Ile aux Cocos: an Incredible Island Near Rodrigues

Jan 20, 2012
Chris Thomas

One of the Species of Bird at Ile aux Cocos - C. Thomas

A must see island for the bird enthusiast whilst visiting Rodrigues is Ile aux Cocos. The four inhabiting species allow for close observation.

Ile aux Cocos is known by this name due to past navigators that visited the island and noticed the many eggs (cocos) that had been lain by large numbers of birds. Situated 4 kilometres from the western coast of Rodrigues, Ile aux Cocos can be accessed only by a boat trip.

Accessing Ile aux Cocos

The boat trip will take around one hour from the town of Port Mathurin if knowing someone who can take passengers from there. Otherwise, a boat leaves further down the coast near to Baie aux Huitres (Oyster Bay). This trip will take around thirty minutes to reach the island. Permits to the island can be purchased in the town of Port Mathurin and seats must be booked if needing a place on the boat to the island.

Enjoying Ile aux Cocos

Tours occur a few times a day on the island. Because of the humid weather in Rodrigues, sun protection would be wise, especially for the exposed boat trip across the sea. The island in itself is comprised of two parts:

that which tourists have access to
the fenced off reserve for the conservation of the birds that inhabit the island

A tour of the island may last forty minutes with explanations by a guide being provided in French. Tickets are 125 rupees per adult (about $5 AUD) and 75 rupees per child. Ile aux Cocos provides an incredible opportunity for visitors to witness up close multitudes of birds, nests, eggs and young.

The four species of bird found on the island are talked of, and four large signs with photos and information are provided in French and English for visitors. After these are explained, tourists are taken on a stroll around the island and provided with the chance to take some amazingly unique photos.

Toward the end of the walk tourists may be provided with the chance to take a swim at the shallow beach before the tour guide bids ‘au revoir’. If choosing to sit and enjoy the island before heading back in a boat, use of twigs from the local filaou trees will draw the attention of the birds. In fact, a closely thrown small branch will tempt a few birds to pick it up in their beak, proving to be a great way to get a close photo of them in flight.

Ile aux Cocos possibly won’t keep tourists occupied for a full day but is a unique experience that could fill the morning or afternoon. The rest of the day could easily be spent relaxing in Rodrigues or exploring.