Where Is Rodrigues Island Located?
Rodrigues is a preserved volcanic gem in the Indian Ocean, located approximately 650 kilometers northeast of Mauritius Island. Administratively attached to the Republic of Mauritius while benefiting from autonomous status, its capital is Port Mathurin, the island’s main harbor and center of local life.
It is precisely this exceptional geographical isolation that makes Rodrigues so unique: it preserves the richness of the island’s marine ecosystem, elevating Rodrigues to legendary status among offshore fishing enthusiasts. From Port Mathurin, anglers can quickly access world-renowned fishing spots and deep offshore drop-offs.
What Climate Can You Expect for Sport Fishing in Rodrigues?
The island enjoys a tropical climate that makes sport fishing possible all year round. Temperatures follow the rhythm of the seasons:
From November to May (Tropical Summer)
Temperatures range between 28°C and 35°C. This is the prime season for targeting large pelagic species.
From June to September (Austral Winter)
The atmosphere becomes slightly cooler, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C.
Beyond temperatures alone, understanding sport fishing in Rodrigues means adapting to the forces of the Indian Ocean: winds, currents, moon phases, and water temperatures all influence fish behavior. Depending on the timing of your stay, certain weather windows will be ideal for intense jigging, surface popper fishing, or heavy trolling.
How to Get to Rodrigues?
To enjoy this exclusive experience, traveling to Rodrigues requires a mandatory stopover in Mauritius Island.
From Abroad to Mauritius
Many international airlines (Air Mauritius, Air France, Emirates, British Airways, Air Austral, Corsair) operate daily flights to Mauritius International Airport. The average flight time from Paris is approximately 11 hours, with round-trip fares starting from around €1,000.
From Mauritius to Rodrigues
Air Mauritius operates several daily connections to Rodrigues. Allow approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of flight time (or 1 hour and 35 minutes, depending on the aircraft) to cover the remaining 600 km, with round-trip tickets starting from around €200.
Crew Advice: seats on inter-island flights are limited and highly sought after. We strongly recommend booking your flights together and well in advance.
What Administrative Requirements Should You Plan For?
Every great adventure requires a minimum level of preparation. To enter Rodrigues in full compliance, make sure you have:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date.
- Your return flight ticket.
- The exact address of your accommodation or lodge.
Good to Know: for European Union citizens, no tourist visa is required. In terms of health requirements, no mandatory vaccinations are currently needed. Simply remember to complete the All-in-One digital travel form on the official website (safemauritius.govmu.org) before departure.
Practical Information: What to Know Before Departure
- Currency & Payments: the local currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). The indicative exchange rate is approximately €1 ≈ 53 MUR. If you travel with euros, ATMs accepting international bank cards are available in Port Mathurin for cash withdrawals.
- Languages: english is the official language, but French and Mauritian Creole are widely spoken across the island.
- Electricity: the electrical system operates on 220 Volts / 60 Hz.
- Time Difference: compared with France, Rodrigues is +2 hours ahead in summer and +3 hours ahead in winter.
Why Is Rodrigues a Paradise for Big Game Fishing?
What attracts sport anglers from around the world to Rodrigues is the spectacular diversity of its offshore fishing grounds and the sheer intensity of the strikes. The island is the setting for legendary battles on offshore banks and along dramatic deep-water drop-offs.
Here, passionate anglers come to test their strength against some of the Indian Ocean’s most powerful predators:
- Massive Dogtooth Tuna (Gymnosarda unicolor).
- Explosive Giant Trevally (GT) (Caranx ignobilis).
- Majestic Blue and Black Marlin.
- Intense deep jigging and live bait fishing sessions.
Every offshore fishing trip delivers a different adrenaline rush and the promise of unforgettable memories.
Useful Contacts
In Rodrigues
- Rodrigues Tourism Office
Rue de la Solidarité, Port Mathurin – Tel: (230) 832 0866
In Mauritius
- French Embassy in Mauritius
14 Rue Saint-Georges, Port Louis – Tel: (230) 20 20 100
In France (Paris)
- Mauritius Tourism Office
124 Boulevard Haussmann, 75008 Paris – Tel: 01 44 69 34 50
- Consulate of the Republic of Mauritius
127 Rue de Tocqueville, 75017 Paris – Tel: 01 42 27 30 19
Ready to Plan Your Expedition?
Dreaming of taking on the giants of the Indian Ocean? Our professional crew supports you every step of the way in creating your tailor-made fishing experience in Rodrigues. Choosing the best season, selecting the right fishing techniques, organizing onboard logistics, we design an adventure that truly matches your expectations. Contact us today.
