A full day to one of the smaller islands belonging to Roderique makes a pleasant day trip. This delightful little Robinson Crusoe like island is situated only a few kilometers west of the main island in a shallow lagoon. From the boat that take visitors to the island, it looks as if it has just emerged from the lagoon. The island itself is covered with coconut trees, casuarina trees and white sandy beaches. Only 1 km. in length and a few hundred meters at the widest point. Small and secluded, but probably one of the main tourist attractions when visiting Roderique. Last day on Roderique was spend on day trip to Ile aux Cocos.
Ile aux Cocos is not inhabited. It is a beautiful nature reserve and a bird sanctuary, populated by different species of birds. In summer the island is populated with thousands of sea birds.
After arrival the whole group of “tourists” joins a guided tour around the island. A path is leading through part of the island, allowing close encounter with the birds. It is not allowed to walk around alone, except on the beach. Some of the birds lay there eggs on the ground. You have to be very careful when walking around, to avoid stepping on an egg or a chick. The guide pointed out both birds and the fauna on this walk done in a leisurely pace. Part of the area is off limits to vistitors.
Back at beach where the boats are anchored, there is time to relax, go for a swim and also a barbeque lunch is served. We just enjoyed the beach. The white snad and the crystal clear water was warm and just too inviting!
When having several days on the island of Roderique, this makes a relaxed excurtion to a beautiful island. In order to visit, it is required to get an authorization, which is obtained by the tour agent when booking the tour. A tour includes boat trip, guided tour of the island and lunch. A day of total relaxation in a true tropical paradise.
- How to get to Roderique?
- There are daily flights from Mauritius with Air Mauritius
- Where to stay? Several resort hotels, hostals and small hotels (www.booking.com)
I stayed at the Mourouk Ebony Hotel. Great hotel with friendly helpful staff
- The island is malaria free
- Temperature is great all year round. There is only 2 seasons, but even in winter the temperature can be up to 25 degrees celsius
Read the main post part 1 here:
The island of Roderique - Part 1 - a hidden gem in the Indian Ocean
U.J
Kristiansand, Norway
All the photoes are mine, Ulla Jensen (flickr, Instagram and facebook)
[//]:# (!steemitworldmap -19.723021 lat 63.299669 long Ile aux Cocos – an island in the sun (Roderique part 2) d3scr)