Pointe Cotton Beach is a popular beach in Rodrigues with sharp corals in the water. It will be good to wear water shoes for a more enjoyable swim. The beach, which is almost always deserted, is among the most beautiful beaches in the island.
The shallow lagoon that encircles the island is bordered by a protecting coral reef; 18 small islets lie within it. While Mont Limon and Mont Lubin, two volcanic peaks, stand guard over the island.
You can also take a walk along the right side of the beach to explore the large coral outcrop. The landscape there is completely different with strong wind and huge waves crashing against the cliffs. Rock formations of coral origin and shady casuarina groves surrounding the beach serve not only as a spectacular background, but also as reliable protection from strong winds.
Cotton Dive Centre
The area of the island where the beach is located is replete with resorts and restaurants for every taste and budget.
The coastal shallow water guarantees a safe family vacation with the kids. Active leisure enthusiasts can go swimming, parasailing, banana boating and water skiing. A pristine turquoise lagoon with coral reefs is for scuba diving fans.
About an hour’s walk from Pointe Coton on the East Coast takes you to the cove of Trou d’Argent, a charming little sandy beach sheltered by two magnificent cliffs.
Cotton Bay Resort
Cotton Bay Hotel is the nearest hotel. It is only 200 meters from the beach. It is a three star hotel. Tekoma Boutik Hotel Rodrigues is a 4-star hotel which is 1.3 kiliometres from the beach.
Saint Gabriel church is located at the heart of Rodrigues Island and has one of the largest Port Louis diocese congregations. The religious building serves as a cathedral of the Catholic Church’s Apostolic Vicariate of Rodrigues. About 32.7% of the Mauritian population adheres to Christianity and Christian beliefs. Christianity was introduced in Mauritius with the arrival of the Dutch.
Saint Gabriel Church
The parish of Saint Gabriel, the largest in Rodrigues, includes 33 villages. Placed at the heart of this parish territory, the newly renovated cathedral is a place of worship for more than twelve thousand parishioners.
It is also the seat of the bishop of the Apostolic Vicariate of Rodrigues. Hundreds of people from all parts of the island gather here every Sunday for the Mass.
Hardworking local volunteers hoisted sand, stone and corals from all parts of the island to build this church, which was completed on 10th December 1939.
If you want to have a panoramic 360° view over the island, then you go to Mont Limon. This is the highest point of the island at 1,300 ft above sea level, and is situated at the heart of the island. It is easy to access because it is close to Port Mathurin. Sometimes the top of the mountain will be covered with fog and it may be chilly due to the altitude.
Due to the hilly landscape of Rodrigues, it literally takes less than 5 minutes to reach the summit. There’s no parking lot but you can leave your car on the other side of the road. The path is well-marked and easy to follow thanks to the orange and purple markings.
Green forest in Mont Limon
Beside magnificent views of the island, you also get to see the gorgeous geological relief, agricultural terraces, and the azure blue ocean.The temperature there is slightly elevated, and due to this, there is plenty of lush green vegetation.
Most people only visit the main viewpoint but once you get to the summit, take the path on your right and you’ll find other scenic lookout points.
Rodrigues is a 108 sq km (42 sq mi) autonomous outer island of the Republic of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean. Rodrigues is of volcanic origin and is surrounded by coral reefs with some tiny uninhabited islands off its coast.
Its inhabitants are Mauritian citizens. It gained autonomous status on 10 December 2002, and it is governed by the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. The capital of the island is Port Mathurin. The island forms part of the larger territory of the Republic of Mauritius with the President as head of state and the Chief Commissioner as head of government.
In 2002, when it became an autonomous region of Mauritius, the island was made the seat of the Roman Catholic Vicariate Apostolic of Rodrigues. Despite gaining autonomous status Rodrigues is financially dependent upon its sister island.
Rodrigues Island
Despite its small size, Rodrigues has so much to offer to the visitors. The language of Rodrigues is French based creole pidgin. The French language is mostly used by the local media. English is usually used in official documents and at the Regional Assembly. There are also some oriental languages such as Hindi and Bhojpuri spoken by the very few.
ADSL and WI-Fi Internet are accessible. There are also a number of free WI-Fi Spots, provided by the government.There are two mobile phone networks which serve the island, with access to international roaming.
Public buses run to the remotest corners of the island. There are also car, scooter, and motorcycle rental services available in the city. Taxi cabs are available and a number of them are stationed in the surroundings of the hotels.
The population of Rodrigues is estimated to be 41, 669 of inhabitants, with the vast majority being Creoles. You can also find Chinese traders and some Indian civil servants coming from Mauritius. The main religion is Roman Catholicism with small minorities of other religions like Jehovah’s Witnesses, Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists.
Rodrigues Island Boats
Here, women play an active part in the economy. You can find them in the fields, at the market and even at the sea.
Most of the economic activities of Rodrigues are fishing, stock breeding and cultivation, especially of onions, garlic and chili. The inhabitants’ income is derived from the export of cattle, sea products and food crops, but it is largely in deficit when compared to the costs of the imported products.
Chez Ronald Guest House and La Belle Rodriguaise at Graviers provide accommodation in Rodrigues island.
