Rodrigues Excursion: Hiking, Snorkelling, Craft Workshop & Lunch

Rodrigues Excursion- Hiking & Snorkelling at Rivière Banane + Craft Workshop Visit + Lunch includes:

• Visit the Léopold brothers’ workshop at Palissade
• Possibility to order or buy handmade products at the workshop
• Hiking trip to a village in the North East of Rodrigues
• Snorkelling break at Rivière Banane
• Table d'hôte Lunch on the beach of the village
• One drink per person- beer, fresh lemon juice or coconut water
• Return transfer

Note: Snorkelling equipment is not provided due to sanitary measures. Clients are advised to bring their own mask, snorkel and fins.

About the Rodrigues Excursion- Hiking & Snorkelling at Rivière Banane + Craft Workshop Visit + Lunch

Your exploratory journey begins with a visit to the rustic workshop of the two Léopold brothers, who perpetuate a family tradition at La Palissade in Rodrigues. They have acquired the skills of braiding pandanus (vacoa) leaves into unique pieces of art, which you can order or purchase onsite. Why not get a little handmade basket as an alternative to using plastic bags? Way to support the ecological efforts and sustain the handicraft sector!

After that, you’ll be headed to an agricultural village, set along the North Eastern coast of Rodrigues. This little hiking trip will act like a little workout to get your muscles working whilst on holidays. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to the countryside of Rodrigues; admire the mesmerising natural landscape dotted with cattle grazing the grasslands and rural abodes that are unique to the islet.

Then, you’ll embark on a wooden boat that will lead you to a highly convenient snorkelling spot in the Rivière Banane Marine Reserve’s ‘Aquarium’. Once there, you will get to discover the amazing underwater sights the Rodriguan lagoon has to offer.

The Rivière Banane site was specifically chosen to include the special ‘Aquarium’ area which contains a number of thriving coral reefs, fish, octopus as well as other marine creatures because the site was seen by fishers and scientists as a good potential source of fish larvae that could replenish surrounding areas if left unfished.

Spend a memorable time underwater, during which you will be able to swim or snorkel freely in the lagoon. Explore the marvellous Rodrigues’ well-preserved marine environment that includes around 280 species of coral, an impressive array of marine life counting rays, jack fish, turtles and other exotic aquatic creatures. This snorkelling trip will be an amazing experience for you. You will have great stories to share afterwards about the wonderful marine world and its beautiful inhabitants you encountered.

Following these breathtaking activities, hunger will start to kick in and a sumptuous lunch is all you need to recharge your batteries. Included in this package is a picture-perfect lunch on the beach of this little village, with a drink of the day to quench your thirst- beer, fresh lemon juice or coconut water. Feast on delicious food as you take in the exceptional views of the turquoise lagoon and blue sky.

The best part of this trip is not having to worry about getting back once the day is done- you’re guaranteed a hassle-free experience with the return transfer hence you can focus all your energy towards having a blast on the paradisiacal island of Rodrigues!

• Appropriate shoes/ trainers

• Hat

• Mosquito repellent

• Towel

• Swimsuit

• Snorkelling equipment

• A bottle of water

• Maximum number of participants: 12
• There are no age restrictions for this activity, however, babies are not recommended.
• For the snorkelling activity, all participants must know how to swim.
• Snorkelling equipment is not provided due to sanitary measures. Clients are advised to bring their own mask, snorkel and fins.
• This activity depends on tide conditions.
• Reservation is required 48 hours in advance by phone and is subject to availability.