HERMITAGE ISLAND, CAT ISLAND AND GOMBRANI ISLAND

Located off the coast of Port Sud-Est, these three bits of land stand out against the intense turquoise of the lagoon, and are exotic, wild island getaways. Less "frequented" (on Rodrigues' scale, that is!) and better known than Cocos Island, they nonetheless attract lovers of deserted islands and island hopping.

Closer to the coast than the other two, Île Hermitage is also the most rugged and rocky, standing like a rock in the middle of the lagoon. Legend has it that it is home to buried treasures... You never know! It's possible to walk around it, and the climb, just a few dozen meters, offers a lovely view of the ocean and coastline.

Farther from the shore and surrounded by their own reef, Gombrani Island and Cat Island are larger, flatter and offer more beautiful beaches shaded by filaos. Contrary to its name, the latter is not a haven for tomcats, but a nature reserve known for its colony of black Noddis (or anous minutus, a medium-sized tern). You can get there by fisherman's pirogue or motorboat. The day's program includes sailing to the islands, a diving stop at Couzoupa (a superb natural aquarium), trolling in the lagoon, swimming, lounging and a picnic-grillade on the beach.

Please note that authorization is required to visit these islets, so it's best to go through local receptives or boatmen (the list is available on the Tourist Office app).