Port Mathurin Travel Guide

City Port city in Rodrigues known for fishing

Port Mathurin, Rodrigues’s compact harbor, is a cluster of fishing boats, Creole eateries, and artisan stalls; windsurfing, reef snorkelling, and a markedly slower island pace attract day-trippers and staying visitors.

Main image
Port Mathurin, seen from the Poitnte Canon, Lodrigues, Mauritius.JPG
Post Office in Port Mathurin.jpg
Rodrigues PortMathurin.jpg
Rodrigues PortMathurinShop.jpg
Rue de la Solidarité, Port Mathurin.jpg
Воробей (21347562634).jpg
Costs
About $50-100 per day
Rodrigues is cheaper than Mauritius' main island, with modest lodging and eateries.
Safety
Relaxed and low-crime
Small community with low violent crime; normal precautions suffice.
Best Time
April-November (cooler, drier)
Drier months are calm for beaches, hiking, and sailing.
In This Guide
Local Time
1:57 AM
GMT+4
Weather
Overcast 80°F
Overcast
Population
8,350
Infrastructure & Convenience
Small airport and port, car rentals, shops and weekly markets; few ATMs outside town.
Popularity
Quiet island retreat popular with couples, nature lovers, and sailors.
Known For
Pristine beaches, Creole culture, fishing, diving, kiteboarding, hiking, caves, local crafts, Rodrigues music, seafood
Port Mathurin is the administrative capital of Rodrigues, an autonomous Mauritian island about 560 km east of Mauritius' main island.

Why Visit Port Mathurin? #

As Rodrigues’ charming administrative hub, Port Mathurin is where Creole life, seafood and lagoon adventures intersect. The bustling Port Mathurin Market spills onto the quay with fresh octopus stew (carri poulpe), tropical fruits and handmade crafts, and catamaran trips leave daily for snorkeling in clear lagoon waters. Local sega tambour music and small seaside taverns keep evenings lively, while nearby mangroves and coves offer simple hikes and birdwatching away from Mauritius’s main island crowds.

Best Things to Do in Port Mathurin

Port Mathurin Bucket List

Don't Miss
  • Port Mathurin Market - Daily market selling fresh fish, island fruit and handmade Rodrigues crafts to locals.
  • Caverne Patate - Famous limestone cave complex with guided tours through caverns and underground pools.
  • François Leguat Giant Tortoise Reserve - Reserve protecting Aldabra tortoises, cave walks and guided nature interpretation trails.
Hidden Gems
  • Trou d'Argent beach - Sheltered bay with sandflats, shallow swimming and relaxed local beachside huts.
  • Gravier Bay fishing villages - Small coastal settlements where fishermen sell their catch and welcome casual visits.
  • Rodrigues craft cooperatives - Local workshops producing basketry, horn carving and traditional Rodriguan textiles.
Day Trips
  • Île aux Cocos - Short boat excursion to this tiny islet for birdwatching and secluded sandflats.
  • Mont Lubin viewpoint - Drive up for panoramic island views and sunset photo opportunities over Rodrigues.

Best Time to Visit Port Mathurin #

Rodrigues is pleasant almost year-round; visit May-October for cooler, drier weather and calmer seas. November-April is warmer, wetter and carries a small cyclone risk.

Summer
November - April · 24 - 30 °C (75 - 86 °F)
Hot, humid days with afternoon showers; great for water sports but expect more mosquitoes and occasional rough seas when storms pass.
Winter
May - October · 18 - 25 °C (64 - 77 °F)
Cooler, breezy and drier - ideal for snorkeling, hiking and calmer ocean conditions; evenings can be pleasantly fresh compared with summer.
Cyclone Season
January - March · 24 - 30 °C (75 - 86 °F)
Small island struggles with cyclones: expect flight disruptions, heavy rain and dangerous seas - avoid fixed plans and keep emergency contacts handy.

Best Time to Visit Port Mathurin #

Climate
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

Weather

3.2
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

February

Weather

3.0
UV Index
Extreme
12.6h daylight

March

Weather

2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

April

Weather

2.0
UV Index
Extreme
11.5h daylight

May

Weather

1.5
UV Index
Very High
11.1h daylight

June

Weather

1.3
UV Index
High
10.8h daylight

July

Weather

1.3
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

August

Weather

1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

September

Weather

2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

October

Weather

2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.4h daylight

November

Weather

2.9
UV Index
Extreme
12.9h daylight

December

Weather

3.1
UV Index
Extreme
13.2h daylight

How to Get to Port Mathurin

Port Mathurin (Rodrigues) is reached by a short flight from Mauritius (RRG). The island is small-the airport is very close to Port Mathurin and onward travel is by taxi or limited local minibuses.

By Air

Sir Gaëtan Duval Airport / Rodrigues Airport (RRG): Rodrigues (Port Mathurin) is served by Rodrigues Airport (RRG) with scheduled flights from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) on Mauritius. Flight time is about 1 hour. Taxis from the small airport to Port Mathurin village take 5-10 minutes and typically cost around 200-400 MUR.

(Connection via Mauritius): Most visitors fly into MRU (Mauritius) then take the domestic flight to RRG; there are no regular international flights directly into Rodrigues separate from MRU connections.

By Train & Bus

Train: There are no train services on Rodrigues.

Bus / Taxi: Rodrigues has local minibuses and taxis around Port Mathurin and to other parts of the island. Bus services are limited; taxis and private transfers are the most reliable way to reach guesthouses and beaches from the airport.

How to Get Around Port Mathurin #

Port Mathurin is compact; the main streets and waterfront are easily walkable. Local taxis and shuttle services operate, but many visitors find walking and short paid rides sufficient for getting around the town. Inter-island travel around Rodrigues typically uses small buses and charters-book ahead and carry cash, as electronic payments are limited.

Where to Stay in Port Mathurin #

Budget
Mid-Range
Luxury

Where to Eat in Port Mathurin #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Port Mathurin's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional
Local
Fish
Curry
Seafood

Nightlife in Port Mathurin #

Nightlife is quiet and community-focused, consisting mainly of hotel bars, occasional live music and small local venues. Evenings are relaxed rather than late or loud, with the busiest nights tied to local events. If you want more night entertainment, check events calendars or ask accommodation hosts.

Shopping in Port Mathurin #

Shopping in Port Mathurin is small-scale: local markets and stalls sell fresh produce, typical island handicrafts and locally made souvenirs. There are a few small shops for essentials. For a wider choice of goods you may need to order from Mauritius island or visit larger towns on Rodrigues on market days.