including a designated life saver) to enter, dive or snorkel simultaneously in the sea

Find full details of the Tourism Authority (Dolphin and Whale Watching) Regulations 2012.

Respecting their underwater world is key to them returning to our coastline.

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Amazing conservation work has been done over the past 40 years and The Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’s Echo Parakeet Project is the world’s most successful parrot recovery programme. It has helped move this endemic species off the endangered list.

There are now hundreds of these pretty parakeets on the island and you might be lucky enough to spot one in Black River Gorges National Park.

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Keen readers may well recognise the name of the falls, as it was inspired by Charlotte Bronte’s 1847 novel, Jane Eyre. This awe-inspiring waterfall provides a fantastic spot for a swim on a hot Mauritian day, as well as providing a dreamy backdrop for a picnic. However, we recommend avoiding a visit during or after heavy rain, as the area can become slippery and the water levels can rise.

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The second highest mountain on the island after Piton de la Petite Rivière Noire, this hiking trail should only be attempted with the help of the right equipment and a local professional guide. With their expert guidance, you’ll stay on the right path, be able to tackle the trickier sections of the hike and get in-depth insight into the surrounding landscape. Adventurers that make it to the top of Pieter Both will be rewarded with panoramic island views, including a sweeping vista over the capital city of Port Louis.

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It takes around three to four hours to hike to the top and back, following the marked trail. Start early to avoid the heat and wear suitable footwear for the rocky terrain en route and the final scramble to the top. You’ll be following in the footsteps of Charles Darwin, who made it to the summit back in 1836. The 360-degree views are spectacular, so don’t forget a camera!

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Visitors to La Vanille Nature Park can feed lemurs, watch the crocodiles being fed and get hands-on in the interactive farm, while youngsters can let off steam in the playground. Budding paleontologists will love the Fossil Museum, which is home to hundreds of fossils from Madagascar, and all of the family will enjoy spotting the park’s iguanas, monkeys, chameleons, freshwater turtles, deer, wild boar and Mauritian bats.

La Vanille Nature Park

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People come here to see the rust-orange cliffs from the water, where seabirds such as the graceful red-tailed tropicbird or wedge-tailed shearwater soar and swoop above you.
Coin de Mire is also known for its amazing snorkelling opportunities. You’ll be in with a chance of seeing some of the reef’s most curious creatures, from damselfish to moray eels; and you might be lucky enough to see a turtle or passing pod of dolphins.

From the mainland, some say the angular shape of Coin de Mire’s cliffs make the island look like a giant whale drifting along the Indian Ocean.

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There are a few connected waterfalls in this area and experienced local guides offer abseiling and river trekking adventures, which can be pre-booked. However, many visitors head straight for the waterfall and pool known as Eau Bleue for a relaxing dip.

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With more than 50km of trails, Black River Gorges National Park is a dream for hikers and there is a choice of easy forest rambles to challenging trails. The highest point in Mauritius can be found within the park and is called Black River Peak. It is 828 metres above sea level and the summit offers some of the island’s most spectacular views. You can also visit Alexandra Falls within the park, reaching it by following the signs to the viewpoint. It offers epic views of both the waterfall and the park.

Black River Gorges National Park offers a remarkable range of flora and fauna, much of which you won’t see anywhere else in the world. With more than 300 species of flowering plants and nine species of birds that you will only find in Mauritius, you can book a birdwatching hike with a biologist for local insight. The wildlife in Black River Gorges National Park also includes the Mauritian flying fox, wild boar, macaque monkeys and deer, so don’t forget your camera!

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The waterfall is an excellent picnic spot, so remember to pack some lunch and lots of water. We also recommend bringing your swimwear, as you can jump in the pool and swim behind the waterfall to access a hidden cave. It’s an exhilarating experience that’s a must on your Mauritius bucket list.

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Pont Naturel can be found between Le Souffleur and Le Bouchon. The sea here is strong and fierce, with waves smashing against the cliffs. For this reason, it’s not suitable for swimming, but it’s a magical spot to contemplate the power and beauty of nature. It’s also a great spot for photographs.

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With opportunities for hiking, both guided and self-guided, as well as 4×4 tours, you can reconnect with nature and appreciate an incredible variety of indigenous species, many of which are rare or threatened. Keep a look-out for the Pink Pigeon and the Mauritian Echo Parakeet as you wander through ebony wood, takamaka trees and bois clou. By visiting La Vallée de Ferney, you’re actively contributing to the maintenance and conservation of this special region.

Finish your time here with a meal at Ferney Falaise Rouge Restaurant, which has incredible views over the ocean. On the menu, you’ll find delicious dishes using seasonal fruit and vegetables, supporting the local suppliers and growers on the island.

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