Port Mathurin - Rodrigues - Mauritius Attractions

Explore Port Mathurin: A Tiny Capital with Great Charm

Port Mathurin, the capital of Rodrigues Island (located 650 km northeast of Mauritius), is one of the smallest capitals in the world!

Don’t let its size fool you—Port Mathurin has a lively market, the island's only bus station and a variety of religious sites, including a Roman Catholic church, an Anglican church, Hindu temples and mosques. You’ll also find charming colonial-style houses that add to its unique character.

Brief History of Port Mathurin

Port Mathurin's history dates to 1691 when François Leguat and Frenchmen landed at the site. Founded in 1735 by a French colonist, it was named after early settler Mathurin Bréhinier or Mathurin Morlaix.

The village includes 22 localities and neighbouring areas like Fond La Digue, Montagne Fanal, Pointe Monier, Camp du Roi and Baie Lascar.

Beaches Near Port Mathurin

The closest beach to Port Mathurin is Anse aux Anglais where you will find a variety of nautical activities to engage in there, such as snorkelling, boating activities and fishing. Eastward lies Caverne-Provert beach, leading to the scenic Anse Grand Baie.

Other beaches in the north of Rodrigues near Port Mathurin are:

Anse aux Caves
Grand Baie
Baie aux Huîtres
Baie Malgache
Caverne Provert
Pointe du Diable

Good to know: Summers (Nov-Apr) bring hot, humid weather (28°C-32°C) with cyclone risk peaking in Jan-Feb, while July-Aug sees cooler temperatures around 20°C.

Where to Stay in Port Mathurin?

Le Flamboyant - The cosy hotel is conveniently located near restaurants, a nightclub, a bakery, religious sites, transport, the market and shops -, allowing guests to experience local Rodriguan life.
Escale Vacances - Located near Port Mathurin and the central bus station, it offers top cuisine and friendly service, making it more than just a stopover for all guests.
Cocotiers Hotel - Close to Port Mathurin and other tourist sites of the island, this 3-star beachfront hotel offers excellent value for business travellers, solo travellers, romantic couple getaways or special family holidays.
Auberge du Lagon - Auberge du Lagon is a cosy guest house located at Jeantac, alongside an unfrequented beach which is an ideal place for fishing and scuba diving.
Royal Attitude - Just a few minute walk away from the Port Mathurin Market and close to several restaurants and shops, enabling you to fully enjoy your trip.
Hebergement Fatehmamode Guesthouse - Perfect for friends or large families who are travelling on a budget, the guesthouse ensures that there is ample space and facilities for everyone.

Places to Visit in Port Mathurin

Bazar Port Mathurin - Best Place to Get All Rodriguan Local Products
Port Mathurin’s biggest draw is its open-air market on Saturday, bustling with farmers, artisans, and locals from across Rodrigues. If you miss the Saturday market, the daily Bazaar at the entrance offers a variety of Rodriguan souvenirs, exotic fruits, handicrafts and culinary delights to discover.
La Residence - Seat of The Executive Council RRA
Dating back to the 1800s, this mansion stands as Rodrigues Island's oldest surviving structure. Once the residence of the British Chief Commissioner during colonial rule, it now houses offices for the Rodrigues Regional Assembly. While not open to tourists, its distinguished British architecture offers a glimpse into the island's colonial past, making it a captivating sight from the outside.
Care-Co - Rehabilitation and Production Centre
This little shop showcases a variety of gifts crafted by talented individuals from nearby workshops, where adults with different disabilities create beautiful items. Feel free to drop by and watch the artisans at work! If you're visiting during honey season, be sure to grab some—it’s highly sought after and absolutely delicious!

Things To Do in Rodrigues

Hit the Trails: Top Hiking Packages in Rodrigues!

A bliss for hikers as Rodrigues has kilometres of rugged coastline, winding roads and paths, an incomparable charm. Check out the top-selling hiking packages below:

Visit the François Leguat Natural Reserve

At the extreme southwest of the island, in the desert area of Plaine Corail, the site of the François Leguat reserve is remarkable.

Discover Rodrigues like it was 300 years ago at this20 hectare nature reserve - home to more than 110,000 endemic and native plants as well as the giant tortoises! Click here to book a visit.

Island Hopping: Ile aux Cocos, Ile aux Chats & More

Boat trips to discover the Ile aux Cocos, Ile aux Chats & Hermitage Island among others. You can find more day trips in Rodrigues here.

Kitesurfing in Rodrigues’ Stunning Lagoon

The fantastic lagoon of Rodrigues is also suitable for all kinds of activities and water sports including windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Reel in the Big Catch: Fishing Adventures in Rodrigues

Since fishing is an important part of Rodriguan culture, it makes Rodrigues island a great place to enjoy the ultimate fishing escapade. Click here to book a Half Day or Full Day fishing trip on a Rapid Boat or a Pirogue.